Serbia Citizenship by Investment: Pathways, Requirements, and Application Process Explained

If you’re looking to obtain Serbian citizenship through investment, you should know that Serbia doesn’t have a direct citizenship-by-investment program or any other transactional programs for citizenship. 

Still, there are legal pathways to obtain the country’s citizenship where an investment can play a role. In this guide, we’ll examine your options in lieu of a Serbian citizenship-by-investment program. 

Why Choose Serbia for Your Investment: Benefits of Serbian Citizenship

As a country with a rapidly developing economy, Serbia has gone to significant lengths to maximize profitability for local and foreign businesses. For example, it maintains a competitive corporate income tax rate of 15%. 

Serbia is very focused on attracting foreign investment, offering incentives such as:

• A reduction in payroll tax of up to 75%
• A possible temporary exemption from corporate income tax, depending on the size of the investment
• The ability to operate in VAT-free zones
• Potential exemptions from local and municipal fees

The country’s foreign policy emphasizes strong relationships with both Western and Eastern countries. As a result, investing in Serbia can give you access to various markets in Europe and Asia, thanks to free trade agreements with: 

• The EU and EFTA countries
• The Eurasian Economic Union
• Turkey
• China

Serbia’s foreign policy also benefits its passport holders. If you have a Serbian passport, you can travel to nearly 130 countries without a visa or with a visa-on-arrival. These include the EU, as well as China and Russia. 

Living in Serbia is generally more affordable than in many other European countries. Average household expenses are around two-thirds of the EU average, with lower costs for housing and energy. Prices for food and beverages are broadly in line with EU levels, while tech products and footwear tend to be more expensive.

Bonus read: If you’re interested in obtaining European citizenship as an investor, read our guides on the investment programs in Cyprus, Greece, Latvia, Portugal, and Turkey.

Serbian Citizenship Pathways for Investors

There are four legal bases for being awarded Serbian citizenship, as outlined below: 

Legal Basis	Explanation
Descent	If one or both parents are Serbian citizens
Birth	If you were born in Serbia to parents of unknown citizenship or without citizenship (or if the parents are unknown)
Admission	If you were admitted to Serbian citizenship through residence-based naturalization, marriage, or other procedure
Pursuant to international treaties	Only available in extraordinary conditions and between state parties to such agreements

As an investor with no familial ties to Serbia, the pathways available to you fall under the admission basis. The two options where an investment could play the key role are: 

1. Citizenship by exception
2. Residence-based naturalization

The two pathways differ significantly in their timelines, requirements, accessibility, and application procedures.

Serbian Citizenship by Exception Pathway Explained

Under Serbia’s citizenship laws, the Government may grant citizenship to individuals when doing so would serve the national interest. 

This is called citizenship by exception, and it’s arguably the fastest way to get a European citizenship. The entire process can be completed in three to four months. 

To help you better understand this pathway, we’ll look at the following: 

1. Requirements
2. Application process

Citizenship by Exception Requirements

While Serbia occasionally grants citizenship by exception, it doesn’t run it as an official citizenship program. Although this makes the program more exclusive, it also means there are no officially listed requirements you must meet. 

In practice, citizenship by exception is awarded to distinguished individuals in the following sectors: 

• Business and entrepreneurship
• Technology
• Science
• Sports and culture

As an investor, you can become eligible for the program if the investment you make in the country is deemed nationally important.

There are no official minimum investment requirements. The process also dispenses with the usual residency condition, making the quality of the investment the only relevant criterion.

Citizenship by Exception Application Process 

The Serbian citizenship by exception pathway doesn’t have a codified, publicly available application process. Instead, it is usually managed by local immigration lawyers who are familiar with the procedure. 

In practice, the process can unfold over several steps: 

1. First visit to Belgrade: Travel to Belgrade, Serbia’s capital, to hire an immigration lawyer and prepare the paperwork to establish a company 
2. Company registration: Register your company with Serbia’s Business Registers Agency, either in person or online. You can also open a local bank account for your company online
3. Application submission: Your lawyer will submit your application to the relevant body in the Serbian Government
4. Application review: Your application will be reviewed before being forwarded for approval or denial
5. Approval and passport request: If your application is approved, you will be granted Serbian citizenship, and you’ll be able to apply for a Serbian ID card and passport

Your lawyer will advise you on the documents you will need to prepare for the application process. Typically, applications for citizenship by exception require you to submit:

• Your birth certificate, the original or a certified copy
• A certified copy of your passport
• A police clearance certificate from your country of origin or residence
• A CV or a business plan, demonstrating your ability to provide value to Serbian society
• Incorporation documents for your Serbian business 

Serbian Residence by Investment Pathway Explained

The non-exceptional path to obtaining Serbian citizenship as an investor is significantly longer. It takes a minimum of six years and requires significant presence in the country as a temporary and permanent resident before being granted citizenship.

However, this pathway is a more structured process than citizenship by exception, with clear requirements. It’s also not a discretionary process, allowing you to plan your residency and get a predictable outcome. 

