The Serbian passport (Pasoš Srbije) is a fantastic option if you’re looking to travel more internationally, explore the beauty of Serbia, and enjoy a high quality of life for a fraction of the cost of EU countries and the US.
In this guide you’ll learn about:
- How to get a Serbian passport
- Serbian passport requirements
- Eligibility requirements for the Serbian passport
- Benefits of the Serbian passport and more
Types of Serbian Passports
Regular passport: Issued to all Serbian citizens.
Diplomatic passport: Granted by the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this passport is issued to diplomats, high-ranking officials, members of parliament, and individuals on official state business, including their immediate family members.
Official passport: Shares all characteristics with the diplomatic passport but does not carry the advantages of diplomatic immunity. Issued to mid and low-ranking officials, as well as non-diplomatic staff at embassies and consulates
Emergency travel document: Issued to Serbian citizens facing emergencies or who don’t hold a valid passport and have urgent travel needs. Requests for emergency passports may require proof of emergency, such as a police report, a medical appointment, or funeral arrangements.
Visa Requirements for Serbian Passport Holders
A Serbian passport is a biometric passport issued to citizens of the Republic of Serbia. Although Serbia isn’t a member of the European Union, its EU membership application is under consideration. As such, Serbian passport holders could soon gain EU citizenship and a European Union travel document.
Concerning global mobility, Serbian passports provide visa free benefits, enhancing global mobility. Serbian passports facilitate travel to 148 visa free countries, including China, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and all EU countries.
A Serbian passport is particularly beneficial for valid visa free and electronic travel authorization (eTA) entry to several countries inaccessible without visas for many tier-one passports. Let’s explore the countries accessible to citizens of the Republic of Serbia.
| Country | Serbia |
|---|---|
 Albania | visa free (90 days) |
 Algeria | visa required |
 Andorra | visa free (90 days) |
 Angola | visa required |
 Antigua and Barbuda | visa free (180 days) |
 Argentina | visa free (90 days) |
 Armenia | visa free (180 days) |
 Australia | e-visa |
 Austria | visa free (90 days) |
 Azerbaijan | e-visa |
 Bahamas | e-visa |
 Bahrain | e-visa |
 Bangladesh | visa on arrival |
 Barbados | visa free (90 days) |
 Belarus | visa free (30 days) |
 Belgium | visa free (90 days) |
 Belize | visa required |
 Benin | e-visa |
 Bhutan | e-visa |
 Bolivia | visa on arrival |
 Bosnia and Herzegovina | visa free (90 days) |
 Botswana | e-visa |
 Brazil | visa free (90 days) |
 Brunei | visa required |
 Bulgaria | visa free (90 days) |
 Burkina Faso | e-visa |
 Burundi | visa on arrival |
 Cambodia | visa on arrival |
 Cameroon | e-visa |
 Canada | visa required |
 Cabo Verde | visa on arrival |
 Central African Republic | visa required |
 Chad | visa required |
 Chile | visa free (90 days) |
 China | visa free (30 days) |
 Colombia | visa free (90 days) |
 Comoros | visa on arrival |
 Congo | visa required |
 DR Congo | e-visa |
 Costa Rica | visa free (90 days) |
 Ivory Coast | e-visa |
 Croatia | visa free (90 days) |
 Cuba | visa free (90 days) |
 Cyprus | visa free (90 days) |
 Czech Republic | visa free (90 days) |
 Denmark | visa free (90 days) |
 Djibouti | e-visa |
 Dominica | visa free (21 days) |
 Dominican Republic | visa free |
 Ecuador | visa free (90 days) |
 Egypt | visa on arrival |
 El Salvador | visa required |
 Equatorial Guinea | e-visa |
 Eritrea | visa required |
 Estonia | visa free (90 days) |
 Swaziland | visa free (30 days) |
 Ethiopia | e-visa |
 Fiji | visa free (120 days) |
 Finland | visa free (90 days) |
 France | visa free (90 days) |
 Gabon | e-visa |
