The Republic of Serbia, a country with a rich history and cultural heritage, offers people with Serbian ancestry the opportunity to acquire Serbian citizenship by descent. This process is an invaluable link for those with Serbian roots to connect with their heritage and enjoy the benefits of being part of the Serbian nation.
In this guide you will learn about:
What is Serbia citizenship by descent?
Serbian citizenship by descent can be obtained if you can demonstrate Serbian ancestry, meaning that either your parent or grandparent was a Serbian citizen at the time of your birth. This follows the principle of jus sanguinis (citizenship by blood).
Benefits of Serbian Citizenship
Access to the European job market
As a Serbian citizen, you have the opportunity to live and work in Serbia, which is a potential candidate for European Union membership. While Serbia is not yet a member, its strategic location in Southeast Europe and ongoing negotiations for EU accession could significantly open up employment opportunities within EU countries in the future. This provides a potential gateway to a vast and diverse job market.
Visa free or simplified visa access
Serbian passport holders enjoy visa free or visa on arrival access to many countries, including those in Europe’s Schengen Area for short stays. This makes international travel for tourism, business, or short-term study much easier and less bureaucratic, enhancing mobility and global connectivity.
Cultural and educational opportunities
Serbia has a rich cultural heritage and a strong education system. Being a Serbian citizen allows for seamless access to this rich culture and educational institutions. There’s an opportunity to study at well-regarded universities and engage deeply with the country’s history, arts, and traditions.
Healthcare and social services
Citizens of Serbia have access to the country’s healthcare system, which includes both public and private healthcare facilities. Although the public healthcare system faces certain challenges, one has the right to healthcare services as a citizen, which can be significantly cost-effective compared to private healthcare costs in many other countries.
Own property and business opportunities
Serbian citizenship allows unrestricted property ownership in the country. This is particularly advantageous for buying Serbian real estate or starting a business in Serbia. The country’s growing economy and investment-friendly climate can offer lucrative opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors. This is particularly true for the Serbia Residency by Company Formation program, offering a pathway to citizenship and fantastic business opportunities.
Who is eligible for Serbian citizenship by descent?
Under Serbian law, Serbian citizenship by descent is based on jus sanguinis (right of blood). Under Article 7 of the Serbia nationality law, a foreign citizen has a right to Serbian citizenship if:
- You were born in Serbia and your father was a citizen of Serbia at the time of birth.
- Both parents were Serbian citizens at the time of your birth.
- You were born abroad and your father was a citizen of Serbia, while the other parent’s citizenship status was unknown.
If you don’t meet the above requirements, don’t panic, the Serbia Residency by Investment program offers a stepping stone to Serbian citizenship within six years of naturalization.
What are the requirements for Serbian citizenship by descent?
Serbia citizenship by descent requirements include:
- Having at least one parent be a Serbian citizen at the time of your birth
- Providing proof of ancestry
If outside Serbia you must apply for citizenship before turning 23.
Document Requirements For Serbian Citizenship By Descent
To apply for Serbian citizenship by descent you need to supply the following documents:
- Proof of Serbian ancestry
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Signed declaration that you acknowledge Serbia as your home country
- Copy of ID or passport
- Proof of citizenship
- Two passport-size photos
Additional documents
Based on the strength of your application, there are additional documents that might be required to satisfy applicable regulations:
- If a single parent makes the application, a written statement declaring consent of the other parent or a parenting court order is required
- Birth certificate apostilled and translated into Serbian language by an authorized person
- If parents are not married, evidence of paternal recognition is required, such as a legal document or signed and certified statement, written or translated into Serbian.
- Proof of foreign citizenship is required if only one parent is a Serbian citizen. Foreign citizenship is proven through a passport or citizenship certificate issued by a foreign country.
Serbian Citizenship by Descent Application Process
Here is the basic application process to acquire Serbian citizenship by descent:
- Step one: Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents proving your Serbian ancestry and identity.
- Step two: Verify document authenticity and translations: Ensure that all foreign documents are properly legalized and officially translated into Serbian.
- Step three: Submit your application: Submit your completed application and supporting documents to the nearest Serbian embassy or consulate, or directly to the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia if you are applying from within the country.
- Step four: Attend an interview (if required): You may be asked to attend an in-person interview to confirm your identity, background, and connection to Serbia.
- Step five: Wait for a decision:> The review process can take several months. If your application is approved, you will receive a decision granting Serbian citizenship.
- Step six: Obtain citizenship certificate and passport: Once approved, you can register your citizenship and apply for a Serbian passport through the relevant authorities.
Does Serbia allow dual citizenship?
Serbia permits dual citizenship, allowing individuals to retain their current citizenship while acquiring Serbian nationality. Thanks to international treaties, this means that Serbian citizens can have a Serbian passport and a passport of their second country.
Serbian Citizenship by Descent Processing Time
The processing time for Serbian citizenship by descent typically takes between 6 and 12 months. However, the timeline can vary based on factors such as how complete your application is and the current workload of government authorities.
Language Requirement for Your Application
While there is no explicit requirement to speak the Serbian language for citizenship by descent, a basic understanding of the language and culture can significantly enhance the experience of connecting with one’s roots and engaging with the Serbian community. Serbian is the official and primary language of Serbia. It’s a South Slavic language and is written in both Cyrillic and Latin scripts, with both being officially recognized and widely used.
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.
