Recently, more and more people have been interested in how to obtain Serbian citizenship. There are many myths and guesses surrounding this topic. To clarify, the author of the Russian-speaking YouTube channel Moving to Serbia spoke with a citizenship inspector from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia and received accurate information.
SRBIJA NEWS – Currently, the process of obtaining citizenship takes between 8 and 10 years and involves several stages. First, one must obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP) and live in Serbia for three years. Two months before the end of this period, it is possible to apply for a permanent residence permit (PRP). After receiving the PRP, one must live another three years in Serbia. Only after this period can an application for citizenship be submitted.
When applying for citizenship, it is necessary to renounce your previous citizenship. This requirement is in accordance with Serbian law. The renunciation must be confirmed with an official document and submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Serbia. After this, the waiting period begins, which can take from two to four years.
There are also categories of people who can obtain citizenship faster. For example, outstanding scientists, athletes, and other specialists with special merits for Serbia. In such cases, the relevant minister sends a recommendation to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and citizenship can be granted in about a year without the need to renounce the previous citizenship. Those married to Serbian citizens also tend to receive citizenship more quickly.
Previously, in some cases, the naturalization process could start earlier, but now everything is strictly according to the law: an application for citizenship can only be submitted after three years with a PRP.
Despite the long process, life in Serbia with a temporary or permanent residence permit is comfortable and stable. Many foreigners live successfully in the country, enjoying its nature, culture, and traditions while waiting to receive citizenship.
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