{"id":2137,"date":"2020-12-05T12:43:48","date_gmt":"2020-12-05T12:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/tekstovi\/foreigner-residence-in-serbia\/"},"modified":"2025-07-11T07:31:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-11T07:31:00","slug":"foreigner-residence-in-serbia","status":"publish","type":"tekstovi","link":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/en\/tekstovi\/foreigner-residence-in-serbia\/","title":{"rendered":"Foreigner residence &#8211; Serbian residence permit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Foreigners&#8217; rights in the Republic of Serbia<\/strong> are regulated by the Law on Foreigners. A foreigner is any person who does not have the citizenship of the Republic of Serbia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Foreigners can stay in the Republic of Serbia on at least one of four possible grounds:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>short-term stay or stay up to 90 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>stay based on a visa for a longer stay lasting from 90 to 180 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>temporary residence<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>permanent residence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is a White Card?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A foreigner is obligated to report their stay to the local police administration, according to the place of accommodation, within 24 hours of arrival. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same obligation follows in case of changing the address during the stay. The local police department will, upon registration, issue a so-called \u201c<strong>White card<\/strong>\u201d, which is an official confirmation that a foreigner has registered their stay with the authorities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This document should be held along with one\u2019s passport at all times during the stay in Serbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, if the foreigner stays with a legal entity, an entrepreneur, or a person who provides accommodation services for a fee (hotels, BnB, private landlords, etc.), then it is the host\u2019s obligation to report the foreigner&#8217;s stay to the police administration within 24 hours of providing accommodation services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/immigration-serbia-1024x459-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/immigration-serbia-1024x459-1.jpg\" alt=\"immigration china hong kong india taiwan china - Foreigner residence - Serbian residence permit - permanent residence - temporary residence - serbian visa - visa d \"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is a visa required to enter the Republic of Serbia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>An international agreement or a government decision may stipulate that citizens of certain countries may enter the Republic of Serbia without a visa. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, in each specific case, it is necessary to check whether a visa is required to enter the Republic or not. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A foreigner who does not need a visa to enter the Republic of Serbia <strong>may stay in the country for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days<\/strong>, counting from the day of the first entry, unless otherwise provided by an international agreement (or government decision).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An international agreement may stipulate that it is possible for citizens of certain countries to stay without a visa for a certain period of time. If a foreigner intends to stay longer than this visa-free period, a <strong>visa D or a temporary residence permit<\/strong> must be obtained for further stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, for Hong Kong SAR passport holders, the visa-free regime is valid for 14 days, for China, the visa-free regime is valid for 30 days, while Indian passport holders can stay 30 days in a period of one year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What types of visas are there?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A\u00a0visa<\/strong>\u00a0is an official document that allows the bearer to legally enter a foreign country. The\u00a0visa\u00a0is usually stamped into the bearer&#8217;s passport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several different types of\u00a0visas, each of which affords the bearer different rights in the host country. Types of visas are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>airport transit visa (visa A)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>visa for short (short-term) stay (visa C) up to 90 days in any period of 180 days, counting from the day of first entry,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>visa for longer stay (visa D) lasting from 90 to 180 days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/immigration-1024x456-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/immigration-1024x456-1.jpg\" alt=\"residence in serbia legal help lawyer attorney immigration - Foreigner residence - Serbian residence permit - permanent residence - temporary residence - serbian visa - visa d \"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get a visa-D, for a longer stay?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A Foreigner who, by the foreigner&#8217;s entry regime,<strong> needs a visa to enter the Republic of Serbia<\/strong> and who intends to apply for a temporary residence permit, must obtain a visa for a longer stay (visa D).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If a foreigner has been issued a visa for a longer stay (visa D) for employment, the foreigner has the right to employment, according to the <strong>Law on Employment of Foreigners<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, a foreigner could apply for a work permit. If the business engagement in the Republic of Serbia lasts longer than the validity of the visa D, the foreigner can apply for a <strong>temporary residence permit <\/strong>before the expiration of the Visa D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A visa is issued by the diplomatic-consular mission (i.e., the embassy) of the Republic of Serbia. The procedure and the necessary documentation are regulated by the Law on Foreigners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get a temporary residence in Serbia?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A foreigner who legally entered the Republic of Serbia and does not need a visa to enter, as well as a foreigner who entered the Republic of Serbia with a visa for a longer stay, and is legally staying in the Republic of Serbia, <strong>can apply for temporary residence<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An international agreement or a Government Decision may stipulate that citizens of certain countries, for which there is a visa-free regime only for a certain period upon entry, must first obtain a <strong>D visa<\/strong>, after which they acquire the right to apply for temporary residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When can temporary residence be granted?