The Truth About Serbian Citizenship: What You Need to Know in 2025

If you’ve heard whispers about a one-year path to Serbian citizenship, you’re not alone. It sounds like an amazing deal — gain a second passport in just 12 months? That would be game-changing. But let’s set the record straight. There is no fast-track one-year citizenship program in Serbia. It was proposed, sparked global interest, but never passed.

At Relocation Serbia, we work with clients from around the world who are serious about becoming Serbian citizens. In this post, we’ll walk you through:

The origin of the one-year citizenship myth

Actual legal pathways to becoming a Serbian citizen

Whether or not you’ll need to give up your current passport

How to start the process based on your unique situation

Let’s dive in.

Let’s break down why thousands are making the move — and how you can too.

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Is There Really a 1-Year Citizenship Program in Serbia?

No. Despite online chatter and misinterpreted headlines, Serbia does not offer a one-year citizenship program.

In 2023, the Serbian government introduced a draft proposal for such a program. It gained traction quickly — both in Serbia and internationally — but it never passed parliament. As a result, it’s not legally valid and was never implemented.

Yet the rumor persists, often fueled by outdated blogs or misleading YouTube videos. Unfortunately, this misinformation leads people down the wrong path, wasting time and creating false hope.

Why the Rumor Still Persists

The appeal of a fast route to Serbian citizenship makes it an easy idea to sell. Serbia is increasingly popular among digital nomads, remote workers, and those looking to relocate outside of the EU — especially due to its low cost of living and political neutrality.

But while the one-year program made headlines, it quietly disappeared from legislative agendas — partly due to concerns from the European Union.

The Real Paths to Serbian Citizenship

So what are the legitimate ways to become a citizen of Serbia? Here are the main routes we assist clients with at Relocation Serbia:

✅ Citizenship by Descent

This is the fastest and most reliable way to obtain Serbian citizenship. If you have a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent of Serbian origin, you may be eligible.

What’s more — you likely won’t have to give up your current passport.

💡 You can apply from your home country via the Serbian embassy or consulate. No relocation required (unless you're missing documents).

✅ Naturalization Through Residency

To qualify:

You must hold permanent residency in Serbia for at least 3 continuous years

Temporary residency does not count toward this timeline

Dual citizenship may or may not be allowed, depending on your original nationality and Serbia's bilateral agreements

This is a longer process but ideal for those living long-term in Serbia.

✅ Citizenship by Marriage

Married to a Serbian citizen? You may apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage and legal residency. It's a viable option, but it’s not automatic — background checks and approvals still apply.

✅ Citizenship by Exception

This is the least common and least predictable route. The Serbian government occasionally grants citizenship to individuals who have made significant contributions or have national interest.

But this process is entirely discretionary and typically only applies to high-profile individuals who’ve lived in Serbia for many years.

Do You Have to Give Up Your Current Passport?

It depends. Serbia allows dual citizenship, but not all countries do.

For example:

🇺🇸 Some Americans choose to renounce their U.S. citizenship for tax reasons (since the U.S. taxes globally)

🇨🇦 Canadians like our founder, Andreja Milosavljević, were able to keep both

🇮🇳 Indians may be required to give up their citizenship, as India doesn't allow dual nationality

We work with clients case-by-case to strategically navigate this decision.

What the EU Thinks — And Why It Matters

One reason the 1-year program was shut down was pressure from the European Union. Serbia is a candidate for EU membership and enjoys visa-free travel to the Schengen Area.

If citizenship became “too easy,” EU officials warned, Serbia could lose that visa-free privilege — hurting its citizens' freedom to work and travel in countries like Germany, France, Austria, and Switzerland.

And in Serbia, freedom matters. It’s not something taken lightly.

Step-by-Step: How to Start Your Serbian Citizenship Journey

Whether you're applying through descent, marriage, or naturalization, here’s how to begin:

Book a consultation with Relocation Serbia to assess your eligibility

Gather all required documents (birth certificates, proof of ancestry, legal translations, etc.)

Decide on your application route (descent, marriage, naturalization)

Submit your application via the embassy abroad or from within Serbia

Wait for approval — processing can take several months

Receive your citizenship and apply for a Serbian passport

🛂 Need help navigating paperwork, translations, or dealing with Serbian bureaucracy? That’s where we come in.

Final Thoughts + Free Consultation Offer

The idea of getting Serbian citizenship in one year sounds exciting — but it’s a myth. The real pathways require time, planning, and guidance — and we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Whether you're applying through descent, seeking naturalization, or just exploring your options, Relocation Serbia offers the most reliable support available.

👉 Ready to explore your options? Contact Relocation Serbia today for a free consultation and find out if Serbia is right for you.

📩 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!