Passport and Citizenship

Ordinary naturalisation is, usually, a somewhat lengthy process, coupled with various background checks and interactions between the concerned Serbian state authorities. It may take 18 to 24 months to complete the ordinary naturalisation process to become a Serbian citizen. The ordinary naturalisation process has several general steps: beginning with filing a formal request for your admission (backed by appropriate documentation) and ending with your taking a certificate of Serbian citizenship.

But, there is an exception to every rule. And, this may well apply to your case.

An exception rule allows the Serbian government, in which the state’s special interest is present, to admit you and your family to the special citizenship programme. In this manner, your admittance to citizenship is much quicker and with less effort than in the case of ordinary naturalisation.

The conferral of citizenship in Serbia is fully discretionary and the investment amounts are not specified, so in a sense the country does not have an official Citizenship by Investment (CBI) scheme.

But, if it is in the state’s interest, you can fast-track your citizenship application and receive a positive decision within two weeks of application.

In such a context, under this exception to the rule, the following conditions are waived for discretionary naturalisation:

• Uninterrupted legal residence;
• Permanent Residence Permit;
• Sufficient means of subsistence;
• Renunciation of current citizenship(s).

This type of discretionary naturalisation has typically been reserved for those perceived to carry extraordinary benefits for Serbia. These benefits are usually those that are well above the average in some of the prominent areas of life or profession – sports, science, arts, business and so forth.

Yet, the fulfilment of only one condition is required – and that is there is an interest of the Republic of Serbia for the admission of a certain person to its citizenship.

In this case, the Government of the Republic of Serbia finally decides on admission to Serbian citizenship, based on the recommendations of the National Security Services and the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia.

Amusingly, Adriana Lima, Steven Seagal, Ralph Fiennes and many other famous individuals have acquired Serbian citizenship in this manner.

The Serbian passport is positioned at 34th place according to the Guide Passport Ranking Index. 

It provides visa-free access to 140 countries. 

This grants it an overall high mobility score and makes it a desirable passport.

Serbian passport holders have visa-free access and visas on arrival to countries such as Singapore, China, Russia, Israel and the entire European Union. 

This allows almost instant travel opportunities to worldwide prime destinations. Serbian passport holders do however require a visa to enter about 89 destinations. Some countries where a visa is required are Australia, India, the United Kingdom and United States.

It also provides potential opportunity to become an EU citizen in around 5 years, as Serbia is already a candidate for full EU membership.

Finally, Serbia has the lowest Income Tax in Europe at only 10%. And very low crime rate. A Serbian passport gives you the right to live in Serbia forever – your status will be permanently settled. Full civil rights – this includes the right to vote in elections. Free medical care. And no restrictions on your right to work whatsoever.