Question 1

How long is a residence permit in Serbia granted for?

Accepted Answer

The duration of the residence permit primarily depends on the chosen basis and the inspector's decision. Currently, a residence permit in Serbia can be obtained for up to three years.

Question 2

On what basis can you get a three-year residence permit in Serbia?

Accepted Answer

A three-year temporary residence permit is most often granted based on real estate, marriage to a Serbian citizen, and employment in a large company. The final decision always depends on the inspector, so there is no guarantee in this matter.

Question 3

When can you apply for permanent residence in Serbia?

Accepted Answer

You can apply for permanent residence after three years of continuous temporary residence. The processing time for a permanent residence application is up to 6 months.

Question 4

On what grounds can permanent residence not be obtained in Serbia?

Accepted Answer

If your residence permit in Serbia was based on study, treatment, talent, or volunteering, you will need to change the basis in the last year before applying for permanent residence, as the aforementioned are not grounds for permanent residence in Serbia.

Question 5

How long do you need to stay in Serbia to maintain your residence permit and permanent residence?

Accepted Answer

To obtain permanent residence, you must not leave Serbia for more than 10 months in total over three years, with no more than 6 months in a row.

You may lose your permanent residence if it is established that you left the Republic of Serbia or resided abroad for more than one year.

Question 6

What to do if you are denied a residence permit in Serbia?

Accepted Answer

If you are denied the initial residence permit, the reason for the denial is crucial:
 • If the denial is due to incomplete documents, you can reapply for a residence permit after some time on the same or a different basis.
 • If the inspector considers you a threat to the Republic of Serbia, you will not be able to obtain a residence permit after such a remark.

If you are denied the renewal of your residence permit, for example, if you applied for a residence permit as a Sole Proprietor but did not obtain a work permit, you can apply for a residence permit on another basis but not as a renewal, but as a new application.

Question 7

What are the grounds for revoking permanent residence?

Accepted Answer

Grounds for revoking permanent residence include:

▶ If a person poses a real and serious threat to public order or their continued stay in the country poses an unacceptable risk to the security of the Republic of Serbia and its citizens

▶ If a measure of expulsion or a measure of expulsion of a foreigner has been applied to them

▶ If they provided false information about their identity or concealed circumstances that were significant for making a decision on rights in a previous procedure

▶If it is established that they left the Republic of Serbia or resided abroad for more than one year

▶ If they renounced their right to permanent residence

Residence Permits and Permanent Residence in Serbia

BASIS

How to Obtain a Residence Permit