12 Relocation Services We Do Not Provide in Serbia (And Why That Matters)

TL;DR: Moving to Serbia can be one of the most rewarding decisions an individual or family makes. At Relocation Serbia, we work with people from around the world who are seeking a legal, structured, and long-term path to life in Serbia—whether through residency, citizenship by descent, business formation, or family relocation.

We genuinely enjoy what we do. We value the relationships we build with our clients, and we take pride in helping individuals and families set themselves up properly for life in Serbia—legally, ethically, and sustainably.

However, as our company has grown significantly, so too has the number of requests we receive that fall outside of what we can provide. Some of these requests are illegal. Others are unethical. Some simply conflict with how we operate as a professional relocation firm.

This article outlines 12 of the most common services people ask for that Relocation Serbia does not provide, and—more importantly—why we do not provide them. Understanding these boundaries protects not only our business, but also our clients.

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Man questioning Canada's future next to Prime Minister Mark Carney with text overlay "Is Canada Cooked?" – political dissatisfaction among Canadians considering moving to Serbia
Our Philosophy: Legal, Ethical, and Sustainable Relocation

Relocation Serbia exists to help clients build a real life in Serbia—not shortcuts that create long-term risk.

We do not:

  • Circumvent Serbian law

  • Exploit government officials

  • Create artificial residency setups

  • Falsify documents

  • Endanger clients’ legal status

Once documents are submitted to Serbian authorities, timelines are controlled by the state—not by intermediaries, connections, or payments.

With that foundation in mind, here are the 12 most common requests we decline.

1. Speeding Up Applications Through Bribes or “Connections”

Processing times in Serbia have increased significantly due to the influx of foreign residents. Business registration, residency approvals, and other procedures now take longer than they once did.

We are often asked whether we can “speed things up” by paying officials or leveraging connections.

We do not engage in bribery—ever.

Once an application is properly submitted, it must follow its legal course. Attempting to bypass that process jeopardizes:

  • Our company

  • The officials involved

  • The client’s legal status

Waiting your turn is not optional—and it does not require illegal intervention.

2. Pushing Visa or Family Applications Ahead of the Line

Some clients ask whether we can “push” family visa approvals or move embassy timelines forward.

We cannot—and will not—interfere with visa issuance schedules or ministry review processes. These timelines apply equally to all applicants, and attempting to manipulate them introduces unnecessary legal risk.

3. Guaranteeing Residency, Citizenship, or Business Approval

We are frequently asked to guarantee outcomes.

No legitimate relocation company can do this.

While we are proud to say that we have had zero unresolved refusals, approvals are ultimately issued by Serbian authorities—not by private firms. Our role is to prepare applications correctly, not promise outcomes we do not control.

4. Issuing Invitation Letters for Unknown Individuals

Invitation letters carry legal responsibility.

We do not issue invitation letters for individuals we do not personally know or have an established relationship with. Doing so exposes us to liability and potential accusations of document falsification.

Offering large sums of money does not change this policy.

5. Obtaining Residency Without Being Physically in Serbia

Residency applications must be completed in person in Serbia.

There is no legal way to:

  • Start residency online

  • Complete residency via embassy

  • Apply without appearing at the police station

Any claim otherwise is incorrect.

6. Registering “Non-Operating” Businesses for Residency Only

If your residency is based on a business, that business must be real.

We strongly advise against opening companies that exist only on paper. Immigration renewals often require proof of:

  • Activity

  • Revenue

  • Invoices

Failure to demonstrate legitimate operations can result in residency cancellation or business suspension.

7. Backdating Documents or Registrations

We do not falsify:

  • Entry dates

  • White card registrations

  • Lease dates

  • Business registration timelines

Backdating documents is illegal and exposes all parties to serious consequences.

8. Importing Firearms Into Serbia

Firearms laws in Serbia are strict and structured.

Foreign licenses are not transferable. Importing weapons—even disassembled—without proper authorization is illegal. Firearm ownership in Serbia requires:

  • Local licensing

  • Training

  • Psychological evaluation

  • Club membership

We do not assist with firearm importation outside legal pathways.

9. Mislabeling Items for Customs Clearance

Customs declarations must reflect reality.

We do not mislabel commercial goods as personal items, omit inventories, or disguise shipments to avoid duties. Customs inspections are thorough, and liability applies to both shipper and recipient.

10. Finding Jobs or Securing Work Permits

Relocation Serbia is not an employment agency.

We do not:

  • Place candidates with employers

  • Secure work permits

  • Match employees with companies

This service is outside our operational scope.

11. Adding Individuals to Payroll Solely for Residency

We do not hire individuals simply to provide residency eligibility.

Employment must be genuine, necessary, and compliant with Serbian labor laws. Artificial payroll arrangements are illegal and risky.

12. Altering, Omitting, or Adjusting Official Documents

Documents submitted to Serbian authorities often require:

  • Originals

  • Court-certified translations

  • Official seals

We do not alter or manipulate documentation under any circumstances.

Why These Boundaries Exist

Our refusal to provide these services is not arbitrary. It is rooted in:

  • Legal compliance

  • Ethical business practices

  • Client protection

  • Long-term sustainability

Shortcuts create long-term problems. Our job is to prevent those problems—not participate in them.

Conclusion: The Right Way Still Works

Relocating to Serbia legally and successfully does not require bending rules—it requires preparation, patience, and proper guidance.

For individuals who want to:

  • Build a legitimate life in Serbia

  • Protect their residency status

  • Operate real businesses

  • Avoid legal risk

We are here, ready to help.

If our approach aligns with your goals, we invite you to take the next step.

Book a paid consultation with Relocation Serbia to discuss your situation properly and determine the correct legal pathway forward.

FAQ
Frequently asked questions
We have put together some commonly asked questions.
Can Relocation Serbia guarantee residency approval?

No. Approvals are issued by Serbian authorities. We prepare applications correctly but cannot guarantee outcomes.

Can I apply for Serbian residency from abroad?

No. Residency applications must be completed in person in Serbia.

Is it possible to get residency without running a business?

Yes, depending on your legal basis (property ownership, family ties, etc.), but the process must still be legitimate.

Does Relocation Serbia help with visas?

We provide guidance, but visa issuance is handled by embassies and consulates.
Can I work in Serbia without speaking Serbian?

In limited cases, yes—but language requirements depend on the employer and role.

Why does Relocation Serbia refuse certain requests?

Because legality, ethics, and client protection always come first.