Table of Contents
Key Regulatory Takeaways
- Permanent residency eligibility achieved after 3 years of continuous legal status
- Real estate route requires habitable property ownership plus €50,000 minimum funds
- Initial permits are typically issued for 6 to 12 months, renewable up to 3 years total
- Official processing window for temporary residence applications is 30 to 60 days
- Absence limits for permanent residency: maximum 6 months continuous or 10 months total
| Parameter | Real Estate Route | Business Route (DOO) |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Threshold | Property + €50,000 Bank Funds | €5,000 to €10,000 Suggested Capital |
| Initial Permit Validity | 6 to 12 Months | 12 Months |
| Processing Time | 30 to 60 Days | 30 to 60 Days |
| Renewal Period | Cumulative up to 3 Years | Cumulative up to 3 Years |
| Apostille Required | Yes (Birth, Marriage, Police Certs) | Yes (Corporate, Personal Certs) |
Regulatory Framework and 2023 Amendments
The Republic of Serbia offers a strategic environment for international investors seeking European positioning. The program is primarily governed by the Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette RS, no. 62/2023). Under Article 40, foreign nationals may be granted temporary residence (boravak) on the basis of property ownership or active business engagement.
Major legislative amendments implemented in 2023 have established Serbia as one of the most competitive jurisdictions in Southeast Europe by reducing the residency requirement for permanent status. Under Article 57, investors are now eligible for permanent residency after only 3 years of continuous temporary residence, provided they meet the statutory physical presence requirements.
Investment Routes: Real Estate and Business
1. Real Estate Route (Article 54)
Temporary residence is granted to foreign nationals who own residential or commercial property in the Republic of Serbia. The property must be registered with the Real Estate Cadastre and be suitable for habitation. Mandatory Compliance: For the investor category, applicants must provide a certificate from a Serbian bank demonstrating possession of at least €50,000 in liquid funds. This requirement is a critical component of the first-time application file.
2. Business Route (Article 46)
Investors may choose to establish a new Limited Liability Company (DOO) or a branch of an existing foreign entity. By serving as a founder or director, the individual becomes eligible for a Single Permit, which combines residence and work authorization. The company must remain active, compliant with local tax regulations, and operational throughout the duration of the permit.
Step-by-Step Procedural Roadmap
Managed by our specialized legal team, the application process follows a structured timeline to ensure absolute regulatory adherence.
Phase 1: Pre-Entry and Documentation (4 to 8 Weeks)
Preparation of mandatory personal documentation, including birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police clearance certificates. All foreign documents must be apostilled in the country of origin and translated into Serbian by a certified court translator. Non-visa-exempt nationals must secure a Long-Term D Visa at a Serbian consulate.
Phase 2: Arrival and Administrative Setup (1 to 2 Weeks)
Upon entry, investors must register their address within 24 hours at a local police station to obtain the White Card (Beli karton). During this stage, the investor opens a local bank account and transfers the mandatory funds or share capital required for their chosen investment route.
Phase 3: Submission and Biometrics (30 to 60 Days)
The application is submitted electronically via the Welcome to Serbia Portal. Following a preliminary review by the Foreigners Administration (Uprava za strance), the applicant is summoned for biometric data collection (fingerprints and signature). Decisions are typically rendered within 30 to 60 days after the complete file is formally accepted.
Path to Permanent Residency: 3-Year Timeline
Holders of temporary residence permits are eligible to apply for permanent residency (Article 57) after 3 years. This status grants indefinite stay rights and free access to the Serbian labor market. To maintain eligibility, applicants must demonstrate they have maintained their investment basis and have not exceeded the permitted absence limits of 6 months continuously or 10 months total over the 3-year period.
Investment Cost and Fee Breakdown
| FEE CATEGORY | APPROXIMATE AMOUNT | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| D Visa Application Fee | Approx. EUR 100 | Paid at Serbian diplomatic mission |
| Temporary Residence Admin Fee | Approx. EUR 150 | Government administrative charge |
| Biometric Permit Card Issuance | Approx. EUR 50 | Biometric ID card fee |
| Mandatory Health Insurance | EUR 300 to 600 | Annual private policy required |
| Document Translation | Variable | Certified Serbian court translator |
Frequently Asked Questions
The funds must be present in a Serbian bank account at the time of the initial application. While the funds are not strictly frozen after the permit is issued, investors must demonstrate continued financial solvency for subsequent renewals of their residency status.
While initial steps like company formation can be initiated via power of attorney, the applicant's physical presence is mandatory for biometric data collection at the local police department and for the final collection of the residence permit card.
Residential apartments, houses, and commercial buildings registered in the Real Estate Cadastre are all eligible. The property must be habitable and designated for residence or business use to support the application.
Related Programs and Resources
Conclusion
The Serbia Residency by Investment program stands as one of Europe's most accessible pathways for strategic regional positioning. With a transparent legal framework and a rapid 3-year path to permanent status, it offers significant advantages for high-net-worth investors. NTL International, through our specialized legal team, provides the precision and compliance expertise required to navigate the Serbian administrative landscape effectively.
Schedule Your Specialized Consultation
Our specialized legal team is ready to evaluate your eligibility for Serbian residency and advise on the most suitable investment route for your objectives.
About NTL International
NTL International is a leading government-authorized advisory firm specializing in global residency and citizenship solutions. We provide high-net-worth clients with legally precise and compliant pathways to international positioning.
- Citizenship by Investment
- Residency by Investment
- Specialized Legal Advisory
- Corporate and Tax Compliance
- Real Estate Due Diligence