Serbia Citizenship by Investment - We Assist International Investors
Citizenship by Investment in Serbia
Updated on Monday 10th July 2023 Rate this article
based on 8 reviews.
based on 8 reviews.
.jpg)
Serbia offers an advantageous scheme for obtaining citizenship for foreigners who relocate to this country. This scheme is much more advantageous and faster, compared to other processes in other European countries. If you are interested in Serbian citizenship and want to know complete details about how you can get it, we recommend that you get in touch with our team of immigration lawyers in Serbia. In addition, we are at your disposal if you wish to start a business in Serbia.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Nationalities accepted (EU/Non-EU) | EU and non-EU |
| Business investment option | Yes |
| Real estate investment option | Yes |
| Other investment options (if available) | - starting a business, - making donations |
| Residence or direct citizenship option | Investments of minimum EUR 250,000 to gain citizenship |
| Direct immigration with family members | Yes |
| Family members allowed to join the program | - children, - parents, - grandparents |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment | Around 3 months |
| Dual citizenship permitted | Yes |
| Reasons to choose Serbia | - good legal frame for investments, - advatageous tax system, - many business opportunities |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | Around 134 |
| Program name | Serbia Citizenship by Investment Program |
| Real estate investment | Minimum €250,000 investment in residential or commercial properties |
| Job creation investment | Minimum €500,000 investment and creation of at least 10 job positions |
| Government bonds investment | Minimum €512,000 investment in Serbian government bonds |
| Investment holding period | -minimum 5 years for real estate and job creation investments, - minimum 3 years for government bonds investment |
| Residency requirement | 183 days out of 365 in a year |
| Due diligence and background checks | Applicants and their family members are subject to due diligence and background checks. |
| Language requirements for Serbian citizenship by investment | No specific language requirements |
| Citizenship benefits | - access to Serbian citizenship and passport, - visa-free travel to numerous countries, - right to live, work, and study in Serbia |
| Cancellation of citizenship | Citizenship can be revoked in case of false information or non-compliance with program rules. |
| Professional assistance | We assist international investors by providing professional guidance and support throughout the application process. |
How to get Serbia citizenship by investment
As mentioned above, Serbia citizenship by investment is a great program for foreigners. The Serbia investment visa program was launched in 2016 to attract foreign investors and stimulate the country's economy.There are three options for obtaining citizenship by investment in Serbia, as follows:
- Non-reimbursable donation of at least EUR 250,000.
- Acquisition of property worth at least EUR 250,000.
- A business investment of at least EUR 500,000 and the employment of at least 4 Serbian workers.
The specific criteria for obtaining Serbian citizenship by investment needs to meet some general immigration requirements. Applicants will typically be subject to thorough background checks, including a criminal record check, to ensure that they do not pose a security risk to the country. Applicants also need to be over 18 years of age. This program is a pathway to obtaining a Serbian passport by investment and also Serbian citizenship.
What is important to emphasize is that Serbia citizenship by investment is a process that takes about 3 months. However, all the details related to this program can be provided by our immigration lawyers in Serbia. They can help you move to Serbia.
Do you need business experience to access the program?
No, applicants are not required to have experience in the field in order to open a business or make investments in Serbia to gain citizenship. In addition, there is no obligation to know the language when applying for Serbia citizenship by investment. More about immigration to Serbia can be discussed with our lawyers. You can also discover the following infographic:
Is this program dedicated to family members as well?
Of course, foreigners who want to obtain Serbian citizenship can also apply for family members, children up to 25 years old, or parents over 65 years old. Everything you need to know about the formalities for Serbia citizenship by investment can be found at our lawyers.
Serbia investment visa can be a significant advantage for families looking to obtain Serbian citizenship. Many other countries' citizenship by investment programs have strict limitations on the number of family members who can be included in the application or require additional investment for each family member.
Here is a video presentaion on this topic:
What other fees are paid to access Serbia citizenship by investment?
In addition to the minimum investment amounts mentioned above, applicants must also consider a government fee of EUR 25,000 or EUR 50,000 for investments of at least EUR 500,000. Also, a fee of EUR 7,500 for due diligence is added. It is important to mention that this type of fee applies to each applicant, and other taxes will be paid for family members. We remind you that you can benefit from legal advice from our lawyers in Serbia regarding obtaining citizenship. They can provide assistance if you want to immigrate to Serbia.
Obtaining temporary or permanent residency in Serbia is a viable option if you are interested in investing a smaller amount than what is required by the Serbia Investment Visa Program.
