Minimum balance in a Serbian bank account for initial approval, plus investment in tangible or intangible assets of a registered company
⏱️ Duration
Initial permit up to 6 months, renewable for up to 3 years per extension
👪 Dependants
Yes
Spouse and children under 18 through family reunification
🛂 Citizenship Path
Yes — after 6 years
Eligible for permanent residence after 3 years of continuous temporary residence, then citizenship by naturalization after 3 further years of permanent residence — roughly a 6-year path
Serbia's Investor Temporary Residence Permit allows foreign nationals to reside and work in Serbia by investing in registered Serbian companies through tangible and intangible assets. Established under the Law on Foreigners and a 2020 government decree, the program is administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Major 2023 amendments extended permit duration to up to 3 years, reduced the permanent residence timeline from 5 to 3 years, and digitized the entire application process.
Requirements
Investment in tangible or intangible assets of a registered company in Serbia
Bank balance of at least EUR 50,000 in a Serbian-registered bank account for the initial application
Proof of paid capital contribution of at least EUR 5,000 into the company's share capital for renewal
Must be at least 18 years old
Valid health insurance covering the stay in Serbia
Proof of accommodation (landlord's statement or tenancy agreement)
Required Documents
Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the permit period
Two passport photographs (35x45mm, colour, full face)
Certificate of invested tangible and intangible assets in a registered Serbian company
Bank statement showing at least EUR 50,000 in a Serbian bank account
Proof of accommodation
Health insurance documentation
Proof of paid administrative fees (approximately RSD 23,120)
Duration & Renewal
The initial permit is granted for up to 6 months. Renewals can extend up to 3 years per period. To renew, applicants must demonstrate a paid cash capital contribution of at least EUR 5,000 into the company's share capital. Renewal applications should be submitted no sooner than 3 months before expiration and no later than the expiration date.
Family Members
Spouse and children under 18 may apply for temporary residence through family reunification. Each family member must submit a separate application with their own passport, photographs, health insurance, and proof of the family relationship. Family permits follow the same duration and renewal rules as the primary permit.
Tax Implications
Individuals spending more than 183 days in Serbia within a 12-month period become tax residents subject to worldwide income taxation. Key rates include: 10% flat rate on salary income, 15% on capital gains, and 20% on rental income. Serbia has double taxation treaties with 64 countries.
Application Process
Obtain a long-stay Visa D from a Serbian embassy if required (visa-exempt nationals can enter for up to 90 days)
Register your residential address with local police upon arrival
Open a bank account at a Serbian-registered bank and deposit at least EUR 50,000
Invest in tangible or intangible assets of a registered Serbian company
Submit the temporary residence application via the Foreigners' Portal or in person at the police directorate
Attend a biometric data collection appointment
Receive the biometric foreigner identity card upon approval
As of February 2024, the entire process can be completed electronically through the unified portal. Processing takes approximately 15 days under the digitalized system.
Path to Permanent Residence
After 3 years of continuous temporary residence, holders may apply for permanent residence. Absences during this period must not exceed 10 months total or 6 months continuously. Citizenship by naturalization is available after 3 further years of permanent residence, making the total path approximately 6 years.