The Republic of Serbia emerges as a distinctive and appealing destination for entrepreneurs and families alike. But why Serbia?
Nestled in the heart of Europe, in the Balkans region. Serbia offers a unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and a rapidly evolving economic landscape. As an Eastern European nation, it presents a gateway to both Eastern and Western markets, making it a strategic hub for business and investment.
The allure of Serbian citizenship is not just in its geographic and cultural appeal but also in the pragmatic benefits it offers.
Unlike many other European countries, Serbia provides multiple avenues for obtaining citizenship in a straightforward process. These avenues, though not a direct citizenship by investment program, offer similar end goals of becoming a citizen through investment routes. Whether it’s investing in real estate among the bustling streets of Belgrade or engaging in business ventures within the dynamic Serbian economy, there are multiple diverse routes to Serbian citizenship.
Routes to Serbian Citizenship
Serbia streamlines the path to citizenship for investors, foregoing a direct CBI program in favor of a more accessible investment model. This approach invites global investors to engage with the Serbian economy, notably through real estate or business investment, to lay the groundwork for residency.
In contrast to the lengthy residency requirements seen across many EU countries, Serbia's process is refreshingly simple. A three-year period of temporary residency allows investors to progress to permanent residency; after six years of total residency split between temporary and permanent residence permits, it's possible to naturalize and become a Serbian citizen. The Serbian model stands out for its pragmatism, offering one of the fastest routes in Europe from investment to citizenship, requiring just a minimum stay to demonstrate genuine ties to the country.
Serbia Investor Visa Program
Serbia's investment visa program offers a straightforward and efficient path to permanent residency and, ultimately, citizenship after just three years. This golden visa program is tailored for wealthy and talented individuals.
The program lays out two clear investment options for obtaining a Serbian residence permit:
- Making a real estate investment anywhere in the Republic of Serbia
- Participating in the Serbian economy via a business investment
The best part of the Serbia investor visa program is the lack of a minimum investment requirement, a rare flexibility that opens doors to a wider range of investors. Once the investment is made, which could be as simple as incorporating a company and opening a bank account in the country, applicants can expect to secure their residence permit swiftly, often within just one month of applying, setting a refreshing and remarkable pace on the journey to becoming a resident compared to other European countries.
Alternative routes to Serbian citizenship
Descent
Serbian citizenship is a right that extends through generations. Here are the cases in which one can claim Serbian citizenship by descent.
1. Birthright citizenship
If your parents held Serbian citizenship when you were born, you're entitled to claim Serbian citizenship, no matter where you were born.
- Birth on Serbian soil
Being born in Serbia to at least one Serbian parent automatically grants you the right to citizenship.
3. Global birth
Even if you were born outside Serbia, having one Serbian parent gives you the right to claim citizenship. If one of your parents was a foreign national or their identity is unknown, you can still opt for Serbian citizenship by the age of 23.
Marriage
A foreign national married to a Serbian citizen for at least three years with permanent residence can apply for Serbian citizenship.
Citizenship by Exception
This is one of the most interesting routes to citizenship; the country has a discretionary program that may grant citizenship to wealthy and talented individuals based on a significant contribution to Serbian society at the discretion of the Serbian Government; these can include business, educational, and artistic contributions. Talented individuals such as Ralph Fiennes and Steven Seagal are examples of receiving Serbian citizenship by exception.
What are the requirements for becoming a Serbian citizen?
The criteria to obtain Serbian citizenship through naturalization is simple and straightforward; there is also the added benefit of Serbia not having any language requirement for becoming a citizen.
The eligibility criteria includes the following:
- Being over the age of 18
- Having a clean criminal record
- Acquiring permanent residency
- A minimum of 3 years of continuous residency with a permanent residency permit
There is also the ability for dependant family members also to become citizens through the application process. Serbia has no restrictions on dual citizenship, meaning it will not affect your current citizenship(s).
Living in Serbia
Serbia presents compelling cost of living and a reputation for safety, enhanced by its varied climate and the dynamism of Belgrade, its capital city. The country provides the perfect environment for rapid economic growth, with the ability to integrate fully into Serbian culture.
Cost of Living
Serbia's cost of living is one of its most appealing features. Compared to Western Europe and North America, you'll find Serbia remarkably affordable. Housing, groceries, restaurants, and luxury items are reasonably priced, so your investment goes further; thus, you can enjoy a higher quality of life for less. Belgrade, while being the most expensive city in the country, still offers a cost-effective lifestyle in a global European capital city.
Safety
Safety is a top priority for anyone considering a new country to call home. Serbia is known for its low crime rate, making it one of the safest places to live and raise a family in the world. The Serbian people are known for their hospitality and warmth, creating an environment where safety and community go hand in hand.
Climate
Serbia's climate offers a blend of Continental and Mediterranean, resulting in hot, dry summers and cold winters with snowfall. The seasonal variation in Serbia enables some of the best year-round optimal living.
The Capital City
Belgrade boasts rapid development, with the Belgrade Waterfront project being one of the most desired places to live in the city. Belgrade is a global European capital city with all the amenities that you’d expect. There’s also great connectivity from Belgrade’s airport, with direct flights to London, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Zurich in just a matter of hours.
The Serbian Passport
The Serbian passport is a powerful travel document that is currently ranked 31st in the world, providing visa-free access to over 135 countries. Serbian citizens benefit from unique access to both East and West, with the ability to visit Europe’s Schengen area, Russia, Turkey, China, Japan, and Singapore, all without the hassle of visas.
Along with great visa-free travel, the passport is also a highly respected travel document, with Serbia generally having positive diplomatic relations with other countries. The passport is still missing some big countries with visa-free access, such as the United States, the UK, Mexico, and Canada. We could see this change in the near future as the country’s economy and status grows, with Serbia becoming a rising regional power.
European Union Candidate
Serbia, as an EU candidate country, is on a clear trajectory towards EU membership. The nation is actively engaged in negotiations and reforms to align with EU standards and policies. While the exact timeline for accession remains subject to the pace of these reforms and the consensus of current EU members, Serbia’s progress is steady and forward-moving.
EU citizenship carries with it a myriad of benefits that are some of the most desired in the world. Serbian citizens would enjoy these upon EU accession; these include the right to live, work, and study in any of the other EU countries, including Greece, Portugal, Malta, Hungary, and Germany. EU citizens also enjoy access to the large Single Market, which removes trade barriers, increasing ease of business and prosperity.
The Future of Serbia
Serbia stands as an increasingly attractive country for foreign investors seeking a second citizenship and a second home. The country offers a blend of rich culture, attractive tax rates, economic potential, and a strategic geographical location. The country’s straightforward and unique approach to immigration and citizenship positions Serbia as a compelling choice in anyone’s sovereignty stack. With its trajectory towards EU membership and an improving international standing, Serbian citizenship promises not only immediate benefits but also a potential gateway to broader freedoms and opportunities in the near future.
