Serbian Citizenship by Descent: How to Secure Your Second Passport Through Family Roots

For many people around the world, reclaiming their family roots is more than just nostalgia—it is a strategic step toward a secure and prosperous future. One of the most practical ways to achieve this is through Serbian citizenship by descent. With Serbia’s central location, strong international connections, and attractive lifestyle, a second passport can open doors to mobility, stability, and new opportunities.

This guide explains what Serbian citizenship by descent is, why more expats are pursuing it, what challenges exist in the process, and how Relocation Serbia can help ensure a smooth and successful application.

Serbian citizenship by descent is a legal pathway for individuals who have direct family ties to Serbia. If you have a parent or grandparent born in Serbia or holding Serbian citizenship, you may be entitled to reclaim it.

It is important to note that citizenship by descent is a right, but not an automatic entitlement. Applicants must go through a structured approval process that includes proving lineage, submitting official documents, and waiting for government approval.

In recent years, Serbia has seen a sharp rise in applications for citizenship by descent. Families from Canada, Australia, the United States, and across Europe are reaching back to their Serbian heritage for reasons that range from retirement planning to geopolitical stability.

Where a few years ago approvals could be completed in three months, today the wait time is typically five to ten months due to increased demand. This makes early preparation critical, particularly for those trying to coordinate applications with short-term stays in Serbia.

1. Confirm Eligibility

You must prove that a parent or grandparent was born in Serbia or held Serbian citizenship.

2. Gather Documentation

This includes:

• Birth and marriage certificates (yours and your ancestors’)

• Proof of lineage

• Foreign documents legalized and translated into Serbian

3. Submit the Application

Applications are filed with Serbian authorities, either in Serbia or through embassies and consulates abroad.

4. Wait for Approval

Processing can take 5–10 months, depending on workload and completeness of documents.

5. Final Steps in Serbia

Once approved, you will need to apply for a Serbian ID card and then your passport.

While the process seems straightforward on paper, the reality can be complicated:

• Unresponsive embassies and consulates: Many applicants report poor communication, conflicting advice, and unclear fee structures.

• Bureaucracy and inconsistencies: Officials may interpret requirements differently, creating delays.

• Document challenges: Finding and authenticating old birth or marriage certificates, especially from rural municipalities, can be time-consuming.

• Translation and notarization rules: Only certified translators and Serbian notaries are accepted, which often surprises applicants abroad.

• Language barriers: Serbian ministries typically operate in Serbian only, limiting direct communication for expats.

For these reasons, many families turn to Relocation Serbia after failed attempts to navigate the process alone.

Given the timeline and the need for physical documents to be mailed—not emailed—early preparation is essential. Using courier services like DHL or UPS is standard, but every step takes time.

Starting before you arrive in Serbia ensures that by the time you move or plan an extended stay, your citizenship approval is already underway or complete.

1. Protecting Family Legacy

Citizenship allows future generations—your children and grandchildren—to maintain their Serbian identity and rights.

2. Mobility and Travel Freedom

A Serbian passport opens travel opportunities not available with U.S. or Canadian passports, such as easier access to Russia, China, and parts of South America.

3. Retirement and Lifestyle Planning

Serbia offers a lower cost of living, high-quality local produce, and a more relaxed pace of life, making it ideal for retirees.

4. Stability and Security

In an uncertain world marked by rising costs, cultural shifts, and geopolitical tensions, Serbia provides a stable alternative.

5. Reconnection with Heritage

For many, citizenship by descent is not only practical but deeply personal—returning to ancestral roots and cultural belonging.

Relocation Serbia specializes in handling citizenship by descent applications from start to finish. Our team manages:

• Authentic document retrieval in Serbia

• Certified translations and notarizations

• Preparation and submission of applications

• Ongoing communication with ministries

• Tracking progress and providing updates

• Final assistance with ID and passport issuance

With our local presence in both Belgrade and Novi Sad, we remove the stress, delays, and uncertainty—so you can focus on preparing for your future in Serbia.

Serbian citizenship by descent is more than a legal procedure—it is a way to secure a second passport, reconnect with your family roots, and set up a practical “Plan B” for the future.

While the process can be lengthy and bureaucratic, with professional support, it becomes a clear and manageable path. Whether your goal is to retire in Serbia, expand your travel freedom, or safeguard your family’s legacy, citizenship by descent is a valuable opportunity.

At Relocation Serbia, we handle every step of the process on your behalf. Contact us today to book a paid consultation and begin your journey toward Serbian citizenship and a more secure future.