Serbia Residence Permit: Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Let us help you understand the process of getting residency in Serbia, and explain how we can assist you to do so by registering a business. The Republic of Serbia is a European country that is quite relaxed about granting legal residence to foreigners, and few other countries on the continent have the same attitude. Acquiring Serbian residence is becoming a popular trend with people from different parts of the world. 

There are, however, certain requirements, and we can save you considerable amounts of stress and harm. We will help you with registering a local company and getting residency in Serbia, which has many benefits that we will describe for you in this article.

Serbia Residence Permit

Serbian authorities are making their best effort to attract qualified and wealthy foreigners to their country. In particular, they’ve made a few amendments to the immigration legislation recently. 

First, you have to live with a temporary residence permit in Serbia for only three years before you can apply for a permanent residence permit (the period used to be five years). Second, the validity term of a temporary residence permit can be up to three years (previously it was only up to one year). Third, the period of permanent residence in Serbia that qualifies you for citizenship of the country has been shortened to 5 years. Fourth, ‘uniform’ permits are now issued that serve as residence and work permits simultaneously. Finally, the residence permit now comes in the form of a plastic card rather than a sticker in your passport. 

While the process is simpler than many other European countries, the reality is that there are still issues that you can face when navigating this process, and that is where we come in by helping you register a business and get residency in Serbia, with many advantages we will talk about later. But first, let’s consider the benefits of Serbian residence. 

Why obtaining Serbian residence can be beneficial

The country is located between Western and Eastern Europe and is attractive due to the balance between the quality of life and the cost of living it offers. With its lower cost of living than many other nations, while it may not be the first place people think of in terms of comfort and relocation, relocated residents can access a higher quality of life than elsewhere.

Additionally, Serbia trades actively with the EU, North America, and China. It may be a rather small country, but it maintains strong trade relationships with some huge trade partners. In addition, the country has relatively low taxation, especially for the region, and a booming IT sector, among others, creating a favorable environment, not to mention affordable real estate! The business opportunities that the country offers are simply fantastic, and this is one more reason why you should seriously consider moving to Serbia. 

Let’s go into the advantages in more detail. 

Advantages of living in Serbia

Serbia offers multiple advantages to those who choose to settle there:

• Visa-free travel: Holders of permanent residency in Serbia (excluding TRP holders) can travel visa-free to Schengen countries for up to 90 days in each six-month period. This makes Serbia an excellent base for exploring Europe. The number of visa-free destinations available to holders of Serbian passports is impressive.
• Low taxes and affordable cost of living: Taxes in Serbia are significantly lower than they are in EU countries, and the cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle. As for everyday expenses, utility bills for a one-bedroom apartment in Belgrade, for example, amount to around 100-150 euros per month, which is much lower than in most European capitals.
• Path to citizenship: After three years of living in Serbia with a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP), you can apply for permanent residence. After holding permanent residence for two years, you can apply for Serbian citizenship. This opens up additional opportunities for living and working throughout Europe.

There is also affordable real estate. The cost of property in Serbia varies by region:

• Belgrade: An apartment in the city center will cost you from 1,000 to 1,500 euros per square meter. An apartment of 50 square meters might cost between 50,000 and 75,000 euros.
• Novi Sad: Prices are a bit lower there, ranging from 800 to 1,200 euros per square meter. A similar apartment will cost you about 40,000 – 60,000 euros.
• Rural areas: A house in a small town or village can cost 30,000 – 50,000 euros, making it an affordable option.

If you are interested already, we can help by setting up a business and getting you residency, but it is important to understand the residency options. 

Types of residence permits in Serbia

There are several types of residence permits available in Serbia, and it’s important to determine which one suits you, depending on your purposes and duration of stay. We can help you determine which is best for you in a consultation, but here is some preliminary information to consider regarding permits and visas.

Short-term visa (Visa C)

A short-term visa C allows you to stay in Serbia for up to 90 days, which is necessary for certain nationalities. However, this isn’t required for many nationalities. People with national passports from many countries around the world, including the EU, the USA, the UK, and Schengen, visa holders for the EU and Schengen, and residents of the USA, EU, and Schengen, can enter Serbia visa-free for 90 days. There are some nationalities that get 30-day visa-free exemptions. If not, or if you plan to visit more often, a Visa C is necessary. But this is not part of the residency process.

Long-term visa (Visa D)

A long-term visa D is intended for individuals who plan to stay in Serbia for over 90 days. It is required for obtaining a temporary residence permit (TRP), and it can be valid for up to one year. In other words, you cannot apply for a TRP in Serbia unless you hold a visa D. This visa is suitable for people who have come to Serbia for work, study, or investment in real estate. When you have a visa D, you can apply for a TRP if you’re considering long-term residence in Serbia.