To explain how the investment pathway can lead to Serbian citizenship, we’ll look at the requirements and application process for each of its segments: 

1. Temporary residence requirements and application process
2. Permanent residence requirements and application process
3. Citizenship requirements and application process

Temporary Residence Requirements and Application Process

The first step in obtaining Serbian citizenship as an investor using the regular pathway is securing temporary residence. You can become a permanent resident of Serbia on multiple bases, including: 

• Investing in a business
• Creating a startup
• Purchasing real estate

The specific requirements for each of the investments are:

Type of Investment	Requirements
Business	Proof of access to at least EUR 50,000 (USD 58,000) for investment purposes
Startup	Recognition as an innovative startup by a registered Science and Technology park
Real estate	Proof of sufficient financial means to support your planned stay (no minimum property requirements)

Before applying for temporary residence, you will also have to register your residential address in Serbia. 

You can submit the application either online or in person at a police directorate in Serbia. The application should contain:

• A filled-out form 
• A valid personal document
• Two photos of yourself
• Proof of the fee payment
• Proof of meeting the requirements (a title deed of the property, a letter from a Science and Technology park, or a bank statement showing funds)

If you’re a real estate investor, you’ll also have to provide proof of subsistence and of valid health insurance. As a startup founder or business investor, you’ll have to provide a landlord’s statement of their agreement to register your residence at their address. 

Temporary permits are issued for a limited period, depending on the grounds for application. If you’re a startup founder, permit renewal will be contingent on demonstrating startup activity. As an investor, you’ll have to provide proof of making the investment. 

Permanent Residence Requirements and Application Process

After three years of temporary residence in Serbia, you’ll be eligible to apply for permanent residence. The requirements you’ll have to meet include:

• Physical presence in the country during the three years of temporary residence, with a maximum allowed absence of 10 months in total, or six months in a single period of absence
• The continuation of the grounds you’ve listed when applying for temporary residence

If you meet the conditions, you’ll have to submit your application in person to the relevant police directorate at least three months before your current temporary residence permit expires. The application should include the following documents:

• A written request
• A photo of yourself
• A valid passport
• Proof of sufficient funds to provide for yourself
• Proof of health insurance 
• Registration of a residential address in the country
• Proof of payment of administrative fees
• Proof of meeting the grounds for permanent residence, in accordance with your temporary residence application

After being granted permanent residence, you’ll be able to apply for an ID card issued to foreign citizens. 

Citizenship Requirements and Application Process

To qualify for the final step of the process, the granting of Serbian citizenship, you have to meet the following conditions:

• You have to be of legal age and not deprived of working capacity
• You must have been a permanent resident for at least three years continuously before the application
• If required, you will submit proof that you’ll be released from your current citizenship
• You must submit a written statement declaring that you consider Serbia to be your country

In general, Serbia recognizes dual citizenship, so you typically won’t be required to renounce your current citizenship when acquiring Serbian citizenship. 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs processes the application, but you can submit it abroad at a Serbian diplomatic mission. The application should include:

• A certified copy of your permanent residence permit
• Birth and marriage certificates
• A copy of your Serbian ID card for foreign citizens
• Proof of processing fees payment
• A certificate showing that you’ll be released from foreign citizenship if you acquire Serbian citizenship

After you’ve been granted Serbian citizenship, you can apply for a regular ID card and a Serbian passport. 

How To Choose the Right Serbian Citizenship Pathway as an Investor

Serbia offers two distinct methods for obtaining citizenship as an investor. Your choice will depend on several factors, such as your preferred timeframe, risk tolerance, and profile. 

You should consider the citizenship by exception route if you: 

• Want to get citizenship as soon as possible
• Don’t mind the discretionary process
• Have a track record in establishing strategic businesses
• Are a high-net-worth or high-profile individual

On the other hand, choosing the residence route will suit you better if you: 

• Plan to spend significant time in Serbia
• Prefer a more transparent and predictable process
• Want to establish a regular business in the country 

Whichever pathway you choose, professional guidance can make the process significantly smoother. While experienced local advisors are required for citizenship by exception, they can also provide indispensable assistance to those pursuing a residency-based pathway, helping them set up a business, handle procedures, and plan a long-term strategy. For tailored assistance with Serbian residency and citizenship applications, contact Nomad Capitalist.

Fast-Track Serbian Citizenship With Nomad Capitalist

Nomad Capitalist is a consulting company specializing in global mobility and wealth preservation. We help founders, high-net-worth individuals, and digital celebrities with tax optimization, global investing, and second citizenship. So far, we have helped over 1,500 clients achieve their financial and lifestyle goals. 

Citizenship by investment opportunities are a perfect cross-section of the areas we focus on. To help you secure your Serbian citizenship, we will create an Action Plan—a detailed blueprint containing all the strategic steps that will help you meet your goal. 

Here’s what the process entails: 

1. You fill out a form to determine whether we’re a good match 
2. We schedule a 45-minute onboarding call to learn more about your circumstances and objectives
3. Our team of experts develops an Action Plan and presents it to you
4. We implement the Plan over a 12-month period, managing the administrative tasks
5. We continue providing support to you even after the Plan is implemented

Once you partner with Nomad Capitalist, we will help you determine whether acquiring Serbian citizenship is the best solution for your global mobility strategy. If so, we’ll help you decide on the best pathway for you and continue assisting you throughout the application process. Start the process today!