Do You Really Need Serbian Citizenship? Understanding Permanent Residency vs. Citizenship

For many foreigners considering a move to Serbia, one of the most common questions is: Do I need Serbian citizenship, or is permanent residency enough? The answer isn’t as complicated as it may seem. In fact, permanent residency in Serbia often provides nearly all the rights and privileges needed to live comfortably, without the extra time, paperwork, and uncertainty that comes with pursuing citizenship.

This article breaks down the differences between temporary residency, permanent residency, and citizenship in Serbia, helping you decide which path best fits your goals.

Temporary Residency: The First Step

Almost everyone begins their journey with temporary residency.

• Issued typically for one year, though it can sometimes extend up to three years depending on your basis for stay.

• Renewal is required annually.

• Common bases include:

  • Business setup (opening and running a Serbian company)

  • Real estate purchase

  • Family reunification (spouse, partner, or children)

  • Study permits

Each year at renewal, authorities verify that the reason for your stay is legitimate—businesses must be active, students must be enrolled, and so forth. Children can also be included under a parent’s temporary residency via the family reunification process.

After several years on temporary residency, foreigners may apply for permanent residency. This step often brings confusion. Many people mistakenly believe permanent residency is limited, or that it doesn’t guarantee long-term rights. In reality, permanent residency allows you to:

• Live in Serbia indefinitely without fear of deportation.

• Work freely—without needing separate work permits.

• Open bank accounts, purchase property, and run businesses without restrictions.

• Enroll children in schools with broader options than temporary residency.

• Access Serbia’s healthcare system and social services, just like Serbian citizens.

In day-to-day life, a permanent resident can do nearly everything a citizen can. The two major exceptions are:

1. No voting rights.

2. No Serbian passport.

Citizenship is the final step for those who want political rights, international travel benefits, or stronger global documentation. With Serbian citizenship, you gain:

• A Serbian passport, which offers good mobility across Europe and beyond.

• Voting rights and participation in the political system.

• Lifetime recognition as a Serbian national.

However, the process is neither automatic nor guaranteed:

• You must first hold permanent residency.

• A minimum of three years as a permanent resident is typically required before applying.

• Approval is entirely at the discretion of the Serbian government—some applicants succeed in three years, others wait eight or twelve, and some are never granted citizenship.

Factors that strengthen an application include:

• Proficiency in the Serbian language

• Running a business and employing locals

• Community contributions or charity work

• Cultural and social integration

Other pathways to citizenship include:

• Descent (parents or grandparents born in Serbia)

• Marriage to a Serbian citizen

• Common-law partnerships, though these follow stricter procedures

For most expats, permanent residency is enough. It offers nearly all the benefits of citizenship, especially if your goal is simply to live, work, and raise a family in Serbia. Pursuing citizenship may be worthwhile if:

• Your current passport is weak, and you need stronger travel access.

• You want to vote or participate politically.

• You are planning long-term EU mobility and consider Serbian citizenship part of that strategy.

Otherwise, permanent residency gives you security, freedom, and comfort without the complexity of the citizenship process.

The decision between permanent residency and citizenship in Serbia depends on your goals. For many expats, permanent residency provides everything needed for a secure and fulfilling life—work opportunities, property ownership, healthcare access, and family stability. Citizenship adds political participation and a passport but comes with a longer, uncertain process.

If your primary aim is to live comfortably in Serbia, permanent residency is usually sufficient. If you seek stronger global mobility or political rights, then citizenship may be worth pursuing.

At Relocation Serbia, we guide clients through every stage—from temporary residency, to permanent residency, and ultimately citizenship when it makes sense. If you’re ready to explore your options, book a paid consultation with us today and let us tailor the best pathway for your situation.