Stay of Foreigners in the Republic of Serbia
In recent years, an increasing number of foreign nationals from different parts of the world have decided to relocate their life activities to the Republic of Serbia. The highest number of arrivals is recorded from citizens of China, Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Cuba, and Russia. This trend of growing immigration can be partially attributed to the liberal legislation that regulates the status of foreigners, as well as the current labor shortage in key industries, particularly in construction. Additionally, favorable conditions for foreign companies and the charming lifestyle that characterizes our country further attract international talents and investors.
Entry into the Republic of Serbia
Before planning your trip to the Republic of Serbia, it is crucial to inform yourself about the visa regime that applies to nationals of your country. You need to check whether your country of origin belongs to the group of countries whose citizens do not require a visa to enter Serbia, or if you belong to the group of countries for which a visa is mandatory.
Citizens of most European countries, as well as countries outside of Europe with which the Republic of Serbia has signed bilateral agreements on regulating entry and exit, can enter the country without a visa. Among these countries are, for example, all European Union member states, the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Oman, Indonesia, Suriname, and others.
Types of Stay in the Republic of Serbia
There are four types of stay in the Republic of Serbia: short-term, long-term, temporary stay, and permanent residence. Accordingly, visas are issued for short stays, long stays, as well as permits for temporary stay and permanent residence.
Applications for visa issuance are allowed to all foreigners, as well as stateless individuals.
Short-Term Visa (Visa C)
For short stays, lasting up to 90 days within a 180-day period, this type of visa is issued to nationals of countries that are not in a visa-free regime, i.e., whose citizens cannot enter Serbia without a visa. The short-term visa grants permission for entry into the Republic of Serbia, transit across its territory, as well as stay in the country. These visas are most commonly issued for tourist trips, business visits (such as attending meetings and conferences), and similar purposes, and can be issued for one, two, or more entries into Serbia.
For example, if you are a citizen of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire who is doing business with a company in Serbia, and you plan to visit Serbia for business meetings with that company, you will apply for a Visa C.
It is important to emphasize that a Visa C is not a condition for applying for a temporary stay, and that Visa C is issued for all purposes of travel, except for those purposes for which a Visa D is issued, while Visa D is issued for all reasons for which temporary stay can be granted. In other words, you need to check which visa is appropriate for your stay in Serbia, and then apply for it. For example, if you have a job offer in Serbia and are coming to sign a work contract, you cannot apply for a Visa C, but you must apply for a Visa D.
Long-Term Visa (Visa D)
Long-term stay refers to entry, exit, and stay in the territory of Serbia for a period of 90 to 180 days. The most common reasons for issuing a Visa D are family reunification, employment, studying, and similar. Foreign nationals who wish to apply for a temporary stay permit and require a visa to enter Serbia must first apply for a Visa D, and then, upon arrival, apply for the approval of temporary stay. The reason for which a Visa D is requested must be identical to the reason for which temporary stay will be requested.
For example, if you are a citizen of the Republic of India and plan to come to Serbia to sign a work contract, you must apply for a Visa D before coming to Serbia.
Another example is if you are a citizen of the Republic of Benin who is in a romantic relationship with a Serbian citizen and plans to come for a longer visit or even move to Serbia. Since Benin is not part of the group of countries that do not require a visa, you must first apply for a Visa D, and only after approval, when you arrive in Serbia, can you initiate the process for temporary stay approval.
On the other hand, if you are a citizen of the Republic of France, and for the reasons mentioned above, you are coming to Serbia, there is no need to apply for a Visa D, as you can immediately initiate the procedure for obtaining a temporary stay and work permit upon arrival in Serbia, given that France is part of the visa-free regime.
For any additional questions, you can hire our team of lawyers, who can significantly simplify the process of gathering documentation and provide support during the application process for obtaining a visa.
Author of the text: Olga Matić, legal intern.