How to Get a Serbian Passport: What You Need to Know Before Applying for Citizenship

A Serbian passport offers a number of benefits:

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  Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 130+ countries, including the Schengen Area, Turkey, and much of Latin America.
  
  

  
  


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  No double taxation for U.S. citizens (Serbia does not enforce worldwide taxation).
  
  

  
  


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  A central location in Europe without being in the EU (yet) — meaning fewer regulations but great access.
  
  

  
  


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  Affordable cost of living and low taxes once you reside in Serbia.
  
  

  
  

But how do you get it? That depends on your unique situation.

1. Serbian Citizenship by Descent

If you have Serbian ancestry, this is the most straightforward path. Serbia allows those with documented Serbian bloodlines — even several generations back — to apply for citizenship without giving up their existing nationality.

We’ve helped many clients successfully gain their Serbian passport through descent, even when embassies in their home countries were unhelpful or unresponsive.

Pro tip: If you suspect you have a Serbian ancestor, gather any documents (birth, marriage certificates, etc.) and book a consultation with us to begin the process.

2. Citizenship by Naturalization

This is the most common path for expats living in Serbia long-term. Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:

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  Live in Serbia with temporary residency for 3 years

  
  


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  Apply for permanent residency

  
  


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  After 5 years of total residency (or more), you may apply for citizenship by naturalization
  
  

  
  

However — and this is important — applying doesn't guarantee approval.

We’ve seen clients wait 5, 10, or even 15 years without a clear answer. Worse, some applicants, particularly from politically sensitive countries, have been denied citizenship after giving up their original nationality, leaving them stateless.

3. Citizenship by Exception

This is a rare pathway granted to individuals who offer strategic value to the Republic of Serbia — such as high-net-worth investors, athletes, or contributors to Serbian society.

It’s extremely selective, often politically influenced, and not bound by the usual naturalization timelines. However, if you qualify, you may not have to give up your original passport.

One of the biggest pitfalls of the Serbian citizenship process is the requirement to renounce your current citizenship — often before receiving confirmation from Serbia.

This can be especially risky for people from countries like Russia, Belarus, or Ukraine, where recent unofficial policies have made naturalization in Serbia far more difficult. Over 20 Russian-born applicants recently found themselves stateless after giving up their citizenships and then being denied Serbian passports — a tragic situation that could’ve been avoided with the right legal and strategic guidance.

According to reports from The Moscow Times and Meduza, a group of Russian-born residents followed Serbia’s naturalization process by:

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  Living in Serbia with legal residency for 3+ years

  
  


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  Renouncing Russian citizenship as required

  
  


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  Submitting their application for Serbian citizenship
  
  

However, due to an unspoken freeze on naturalizations for nationals from certain countries, their applications were quietly rejected, leaving them without any passport at all.

This is why navigating Serbian bureaucracy without professional help is dangerous — even one missing document or policy shift can have permanent consequences.

It depends on the path you choose:

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  Naturalization: You’ll almost always be required to give up your current passport (though exceptions exist).

  
  


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  Marriage to a Serbian citizen: You may be able to keep your current citizenship.

  
  


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  Citizenship by descent: Dual citizenship is generally allowed.

  
  


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  Citizenship by exception: Often permits dual nationality, depending on the case.
  
  

  
  

Before you take any step to renounce your current passport, make sure you have official written confirmation that you will be granted Serbian citizenship. Never act on verbal promises.

Serbia is not a “plug-and-play” bureaucracy like many Western countries. Here, processes can differ from one municipality to another, and even the police officer handling your file can impact your outcome.

At Relocation Serbia, we’ve seen many applicants come to us after a failed attempt — always “one paper short.” That’s why we offer end-to-end support to help you:

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  Choose the right path to citizenship

  
  


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  Navigate local legal requirements

  
  


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  Avoid statelessness or application rejections

  
  


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  Transition smoothly into life in Serbia

If you’re seeking a second passport that opens doors — without tying you to Western tax regimes — the Serbian passport may be the ideal choice. But it must be approached strategically, legally, and with full awareness of the risks and benefits.

Serbia values its national identity and expects those who wish to naturalize to integrate, adapt, and contribute to the country. Respecting Serbian culture and learning the language will only improve your odds — and your experience.

At Relocation Serbia, our mission is to make your move simple, legal, and stress-free. Whether you're applying through descent, marriage, or naturalization, we’ll help you avoid red tape and stay on the right path.

👉 Book your consultation today — your move is our mission.