If you’re one of the many investors who’ve jumped into the Serbian market in the past year or two, there are some handy tips you’d probably want to know before diving into the process of getting a temporary residence permit in Serbia (TRP). In this article, we’ll share these insights for anyone exploring this procedure.
1. The legal basis for your application matter
Depending on why you’re applying for a TRP, you might face different challenges during the process. If you’re financing your own residence, you’ll need to prove you have sufficient funds to support your stay (usually around 3,200 EUR per person per year). This involves opening a bank account, which can be a separate process taking a few weeks.
For investors buying real estate, there’s a catch – you typically need to use the property for living. This caused issues for some applicants, especially when the property was under construction, as it made obtaining permits challenging.
Another thing to keep in mind is that the list of required documents can vary significantly based on the reason for your stay. For instance, if you’re a family member applying on this basis, you’ll generally need fewer documents and less evidence compared to your partner or relative.
2. Be ready for a document hunt
There’s often that one missing document. It could be your landlord’s statement, granting permission for your temporary residence, or a copy of your biography. To avoid any surprises, it’s vital to do your homework and ensure you have all the necessary documents in place. Make sure to communicate with your landlords in advance, have your photos ready, and complete your biographies before submitting your application.
3. Money will be important
To obtain a temporary residence permit in Serbia, it’s crucial to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support your stay. This is particularly important if you’re not an employee, as your salary should cover your living expenses. It’s wise to plan ahead and secure sufficient funds, especially if you’re from a country requiring a visa D to enter Serbia. The financial aspect may become apparent sooner in the visa D process rather than later in the TRP process. Additionally, consider the costs associated with the procedure itself and potential legal support if required.
4. Time is a factor
Time is of the essence from the moment you enter the country. To prevent a visa run, you’ll need to act quickly and prepare as much as possible in advance. Consider hiring a local counsel to arrange for translations of your marriage and birth certificates, and begin the process of establishing your business by registering an LLC or entrepreneur status in your name, or securing your health insurance policies. The application process itself might only take 30 days, but gathering all the necessary documents may take a bit longer.
5. Choose the way you apply wisely
You can apply for the TRP electronically or by scheduling an appointment with the Administration for Foreigners and submitting your application in person. However, what many people aren’t aware of is that applying online, while more convenient, results in a longer processing time. Online applications can take up to 50% more time for the Administration to register and make a decision. Therefore, it might be more efficient to apply in person.
In February 2024, the Administration for Foreigners began issuing unique permits. The unique permit is a permit that allows the foreigner to reside and work in Serbia. The procedure for obtaining a unique permit can be initiated only through a special government website made for this purpose. This means that you cannot file a request for a unique permit in paper form. Moreover, you will be expected to come to the Administration in person two times – once to submit your biometric data (face photo, signature, and fingerprint) and the second time to retrieve your unique permit, which is issued in the form of a plastic card.
If you found this article helpful and want more useful tips, you might be interested in our article on the costs of starting a company in Serbia.
