Serbia Dual Citizenship: The Ultimate Guide in 2026

Serbia has become an increasingly attractive destintion for expats, entrepreneurs, and global citizens seeking greater flexibility in Europe. With its strategic location in Southeast Europe, favorable residency rules, and growing economy, many foreign nationals are exploring Serbian citizenship as a long-term option. 

Serbia dual citizenship allows individuals to become Serbian citizens while keeping their original nationality, provided their home country also permits dual citizenship. 

In this article, we’ll explore Serbia’s dual citizenship rules, benefits, pathways, tax considerations, and specific guidance for citizens of the US, UK, and Australia. 

Serbia Dual Citizenship: Key Takeaways  

• Serbia allows dual citizenship, letting most applicants keep their original nationality if their home country permits it. 
• Pathways: Descent, marriage (3+ years), naturalization (3+ years permanent residence), or special exceptions for investors/talents. 
• Processing timeline: Citizenship by descent takes months; marriage/naturalization applications typically take 6–12 months after meeting residency requirements. 
• Benefits of Serbia dual citizenship includes visa-free travel to 100+ countries, access to healthcare and education, and strong business opportunities.

Yes, Serbia allows dual and multiple citizenship. Serbian nationality law does not require most applicants to renounce their existing citizenship when acquiring Serbian citizenship. 

However, while Serbia permits dual citizenship, your home country’s laws ultimately determine whether you can legally hold more than one citizenship. Some countries require their citizens to renounce their original nationality when acquiring another. 

1. Visa-free travel: A Serbian passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 100 countries, including the Schengen Area, Russia, China, and Turkey. 
2. Right to live and work in Serbia: Serbian citizens can live, work, and run businesses in Serbia without residence permits or renewals. 
3. Strategic European location: Serbia sits at the crossroads of Europe, with strong ties to both the EU and non-EU countries. 
4. Favorable tax environment: Serbia has a flat personal income tax rate of 10%, making it attractive for entrepreneurs and remote workers. 
5. Business and investment opportunities: Foreigners who acquire Serbian citizenship face fewer restrictions when starting companies or investing locally. 
6. Family reunification: Serbian citizenship simplifies residency and citizenship options for spouses and children. 
7. Dual citizenship permitted: Serbia allows you to obtain Serbian citizenship while you retain your original nationality, subject to your home country’s laws. 

01/ Citizenship by Descent 

Serbian citizenship by descent is available to individuals with Serbian ancestry, including descendants of citizens of the former Yugoslavia. 

Applicants must prove a direct family connection to a Serbian citizen through official documentation, such as birth and marriage certificates. This pathway does not require prior residence in Serbia and is often the fastest option. 

02/ Citizenship by Naturalization 

Foreign nationals can apply for Serbian citizenship through naturalization after legally residing in Serbia. 

Applicants must: 

• Hold permanent residency 
• Have lived in Serbia with permanent residency for at least three consecutive years 
• Demonstrate integration into Serbian society 
• Declare Serbia as their primary country of residence 

In most cases, renunciation of previous citizenship is not required unless mandated by the applicant’s home country. 

03/ Citizenship through Marriage 

Foreign spouses of Serbian citizens may qualify for Serbian citizenship through a simplified naturalization process. 

While marriage alone does not automatically grant citizenship, applicants must demonstrate a genuine marital relationship and legal residence in Serbia. 

04/ Citizenship by Exception 

Serbia citizenship by exception may grant citizenship to individuals whose admission is deemed to be in the national interest. 

This route is typically reserved for: 

• Significant investors 
• Entrepreneurs creating economic value 
• Athletes, artists, or public figures contributing to Serbia’s international profile 

Citizenship by exception is assessed on a case-by-case basis and does not follow a fixed investment threshold. 

All citizenship applications must be submitted through the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia.  

05/ Citizenship via Serbia Residency by Investment 

Serbia does not offer a direct Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, but it provides a Serbia Residency by Investment pathway that can lead to Serbian citizenship over time. 

Foreign nationals can obtain a temporary residence permit by making an affordable investment, most commonly through buying property in Serbia. A key advantage of Serbia’s program is that there is no minimum investment requirement, and property can be located anywhere in the country. 

After three years of continuous temporary residence, investors may qualify for permanent residency. Following a further three years with permanent resident status, applicants can apply for Serbian citizenship through naturalization, subject to minimum stay requirements. 

Serbia Residency through Company Formation or real estate offer flexible, cost-effective alternatives to traditional CBI programs, making Serbia an attractive option for investors seeking long-term European citizenship planning. 

US citizens can obtain Serbian dual citizenship without renouncing their US nationality, as both Serbia and the US allow dual citizenship. 

However, those with Serbia US dual citizenship must comply with the laws of both countries. While in Serbia, US consular protection may be limited if you are treated solely as a Serbian citizen. 

US citizens should also be aware of ongoing US worldwide taxation obligations, which may overlap with Serbian tax residency rules. 

Australia allows dual citizenship, meaning Australians can retain their Australian passport when acquiring Serbian citizenship. 

Australian-Serbian dual citizens must follow Serbian law while in Serbia, and Australian diplomatic assistance may be restricted during that time. 

UK citizens can obtain Serbian dual citizenship without giving up their British nationality, as both countries permit dual citizenship. 

Citizenship by descent is often the most straightforward route for UK citizens with Serbian or Yugoslav ancestry, followed by naturalization through long-term residence. 

1. Secure legal residence: Begin with a temporary residence permit and progress to permanent residency, typically after three years of continuous residence, before obtaining citizenship after six years. 
2. Meet eligibility criteria: Fulfill the relevant requirements for your chosen pathway, which may include basic language knowledge, integration into Serbian society, and a clean criminal record. 
3. Prepare supporting documents: Gather and legalize required documents, such as birth and marriage certificates, valid identification, and residence permits. Certified translations may be required. 
4. Submit your application: File your citizenship application with the Serbian Ministry of Interior. 
5. Final approval and oath: Attend any required interviews and, if approved, take an oath of allegiance to complete the naturalization process. 

The steps for Serbian dual citizenship will ultimately change depending on your chosen citizenship pathway. Whichever path you choose, working with a Serbian immigration lawyer is highly recommended to ensure your application is completed in full.  

Taxes in Serbia for dual citizens depend on tax residency, not citizenship. 

You are generally considered a Serbian tax resident if you: 

• Spend 183 days or more in Serbia within a 12-month period 
• Have a permanent home or center of economic interests in Serbia 

Serbian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, while non-residents are taxed only on Serbian-source income.