Imagine gaining access to a world of opportunities, where your expertise, investment, or achievements could grant you the keys to a new nationality.
The Serbia Citizenship by Exception program offers just that, inviting skilled individuals that have made a significant contribution to their field the chance to obtain Serbian citizenship.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, or trailblazer in your field, Serbia welcomes those who can help shape its future.
In this guide you will learn about:
What is Serbia Citizenship by Exception?
Serbia Citizenship by Exception (Citizenship by Merit) is a special pathway for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Serbia’s national interests. Unlike standard citizenship programs, this route allows applicants to bypass typical requirements such as residency, language proficiency, or length of stay.
Citizenship by Exception is granted on a case-by-case basis through a government decision, usually for individuals with notable achievements in areas like investment, science, culture, or sports. Applications are approved by decree of the Ministry of Interior, often following recommendations from relevant government authorities.
Benefits of Serbia Citizenship by Exception
The Serbia Citizenship by Exception program comes with a range of benefits, including:
- Investment opportunities: Serbia is one of the top European countries for investment potential. The country is actively invested in seeking the very best talents to propel the country into the future.
- Visa free travel: Obtaining a Serbian passport offers Serbian citizens access to 148 visa free countries. This includes all EU countries, Russia, Singapore, and Canada, to name a few. The GCS Global Passport Index 2025 ranks the Serbian passport 67th.
- Fast track to citizenship: Unlike naturalization which can take up to six years, the program offers Serbian citizenship within a few months.
- Favorable business environment: Having citizenship in Serbia opens up a world of business opportunities, including trade agreements with the European Union.
- Rights to live and work in the country: As a Serbian citizenship holder you have the same rights as Serbian citizens, including the right to live and work in the country.
- Favorable tax environment: Serbia offers some of the lowest tax rates in Europe, including income tax rates between 10%-20% and corporate tax rates of 20%.
- Dual citizenship allowances: Serbia permits dual citizenship allowing citizens to acquire citizenship in more than one country.
- Family inclusion: Applicants are permitted to include their spouse in their application.
Who is eligible for Serbia Citizenship by Exception?
Serbian Citizenship by Exception is a discretionary route under Article 19 of the Citizenship Law, available to individuals who make significant contributions to Serbia’s national interest, such as major business investments or outstanding achievements in culture, arts, sports, or science.
- Science: Researchers whose work has a significant impact on Serbia’s research and development priorities.
- Business: Entrepreneurs and business owners who create jobs and drive economic growth in Serbia.
- Sports: Athletes and coaches who enhance Serbia’s international sports profile.
- Technology: Experts and innovators in information technology, engineering, and telecommunications who support infrastructure development.
- Culture: Artists, writers, and musicians who contribute to Serbia’s arts and cultural scene.
The aim of the citizenship by exception program in Serbia is to obtain the very best talent across various industries to propel the country into the future. However, not everyone meets the above criteria. Luckily, Serbia Residency by Investment is another enticing program that invites foreign nationals to make affordable investments into the country to obtain residency. Once one has a Serbia residence permit for six years, they are eligible for Serbian citizenship.
Document Requirements for Serbia Citizenship by Exception
To start the application process for Citizenship by Exception Serbia, you must submit the following documents:
- A certified copy or original of your birth certificate
- A certified copy of a valid passport or a verified copy of your current passport
- A police clearance certificate from your home country confirming a clean criminal record
- A detailed curriculum vitae or comprehensive business plan outlining your qualifications and objectives
- Business incorporation documents, if you are establishing a company in Serbia
Application Process for Serbia Citizenship by Exception
The typical application process for Serbia Citizenship by Exception includes the following:
- Step one: Determine eligibility: Ensure you meet the criteria for citizenship by exception. This includes making significant contributions to Serbia in business, investment, sports, arts, or technology.
- Step two: Prepare required documents: Gather key documents for your application.
- Step three: Submit your application: Apply through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Serbia or the nearest Serbian embassy/consulate. Working with a legal expert may help ensure that your application is complete and meets the required guidelines to avoid delays.
- Step four: Serbian government review and approval: Serbian authorities will assess your application, including background checks and evaluating your contributions to the country.
- Step five: Presidential decision: Citizenship by exception is granted by the President of the Republic of Serbia on a case-by-case basis.
- Step six: Receive Serbian citizenship: If approved, you will take an oath (if required) and receive your Serbian passport and citizenship certificate.
Taxes for Serbia Citizenship by Exception
Obtaining Serbian citizenship by exception does not automatically make you a tax resident of Serbia. However, you need to ensure you don’t spend more than 183 days in a year within the country if you don’t want to become a tax resident in Serbia. Speaking with a Serbia immigration lawyer can help to ensure you know where your tax responsibilities lie.
But even if you are required to pay taxes in Serbia, you’re in luck, the country has some of the lowest tax rates in Europe. The personal income tax ranges between 10%-20%, while the corporate tax is 15%.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.
We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.
