Serbia is renowned for its hospitality towards foreigners. It stands as an attractive destination with accessible residence and immigration programs. As of 2023, the country remains a welcoming hub for individuals seeking temporary or permanent stays.
Key Considerations for Staying in Serbia in 2023:
- Entry Regulations: The Serbian government has lifted the COVID-19 testing requirements for incoming foreigners. Serbia embraces visitors from across the globe, making it an open destination without geographical constraints.
- Residence Permit Options: Prospective residents have various avenues to obtain a residence permit in Serbia, including:
- Purchasing real property of any value.
- Initiating a business venture within the country.
- Marriage to a Serbian citizen.
- Employment with a Serbian company.
- Duration for Permanent Residence: After five years of continuous residence in Serbia, individuals become eligible to apply for permanent residence. This status not only provides long-term stability but also grants visa-free access to multiple European Union states.
- Opportunities for Freelancers and Remote IT Professionals: Freelancers and remote IT experts encounter a favorable environment in Serbia. Abundant job opportunities are accessible through local websites and platforms like Telegram. Serbia’s welcoming atmosphere ensures that job and income concerns do not hinder their stay.
- Navigating Employment Opportunities: For freelancers and remote workers, a diverse range of job openings awaits on local platforms.
As you contemplate your international destination, Serbia stands out as an enticing choice with relaxed entry rules, diverse residency options, and a supportive environment for freelancers and remote professionals. To turn your aspirations into reality, consider consulting with our experienced team for personalized guidance.
Visa-Free Stays in Serbia
For the convenience of travelers, Serbia extends visa-free entry to citizens of various countries for specified durations in 2023. The list includes:
- EU Member States
- Neighboring Countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Macedonia, Switzerland, Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Iceland, San Marino, Albania, Vatican, and Norway
- Asian Countries: UAE, Israel, Korea, Mexico, Japan, Singapore, Turkey, Macau, and Hong Kong
- Americas: the USA, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Uruguay
- Oceania: Australia and New Zealand
- African Nations: Seychelles and Tunisia
- Post-USSR Countries: Russia, Republic of Belarus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, and Moldova.
The typical duration for visa-free stays ranges from 30 to 90 days with a foreign passport. Travelers have the option to extend their stay through a visa run, involving temporarily leaving and re-entering the country. Additionally, Serbia offers immigration schemes for successful applicants seeking long-term residency.
Duration of Visa-Free Stays in Serbia:
- EU Residents and Holders of Schengen, US, and UK Visas: Up to 90 days
- Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Russia: Maximum stay of 30 days
- Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Armenia: Stays up to 90 days once every six months, with only a foreign passport.
Understanding the specific regulations based on the traveler’s country of origin or residency state is crucial. Serbia’s flexibility in visa-free terms caters to a diverse range of visitors, fostering accessibility and convenience for international travelers.
Longer stays in Serbia with Various Documents
Understanding the permissible stay durations in Serbia and avenues for extension is crucial for foreign citizens. As of the current regulations:
- Foreign Passport: Allows a stay of 30 to 90 days;
- Visa C: Grants up to 90 days every 180 days;
- Visa D: Provides a stay duration of 90 to 180 days per year;
- Transit: No special short-stay permits are needed for stays not exceeding 24 hours, often used for travel connections;
- Residence Permit: Allows a stay of up to one year, renewable annually.
Extension Guidelines for Your Stay in Serbia
Clients often inquire about extending their stay beyond the initial 30 days in 2023, seeking lawful methods:
- Visa Run: Exiting Serbia to a neighboring state like Montenegro or Bosnia, followed by re-entry, resets the stay duration to an additional 30 days. This process can be repeated without limitations.
- Short-Term Visa C Extension: A visa C, valid for a year with 90-day stays (over every six months), can be extended for compelling reasons. Applying for a visa C extension involves submitting the necessary documents.
- Long-Term Visa D Extension: For individuals with a long-term visa D aiming for Serbian residence permits, it is possible to extend the stay by submitting the required documents stating the extension reasons to the relevant authority.
- Residence Permit Extension: Extending a Serbian residence permit involves a straightforward application process, with reasons such as labor migration, company incorporation, studies, participation in international programs, or property ownership.
Navigating these stay and extension options ensures a seamless and lawful experience for individuals in Serbia, providing flexibility and adherence to regulatory requirements
Navigating Stay Rules in Serbia in 2023: Your Comprehensive Guide
If your goal is to apply for permanent residence in Serbia, the dedicated experts at Serbia Wealth are here to streamline the process for you. With our support, here is what you can achieve:
- Banking Solutions: Set up a bank account in Serbia, including the option for an anonymous multi-currency UnionPay card.
- Real Estate Ventures: Explore attractive real estate opportunities in key regions of Serbia and Belgrade, with enticing offers available through our partners.
- Accommodation: Rent an apartment in desirable districts such as Novi Beograd, Stari Grad, Vračar, Senjak, and Dedinje, catering to both permanent and temporary residence needs.
- Residence Permit Services: Obtain a residence permit through company incorporation in Serbia or business domiciliation. This comprehensive package includes corporate account setup, office rental, and legal consultancy services.
- Exploration and Leisure: Whether you’re a tourist or temporarily staying in Serbia, delve into local sights and attractions. Enjoy experiences like wine tours, city sightseeing in Belgrade, visits to monasteries, and more.
To request our services, reach out to our team of consultants via the contact details on the corporate website.