ACQUIRING OF CITIZENSHIP OF THE REPUBLIC OF SERBIA BY ADMISSION

Admission to the Citizenship of the Republic of Serbia

The process of admission to the citizenship of the Republic of Serbia (hereinafter: “Citizenship”) is governed by the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Serbia (“Official Gazette of RS”, No. 135/2004 and 90/2007) (hereinafter: “Law”).

Citizenship can be acquired in several ways: by origin, birth on the territory of the Republic of Serbia, international agreements, or admission. Admission to citizenship is carried out through a procedure conducted by the Ministry of Internal Affairs, provided that all legal requirements are met.

General Conditions for Admission

A foreign citizen with permanent residence in Serbia, in accordance with the Law on Foreigners, may apply for citizenship if the following conditions are fulfilled:

1. Age and Capacity: The applicant must be at least 18 years old and have full working capacity.
2. Release from Previous Citizenship:
   • The applicant must provide proof of release from their foreign citizenship or evidence that they will be released upon admission to Serbian citizenship.
   • If the applicant’s country does not allow release or imposes conditions they cannot meet, the applicant may submit a statement renouncing their previous citizenship.
3. Residency: The applicant must have had uninterrupted residence in Serbia for at least three years prior to the application.
4. Statement of Allegiance: The applicant must submit a written statement declaring Serbia as their state.

Special Cases for Admission

1. Birth in Serbia
   A person born in Serbia may apply for citizenship if they have resided in the country for at least two consecutive years and submit a written statement considering Serbia as their state.

2. Marriage
   A foreign citizen married to a Serbian citizen for at least three years and holding permanent residence in Serbia may apply for citizenship by submitting a written statement of allegiance.

3. Emigrants and Descendants
   Emigrants from Serbia (and their descendants) may apply if they are at least 18 years old, have full working capacity, and declare Serbia as their state.

4. National Interest
   Foreign citizens whose admission would serve the national interest of Serbia may apply.

5. Children of Naturalized Citizens

   • If both parents acquire Serbian citizenship, their child under 18 years automatically acquires citizenship.
   • A parent who has been naturalized can also request citizenship for their child under 18, with the consent of the other parent.

6. Serbian Nationals Abroad
   A member of the Serbian nation residing abroad may acquire citizenship without renouncing their foreign citizenship, provided they are at least 18 years old, have full working capacity, and submit a written statement of allegiance.

   • The same applies to individuals born in former Yugoslav republics who held citizenship of those republics or are citizens of successor states, provided they currently reside in Serbia as refugees, expatriates, or displaced persons, or have been exiled abroad.

Application Process

Applications must be submitted to the competent police department, along with supporting documents, which may include:

• Certified copy of permanent residence approval.
• Birth certificate.
• Marriage certificate (if applying based on marriage).
• Written statement declaring Serbia as the applicant’s state.
• Copy of the foreigner’s identity card.
• Proof of payment of applicable fees.

Contact Us

Our Law Firm is available for consultation and assistance regarding necessary documentation, applications, and other related matters.

Attorney at Law Damir Petrović

Disclaimer: The information provided is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please consult a legal professional. The Law Firm Petrović Mojsić & Partners disclaims all liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.