 Gambia | visa free (90 days) |
 Georgia | visa free (360 days) |
 Germany | visa free (90 days) |
 Ghana | visa required |
 Greece | visa free (90 days) |
 Grenada | visa free (90 days) |
 Guatemala | visa required |
 Guinea | e-visa |
 Guinea-Bissau | visa on arrival |
 Guyana | visa required |
 Haiti | visa free (90 days) |
 Honduras | visa required |
 Hong Kong | visa free (14 days) |
 Hungary | visa free (90 days) |
 Iceland | visa free (90 days) |
 India | e-visa |
 Indonesia | visa on arrival |
 Iran | e-visa |
 Iraq | visa required |
 Ireland | visa required |
 Israel | visa free (90 days) |
 Italy | visa free (90 days) |
 Jamaica | visa on arrival |
 Japan | visa free (90 days) |
 Jordan | visa on arrival |
 Kazakhstan | visa free (30 days) |
 Kenya | e-visa |
 Kiribati | visa required |
 Kosovo | visa free (90 days) |
 Kuwait | visa on arrival |
 Kyrgyzstan | visa free (90 days) |
 Lao | visa on arrival |
 Latvia | visa free (90 days) |
 Lebanon | visa on arrival |
 Lesotho | e-visa |
 Liberia | visa required |
 Libya | visa required |
 Liechtenstein | visa free (90 days) |
 Lithuania | visa free (90 days) |
 Luxembourg | visa free (90 days) |
 Macao | visa free (90 days) |
 Madagascar | visa on arrival |
 Malawi | e-visa |
 Malaysia | e-visa |
 Maldives | visa on arrival |
 Mali | visa required |
 Malta | visa free (90 days) |
 Marshall Islands | visa required |
 Mauritania | visa on arrival |
 Mauritius | visa on arrival |
 Mexico | visa required |
 Micronesia | visa free (30 days) |
 Moldova | visa free (90 days) |
 Monaco | visa free (90 days) |
 Mongolia | visa free (90 days) |
 Montenegro | visa free (90 days) |
 Morocco | visa required |
 Mozambique | visa on arrival |
 Myanmar | e-visa |
 Namibia | visa required |
 Nauru | visa required |
 Nepal | visa on arrival |
 Netherlands | visa free (90 days) |
 New Zealand | visa required |
 Nicaragua | visa on arrival |
 Niger | visa required |
| Nigeria | e-visa |
 North Korea | visa required |
 North Macedonia | visa free (90 days) |
 Norway | visa free (90 days) |
 Oman | visa on arrival |
 Pakistan | e-visa |
 Palau | visa on arrival |
 Palestine | visa free |
 Panama | visa free (90 days) |
 Papua New Guinea | visa required |
 Paraguay | visa required |
 Peru | visa free (90 days) |
 Philippines | visa required |
 Poland | visa free (90 days) |
 Portugal | visa free (90 days) |
 Qatar | visa on arrival |
 Romania | visa free (90 days) |
 Russia | visa free (30 days) |
 Rwanda | visa on arrival |
 Saint Kitts and Nevis | e-visa |
 Saint Lucia | visa required |
 Samoa | visa on arrival |
 San Marino | visa free (90 days) |
 Sao Tome and Principe | e-visa |
 Saudi Arabia | visa required |
 Senegal | visa required |
 Seychelles | visa free (90 days) |
 Sierra Leone | e-visa |
 Singapore | visa free (30 days) |
 Slovakia | visa free (90 days) |
 Slovenia | visa free (90 days) |
 Solomon Islands | visa required |
 Somalia | visa on arrival |
 South Africa | visa required |
 South Korea | e-visa |
 South Sudan | e-visa |
 Spain | visa free (90 days) |
 Sri Lanka | e-visa |
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | visa free (90 days) |
 Sudan | visa required |
 Suriname | visa free (30 days) |
 Sweden | visa free (90 days) |
 Switzerland | visa free (90 days) |
 Syria | visa required |
 Taiwan | visa required |
 Tajikistan | e-visa |
 Tanzania | visa on arrival |
 Thailand | e-visa |
 Timor-Leste | visa on arrival |
 Togo | visa on arrival |
 Tonga | visa required |
 Trinidad and Tobago | visa free (30 days) |
 Tunisia | visa required |
 Turkmenistan | visa required |
 Tuvalu | visa on arrival |
 Turkey | visa free (90 days) |
 Uganda | e-visa |
 Ukraine | visa free (30 days) |
 United Arab Emirates | visa free (90 days) |
 United Kingdom | visa required |
 United States | visa required |
 Uruguay | visa free (90 days) |
 Uzbekistan | visa free (30 days) |
 Vanuatu | visa free (30 days) |
 Vatican | visa free (90 days) |
 Venezuela | visa required |
 Vietnam | e-visa |
