Serbia runs a single official portal for foreigners, Welcome to Serbia, which brings together information and online applications for visas and residence. This guide summarises what that portal says, so you can see the shape of the process before deciding on a route.
Visa D and temporary residence are two different steps
Visa D is the long-stay visa. Applications go through the official visa e-application portal. Whether you need one depends on your nationality.[2]
For a visa D application, the portal lists these document categories:[2]
- An invitation letter, verified by the competent authority
- A recent colour photograph
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Proof of health insurance
- A written authorization or power of attorney, where someone such as your employer applies on your behalf
The portal adds that the address you enter on the online visa form should match the address in your landlord’s statement.[2]
The portal also notes exemptions: for example, immediate family members of Serbian citizens and applicants on an employment basis do not submit proof of subsistence or health insurance.[2]
Temporary residence is a separate permit. According to the official portal, a visa D holder who intends to stay longer than the number of days specified on the visa applies for temporary residence.[1]
The grounds for temporary residence
Temporary residence is always granted on a specific ground. The official portal groups them as follows.[1]
- Employment through a single permit, which combines residence and work: for example an employment contract, self-employment, intra-company transfer or work as an independent professional
- Education: studying, schooling, learning Serbian, exchanges and scientific research
- Other grounds, including investor, Serbian origin, start-up, talent, property owner, family reunification, independent stay, religious service and medical treatment
Which ground fits which situation
- Founders and entrepreneurs usually look at the business-related grounds, such as self-employment under the single permit.
- Families joining someone already in Serbia look at family reunification.
- Property buyers look at the property owner ground.
- People with Serbian roots may look at the Serbian origin ground, or at citizenship by descent.
- Remote professionals need to match how they work and are paid to the right ground. If you are unsure which one fits, a consultation is the place to confirm it.
How applications are filed
- Single permit (residence and work): filed exclusively online on the official portal.
- Other temporary residence: filed online on the portal or in person with the competent authority.
- Minors: applications are submitted in person by their legal representatives.
- After approval: the applicant must attend the competent authority in person.
How long a permit lasts, and renewing it
The official portal states that temporary residence can be issued for a maximum period of up to three years. An extension request should be submitted no sooner than three months before the current permit expires.[1]
Official sources
- Temporary residence — Welcome to Serbia (official portal for foreigners) (opens in a new tab)
- Detailed information on the visa D documentation — Welcome to Serbia (opens in a new tab)
- eForeigner — official online applications for foreigners (opens in a new tab)
Facts last checked:
Related services
- Relocation RoadmapA focused 60-minute consultation to choose your route and next steps.
- ManagedDone for you: we arrange, prepare and track the whole process on your behalf.
- Family reunificationBring your spouse and children to join you, built on the Essential package.
- Permit onlyYou already own the property, or have found it. We handle the residence permit.
- Residence renewalYour renewal prepared, filed and accompanied, with deadlines tracked for you.
