Starting March 1, 2025, foreigners wishing to live and work in Serbia can apply for a visa entirely online through the new “Portal for Foreigners”. This platform simplifies and speeds up the application process, with all communication occurring digitally.
Foreigners can apply for the visa themselves or through an employer, particularly for long-term work or seasonal employment visas. The application is processed via the “Portal for Foreigners,” and employers need to register on the e-Government portal. The process is fully digital—once the service is selected and the online form completed, the applicant receives confirmation of the successful submission. All future notifications, including decisions and instructions, will be sent to the registered email address. Required documents must be submitted electronically, with the expectation that they are complete, authentic, and, if not in Serbian, translated.
For minors, applications must be submitted by a parent or guardian with the necessary documentation. Employers can also submit group applications for seasonal workers.
Visa requirements
Applicants must demonstrate financial stability, secure accommodation, intent to return to their home country, and adequate travel insurance. Depending on the purpose of stay—whether tourism, work, study, or medical treatment—additional documents, such as an invitation letter or accommodation reservation, may be required.
For foreigners seeking entry into Serbia for humanitarian reasons, force majeure, or state interest, a short-stay (C) visa can be issued with the appropriate documentation, such as medical records, diplomatic notes, or invitations from relevant institutions. In some cases, a visa may be granted without additional evidence.
For longer stays, such as the D visa, applicants must meet clear conditions based on the reason for their stay. Employment, business, education, training, or self-employment are common grounds for this visa. Specific requirements vary: workers must have an employment contract, while self-employed individuals must provide proof of registration and qualifications.
Special categories
Foreign journalists, volunteers, project experts, and representatives of international organizations must submit the relevant contracts, permits, and certificates. Those involved in film or TV productions in Serbia will need a contract between a domestic and foreign producer, a confirmation from a Serbian production company, and documentation detailing the duration of their engagement.
Students and researchers
Students wishing to study in Serbia must present an enrollment certificate from an accredited school or university, verified by the Ministry of Education. For those learning the Serbian language, proof of enrollment in a language course is required. Some may also need a certificate confirming their intent to continue their education in Serbia.
Researchers must have a contract with an accredited scientific organization in Serbia. Similar documentation is required for foreign experts involved in scientific activities, training, or professional development.
Family reunification
Foreign nationals seeking to reunite with family members in Serbia must provide proof of relationship, such as a marriage certificate, evidence of an extramarital union, or documentation confirming dependency on relatives in Serbia.
Religious officials or priests must submit a contract or confirmation of engagement from a registered religious community in Serbia. Those coming to Serbia for medical treatment must provide a recommendation from a health facility, while property owners can apply for a visa based on their title deed or other valid documents.
Invitation letters
All invitation letters, whether from individuals or legal entities, must be submitted electronically through the Portal for Foreigners. This streamlines the visa application process.
The new rules are designed to make the visa application process more efficient and transparent for foreigners seeking to stay in Serbia for an extended period.
