Startup Temporary Residence Permit

Serbia's Startup Temporary Residence Permit enables foreign entrepreneurs who have founded a company with innovative activity recognized by a registered Science and Technology Park to reside and work in Serbia. Created by a 2020 government decree under the Law on Foreigners, this special residence category does not require minimum capital or income for the initial application. Instead, the key requirement is endorsement from one of Serbia's four state-recognized Science and Technology Parks.

• Found a company in Serbia (typically a limited liability company registered through the Business Registers Agency)
• Obtain recognition of the company's innovative activity from a registered Science and Technology Park (Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, or Cacak)
• The Science and Technology Park must have the Republic of Serbia, an autonomous province, or a local government unit as a founder
• Valid health insurance covering the stay in Serbia
• Proof of accommodation (landlord's statement or tenancy agreement)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Valid passport or travel document with at least 3 months validity beyond the requested permit period
• Passport photograph (35x45mm, colour, full face)
• Document from a registered Science and Technology Park confirming the company's innovative activity
• Proof of accommodation
• Health insurance documentation
• Proof of payment of administrative fee (approximately RSD 22,000)

The initial permit is granted for 1 year. Extensions are available for up to 3 years, but require demonstrating business progress through one of the following:

• Proof that the company employed Serbian citizens during the previous permit period
• Proof that the company earned minimum business income of RSD 1,000,000 (approximately EUR 8,500) during the previous permit period
• A renewed confirmation from the Science and Technology Park of continued innovative activity

Spouse, common-law partners, and children may apply for temporary residence through family reunification. Each family member submits a separate application with their own documentation, including proof of the family relationship, valid passport, accommodation proof, and health insurance. Common-law partners need additional documentation including certified witness statements and proof of common residence.

Serbia applies a flat 10% personal income tax on salary income and 15% corporate income tax. Tax residency applies to individuals present 183+ days in a 12-month period, triggering worldwide income taxation. Startup founders may qualify for a 36-month exemption from personal income tax and social security contributions on salaries up to RSD 150,000/month gross, if the company meets Innovation Fund criteria.

1. Register a company in Serbia through the Business Registers Agency
2. Obtain recognition of innovative activity from one of the four registered Science and Technology Parks
3. If required, obtain a long-stay Visa D from a Serbian embassy
4. Register your address with local police within 24 hours of entering Serbia
5. Submit the application via the Welcome to Serbia portal or in person at the police directorate
6. Pay the administrative fee online or by payment order
7. Upon approval, attend a biometric data collection appointment at the police directorate
8. Receive the biometric residence permit card

Processing takes approximately 15 days, with the biometric card issued within 7 days after providing biometric data.

• Only Science and Technology Parks with state or local government founders qualify; private incubators or accelerators do not
• Company registration alone is not sufficient for residence approval; the innovation endorsement is essential
• The company must remain active and compliant with Serbian business regulations throughout the permit period
• This differs from the standard self-employment permit, which does not require Science and Technology Park recognition but has different requirements

After 3 consecutive years of temporary residence, holders may apply for permanent residence. Absences must not exceed 10 months total or 6 months continuously during this period. Citizenship by naturalization is available after 3 further years of permanent residence.