 Yemen | visa required |
 Zambia | visa free (90 days) |
 Zimbabwe | visa on arrival |
 Afghanistan | visa required |
Serbia Passport Benefits
A foreign national who becomes a Serbian citizen and acquires a valid passport from the Republic, secures a plan B and new opportunities for themself and their family members.
Here are some of the Serbia passport highlights:
Stable economy: Serbia is gaining increasing attention from foreign investors seeking a foothold in the European market due to its long history of economic stability. Serbia passport holders can conduct business in a stable country that has proved its resilience against challenging economic conditions.
Enhanced global mobility: A valid passport from the Republic of Serbia provides access to 148 visa free countries. Serbian passport holders can access the Schengen Area visa free for 90 days out of 180 days, as well as strict countries such as Russia and China. Additionally, a valid Serbian identity card allows access to six countries in the region, including Albania, Montenegro, and Turkey.
Free healthcare system: The Serbian government provides free universal healthcare to all citizens, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and various healthcare services. Private health insurance is also available at low premiums.
Well-developed infrastructure: Despite Serbia’s low cost of living and relatively small economy, the country has well-developed infrastructure. Major cities such as Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Kragujevac boast modern public transportation networks, including highways and railways that connect major cities, facilitating efficient travel and trade. Robust telecommunications and internet services further contribute to Serbia’s advanced infrastructure.
Serbia passport ranking: Serbia’s passport ranks in the top third of other global passports. According to the Global Passport Index, the Serbian passport is the 65th strongest passport worldwide when considering global mobility, investment opportunities, and quality of life factors.
How to Get a Serbian Passport
Acquiring a Serbian biometric passport is a simple process, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements and successfully fulfill due diligence checks. You can qualify for a Serbia passport as a foreign resident within six years. Lets take a look at the ways to obtain Serbian citizenship.
Serbian citizenship by birthright
A standard method of acquiring citizenship for Serbians is by jus soli (right of soil) through Serbian ancestry. A person born in the Republic of Serbia can request citizenship after living in the country for two years.
Serbian citizenship by descent
The most predominant method natural-born Serbians acquire citizenship is through jus sanguinis (right of blood). An individual can be granted citizenship by descent in the following three specific circumstances:
- Both parents were Serbian citizens at the time of their birth.
- They were born in Serbia, and at least one parent was a Serbian citizen at the time of their birth.
- At least one parent was a Serbian citizen at the time of their birth, and the other parent was unknown or a foreign national, and the person chooses to request citizenship at 23 years old.
Serbian citizenship by marriage
Foreigners married to a Serbian national are eligible for citizenship, provided they have been married for three years and hold permanent residence status in the Republic.
Serbian citizenship by naturalization
The Republic of Serbia has a six-year naturalization process. This requires three years of residence before being eligible to apply for permanent residency and an additional three years with permanent residence status.
Serbian citizenship by exception
Individuals recognized for their substantial contributions to the Republic of Serbia through contributions to education, business, or who have substantial assets held in the Republic may receive Serbian citizenship by exception.
