Serbia citizenship offers a unique combination of mobility, business advantages, and lifestyle benefits. Whether through descent, marriage, naturalization, or investment, becoming a Serbian citizen opens doors to visa-free travel, dual citizenship, low taxes, and access to a growing economy in the heart of Europe.
This guide explains the requirements, pathways, and benefits of obtaining Serbian citizenship in , helping you make informed decisions about your future in Serbia.
Serbia Citizenship: Key Takeaways
- Eligibility for Serbia citizenship includes descent, marriage (3+ years), naturalization (6 years), or significant contributions.
- Benefits of Serbia citizenship includes visa-free travel to 80 countries, low taxes, dual citizenship, EU market access, investment opportunities, and affordable living.
- Taxes for Serbia citizens are competitive: 10% personal income, 15% corporate, attractive for investors.
- Dual citizenship is allowed for Serbia citizens, depending on home country laws.
- Serbia Residency by Investment offers fast-track residency through real estate or company formation, which can eventually lead to citizenship.
- Documents for Serbia citizenship include passport, birth/marriage certificates, proof of residence, health insurance, and declaration of Serbia as country.
7 Benefits of Serbian Citizenship
- Visa-free travel: Serbian citizens enjoy visa free travel to major destinations, including the Schengen Area, China, Japan, and dozens of additional countries. There are 80 Serbia passport visa free countries as of December 2025.
- Seamless mobility within the Balkans: Those who acquire Serbian citizenship can enter neighboring countries using only a Serbian ID card.
- Low and competitive tax rates: Taxes in Serbia are competitive, including 10% personal income tax and 15% corporate tax, ideal for entrepreneurs and investors.
- Strong business advantages: Serbia offers citizens a range of investment incentives and access to key free trade agreements with the EU, EFTA, and EAEU.
- Investment opportunities: The Serbia Residency by Investment program offers a range of investment incentives for those looking to obtain residency in Serbia before obtaining citizenship.
- Affordable cost of living: The cost of living in Serbia offers excellent value for housing, healthcare, and lifestyle compared to Western Europe.
- Dual citizenship permitted: Serbia allows dual citizenship, allowing you to keep your original nationality while gaining the benefits of a Serbian passport. The GCS Global Passport Index 2025 ranks the Serbia passport 67th.
Pathways to Serbian Citizenship
Serbia Citizenship by Descent
Serbian Citizenship by Descent can be obtained through ancestry under the principle of jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood). You may qualify if:
- You were born in Serbia, and your father was a Serbian citizen at the time of your birth.
- Both of your parents were Serbian citizens when you were born.
- You were born abroad, and your father was a Serbian citizen, even if your other parent’s citizenship status is unknown.
This pathway allows individuals with Serbian ancestry to claim citizenship based on their family heritage.
Serbia Citizenship by Marriage
Foreigners married to a Serbian citizen for at least three years and holding permanent residence in Serbia may apply for citizenship. Applicants must submit a signed statement declaring Serbia as their country, demonstrate knowledge of the Serbian language and culture, and have a clean criminal record. Supporting documents, such as marriage and birth certificates and proof of address, must be submitted to the Ministry of Interior.
Serbia Citizenship by Naturalization
Serbia citizenship by naturalization is the most common route for foreigners who settle long-term in Serbia and do not qualify through Serbian descent or marriage. The process is straightforward compared to many European countries, but it requires completing Serbia’s residency stages before applying for a passport.
Here are the stages:
- Step One: Applicants must first obtain temporary residency and live in Serbia for three years.
- Step Two: After this period, they can apply for permanent residency (PR); a mandatory requirement before naturalization.
- Step Three: Once PR has been held for three additional years, applicants become eligible to apply for Serbian citizenship, provided they meet integration requirements. This includes basic Serbian language knowledge and proof of social and economic ties (employment, property ownership, or family connections).
Serbia Citizenship by Exception
Serbian Citizenship by Exception, under Article 19, is a discretionary route for individuals who make significant contributions to Serbia’s national interest.
This includes entrepreneurs who create jobs and drive economic growth, researchers and technology experts advancing innovation and infrastructure, athletes and coaches enhancing Serbia’s international sports profile, and artists, writers, or musicians enriching the cultural scene.
The program aims to attract top talent and high-impact contributors to support Serbia’s long-term development.
Serbia Residency by Investment: Pathway to Eventual Citizenship
The Serbia Residency by Investment program offers a simple and affordable route for foreign nationals to gain residency and eventually qualify for Serbian citizenship. By investing in real estate or establishing a company, applicants can obtain a temporary residence permit, progress to permanent residence after three years, and become eligible for citizenship after six years of continuous residency.
For the real estate route, foreigners can invest in apartments, residential buildings, or commercial property anywhere in Serbia, with no minimum investment requirement. After buying property in Serbia, residency can be granted in under one month, making this one of Europe’s most accessible investment-residency options.
The Serbia Residency by Company Formation pathway allows applicants to form a Serbian company and appoint themselves as director, with no minimum capital, no nationality restrictions, and only an employment contract required to demonstrate income in Serbia. This option is ideal for entrepreneurs seeking residency while tapping into Serbia’s growing economy.
Both pathways provide a fast, flexible, and cost-effective route to Serbian residency, permanent residence, and ultimately Serbian citizenship, appealing to investors, business owners, and globally mobile individuals. Still, working with a qualified Serbia immigration lawyer is highly recommended to ensure you meet all the requirements.
Where to Obtain Serbian Citizenship
Applications for Serbian citizenship are handled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. You can submit your application in person, through an authorized representative, or via a Serbian embassy or consulate, which will forward it to the Ministry.
For children under 18, a parent must submit the application, including a signed statement declaring Serbia as their country, and children over 14 must also give their consent. Applicants who are unable to act for themselves must have their guardian submit the application on their behalf.
Can Serbian citizenship be taken away?
Serbian citizenship can end in several ways. The most common is voluntary release, when a citizen requests it and meets conditions such as holding another nationality. Renunciation is also possible, often for young citizens living abroad. Citizenship can additionally be terminated through annulment or by international agreement, though revocation is rare and usually only occurs in cases of fraud or serious criminal offenses, as deemed by the Serbian government.
Serbia Dual Citizenship
The Republic of Serbia allows dual citizenship in most cases, letting you retain your original nationality. Eligibility depends on your home country’s laws, and applicants often need to declare Serbia as their country.
Dual citizenship can be obtained through descent, naturalization, marriage, investment, or significant contributions. In some cases, you may need to apply for release from your foreign citizenship unless your home country forbids it.
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.
