Dual Citizenship in Serbia: Everything You Need to Know

One of the most common questions we receive is: Do I need to renounce my current citizenship to obtain Serbian citizenship? The answer depends on your home country's laws and Serbia's citizenship policies. Today, we will explore dual citizenship in Serbia, including who qualifies, the renunciation requirements, and how you can apply.

At Relocation Serbia, we've worked with numerous expats, investors, and professionals seeking Serbian citizenship. Whether you're applying through naturalization, descent, or exceptional cases, we can guide you through the process and help determine if dual citizenship is possible for you.

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General Rule: Serbia Allows Dual Citizenship

Serbia generally does not require applicants to renounce their original citizenship when acquiring Serbian nationality. However, exceptions apply based on your home country’s laws.

According to Article 14 of the Serbian Citizenship Law, foreign nationals can apply for Serbian citizenship after maintaining three years of permanent residency. However, maintaining physical presence in Serbia is crucial. While short trips abroad are permitted, extended absences can negatively impact your application.

If you're interested in obtaining temporary or permanent residency in Serbia, we can assist you at every step—ensuring you're on the right path to citizenship.

While Serbia accepts dual citizenship, some countries do not allow their citizens to hold multiple nationalities. If you’re from one of these countries, you will have to renounce your original citizenship before obtaining Serbian nationality.

Examples of Countries That Restrict Dual Citizenship:

• Germany – Generally does not allow dual citizenship, except for certain exceptions.

• Austria – Strict policies against dual nationality.

• China – Automatically revokes citizenship upon acquiring another nationality.

• Japan – Requires renunciation of previous citizenship by a certain age.

• India – Does not permit dual citizenship, but offers an Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) program.
  
  

On the other hand, some countries do not require formal renunciation of citizenship, meaning you may retain both Serbian and original nationality.

For instance, Canada allows multiple citizenships, so Canadians do not need to renounce their nationality when acquiring Serbian citizenship.

👉 Not sure if your country allows dual citizenship? Book a consultation with our legal team, and we’ll verify your options.

There are several ways to obtain Serbian citizenship, each with unique requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the most common routes:

1. Citizenship by Descent

If you have Serbian ancestry or family ties to former Yugoslavia, you may qualify for citizenship by descent. This process is generally faster and does not require renouncing your original citizenship.

✅ Requirements:

• At least one parent or grandparent was a Serbian (or former Yugoslavian) citizen.

• Proof of family lineage (birth certificates, passports, or other official records).
  
  

We specialize in assisting individuals with citizenship by descent applications, ensuring all necessary documents are properly submitted.

2. Citizenship by Naturalization

Foreign nationals can apply for Serbian citizenship through naturalization after living in Serbia for a certain period.

✅ Requirements:

• At least three years of permanent residency in Serbia.

• Demonstrated integration into Serbian society (language, culture, or economic contributions).

• Declaration of Serbia as your primary country of residence.
  
  

Naturalization applicants do not need to renounce their original citizenship unless their home country requires it.

3. Citizenship by Marriage

If you are married to a Serbian citizen, you may apply for fast-tracked citizenship.

✅ Requirements:

• At least three years of marriage to a Serbian citizen.

• Proof of residing together in Serbia.

• A valid marriage certificate.
  
  

Spouses of Serbian citizens often face fewer bureaucratic hurdles, making this one of the more straightforward paths to citizenship.

4. Citizenship by Exception (Fast-Track Citizenship)

Serbia grants citizenship to high-profile individuals and investors under a special Citizenship by Exception program.

✅ Who Qualifies?

• Investors who contribute at least €500,000 to Serbian businesses or the economy.

• High-profile individuals (athletes, artists, entrepreneurs) who positively impact Serbia.
  
  

📌 Examples of individuals who received Serbian citizenship by exception:

• Charles Cather – An American YouTuber granted citizenship after years of contributing to Serbian society.

• Adriana Lima – The famous model obtained Serbian nationality.

• Steven Seagal – Hollywood actor who was granted Serbian citizenship.
  
  

There are no fixed rules for citizenship by exception, as applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. If you are considering an investment in Serbia, we can connect you with legal professionals to assess your eligibility.

No, you do not need to obtain Serbian citizenship to live in Serbia long-term. If your goal is simply to reside in Serbia, you can do so with temporary or permanent residency.

Residency vs. Citizenship: Key Differences

If you’re unsure whether residency or citizenship is right for you, book a personalized consultation with our team.

✅ Dual citizenship in Serbia is possible, but it depends on your home country’s laws.
✅ Most applicants do NOT need to renounce their original citizenship, unless their home country requires it.
✅ Serbian citizenship can be obtained through descent, naturalization, marriage, or exceptional cases.
✅ Investors and high-profile individuals can fast-track Serbian citizenship, but approval is case by case.
✅ You can live in Serbia permanently without citizenship—permanent residency is a viable alternative.

👉 Want to explore your Serbian citizenship options? Contact us at Relocation Serbia for a consultation and let our legal team guide you through the process.

📩 Get a consultation today and learn how we can assist you with residency, business setup, and real estate investments in Serbia.

🚀 Visit us at RelocationSerbia.com to learn more!