Advantages of Serbia citizenship by investment
Serbian citizenship is advantageous for foreigners who relocate to Serbia. Even though Serbia is not yet part of the European Union, this status comes with a passport that allows unrestricted travel to more than 110 countries around the world, including the Schengen area. In addition, it is important to know that Serbia will offer other benefits once the citizenship is obtained, as soon as it becomes part of the European Union.
Serbian Citizenship by Investment to permanent citizenship
Serbian Citizenship by investment can also lead to permanent citizenship. Typically, you must reside in Serbia for a minimum of 183 days or more each year, although exceptions may be made in certain circumstances. After residing in the country for five years, you can apply for permanent residency, which in some cases can lead to citizenship. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Serbia is responsible for taking decisions on applications for obtaining and ending citizenship in accordance with its powers as outlined in the law.
Our law firm in Serbia can provide the most up-to-date information to determine the exact steps to follow in obtaining any type of Serbian citizenship and other visa possibilities.
Serbian real estate visa
A Serbian real estate investment visa is a type of visa that allows non-European Union citizens to enter Serbia for a temporary period and potentially gain residency through investment in real estate. One advantage is that there is no minimum investment requirement. Additionally, real estate prices in Serbia are lower compared to other frontier and emerging markets. To obtain residency in Serbia through real estate investment, one must be a citizen of over 70 eligible countries and comply with certain requirements, such as creating purchase or lease agreements, registering the property, paying taxes, and opening a personal bank account in Serbia.
The required application documents include:
- a passport copy,
- 5x5 cm photos of the applicant,
- birth/marriage certificate (if applicable),
- proof of funds,
- employment/salary information,
- proof of dwelling,
- evidence of fees paid.
There are several reasons why one might consider buying real estate in Serbia. The country has a growing economy and a favorable business climate, making it a good investment opportunity. Additionally, the real estate market in Serbia offers relatively low prices,and purchasing real estate is a way to obtain Serbian citizenship by investment. The country is also known for its diverse natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and friendly people, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a new place to call home.
An experienced immigration lawyer in Serbia can help you navigate the complex laws and regulations surrounding this type of visa and ensure that your application is completed correctly and in a timely manner.
Do I also obtain a Serbian passport after having citizenshipby investment?
Of course, obtaining Serbian citizenship through investment can grant you a Serbian passport if you meet the eligibility requirements. The process typically involves obtaining permanent residency first, which can be done after five years of residency and then applying for citizenship after three years of being a permanent resident.
Once the citizenship is obtained, the investor can obtain a Serbian passport by investment and enjoy all the rights and benefits of a Serbian citizen, including the ability to live and work in Serbia, travel freely within the EU, and access Serbia's public services and education system.
Why invest in Serbia
If you are considering immigration to Serbia, you should know that the country has long been on the list of foreign investors who want to grow their business in this part of Europe. Business collaborations with important financial centers, a stable economy, and an advantageous business climate are some of Serbia's attributes, meant to attract as many foreign investors as possible. The young and experienced workforce, the affordable costs for setting up a company but also for living in this country are some of the benefits offered in Serbia. We present below some statistical data that underline the economic direction of Serbia:
- About 70% of foreign investment in Serbia comes from European Union countries.
- In 2021, the total FDI net inflow in Serbia was about USD 4.57 billion.
- According to the 2020 Doing Business report, Serbia ranked 44th out of 190 world economies in terms of ease of doing business and more.
- Serbia continues to promote equal investment opportunities for local and international entrepreneurs.
- Russia, Hong Kong, and Switzerland are among the largest foreign investors in Serbia.
Why work with our lawyers in Serbia
Foreign investors who want help in opening a business and move to Serbia can count on the support and legal advice provided by our lawyers. Registration for the payment of taxes, drafting contracts, the establishment of investment funds, representation in case of litigation are just some of the legal services offered to our clients. In addition, we rely on responsibility, professionalism, and confidentiality when collaborating with any type of customers, including international ones.
If you want residency in Serbia, it is necessary to have health insurance and provide proof of domicile in this country, as well as personal funds, sufficient for living in Serbia. But in order to benefit from a fast and uncomplicated process, we recommend that you contact our Serbian lawyers and discover the legal services offered. We are at your disposal with a series of information and clarifications in this direction.
Those who want more information about Serbia citizenship by investment can contact our law firm in Serbia. Feel free to talk to us about how to relocate to Serbia.