Citizens of the Russian Federation may enter the Republic of Serbia and stay without a visa for a continuous period not exceeding 30 days. After this 30-day period, they are required to leave the territory of the Republic of Serbia. They may stay in Serbia without restrictions only if they comply with the obligation to leave the country after each 30-day period. Upon every return to Serbia, they must report their return to the competent police station.
However, if a Russian citizen obtains a temporary residence permit, they are not required to leave the country for the duration of the permit.
Required Documentation for Temporary Residence Permit:
- Valid passport (the passport must be valid at least three months longer than the period for which the residence permit is issued).
- Bank confirmation from a Serbian bank showing funds in a personal account of at least one minimum wage.
- Registration of residence or address in Serbia (white card).
- Lease agreement for the apartment (for the planned period of stay).
- Identity card of the apartment owner (if the ID card has a chip, then a scanned copy).
- Statement from the owner consenting to the registration of the applicant at the residence address.
- Proof of health insurance covering the planned stay.
- Proof of payment of the applicable administrative fee (19,200 RSD in total).
- Two photographs (35mm x 45mm, color, frontal view).
- Completed application form.
- Extract from company registration (DOO or PR) if applying for work-related stay.
- Marriage certificate extract – for spouse residence permit.
- Birth certificate extract – for children’s residence permit.
Important: If it is found from the passport or official records that the foreigner spent less than half of the previously granted temporary residence period in Serbia, the competent authority may reject the request for extension unless the applicant provides proof of a justified absence.
Grounds for Applying for a Temporary Residence Permit
A foreigner may apply for a temporary residence permit based on the following grounds:
- Employment (including establishing a personal company or registering an entrepreneurial activity).
- Education or learning Serbian language.
- Studying.
- Participation in international student or pupil exchange programs.
- Professional specialization, training, or internship.
- Scientific research or other educational and research activities.
- Family reunification.
- Religious service.
- Medical treatment or care.
- Ownership of real estate.
- Humanitarian stay.
- Status as a victim of human trafficking.
- Other justified reasons in accordance with the law or international agreements.
Applications should generally be submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs at the foreigner’s place of residence in Serbia, although it is also possible to submit applications electronically.
