How to Legally Live in Serbia: An Overview of Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit
Ways to Legalize Your Stay in Serbia: Where to Start?
Moving to Serbia raises the important issue of legalizing your stay in the country. There are several ways to obtain a residence permit (ВНЖ), which differ in cost, requirements, and complexity. It's important to understand each of them to choose the most suitable one for yourself and your family.
Key topics to research before moving include visa rules for entry, first steps after arrival, the overall cost of the legalization process, and ways to avoid scams. In 2024, the visa-free regime for Russians remains in effect, which simplifies initial entry into the country.
Next, we will look at the main options for obtaining a residence permit: from the simplest and most budget-friendly 'visa run' to more substantial methods like starting a business, buying real estate, or formal employment. Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered.
Visa Run: The Simplest and Most Accessible Method
The simplest and least expensive way to legally stay in Serbia is the so-called 'visa run.' Since there is a visa-free regime between Russia and Serbia, upon entering the country, a stamp is placed in your passport allowing you to stay for 30 days.
After this period expires, you need to briefly leave Serbia and re-enter. To do this, you can use the services of carriers, who are easy to find on Telegram channels or Facebook. Most often, trips are organized to neighboring Bosnia or Montenegro.
The cost of such a trip is about 3,000 dinars (approximately 25 euros), and the round trip itself takes 3.5–4 hours. This method allows you to constantly renew the 30-day period of stay.
A crucial step in this process is the mandatory police registration within the first 24 hours after each entry into the country. At the police station, you receive a document known as the 'white card' (beli karton), which confirms your legal stay.
Residence Permit Through Starting a Business: Pros and Cons
Another popular way to obtain a residence permit is by registering as a sole proprietor or a company. This path allows not only you to legalize your stay but also to bring your family.
The main advantage of this method is that after the primary applicant (the company director) receives a residence permit, all family members can also apply for a residence permit based on family reunification. This is a huge plus for those moving with loved ones.
However, there is a significant downside — monthly expenses. Running a company requires regular payments, which amount to approximately 250–300 euros per month. When preparing the documents, it is wise to turn to reputable companies that handle this professionally. Their services will cost an average of 800 to 1200 euros, but this will help avoid unnecessary expenses and future problems.
Residence Permit Through Real Estate Purchase
Obtaining a residence permit based on property ownership is a significant step and is also one of the legal grounds for legalization in Serbia. This option is suitable for those planning a long-term stay in the country.
This method has several key advantages that make it attractive to investors and those seeking stability.
- The value of the real estate does not matter. You can get a residence permit by buying either an expensive or a budget-friendly apartment or house.
- The location of the property is also not important. The real estate can be in any city or region of Serbia.
- You become the owner of the property, which provides additional security and comfort.
Overall, buying real estate is a reliable, though requiring significant initial investment, way to legalize your stay in Serbia.
Volunteering as a Basis for a Residence Permit
One of the least expensive, yet specific, ways to get a residence permit is to be employed by a volunteer organization. In this case, you are officially registered for work, which becomes the basis for obtaining the residence permit.
The main advantage of this method is that it requires no financial investment on your part. However, there are also serious disadvantages to consider.
This option is only suitable for those who have a stable remote income or another source of funds to live on, as volunteer work does not provide an income. Additionally, having obtained a residence permit on this basis, you will not be able to legally work elsewhere in Serbia.
Employment: A Direct Path to Legalization
The final and perhaps simplest option for legalization in Serbia is official employment. If you find an employer willing to hire you, they will handle all the necessary paperwork, on the basis of which you are issued a residence permit.
The employer takes care of most of the bureaucratic procedures, which significantly simplifies the process for the employee. Typically, a work-based residence permit is issued for one year with the possibility of subsequent renewal.
This method allows you not only to live legally in the country but also to earn an official income. Salaries in Serbia start at around 400 euros. Thus, you can work, earn money, and enjoy life in this country with legal grounds for your stay.
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