Temporary residence in Serbia-quick guidebook

 

Geographical position, climate, nature, delicious food, good public health, and educational system, but also rising economic growth makes Serbia a more and more popular destination for living. Bearing in mind all the advantages that residence in Serbia brings, it is no wonder that the number of foreigners deciding to apply for temporary residence in Serbia is constantly growing.

Of course, immigration to a foreign country makes one big unknown, and many questions arise to which you need to know the answer if you are considering residence in Serbia. In this text, we will try to answer some basic questions you need to know before deciding to immigrate to Serbia.

 

What is a temporary residence permit?

 

A temporary residence permit is a visa that allows a foreigner to reside legally in the territory of Serbia for a maximum period of one year. This permit is the greatest long-stay visa a foreigner can obtain before obtaining permanent residency. Please note that the police can approve visas for a shorter stay period.

If you choose to live in Serbia, you must apply for temporary residence in Serbia.

 

How long can I stay in Serbia before applying for a temporary residence permit?

 

Your stay on a visa-free regime will differ depending on your country of origin. We advise you to check how long your tourist visa is before coming to Serbia. Please bear in mind that you must apply for a temporary residence visa before the expiration of your tourist visa. Also, note that the time of your tourist visa starts from the day you entered Serbia.

Who is authorized to decide on a temporary residence permit in Serbia?

 

Ministry of Interior, Department for Foreigners, police station where a foreigner resides. To simplify, the Department for Foreigners in that city will be authorized depending on where you intend to move.

 

How can I submit a request for a temporary residence permit in Serbia?

 

Personally, at the authorized police station or online through the system of eUprava.

 

How long does the police decide upon requesting a temporary residence permit?

 

From the day of submission of the request for temporary residence in Serbia, the police will decide in the next 30 days.

 

What do I need from documentation for temporary residence in Serbia?

 

The necessary documentation you need to provide will depend upon the legal ground you are applying for temporary residence in Serbia. However, regardless of the legal ground by which you are applying for temporary residence in Serbia, you must submit the following documentation:

 

MANDATORY DOCUMENTATION

Valid passport – your passport should not expire at least three months longer than the requested period of residence. For example, if you are applying for a year, your passport must be valid for one year and three months at least;

Evidence that you can financially support yourself during temporary residence in Serbia;

Residence registration (white card);

Evidence that you are health insured during temporary residence in Serbia;

Proof that the administration fee has been paid;

Two photographs 35x45mm in color;

Fulfilled request for a temporary residence permit in Serbia;

Documentation depending on legal ground for temporary residence in Serbia;

*Note that the police can always ask for additional documentation.

What is the legal ground for temporary residence in Serbia?

 

Legal ground is the base you are applying for temporary residence in Serbia. Because there are many legal grounds, we will name only the most common and usable ones.

Please see below some of the basic and most common legal grounds for a temporary residence permit in Serbia:

Company Formation/Registration of Entrepreneurship;

Employment with a Serbian employer;

Education in Serbia;

Ownership of real estate in Serbia;

Family reunification with a citizen of Serbia or with a foreigner on temporary residence in Serbia can request their: Married spouses; Non-married partners; Minor children (under the age of 18)

Can my family apply at the same time with me?

 

Of course, along with the foreigner, his family can apply simultaneously. It is not necessary to wait for one foreigner to be approved for a temporary residence permit before his family applies. They can all apply at the same time.

Can I get married in Serbia?

 

Of course. You can get married in the embassy of your origin country in Serbia or in a municipality in Serbia.

Can unmarried couples apply for a temporary residence permit on the legal ground of family reunification?

 

Serbia completely equalizes marital status with nonmarital status. Married spouses and non-married spouses can apply for temporary residence permits at the same time. The only difference will be in documentation that will be submitted.

Can my children go to school before the temporary residence permit is obtained?

 

Of course, education in Serbia is available for all children regardless of their residence status.

 

We are aware that you must have many more questions and concerns. However, we hope we have helped you with essential steps and information regarding the temporary residence process in Serbia. In conclusion, we can say that Serbia is a beautiful country with a lot to offer. We consider that if you decide that Serbia becomes the country of your choice, you will not make a mistake.