Serbia offers several paths to acquire its citizenship. These options include citizenship by descent, naturalization, and special conditions for emigrants or their descendants. So, Serbian citizenship can be gained in one of the following ways:
Acquisition of Serbian Citizenship by Descent
If one or both of your parents were Serbian citizens at the time of your birth, you may automatically acquire citizenship by descent. To ensure this, make sure to register your child at the Serbian diplomatic-consular mission.
If your parents were Serbian citizens when you were born, and you are under 23 years of age but were not previously registered, you can submit a request to the Serbian diplomatic mission.
Acquisition of Serbian Citizenship by Naturalization
There are a few key pathways to naturalization for foreigners wishing to acquire citizenship of Serbia:
- General Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old and not deprived of business capacity.
- Have proof of residence in Serbia for at least 3 years before your application.
- Submit a written statement declaring Serbia as your country.
- Release from foreign citizenship or proof that you will do so.
- Marriage to a Serbian Citizen:
- If you are married to a Serbian citizen for at least three years and have permanent residence in Serbia, you can acquire citizenship by submitting a statement declaring Serbia as your country.
- Emigrants and Their Descendants:
- If you are an emigrant or descendant of Serbian citizens, you can acquire citizenship of Serbia without giving up your foreign citizenship. This allows dual citizenship.
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old and submit a statement considering Serbia their country.
- Citizenship by Descent (Living Abroad):
- If you are of Serbian descent and live outside Serbia, you can apply for citizenship under Article 23 of the Law without renouncing your foreign citizenship.
How to Cease Serbian Citizenship
- Termination by Release:
- A Serbian citizen can request release from citizenship if they are at least 18, have no military obligations, and have settled their taxes and legal obligations in Serbia. You must also prove you hold foreign citizenship or will acquire it upon release.
- Renunciation:
- Citizens born and living abroad, with foreign citizenship, can renounce Serbian citizenship before turning 25, following a formal procedure.
Reacquiring Serbian Citizenship
If you have been released from citizenship of the Republic of Serbia or had it revoked by your parents, you can apply to reacquire it. To do so:
- You must be at least 18 and submit a statement considering Serbia your country.
- Some countries may require approval from their authorities before you can reacquire citizenship of Serbia.
Unregulated Citizenship Status
If you have acquired citizenship of Serbia but are not listed in the birth or citizenship registry, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will assess and confirm your citizenship status. This may be done upon request or by relevant authorities handling your legal rights.
Where to Submit the Request
You can submit your citizenship application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs in Serbia, or to the Serbian diplomatic-consular mission. Applications can be submitted in person or by a representative. If the applicant is a child or legally incapable, a parent or guardian must submit the request.
After submission, applicants will receive a confirmation of the request. It is important to check the Ministry of Internal Affairs for updates on processing times and requirements.
Final Thoughts
Acquiring or renouncing citizenship of Serbia is a well-regulated process with several pathways depending on your situation. Whether you are applying through descent, naturalization, or reacquisition, make sure to follow the correct procedures and seek guidance from the Serbian diplomatic mission in your area.
For more information on conditions, documents required, and the application process, please contact the nearest Serbian diplomatic-consular mission or get in touch with us by clicking HERE or visiting this website contact page.
For the quickest ways to obtain Serbian citizenship, check out these resources: Quickest Way to Serbian Citizenship or VIP Serbian Citizenship by Special Interest.
