Law on Foreigners

Serbia’s Law on Foreigners regulates entry and movement, visas, residence and return, with rights, duties and Ministry of Interior competence. Short stays, temporary residence, permanent residence and the single permit are different statuses. Requirements depend on the legal basis and personal circumstances. Asylum and other categories subject to special regimes require their respective legislation; this law does not replace international protection proceedings.

The Interior Ministry performs its assigned functions and decides through prescribed procedures. A single permit links residence and work under the regime applicable since 2024, but work requirements must also be read with foreign employment legislation. Do not assume every visa, entry or residence document permits every form of employment. For your selected basis, check the official procedure, evidence, submission method and continuing obligations after approval. An application confirmation and a granted permit are not interchangeable documents.

Before applying, list your passport, current status, application basis and available documents. For renewal, check expiry and the current timely submission requirements rather than relying on rules for someone else’s permit. Retain confirmations and the decision. A change of basis, employer or another relevant circumstance may require further action, which should be checked against the actual permit and procedure. Following refusal or a return decision, immediately read the remedy information and seek qualified assistance, especially where protection against return may be relevant. A general explanation cannot determine whether a particular person may safely be returned.

The current publication chain comprises Official Gazette 24/2018, 31/2019 and 62/2023 of 27 July 2023. Amendment 62/2023 entered into force on 4 August 2023; expressly listed residence and single-permit provisions apply from 1 February 2024. Earlier deferred dates under 31/2019 have also passed. The editorial review date is not a date changing your immigration status. Use the current Legal Information System and official Interior Ministry procedures alongside related legislation and your individual decision.

This is Avangarda’s informative editorial overview and translation, not an official translation. For a particular case, check the current law through the official source, relevant implementing rules and individual decisions, and seek qualified legal help where needed. This overview does not replace the legislation or a competent authority’s decision.

Helps select the correct residence basis, distinguish documents and check procedural and protection requirements.

Foreign nationals, families, employers, representatives and authorities; asylum and other special categories follow separate regimes.

When planning entry, applying for or renewing residence, checking a single permit or reviewing a return decision.