What permanent residence is
Permanent residence (stalno nastanjenje) is the right to live in Serbia without time limits. A foreigner with permanent residence has the same rights and duties as Serbian citizens, except where the Constitution or a law says otherwise (Law on Foreigners, art. 67).
Instead of a residence permit card you get a foreigner ID card, valid for 5 years, collected in person.
It is a separate procedure from temporary residence: you first live in Serbia on temporary residence, and only after 3 years can you apply for permanent residence.
Temporary and permanent residence are different things
| Temporary residence | Permanent residence | |
|---|---|---|
| In Serbian | privremeni boravak; for work, the jedinstvena dozvola (single permit) | stalno nastanjenje |
| Who | Almost everyone staying longer than 90 days in 180 | People with 3 years of continuous temporary residence |
| Valid | Up to 3 years, renewable | Permanent; the card is valid 5 years |
| Card | Residence permit card | Foreigner ID card |
| Photo | 35 × 45 mm, colour: a file online or 2 prints on paper; the card photo is taken by the police | 50 × 50 mm on plain grey, optional; otherwise the police take it |
Conditions: 3 years of temporary residence
- You can apply after 3 years of continuous stay on temporary residence (art. 67). Until 2024 it was 5 years.
- Continuity is kept if your absences total up to 10 months, or one absence lasts up to 6 months, within those 3 years.
- You can't apply on a student residence permit. After you change the grounds, years of study count as half.
- Your temporary residence or single permit must be valid when you apply; if you apply in time, you may stay until the decision.
- You may apply no earlier than 60 days before the 3 years are complete (Rulebook on permanent residence).
Permanent residence without 3 years
Under art. 68, permanent residence can be granted earlier to:
- a minor whose parent is a Serbian citizen or has permanent residence;
- a person of Serbian origin or born in Serbia;
- anyone, where it is in the interest of the Republic of Serbia.
Documents
- Passport.
- Proof of means of subsistence.
- Health insurance.
- Proof of your grounds.
- Proof that the fee has been paid.
Where and how to apply
You apply in person or electronically (art. 69). In Belgrade, applications go to the Administration for Foreigners of the Belgrade police, Omladinskih brigada 1. You give biometrics and collect the card in person. By law, the decision is made within 60 days.
The photo for the foreigner ID card
The rules differ from temporary residence. Under the Rulebook on the foreigner ID card:
- the police take the photo with a digital camera, or scan a photo you bring;
- bringing your own photo is optional, and it must not be older than 6 months;
- your own photo must be 50 × 50 mm, on a plain grey background, the face filling 70–80% of the photo, no smile, mouth closed, eyes open, glasses without glare.
Still on your first steps? Start with the white card and temporary residence.
Frequently asked questions
After how many years can I get permanent residence in Serbia?
After 3 years of continuous stay on temporary residence (Law on Foreigners, art. 67). Before 2024 it was 5 years.
Is permanent residence the same as a temporary residence permit?
No. Temporary residence comes first and is granted for up to 3 years at a time. Permanent residence is a separate application after 3 years, and you get a different card, the foreigner ID card.
Can I apply for permanent residence online?
Yes, the law allows electronic applications (art. 69). You still give biometrics and collect the card in person.
How long does the decision take?
By law, the decision is made within 60 days (art. 69).
What photo do I need for permanent residence in Serbia?
The police photograph you for the foreigner ID card. You may bring your own: 50 × 50 mm, plain grey background, not older than 6 months (Rulebook on the foreigner ID card, art. 4 and 7).
Do years on a student residence permit count?
Not on a student permit alone: you can't apply with it. After you change the grounds, years of study count as half (art. 67).
- Law on Foreigners (Zakon o strancima), Official Gazette 24/2018, 31/2019, 62/2023: text on paragraf.rs
- Welcome to Serbia: Permanent residence
- Rulebook on permanent residence (Pravilnik o odobravanju stalnog nastanjenja, Official Gazette 118/2023, PDF)
- Rulebook on the foreigner ID card (Pravilnik o ličnoj karti za stranca), art. 4 and 7 (PDF)
- MUP: addresses of the police departments for foreigners (PDF, March 2023)
Checked against the official sources on . This is general information, not legal advice. Rules change: before you apply, check the requirements with the police (MUP), the embassy or the visa centre.
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