Serbia
Residence permit by investment

Serbia Permanent Residence Program for Investors and Business Owners

Overview:
Serbia is an emerging destination for family office relocations, offering low operating costs and flexible investment conditions.

Processing Time:
A long-stay D-Visa or a Temporary Residence Permit is typically processed within a few weeks after submitting a complete application. The initial residence permit is usually valid for up to three years and is renewable.

Pathway to Citizenship:
  • Permanent Residence: Can be applied for after three years of continuous temporary residence.
  • Citizenship: Eligibility for naturalization arises after three years of permanent residence. Serbia permits dual citizenship.

Eligible Family Members:
Spouse and children under 18.

Key Benefits:
  • Streamlined and fast application procedure.
  • Favorable tax regime and low business operating costs.
  • Free trade agreements with the EU, EFTA, EAEU, and other economic blocs.
  • Right for the family to live, work, and study in Serbia.

Physical Presence Requirement:
To maintain temporary residence, the applicant must reside in Serbia for the majority of the year. Continuous residence is required when applying for citizenship.

Investment Options:
  1. Establishing or Acquiring a Company:
  • Foreigners can register a company (LLC, branch, or representative office) online.
  • Minimum annual operating costs (office rent, accounting, taxes) start from approximately €3,900.
  1. Real Estate Purchase:
  • No legally mandated minimum investment amount.
  • The foreign buyer must be a citizen of a country with which Serbia has a bilateral agreement on property rights (over 75 countries).
  1. Official Investor Visa (via "Welcome to Serbia" Portal):
  • Requires proof of investment in material/intangible assets in a registered Serbian company.
  • Requires a Serbian bank statement showing a minimum balance of €50,000.

General Requirements:
  • Applicant must be over 18 with no criminal record.
  • Must rent or purchase residential property in Serbia for the duration of stay.
  • The applicant, spouse, and children must have valid health insurance.

Taxation:
  • Non-residents: Taxed only on Serbian-sourced income (rates from 10% to 20%).
  • Tax residents: Taxed on worldwide income.
  • Business owners benefit from incentives, including profit tax exemption on reinvested earnings.