Serbia Residence Permit for Russian Citizens: 2025 Guide 

Thinking about moving from Russia to Serbia in 2025? Serbia has become an increasingly attractive destination for Russians looking for a new home, thanks to its visa-free entry, affordable lifestyle, and straightforward residency options.  

Russian citizens can stay in Serbia for up to 30 days without a visa, but for longer stays, a residence permit is required. Whether through investment, company formation, employment, or family reunification, Serbia offers multiple pathways to secure legal residency. 

In this Serbia residence permit for Russian citizens guide you will learn about:  

• Do Russians need a visa to visit Serbia? 
• How To Immigrate to Serbia from Russia 
• Benefits of the Serbia Residence Permit for Russians 
• Serbia Residence Permit Documents for Russian Citizens 
• How to Apply for a Permanent Residence Permit 
• Serbia Residence Permit Processing Time for Russian Citizens 
• Serbia Residence Permit Cost for Russian Citizens 

Russian citizens can enter Serbia without a visa and stay for up to 30 days. For longer stays, they need to apply for a temporary residence permit, also known as a “boravak”, which is usually granted for one year and can be extended. 

The natural progression from a temporary residency permit is permanent residency. Russian citizens can obtain permanent residency after living in the Republic of Serbia for at least three years with at least 183 days spent in the country each year.  

How To Immigrate to Serbia from Russia

Serbia Residency by Investment 

The Serbia Residency by Investment program is the ideal option for Russian investors to obtain Serbian residency.  The program allows Russians to purchase real estate anywhere in Serbia with no minimum investment requirements.  

Residency through company formation 

One of the most popular ways to obtain Serbian residency as a Russian citizen is the Serbia residence permit by company formation.  Through forming a company, Russian citizens can obtain a Serbian residence permit. There is no minimum investment amount, offering a fantastic way to invest in Serbia’s growing economy.  

Residency through employment 

Russian citizens can obtain Serbian residency if they work for a Serbian employer. You are required to provide proof of employment (employment contract) from the employer with various requirements for a work permit, including an assessment from the Serbian National Employment Service.  

Residency by marriage 

Serbian residency is also available to Russian citizens that have married a Serbian national. You are required to provide the marriage certificate as proof.  

With a Serbian residence permit, Russian citizens can legally live in the country. They can take advantage of Serbia’s affordable cost of living, favorable tax system, and stable business environment with access to EU markets. The permit also opens doors to investment opportunities, an efficient banking system, and Serbia’s strategic location connecting Eastern and Western Europe. 

Key benefits include:  

1. Favorable tax system: The Serbian tax system is highly favorable with personal tax rates at 10-15% and a corporate tax rate of 15%. Russia and Serbia also have a double taxation agreement, meaning you are only taxed on your income once.  
2. Lower cost of living: Serbia offers a significantly lower cost of living when compared to Western Europe and the US.  
3. Strategic location: Located between central and southeast Europe, Serbia provides a strategic base for businesses aiming to reach the wider European market. 
4. Investment potential: Serbia’s real estate market provides steady opportunities, while foreign investors can also set up businesses or grow existing ones. 

Serbia residence permit requirements for Russians include: 

• Passport with three months validity 
• Valid health insurance 
• Proof of sufficient funds  
• Passport sized photos 
• Proof of payment for visa fees 
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) 
• Certified birth certificate (if applicable) 
• Completed application form 
• Proof of accommodation (white card) 

Here is the application process for Russian citizens to obtain a permanent residence permit in Serbia: 

1. Step one: Enter Serbia legally: Russian citizens can enter Serbia visa-free and stay up to 30 days. You must obtain a white card from the nearest local police station within 24 hours of arrival. For longer stays, you must already hold a valid temporary residence permit. 
2. Step two: Maintain temporary residence: Permanent residence can only be requested after legally living in Serbia with an approved temporary residence permit for at least three years. 
3. Step three: Prepare the required documents: Ensure all your documents are up to date for the application, including a valid passport, proof of funds, and valid health insurance.  
4. Step four: Submit the application: Applications for permanent residence are submitted in person at the local office of the Ministry of Interior (MUP) in Serbia. 
5. Step five: Pay the fees: You’ll need to pay the official application and residence card fees when applying. 
6. Step six: Wait for approval: Processing times may vary, but it generally takes a few months. Once approved, you’ll receive permanent residence status. 

Working with a Serbia immigration lawyer is highly recommended to ensure your application is complete and you meet all the requirements. Luckily, when working with Global Citizen Solutions you are taken care of from start to finish, with consultations also available in Russian.  

The processing time for a Serbia temporary residence permit for Russian citizens is between 30-60 days. The decision is issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Administration for Foreigners within this timeframe, as long as the application is complete. 

For Russian citizens, the main costs of applying for a Serbian temporary residence permit include official submission and permit fees of about ₽17,561 (around €180). In addition, applicants must show proof of sufficient funds in a Serbian bank account, to cover living expenses during their stay.