Kosovan citizens
As per Serbian legislation, individuals born in Kosovo or those with legal residence in Kosovo are automatically recognized as Serbian nationals. Consequently, they possess the legal right to obtain a Serbian passport. However, passports go through a separate issuing process.
The Directorate of the Administrative Affairs of the Serbian Police does not issue Serbian passports to Kosovans and Kosovo residents; instead, they’re issued by the Coordination Directorate for Kosovo and Metohija of the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs.
How to Get a Serbian Passport by Investment
Serbia’s residency by investment program provides a path to citizenship of the Republic and a Serbian travel document after six years of residency.
To qualify for a Serbian passport through investment, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18
- Hold a clean criminal record
- Make one of two investments: Purchase a property anywhere in Serbia or establish a Serbian business.
- Submit your application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia and obtain your investment visa.
- Complete three years of residency and apply for permanent residency.
- Complete an additional three years of residency with permanent residence status and no more than six months outside the country each year.
- Submit your citizenship application and the necessary documents to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia along with the required documentation
- Await approval
- Upon receipt of your Serbian citizenship certificate, you can apply for a Serbian passport with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia
Benefits of the Serbian citizenship by naturalization process include, no requirements to prove knowledge of Serbian culture, language, or customs.
Take a look at our Serbia Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
Serbian Passport Requirements
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia is the government division handling Serbian citizenship applications and Serbian passports. The following documents may be required for your application:
- A passport application form
- Identification document (old passport, Serbian national identity card, or other official documents proving one’s identity)
- Original certificate of Serbian citizenship no more than 12 months old (only required for issuance of the first biometric passport)
- Serbian birth certificate (if applicable)
- A Serbian marriage certificate (if applicable)
Serbian travel documents for children
Additional information, steps, and documents are required when applying for a child’s travel document in the Republic of Serbia. The following documents and steps needed include:
- Both parents must appear in person to submit a minor child’s passport application.
- Applications submitted by a sole parent must include certified written consent from the absent parent.
- Applications for travel documents for children with a foreign parent must include written consent or a statement of compliance.
Serbia Passport Cost
Acquiring a Serbia passport through investment is not a pathway the Serbian government provides. However, the Serbian investor visa program allows foreign nationals to invest in the economy and gain a residence permit.
To qualify, you can invest in real estate or businesses. After making an approved investment and passing background checks, you’ll get a three-year residence permit. Once you’ve lived in Serbia for three years, you can apply for permanent residency. After an additional three years, you’re eligible to apply for Serbian citizenship and a Serbian passport.
A significant benefit of investing in the Republic of Serbia to gain a residence permit and create a path to Serbian citizenship is there is no minimum investment required, meaning a prospective applicant can purchase property or establish businesses of any value and qualify for the program.
The fee to obtain a Serbian biometric passport in Serbia is RSD 3600 (about $34). Passports issued by a Serbian Embassy or Consular office typically cost between $70 and $80.
Processing Time for a Serbia Passport Application
How long it takes to process a Serbia passport largely depends on whether you applied through the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Serbia or overseas at a Serbian Embassy or Consulate. Passport applications submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs have a processing time of 60 days.
Applications submitted at a consular office overseas may take slightly longer, depending on the office and country.
Can Dual Citizens Apply for a Serbian Passport?
The government of Serbia previously required natural-born Serbians and foreign nationals to renounce their citizenship before acquiring Serbian citizenship or a foreign nationality. However, Serbia’s new citizenship law allows dual citizenship for all Serbian citizens.
Validity Period of Serbian Passports
The Serbia passport validity period for adults and children over 14 is ten years. Serbian passports have a total of three validity periods, depending on the age of the applicant.
Applicant's Age | Validity Period |
0 to 2 years old | Three years |
3 to 13 years old | Five years |
14 years old and above | Ten years |
Serbian passport renewal
Renewing a Serbian biometric passport involves submitting a passport application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and requesting an in-person appointment to receive a new passport. Overseas applications must be submitted to the nearest Serbian Embassy or Consulate.
