Permanent residency 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 he resides continuously in the Republic of Serbia for three years on the basis of a temporary residence permit or on the basis of a „unitary permit“. Multiple absences from the Republic of Serbia for up to ten months or single absences for up to six months are allowed.

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

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

A foreigner residing in the Republic of Serbia on the basis of 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 on the basis of 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 on the basis of 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 legal basis in particular case. When a foreigner is granted permanent residence, an foreigner identity card is issued. The foreigner must collect his 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.

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