How to Obtain a Criminal Record Certificate in Serbia: A Detailed Guide
Two types of certificates: from the court and from the police
In Serbia, there are two main types of certificates confirming no issues with the law: one is issued by the court, the other by the police. Despite their similar names, they have different purposes and confirm different facts. The choice of a specific document depends on the reason for obtaining it, for example, for applying for permanent residence (ПМЖ) or for a visa.
The main difference is that the certificate from the court confirms the absence of current criminal cases and investigations against a person in Serbia. The certificate from the police, in turn, attests to the absence of a criminal record in the past. Both certificates are valid for 6 months from the date of issue. It is important to note that it is impossible to obtain these documents online; personal presence is required.
To submit documents for visas to consulates of other countries, it is often required to get an apostille on the police certificate for its legalization abroad.
Obtaining a certificate in court for Permanent Residence
The court certificate, officially named «Uverenje da se protiv fizičkog lica ne vodi krivični postupak i da nije pokrenuta istraga», is most often required for applying for permanent residence (ПМЖ). To obtain it, you must have lived in Serbia for at least 6 months with a temporary residence permit (privremeni boravak). Before visiting the court, it's important to remember the dress code: entry is only permitted in trousers. Shorts, skirts above the knee, sportswear, flip-flops, and headwear are prohibited.
- Proof of payment of the 190 dinar fee (paid on-site at the court's post office or nearby).
- Original and copy of the main page of your foreign passport.
- If you have a residence permit in the form of a sticker (nalepnica): a copy of the page with the sticker and a copy of the proof of address (Uverenje o boravku).
- If you have a foreigner's ID card: the original card and its 'read' copy (očitana kopija) (can be made at a copy center).
- It is recommended to have a blue pen with you to fill out the forms.
The application procedure is simple. You need to go to the court at your place of residence, pay the fee, and get an application form (zahtev) at the appropriate window. On the form, you must enter your personal data in block letters: the purpose for obtaining the certificate (e.g., «STALNOG BORAVKA»), full name, parents' names, date and place of birth, JMBG (personal number from your residence permit), address in Serbia, profession, and passport number. In most Belgrade courts, the certificate is issued within 5-10 minutes; in Novi Sad, the process can take up to 3 days.
Court Addresses in Belgrade and Novi Sad
To apply for a court certificate, you must go to the department corresponding to your place of residence (opština). There are separate authorities for adults and for minors.
- In Belgrade (for all municipalities): Savska 17, opening hours from 9:00 to 13:00. The child's presence is not required; one of the parents can submit the documents.
- In Novi Sad: Sutjeska 3, office 381 on the third floor, opening hours from 9:00 to 14:00. The certificate is issued within 10-15 minutes.
- For residents of Belgrade municipalities (Vračar, Zvezdara, Palilula, Savski venac, Stari grad, Voždovac, Grocka, Rakovica, Čukarica): Katanićeva 15. Entrance is at the side of the building, opening hours from 8:00 to 14:30.
- For residents of Belgrade municipalities (Zemun, Novi Beograd, Surčin): Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 16, opening hours from 8:00 to 14:00.
- For residents of Novi Sad: Sutjeska 3. Window No. 1 is to the left of the entrance if you go down the stairs. Opening hours from 9:00 to 14:00.
Obtaining a certificate from the police (Uverenje o nekažnjavanju)
The police certificate, or «Uverenje o nekažnjavanju», confirms the absence of criminal convictions in Serbia. This document is most often requested by consulates of other countries when applying for a visa. A significant advantage of this certificate is that it can be obtained not only by residents with a residence permit but also by tourists based on their registration of stay (the 'beli karton').
- For all applicants: original foreign passport and a completed application form (the form is provided on-site).
- If you do not have a residence permit: a copy of the main page of your foreign passport and the original 'beli karton'.
- If you have a residence permit: a copy of the main page of your foreign passport and, depending on the residence permit format, a copy of the sticker and proof of address, or a 'read' ID card (očitana kopija).
The state fee for issuing the certificate is 1140 dinars. Residents with a residence permit can pay it online through the Euprava portal (section 'Kaznena Evidencija'). Tourists without a residence permit will receive a payment slip (platnica) on-site. When paying, it is important to correctly enter your city's code (poziv na broj).
Procedure and Addresses of Police Stations
To obtain a criminal record certificate, you need to go to the police station at your place of registration in Serbia. If you don't know which station serves your address, you can clarify this information with your landlord.
- Go to the correct station with the complete set of documents.
- Submit the completed application and copies of the documents to the officer.
- Specify the purpose of obtaining the certificate (e.g., for a visa).
- The officer will inform you when the finished document can be collected.
The processing time for the certificate is usually 5 to 7 working days. Sometimes, police officers may mistakenly claim that the service is only available to residence permit holders. This is not true, and if necessary, you can refer to the fact that the 'beli karton' is a sufficient basis for submitting an application.
- Novi Beograd: Bulevar Mihajla Pupina 165, 2nd floor, room 41.
- Zvezdara: Milana Rakića 50a, office on the ground floor.
- Voždovac: Stefana Prvovenčanog 1, 1st floor, office 7.
- Novi Sad: Bulevar kralja Petra I 11, ground floor.
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