Residence & citizenship
Serbian Permanent Residence
Indefinite leave to remain, available after three years of continuous temporary residence.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
The permanent-residence fees are governed by tariff number 37 of the Law on Republic Administrative Fees plus the Ministry of Interior service fee, but the exact monetary amounts are not published on the official page and should be confirmed at the competent police department.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Serbia government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Permanent residence (settling / indefinite leave to remain)
- Route type
- Settlement / permanent residence
- Qualifying period
- 3 years of continuous residence
- ID card validity
- 5 years (extendable)
- Application window
- From 60 days before the expiry of the temporary residence/single permit that completes the three-year condition
- Where to apply
- In person to the territorially competent police department of the Ministry of Interior for your registered residential address
- Continuous-residence rule
- Absences of up to 10 months in total, or a single absence of up to 6 months, are allowed across the three years
- Cost
- Administrative fees under tariff number 37 of the Law on Republic Administrative Fees, plus the Ministry of Interior service fee
Who it is for
- Holders of temporary residence or a single permit for a continuous three years
- People granted asylum, after more than three years of continuous residence on that ground
Requirements
- Three years' continuous residence (absences within the allowed limits)
- Complete documentation submitted with the application
How to apply
- Apply in person at the Police Directorate for the City of Belgrade – Directorate for Foreign Nationals, or the relevant regional directorate
- Apply between 60 days before and the expiry of the qualifying temporary residence/single permit
Documents you may need
- Permanent-residence approval request (prescribed form) and a photograph
- Valid foreign passport (original for inspection plus photocopy)
- Proof of means of subsistence (e.g. salary confirmation, employment contract, pension, bank statement, or a certified guarantee)
- Proof of health insurance (private policy, European health insurance card where a bilateral agreement applies, or a valid Serbian health insurance card)
- Proof of registered residential address in Serbia
- Justification documentation for your residence basis (e.g. real-estate ownership, employment verification, or family/marriage records)
- Proof of paid administrative fees
Frequently asked questions
Yes, in special cases. People of Serbian origin or from Serbia, a minor whose parent holds permanent residence, or a person whose permanent residence is in the interest of Serbia may apply without the three-year requirement, on providing proof of kinship or origin.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.