CITIZENSHIP OF SERBIA
Serbia is located in the south-eastern part of Europe on the Balkan Peninsula. The country has a comfortable climate, a lot of interesting places for tourists, but there is no access to the sea. The population of Serbia in 2024 is about 7.1 million people. The overwhelming majority of locals are Orthodox Christians.
Serbia is one of the seven candidates to join the European Union. The application was submitted in 2009 and formal negotiations began in 2014. The Serbian government has set an ambitious goal of joining the union in 2025. Today, the Serbian economy is noticeably weaker than in developed Western European countries, but many foreigners find vacancies in Serbian companies.
Next, let's talk about how to get Serbian citizenship in 2024.
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How to obtain Serbian citizenship
The procedure of granting Serbian citizenship is regulated by the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Serbia, which is based on the principle of Jus sanguinis (right of blood). That is, the possibility to obtain a Serbian passport is determined not by the place of birth, but by the presence of one or both parents of Serbian origin. Let us highlight all the available ways to obtain Serbian citizenship.
Serbian citizenship by descent/birth
Serbian citizenship is granted automatically, regardless of the place (country) of birth, if at least one of the parents has a Serbian passport. When a child is born outside the Serbian state, it is necessary to notify the Serbian diplomatic or consular representation so that the name of the future citizen is entered in a special register.
Note. If the data was not entered in the register and the child remains stateless, the person with Serbian roots (mother/father) has the right to apply for a Serbian passport at the diplomatic or consular mission before the age of 23.
Serbian citizenship by naturalization
A foreigner legally residing in the territory of Serbia with a permanent residence permit is entitled to obtain a Serbian passport through the naturalization procedure. The application for citizenship is submitted in person or through an authorized representative. For example, for a person deprived of legal capacity, a guardian, and for a child under 18 years of age, one of the parents. Applications for citizenship are processed by the Ministry of Interior of Serbia.
Requirements for naturalization in Serbia:
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At least 18 years of age and legal capacity.
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At the time of application, legal residence in Serbia for at least 3 years with a permanent residence permit, which is usually issued after 5 years of legal residence in the country.
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Waiver or proof of automatic loss of previous citizenship upon obtaining a Serbian passport. Nevertheless, dual citizenship is allowed in Serbia.
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Written declaration (with signature) that the Republic of Serbia is now your home country.
Marriage within 3 years to a Serbian citizen or to a foreigner with permanent resident status allows you to apply for a Serbian passport in an accelerated procedure. In addition, the right to citizenship is granted to people from one of the republics of the former Yugoslavia (February 27, 2005), who have permanently resided (registered) in Serbia for at least 9 years.
Important. Citizenship of Serbia for investment as of 2024 is not a legal way of naturalization, but in fact local authorities can assist a foreigner in obtaining a Serbian passport, if it is in the interest of the country. Usually it is about the amount of investment of at least 100 thousand euros.
Renunciation of Serbian citizenship
There are two main ways to lose the Serbian passport:
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On the basis of exemption. The application is accepted if the person is at least 18 years old, there are no military service obligations, no criminal prosecution, no tax debts and other legal disputes. If there is a foreign passport or confirmation of intent to obtain this document in the near future, Serbian citizenship is revoked.
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Based on renunciation. If a person has a passport of another state, was born and lives abroad, he/she can renounce Serbian citizenship until the age of 25.
Dual citizenship in Serbia
The legislation of Serbia allows dual citizenship as in most other countries of the world. In addition, it is not necessary to live permanently or temporarily on Serbian territory.
It should be noted that Serbian citizens have the right to visa-free visits to 130 countries of the world, including Russia, China, as well as European countries that are part of the Schengen zone. According to this indicator, the Serbian passport is considered one of the most valuable in the world.
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