Permanent residence in Serbia is the approval of a foreign citizen’s long-term stay in the Republic of Serbia and is regulated by the Law on Foreigners.

When is a foreigner granted permanent residence?

The basic condition for a foreigner to acquire permanent residence is that they reside continuously in the Republic of Serbia for three years, based on either a temporary residence permit or a “unitary permit”.

Multiple absences from the Republic of Serbia, lasting up to ten months, or single absences, lasting up to six months, are permitted.

Also, permanent residence will be granted to a foreigner who has resided continuously in the Republic of Serbia for more than three years based on the approved right to asylum.

Can a foreigner residing in the Republic of Serbia based on education obtain permanent residence?

A foreigner residing in the Republic of Serbia based on studies or education cannot submit an application for permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia.

However, if a foreigner spent a certain amount of time in temporary residence based on studies or education, and later changed the basis of residence, then he could submit a request for permanent residence, whereby only half of the time the foreigner spent based on studies or education could be taken into account in the time required for permanent residence approval.

What does the procedure for granting permanent residence look like?

The request for permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia is submitted to the competent authority, and the request is resolved within 60 days from the date of submission of the request.

Along with the request itself, it is necessary to submit adequate documentation according to the legal basis in the particular case.

When a foreigner is granted permanent residence, a foreign identity card is issued. The foreigner must collect their ID card in person within 30 days.

Termination of the right to permanent residence

A foreigner’s right to permanent residence ceases if:

• a protective measure of removal or a security measure of expulsion of a foreigner was imposed on him/her,
• gave false information about his identity or concealed circumstances that were important for deciding on rights in the procedure,
• it is established that he has moved out of the Republic of Serbia or that he has been continuously abroad for more than one year,
• waived the right to permanent residence.

At Anđelković Law, we’ve helped hundreds of clients secure residence in Serbia efficiently and with a strong legal foundation for renewal or transition to permanent status.

Need help? Contact us for trusted, professional support with permanent residence, work visas, permanent residence, and long-term relocation planning in Serbia, as well as for Serbian citizenship.

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