How to Replace a Lost Residence Permit ID Card in Serbia: A Step-by-Step Guide
First Steps and Frequently Asked Questions
Losing or damaging your biometric residence permit card is an unpleasant situation that requires a swift resolution. The document replacement procedure is standardized but has its own nuances that are important to consider. First and foremost, you must report the loss and initiate the process of issuing a new card.
A common question is whether you can use this opportunity to replace the old sticker in your passport (nalepnica) with a modern ID card. It's important to understand that the format of the residence permit is only changed during its renewal. Reporting a lost document is not grounds for changing the document type from a sticker to a card.
Another important aspect concerns replacing a card for a minor. The requirements for the presence of the child and both parents can vary, so it is highly recommended to clarify this point directly with the MUP department at your place of residence before your visit.
Step 1: Booking an Appointment at the MUP
The procedure for booking an appointment to submit documents varies by city. In Belgrade and Novi Sad, you need to book an appointment in advance via email, while in other cities, you can visit the MUP department on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Belgrade: [email protected]
- Novi Sad: [email protected]
The email should be written in Serbian. You need to state your details and the reason for your request. A scan of the main page of your international passport must be attached to the email.
Sample email text: Subject: Zahtev za zakazivanje termina za izdavanje nove biometrijske kartice
Ja sam [First Name Last Name] (broj pasoša [passport number]), državljanin Rusije, izgubio sam pre nekoliko dana biometrijsku karticu. Molim vas za termin za novu.
Reg. broj izgubljene kartice: [number of the lost card] Evidencijski broj: [foreigner's registration number, found on a scan of the card or old residence permit stickers]
SrdÄŤan pozdrav, [First Name Last Name]
Step 2: Paying the State Fees
To replace an ID card, you need to pay two state fees: one for reporting the lost document and another for issuing a new card or sticker. Payment can be made through the plati.euprava.gov.rs portal.
When filling out the details on the portal, it is important to enter the information of the person whose document was lost, even if it is a child. It is recommended to choose the payment order (platni nalog) option to receive a paper receipt, as online payment on the site does not always provide one.
Step 3: Preparing and Submitting Documents
Before visiting the MUP, you need to prepare a set of documents. The key document is a special loss report form, which you should print out and fill in Serbian beforehand. This can be done either by hand or on a computer.
- A valid international passport.
- The completed loss report form.
- Two receipts for the fee payments.
In Belgrade and Novi Sad, you will receive an invitation with the exact time and address in response to your email. At the MUP, you need to take a ticket from the electronic queue terminal, selecting the option “Izdavanje kartičnog dokumenta” and finding your last name on the list. When your number is called, you should hand over the prepared set of documents to the officer. You will be asked to sign several papers and will be informed of the approximate date when the new card will be ready.
Step 4: Receiving the New ID Card
The process of issuing a new card to replace a lost or damaged one is simplified. An important point is that replacing the document does not require a new photograph or submission of biometric data (fingerprints). The data provided when the original card was issued will be used.
After submitting the documents, a MUP officer will assign a day when you can come to pick up the finished card. On the specified date, you must go to the same department to collect your new document confirming your residence permit. This completes the procedure for replacing the residence permit ID card.
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