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the Republic of Serbia, there are several grounds on which a <strong>temporary residence permit <\/strong>can be granted to a foreigner:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Employment or establishment of a company<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Education<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participation in international exchange programs for students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional specializations, trainings, and practices<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Scientific research work or other scientific educational activities<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Family reunification<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Performing religious services<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Treatment or care<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ownership of real estate<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Humanitarian stay<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Status of the presumed victim of trafficking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Victim of trafficking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other justified reasons by the law<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>A foreigner who is granted a temporary residence on any of the above grounds is obligated to stay in the Republic of Serbia on those grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/immmigration-serbia-lawyer-1024x412-1.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/immmigration-serbia-lawyer-1024x412-1.jpg\" alt=\"residence in serbia legal help lawyer attorney immigration - Foreigner residence - Serbian residence permit - permanent residence - temporary residence - serbian visa - visa d \"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What documentation is required?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Regardless of the basis for a temporary residence, the foreigner submits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>valid passport,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>proof of means of subsistence during the planned stay (funds in a domestic bank account),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>registration of residential address in the Republic of Serbia,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>proof of health insurance during the planned stay (must be valid in Serbia),<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>stated reasons and justifications for residence in Serbia,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>administrative fees.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Depending on the basis of the stay, it will be necessary to submit additional documentation, which is why we advise you to <strong>consult a lawyer who can provide legal assistance in the field of immigration law<\/strong> in each special case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long can a temporary residence last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Temporary residence<\/strong> may be granted for up to one year and may be extended depending on the grounds of residence and the existence of reasons for which temporary residence is granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When can permanent residence be granted?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Permanent residence <\/strong>is a permit for a long-term stay of a foreign citizen in the Republic of Serbia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the time of applying for approval of permanent residence, the foreigner must have been granted temporary residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Permanent residence will be granted to a foreigner if stayed in the Republic of Serbia continuously for more than five years based on a temporary residence permit and who has submitted the required documentation that is otherwise submitted for temporary residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Permanent residence will also be granted to a foreigner:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>who is on the territory of the Republic of Serbia in a marital or extramarital union with a citizen of the Republic of Serbia or a foreigner who has been granted permanent residence, and who has spent at least three years on an approved temporary residence based on family unification.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to a minor on temporary residence in the Republic of Serbia, if one of the parents is a citizen of the Republic of Serbia or a foreigner who has been granted permanent residence,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>who originates from the Republic of Serbia,<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to another foreigner who has been granted temporary residence, if it is required by reasons of humanity or it is of interest to the Republic of Serbia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are a foreigner and want to have residency in the Republic of Serbia, all the above information can serve as initial and elementary information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We advise you to <strong>contact a lawyer who has experience in the field of immigration law<\/strong> for further consultation and legal services in the application process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Contact via Viber and WhatsApp: <strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">+381 65 891 3838<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Instagram: @<strong>advokatnovisad<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Facebook: <strong>Advokatska kancelarija An\u0111elkovi\u0107 Novi Sad<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a role=\"button\"><br><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Terms for immigration to Serbia? How can you get a residence permit? What is the procedure and which documents are required? Contact us for legal help and services.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":1755,"template":"","categories":[],"tags":[237,234,238,123,233,235],"class_list":["post-2137","tekstovi","type-tekstovi","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-d-visa","tag-foreigner-residence","tag-immigration-law","tag-lawyer-en","tag-temporary-residence","tag-white-card","tekstovi_kategorije-immigration-law"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tekstovi\/2137","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tekstovi"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/tekstovi"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1755"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2137"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2137"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/andjelkoviclaw.rs\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2137"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}