We have to make an important note, however. When applying for a TRP, you have to use the same reason that you used when you applied for a visa D. That is, if you have been granted a visa to purchase some real estate in Serbia, you have to apply for a TRP on the same grounds.

Temporary residence permit in Serbia

A temporary residence permit (TRP) allows you to stay in Serbia for up to one year with the possibility of extension. However, your first TRP can be valid for only six months – this is a common practice in Serbia. The good news is that the country’s authorities have recently started granting three-year temporary residence permit extensions, so you won’t have to reapply every year. We can help you understand and navigate this residency process because it is not always the clearest system. 

The TRP is the most common route for those looking to settle down in Serbia for an extended period. A temporary residence permit can be obtained if you meet specific requirements, such as buying real estate, finding employment, running a business, studying, or marrying a Serbian citizen/ legal resident.

Please note, however, that you have to keep possessing a qualifying characteristic if you want your residence permit to be extended. For instance, if you’ve been granted a TRIP because you’ve registered a company in Serbia, you need to be operating that company when you apply for an extension.

The benefits of a TRP include the ability to live and work in Serbia legally, access the same services available to residents, and potentially apply for permanent residence and even citizenship later on.

Permanent residence permit in Serbia

Permanent residence can be obtained after two years of living in Serbia with a TRP (it used to be three years before). The permit grants nearly all the rights Serbian citizens have, including access to public services, education, and healthcare, although it does not give voting rights. Obtaining permanent residence is also a step towards applying for Serbian citizenship.

You have to realize an important fact. If you are to keep your permanent residence permit, you have to demonstrate that you really need it. How can you do so? By permanently living in Serbia! Well, you don’t have to spend all your time in the country, but you have to pay the best part of the year, more than 183 days, in Serbia each year. In some special circumstances, this requirement may not apply, but the circumstances must be truly exceptional. For instance, if medical treatment in another country is required and it lasts for more than six months, the requirement can be waived. We can help you understand this process and follow the rules to maintain your residency. 

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Check the list of required documents, and get the details of the process, terms, and costs.

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Ways to obtain residence permits in Serbia

There are several ways to obtain a residence permit in Serbia, and you can choose one depending on your goals and financial capabilities. You can choose the method that works best for you.

Residence permit through purchase of real estate in Serbia

Buying real estate is one way of obtaining a residence permit.When buying real estate in Serbia, it’s essential to ensure that it is free of any debts or other legal issues.

Please note that no lower threshold is set for the cost of property in Serbia. But don’t think that you can buy any piece of property in Serbia to qualify for a residence permit. The property has to be livable, and what is more, you have to live there! Police officers may knock on your door and talk to your neighbors from time to time to ensure that you are using the property as intended. 

As a result, it’s quite a complicated procedure, and we recommend registering for residency by setting up a company.

Residence permit through employment

Obtaining a residence permit through employment is another option, although not one we assist with. Serbia is actively looking for foreign workers, particularly in sectors such as IT, construction, healthcare, and hospitality. However, by law, Serbian employers are required to prefer hiring local workers, and hiring a foreigner takes time and effort, so it is far from guaranteed that you can get employment-based residency. 

Residence permit through opening a company

Opening a company in Serbia is the best way to obtain a residence permit, and this is exactly what we can help you do. 

Foreign nationals can register a company (LLC) with a minimum share capital of only 1 euro. The company can have a single employee, and its founder can fill this position. Moreover, you can even apply for a residence permit if you register as a sole proprietor in Serbia. However, in any case, the company has to operate and generate income actively. Shell companies formed only for obtaining a residence permit may lead to permit denial. Another important requirement is that the company has to open a corporate bank account if its foreign founder is to qualify for a residence permit.

Engaging in business operations in Serbia can bring you significant profits. Why? Because the business environment is excellent, state support is great, and tax rates are low, especially when compared to those in other European countries. The tax rates are as follows:

• Corporate tax: The corporate tax rate in Serbia is 15%. This is considerably lower compared to most EU countries, where corporate tax rates often exceed 20-25%. For instance, the rate in Germany is around 30%, and in France, it is approximately 25%.
• Personal income tax: The personal income tax rate in Serbia is 15%. The flat rate simplifies the tax system for residents of Serbia.
• Social Contributions: Social contributions are also important in determining the company’s costs. Employers and employees jointly pay social contributions that amount to about 37% of the employee’s salary. These contributions cover pension, health insurance, and unemployment insurance.

