Foreigner's ID Card in Serbia: A Complete Guide to Its Use

What is a Foreigner's ID Card?

Since 2024, Serbia has started issuing a new document for foreigners who have obtained a temporary residence permit (VNZh) — the ID card. This plastic card with a chip has replaced the previously used passport stickers (nalepnice). In its format and functionality, it is similar to the identity cards used by Serbian citizens.

The card contains all necessary information about the holder in electronic form, which simplifies many administrative procedures and enhances data security. It is the primary document confirming the status of a foreigner with a temporary residence permit in the country.

How and Where to Use the Data from the Card?

The information recorded on the ID card's chip is required by various government institutions. To provide this data, it needs to be read. This can be done in two ways: by visiting a specialized copy center (kopirnica) or by reading the data yourself.

It is important to note that not every copy center can help. They must have the updated "Čelik" software installed. A printout of the card's data, known as an "očitana karta," may be required in the following situations:

• Applying for a temporary residence permit (boravak) extension.
• Adding the temporary residence permit number to the data of a sole proprietor (IP) at the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR).
• Obtaining a certificate of no criminal record in Serbia.
• Applying for a health insurance card (zdravstvena knjižica/kartica).

There are several trusted copy centers in Belgrade and Novi Sad that offer the card reading service for foreigners, for example, at Brankova 23 and Cetinjska 6 in Belgrade, and Gogoljeva 27 in Novi Sad.

Reading the Data Yourself: A Step-by-Step Guide

To read the data from the ID card yourself, you will need specific equipment and software. The process is not complicated but requires attention to detail.

First, you need to prepare all the components. No additional certificates or drivers, which were previously required for the electronic certificate, are needed — a clean operating system is sufficient.

The data reading process consists of several steps:

1. Visit the official website of the Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) and go to the "ИНСТАЛАЦИJА СОФТВЕРЕ ЗА ЛИЧНЕ КАРТЕ" (SOFTWARE INSTALLATION FOR ID CARDS) tab.
2. Find and download the "Čitač elektronske lične karte — Čelik" program for a 64-bit system.
3. Install the program, choosing the full installation option.
4. Connect the card reader to your computer and insert the ID card into it with the chip facing up.
5. Launch the "Čelik" program. It will automatically detect and read the data from the card, displaying it on the screen.
6. To save the information in PDF format or send it to the printer, use the "Štampa podataka" button.

If you encounter an "mfc140u.dll" error when launching the program, you need to install the Visual C++ Runtime package. If the program does not detect the card, try flipping it over and inserting it the other way.

Using the ID Card as a Digital Signature (ECP)

In addition to storing personal data, the foreigner's ID card can function as a full-fledged electronic digital signature (ECP). This feature provides access to a wide range of online services and significantly simplifies interaction with government agencies.

Using the ECP is particularly useful in the following cases:

• Access to the public services portal (eUprava) to obtain various online services.
• For entrepreneurs: after obtaining a temporary residence permit, you need to add its number to your business data in the APR, which can be done using the ECP.
• For individuals: obtaining certificates from the tax office or other agencies.
• For employees: filing annual personal income tax returns.

Activating the ECP allows you to perform legally significant actions remotely, saving time on visits to government institutions.

Setting Up the Digital Signature: A Step-by-Step Guide

To activate the digital signature function on your ID card, you need to perform preparatory actions and install the appropriate software. First of all, you will need a card reader and the PIN code for your card.

The PIN code is located on the sheet to which your ID card was attached when it was issued. It is hidden under a protective layer on the back of the sheet. To view it, you need to carefully peel off this layer.

The setup process includes the following steps:

1. Install the "TrustEdgeID - Middleware za lične karte" program. If errors occur during installation, first install the drivers for your card reader and ensure it correctly recognizes the card.
2. Download and install the necessary certificates from the official MUP website. The first three certificates from the list are required: MUPRootCA4, MUPGradjaniCA4, MUPStranciCA4.
3. Insert the ID card into the reader and launch the "Menadžer tokena (TrustEdgeID)" application.
4. Go to the "Sertifikati" tab. Right-click on your certificate and select "Instaliraj".
5. After a successful installation, a green checkmark will appear in the "Instalirano" column next to your certificate.

Verifying the Digital Signature's Functionality

After completing all the settings, it is important to verify that your digital signature is working correctly. The easiest way is to try logging into the Serbian public services portal.

To verify, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Chrome browser.
2. Go to the Serbian public services website (eUprava).
3. In the top right corner, select the option to log into your personal account ("My account" -> "Log In").
4. As the login method, choose "Qualified electronic certificate" (Kvalifikovanim elektronskim sertifikatom).
5. Insert the ID card into the reader and follow the on-screen instructions. The system will ask for your PIN code.

If you successfully log into your personal account after entering the PIN code, your digital signature is active and working correctly. Be careful: after several incorrect PIN entry attempts, the card will be blocked. To unblock it, you will have to visit a branch of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP).