Applying for a Serbian passport is a straightforward process, but it does require meeting specific criteria. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps and conditions for obtaining a Serbian biometric passport, both within Serbia and abroad.
1. The Basic Requirement: Serbian Nationality
First and foremost, you must be a Serbian national to apply for a Serbian passport. This is an essential requirement, and without it, you will not be able to proceed with the application process. If you are a Serbian citizen, you can apply for a passport at any time, as long as you meet the other conditions outlined below.
2. Applying in Serbia vs. Abroad
There is a key distinction between applying for a Serbian passport within the country and applying abroad. When applying for a passport in Serbia, the applicant must have a registered address or residence in the country. This requirement ensures that individuals applying in Serbia are legally residing in the country.
On the other hand, if you are applying from outside of Serbia, at a Serbian embassy or consulate, you do not need to have a registered address in Serbia. This flexibility makes it easier for Serbian nationals living abroad to apply for or renew their passport without having to return to Serbia.
3. Conditions and Deadlines for Serbian Passport Issuance
To apply for a Serbian biometric passport, you must meet the following requirements:
- A valid personal ID: This serves as the primary document to verify your identity. If you are applying at a Serbian consulate, an alternative government-issued identification document will suffice.
- Previous passport (if applicable): If you are renewing your passport, you will need to submit your old passport for cancellation. If the passport is valid, it will be voided once the new passport is issued.
- Payment receipt: You must pay the applicable fees through the eGovernment portal. The receipt will need to be submitted as proof of payment.
- Passport-sized photo: Though optional, you can submit a recent photo (50x50mm) with a plain gray background. This may be requested if the passport office requires it.
The typical processing time for a passport application is 30 days when applying within Serbia. However, if you are submitting your application at a Serbian embassy or consulate abroad, the processing time is 60 days.
In urgent cases (such as needing medical treatment abroad or an urgent business trip), the process can be expedited. If you provide valid proof of the urgency, your passport may be issued within 48 hours.
4. Important Details for Minor Applicants
For minors, Serbian passports are issued with specific validity periods depending on the age of the applicant:
- Children under 3 years: The passport will be valid for 3 years.
- Children aged 3 to 14 years: Their passport will be valid for 5 years.
- Individuals over 14 years: A passport issued to individuals over 14 years old is valid for 10 years.
When applying for a minor’s passport, one parent must submit the application, along with written consent from the other parent or legal guardian. This consent is required to ensure both parents agree to the issuance of the passport. In cases where one parent is unavailable, the process can still proceed if you have the necessary legal documents (e.g., a court order regarding custody or authorization for passport issuance).
Additionally, fingerprints and signature are not required for minors under the age of 12 when submitting a passport application.
5. Collecting Your Passport and Additional Considerations
Once your passport has been issued, you or your authorized representative will need to collect it in person. If the previous passport is still valid, it will be canceled and returned to you upon collection of the new one.
If you have lost or damaged two or more passports within a five-year period, a new passport will be issued with a 1-year validity. However, if you are living abroad for more than one year, you may still be eligible for a longer-term passport despite previous passport issues.
Conclusion: A Smooth Passport Application Process
Obtaining a Serbian passport is relatively simple if you follow the necessary steps and meet the requirements. Whether you are applying from within Serbia or abroad, make sure to gather all the required documents and payments before submitting your application. By following the guidelines provided in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and timely process for obtaining your Serbian passport.
