How to Get Serbian Citizenship: Fastest Routes for Expats, Investors, and Descendants

As global uncertainty rises and countries like Malta close their “citizenship by donation” programs, wealthy individuals and everyday expats alike are turning to Serbia for second citizenship. Serbia doesn’t offer a formal “golden passport” program, but it does provide clear, legal pathways to citizenship—some faster than others.

At Relocation Serbia, we help clients explore all three legal options:

• Citizenship by Descent

• Citizenship by Naturalization

• Citizenship by Exception

Let’s break each down, step-by-step.

If you have Serbian roots, this is the quickest and most reliable route. You can apply if:

• Your parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents were Serbian citizens

Even if:

• You weren’t born in Serbia

• You live abroad (Canada, U.S., Australia, etc.)

✅ Eligibility:

• At least one Serbian parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent

• Birth certificate showing lineage

• Proof your Serbian ancestor was a citizen (e.g., old passport, ID, or registration)

🕒 Processing Time:

• 30–45 days (if registered in Serbia as a child)

• 3–6 months (if registration needs to be done from scratch)

📌 Important: If your Serbian parent registered you with Serbian authorities before age 18, you may be eligible for expedited approval.

“Even I struggled with the embassy process from Canada. I ended up flying to Serbia and doing it myself. That’s why we help clients from day one now—online and on the ground.”
— Andreja Milosavljevic, Relocation Serbia Founder

This is the most traditional path—ideal for those who want to live in Serbia long-term and integrate into society.

📋 Requirements:

1. 3 years of temporary residence

2. Followed by 5 years of permanent residence

3. Clean criminal record

4. Knowledge of Serbian language and culture

💡 Some clients wait 8–12 years before being approved. There’s no guaranteed timeline, but it is a structured legal process.

⚠️ What Delays It?

• Gaps in residency

• Lack of business or family ties

• Changing immigration laws

📌 Best for: Expats committed to making Serbia their full-time home, not those looking for quick citizenship.

This route is for high-impact individuals who offer value to Serbia—investors, entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, and others “in the national interest.”

There is no official investment-for-citizenship program, but under Article 19 of the Serbian Citizenship Law, the government may grant citizenship by exception if it is “in the interest of the Republic of Serbia.”

🎯 What qualifies as “national interest”?

• Launching a company that creates jobs in Serbia

• Investing significant capital into strategic industries

• Supporting cultural, scientific, or economic growth

🧾 How We Help:

• Structure legal business registration

• Coordinate investment frameworks

• File exception-based citizenship applications via government channels

• Submit supporting documents to ministries and parliament for approval

“This isn’t about ‘knowing a guy.’ We use written contracts and legal processes—not backdoor deals.”
— Relocation Serbia Legal Team

⏱️ Timeline:

• 6 months to 2 years

• Subject to political discretion

• Best for individuals with strong profiles and willingness to invest

A recent client from Dubai invested over €250,000 in a Serbian manufacturing startup and hired 15 full-time employees. With a strong application and Relocation Serbia’s legal support, their citizenship by exception request is currently under parliamentary review.

🧩 Key Tip: These applications must be well-documented, with a business plan, proof of employment, and national benefit clearly outlined.

Once you obtain Serbian citizenship:

• Your spouse can apply for temporary residence through family reunification

• Your children become eligible for citizenship as minors

If your spouse also has Serbian ancestry, they can often apply independently through descent.

Whether you're escaping political uncertainty, planning for retirement, or investing in a second passport for freedom and flexibility—Serbia has options.

At Relocation Serbia, we:

• Help track your eligibility

• Manage all legal paperwork

• Liaise with Serbian government officials

• Guide you from first inquiry to passport issuance

📩 Book a Consultation or explore our full guide on Serbian citizenship and residency services.

Serbian citizenship is more accessible than you think—if you take the right path.

Whether it’s through your ancestry, an entrepreneurial venture, or long-term residency, Serbia offers a legal and realistic opportunity to gain a second passport. Don’t wait until your options narrow—start the process now while the door is open.