🎓 Diploma Nostrification in Serbia: A Complete Guide
What is Nostrification and Why is it Needed in Serbia?
When moving to Serbia from Russia or another country, many face the need to have their educational documents validated. This procedure is called nostrification, and it is the official recognition of foreign diplomas and certificates by Serbian state authorities.
By completing nostrification, you receive a document confirming the legal validity of your education in Serbia. This makes your diploma equivalent to a Serbian one, opening up new opportunities for professional and academic activities.
- Applying for a residence permit in Serbia under the "Talent" category.
- Employment in positions that require licensing (e.g., a doctor).
- Continuing education in Serbian educational institutions.
What Documents are Needed for Nostrification?
To successfully complete the procedure, you need to prepare a full set of documents in advance. Based on official requirements, you will need the following list:
- Receipts for the payment of the state fee in the amount of 13,150.00 RSD.
- A copy of the main page of your international passport with a photograph.
- A translation of the diploma and all its supplements, performed by an accredited court translator. High-quality photos or scans are sufficient for the translation.
- The original educational document (diploma). It will only be needed at the final stage for verification.
- A document confirming a change of name or surname, if the data in the diploma and passport do not match.
- A brief biography in Serbian or English describing your educational process (this document is optional).
Important note: under no circumstances should you hand over the original diploma for translation. The translator works with copies, and you will present the original in person at the very end of the process.
Court Translators: Where to Translate Your Diploma?
The translation of educational documents for nostrification must be done exclusively by an accredited court translator. This ensures that the translation will be accepted by the official authorities. You can find such a specialist in various cities in Serbia.
- In New Belgrade: Miloš, +381 63 8025174.
- In Novi Sad: Milina.
If you are in another city or need a translator for a different language, it is recommended to consult the official register of court translators of Serbia. There you can find the contact details of accredited specialists for any language and region.
How to Pay the State Fee?
The state fee for the nostrification procedure, amounting to 13,150.00 RSD, can be paid at any post office, bank, or exchange office (menjačnica). To do this, you need to fill out a special payment slip (uplatnica).
When paying at an exchange office or bank, it is crucial to carefully check all the data that the employee enters into the system, as typing errors are possible. Special attention should be paid to the payment code ("šifra plaćanja"), which depends on the payment method.
The specified fee amount is current for 2025 and applies to the nostrification of a higher education diploma.
Step-by-Step Guide: From Online Application to Receiving the Document
The nostrification process consists of several sequential steps that you can complete on your own by following the instructions.
- Filling out the application. You need to go to the Enic/Naric website and fill out the online form. All data must be entered in Serbian Latin script. The names of educational institutions and other data should be entered exactly as they appear in the court translator's translation. In the final step, you need to upload scans of all prepared documents.
- Receiving confirmation. After submitting the form, you will receive an email stating that your application has been accepted. Your application in PDF format will be attached to the email.
- Awaiting the decision. The application review period is from 10 to 60 days. At the end of this period, you will receive an email with the result.
- Visiting the Enic/Naric office. In case of a positive decision, you must personally visit the office in Belgrade within 30 days. You need to bring the printed and signed PDF application, your international passport, and all submitted documents, including the original diploma. Please note that they will keep the original translation, so it is recommended to make a copy of it beforehand.
- Receiving the confirmation. An employee will verify the documents, and if everything is in order, you will be issued the official decision on the recognition of your diploma on the spot.
Contact Information and Useful Links
For personal submission of documents and to receive the final decision, you need to visit the Enic/Naric office in Belgrade. It is important to be aware of their working hours to plan your visit.
- Address: Majke Jevrosime 51, Beograd, 4th floor (in Serbian).
- Working hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 10:00 to 14:00.
- Queues: Usually minimal, allowing for quick resolution of all matters.
- Official website of the Agency for Qualifications (Agencija za kvalifikacije).
- Official brochure on the nostrification procedure in English.
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