If applying for a lost or stolen passport, applicants must obtain a police report from their local police station.
How Powerful is the Serbian Passport?
Out of 199 passports on the Global Citizen Solutions Passport Index, the Serbian passport ranks 65th. The index score is based on three separate scores, here’s how the Serbian passport ranking was accumulated:
- Enhanced Mobility Index: 71st
- Investment Index: 61st
- Quality of Life Index: 76th
Is a Serbian Passport Worth Having?
The Serbian passport is worth having if you want to enhance your families ability to travel internationally, embrace a more affordable lifestyle, or retire in a stunning location.
For a detailed discussion about your second passport options, our expert consultants in investment migration are ready to assist you today.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Serbian Passport
Can an American get a Serbian passport?
US citizens seeking a foreign citizenship can get a passport from the Republic of Serbia if they obtain Serbian citizenship by birth through Serbian ancestry, marriage to a Serbian national, naturalization, or exception.
Can a Serbian have dual citizenship in the USA?
Both the United States and Serbia allow dual citizenship, meaning an adult or child can hold dual citizenship in both countries.
How strong is the Serbian passport in 2024?
According to the Global Passport Index, the Serbia passport occupies the 65th position regarding passport power. The Serbia passport ranking relative most other countries is high. 148 visa free entry countries are accessible for Serbia passport holders, countries in the Schengen Area, Russia, South Korea, and China.
How to get a Serbian passport?
If you already have Serbian citizenship, you must apply for a passport through the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Serbia or the Serbian Embassy or Consulate if you are in another country. If you are not a Serbian citizen, you must go through the process of acquiring citizenship of the Republic, which includes birthright, descent, marriage, or naturalization.
Can you travel visa free with a Serbian passport?
Holders of a second passport from Serbia can travel visa free to 148 visa free and visa on arrival countries, including China, Russia, Hong Kong, Singapore, and all countries in the European Union. You may need to apply for a visa online ahead of time for the on arrival visa countries.
Is the Serbia passport biometric?
New passports issued in Serbia contain biometric information. Biometric passports were introduced in Serbia on 1 July 2008.
How many passports does Serbia allow?
Serbia is among the countries that allow allows dual citizenship, and there is no statement or entry in Serbian law on nationality implying the number of passports Serbian passport holders can have. This means Serbia passport holders can legally hold multiple passports.
Is it easy to get a Serbia passport?
Obtaining a Serbian passport is a relatively simple process as a foreign citizen. Provided you fulfill the residency requirement, including six years of legal residency (the last three with permanent residency) and have no stays of more than six months outside the country each year, you can acquire citizenship of the Republic and a passport.
How to renew a Serbian passport in the USA?
Serbia passport holders can renew their passport or replace a damage, lost or stolen existing passport in the United States by contacting their nearest Serbian Consulate or Embassy. They must submit their expired Serbian passport, proof of residence in the USA, and passport-size photos. An appointment may be necessary and applicable fees must be paid.
Can I get a Serbian passport if I marry a Serbian citizen?
Yes, a foreign citizen can obtain a Serbian passport and Serbian citizenship if they marry a Serbian citizen. Valid Serbian marriage certificates are required as proof.
What documents are needed for Serbian passport renewal in 2024?
To renew your Serbian passport in 2024 you may be required to submit a Serbian passport application form, an expired passport, an old ID card, passport, or driver’s license to prove identity, the original birth certificate and Serbian citizenship certificate (for first-time issuance), a photo (for first-time issuance), and the payment receipt.
Can I renew my Serbian passport online from abroad?
No, Serbia does not allow for online passport applications as of 2024. You will need to go to your nearest Serbian embassy or consulate.
Do I need to pass a language test to get a Serbian passport?
No, a language test is not required for obtaining a Serbian passport through the Serbia Citizenship Program. However, if you’re applying for citizenship by marriage or descent, you may need to show proficiency in Serbian and demonstrate a connection to Serbian culture.
