Freedom of movement and residence
People have the right to move, choose their residence and leave a country.
What does this right mean?
People have the right to move, choose their residence and leave a country. Nationals have a specially protected right to return to their own country.
Why does it matter?
Nationals have a specially protected right to return to their own country.
Everyday examples
A person moves for work or applies for a travel document.
Legal basis
Universal Declaration of Human Rights — provisions 13. International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — provisions 12. European Convention on Human Rights — provisions Protocol 4, 2–3. Constitution of the Republic of Serbia — provisions 39.
Serbia framework
Constitution of the Republic of Serbia — provisions 39.
Entry and residence of foreign nationals are regulated by law. Movement restrictions must be lawful and necessary, for example to protect public health.
Checked 22 October 2026.
International framework
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights — provisions 13.
- International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights — provisions 12.
- European Convention on Human Rights — provisions Protocol 4, 2–3.
The Declaration is a common international standard; the Covenants, Convention and Constitution have different protection mechanisms.
Checked 22 October 2026.