Why Serbia’s Visa & Residency Regime Makes It Ideal for Expats

TL;DR: Serbia offers flexible visa‑entry options (up to 90 or 180 days), streamlined paths for freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote workers, and business founders. Whether you’re applying for a C‑visa, D‑visa, or a residence permit, Serbia combines low friction, clear documentation, and attractive long‑term options.

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Step 1: Entry – Understanding Serbian Visas

Short-Stay C‑Visa (up to 90 days / 180-day period)

  • Valid for tourism, business visits, conferences, entered once or multiple times within 90 days in a 180‑day window.

  • Requires:

    1. Completed application & 3.5 × 4.5 cm photo

    2. Valid passport (≥ 90 days beyond stay, ≤ 10 years issue date)

    3. Invitation letter or travel proof, health insurance, proof of funds. lawyersserbia.com+

Quick tip: U.S., Schengen, U.K. passport holders enter visa-free for short stays.


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Long-Stay D‑Visa (90–180 days)

  • Required if you plan to work, study, unite with family, or apply for a residence permit.
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  • Additional documents:

    • Proof of purpose (e.g., employment or business registration)

    • Health insurance, criminal record, proof of accommodation/funds

Step 2: Applying for Temporary Residence & Work Permit

Once in Serbia on a D‑visa, eligible candidates apply for a single permit (temporary residence + work authorization).

Who qualifies?

  • Employees with a valid Serbian employment contract

  • Self-employed / business founders (sole proprietors or DOO) lawyersserbia.com+15

  • Freelancers / remote workers (digital nomads) with proof of stable foreign income

  • Intra‑company transfers, interns, volunteers, journalists—specific categories allowed

Key requirements:

  1. Valid passport and recent photo

  2. Employment or business registration documents

  3. Health insurance covering your stay

  4. Criminal record certificate

  5. Proof of funds and accommodation welcometoserbia.org+1

Fees Overview:

  • D‑visa: €100–€173 depending on category

  • Arbeids permit fee: ~€100 (RSD 12,530)
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  • Permit fee: ~€150–185 EBIT

Processing Time:

  • D‑visa: ~2–4 weeks

  • Temporary residence/work permit: ~30–60 days after application submission

Step 3: Residency via Entrepreneurship / Company Formation

Founder or investor? Serbia’s business visa route offers a dual benefit—legal stay and access to a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem .

Why this route works:

  • No minimum investment capital required

  • Permits based on self-employment or directorship

  • Access to unified permit (residence + work) through company registration

  • Valid for up to 3 years, renewable, leading to permanent residency after 5 years globalcitizensolutions.com






Step 4: Living & Working in Serbia

  • Once approved, holders can stay up to 3 years, with free travel across the Schengen area zone entry for business trips.

  • Maintain legal purpose, health insurance, and stay over 183 days/year for renewal eligibility .

  • After 5 years of continuous stay (or 3 if married to a Serbian), you’re eligible for permanent residency, then citizenship

Summary Table

Visa/Permit Duration Use Case Entry Requirement
C‑Visa / Visa‑Free Entry 90 days / 180d Tourism, business visits only Passport, invitation, funds
D‑Visa (Long Stay) 90–180 days Work, study, biz, residency application Passport, invitation, insurance, criminal record
Temporary Residence + Work Permit Up to 3 years Legal employment/self-employment Work contract or biz registration
Permanent Residency After 5 years Long-term legal residence + benefits Continuous stay, legal compliance

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa for Serbia?

 Depends on nationality. U.S., E.U., U.K. passport holders can stay visa-free up to 90 days per 180 days. Others will need a C or D visa

How long until I get Serbian citizenship?

After 5 years of continuous temporary residence (or 3 if married to a Serbian citizen) .

Can I work while on a Tourist or C‑Visa?

No. Work activities require a D‑visa + temporary residence + work permit .

How much does the residence permit cost?

D‑visa fees vary from €100–173. Work permit ~€100. Residence permit application ~€150–185.

How Relocation Serbia Simplifies Your Move?

At Relocation Serbia, we provide 360° relocation support, including:

  1. Personalized visa & residence planning

  2. Professional business & freelance registration

  3. Handling all documentation, consulate liaison, and applications

  4. Ongoing renewal assistance and legal compliance

  5. Help with family, banking, and settling-in services

In short: We remove the friction so you can focus on growth, not red tape.