You should know that Serbia provides tax benefits for new companies, especially startups and innovative businesses. These companies can enjoy corporate tax relief in their initial years of operation as well as government support through grants and subsidies. For instance, IT companies can receive additional tax breaks that significantly reduce their tax burden, making Serbia an attractive jurisdiction for launching tech startups.

The opportunity to start an IT company in Serbia is especially attractive. The country’s IT sector is rapidly growing, and the government is fostering high-tech development. There are numerous opportunities for software developers, cybersecurity experts, and IT consultants. Serbia’s startup ecosystem is also expanding, and establishing an IT company in the country can be an excellent decision for those who want to benefit from fiscal incentives while doing business internationally. The cost of running a business in Serbia, including accounting services, office rent, and other administrative expenses, is also lower than in most Western European countries.

For these reasons, it is not surprising that many international IT giants open branch offices in Serbia. The opportunity to start a company in Serbia remotely is another reason to consider this option carefully. Namely, start a company in Serbia and apply for a residence permit. We can help you set up such a company and start your business venture, and get residency in Serbia. 

General requirements for applying for a residence permit in Serbia

Regardless of the grounds you use for applying, there are several mandatory requirements for obtaining a residence permit in Serbia:

• Proof of financial means: You must show that you have at least 1,500 euros per person in your bank account. This can be done through a bank statement or another document that proves your financial independence.
• Passport: A valid passport with a sufficient remaining validity period is required.
• Health insurance: You have to have health insurance that covers your stay in Serbia. The insurance costs about 50-100 euros per month, depending on the company and the coverage.
• Police clearance: A criminal record certificate from your country of permanent residence is also required, and it has to confirm that you have no criminal history.

Legal aspects of living in Serbia as a foreigner

For foreigners living in Serbia, certain restrictions apply. For example:

Purchasing agricultural land: Foreigners are not allowed to buy agricultural land in Serbia. To do so, you will have to register a company to make the purchase.

Shell companies: If a foreign national opens a company solely with the intention of obtaining a residence permit, but does not conduct any actual business, they may lose their residence permit.

Personal stay requirements: Holders of a TRP must stay in Serbia for at least 183 days each year; otherwise, there may be issues with extending the residence permit.

Don’t worry, though; we’re here to help you understand and follow these rules. We want you to have a straightforward process and reap the benefits of getting residency in Serbia, without unnecessary complications. 

Why choose business registration with us?

Choosing to register as a business for residence has many benefits, especially if you do so with us, such as: 

• Our expertise, experience, and understanding of the process from beginning to end 
• Reduced worries about language barriers
• Easier documentation process, saving you time and stress
• Far fewer restrictions than with other residency grounds, such as where you live in the country
• Ability to take advantage of Serbia’s favorable business environment 

Step-by-step guide to obtaining a residence permit

We can help you get residency by registering a business in Serbia. You understand the benefits and some of the process, and as you can see, it can be a bit complicated. We can help you at every step. Here is what you need to do.

• Contact us: You can reach out to us and arrange a consultation to check if Serbia is the best option for you! 
• Collect the documents: We can help you prepare all necessary documents and get them translated and notarized. These include proof of financial means, health insurance, a passport, and a police clearance.   
• Submit the application: We will help you submit your application at the local migration office. You will also need to complete an application form and provide biometric data, including your photo and fingerprints.
• Wait for approval: Application processing usually takes between two weeks and three months, depending on the legal grounds for your residence permit and the workload of the migration office. Additional documents or information may be requested at this stage.

Our services cost between 3000 to 3500 euros, and will help you handle the complicated steps and save you a lot of stress and time! Note that this price does not include the company registration fee itself. However, the usual costs for other parts of the process without assistance can be extensive.

If you get us to help with your registration, we will: 

• Help you at every step with getting all the documentation
• Get your company registered, and you will receive a residence permit in Serbia, with all its benefits 
• Offer our knowledge and expertise in all areas related to the process

While Serbian residency is attractive, people often make mistakes when handling the process alone, especially without a strong knowledge of the local language or connections. That is precisely why we recommend you get us to assist you. 

Contact our experts

The process of obtaining a residence permit in Serbia can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Serbian laws and administrative requirements. Our experts are ready to help you register your company and get residency in Serbia. With our assistance, you can avoid mistakes that might lead to delays or application rejection. This would certainly simplify the relocation process for you. Please request a personal consultation with an expert.

If you need advice on any aspect or personal support at each step, please don’t hesitate to contact professionals and request help. We’d be happy to talk to you about non-resident bank accounts in Serbia, specifically. We know everything about banks in Serbia! Don’t wait, if Serbia sounds like an attractive location for you, contact us today!