Property Ownership Temporary Residence Permit

Serbia's Property Ownership Temporary Residence Permit allows foreign nationals who own residential real estate in Serbia to reside and work in the country. Established under the Law on Foreigners, this is one of the most accessible real estate-based residence programs in Europe since there is no minimum property value requirement. The 2023 amendments introduced work rights without a separate work permit, extended permit duration to up to 3 years, and digitized the application process.

• Ownership of residential real estate in Serbia (apartment or house in habitable condition)
• Must be a citizen of a country with a reciprocity agreement with Serbia for mutual property ownership (67+ eligible countries including EU member states, USA, Canada, UK, Japan, and others)
• Must be at least 18 years old
• Proof of sufficient financial means for living expenses (no specific minimum amount defined)
• Valid health insurance
• Property must be registered in the cadastre (land registry)

• Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond the permit period
• Two passport photographs (35x45mm, colour, full face)
• Property deed or excerpt from the cadastre proving ownership of residential real estate
• Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements, income proof, or pension documentation)
• Health insurance documentation
• Proof of paid administrative fees (approximately RSD 23,120)

Permits are granted for up to 3 years and renewable for the same period as long as property ownership is maintained. Renewal applications should be submitted no sooner than 3 months before expiration and no later than the expiration date.

Spouse and children under 18 may apply for temporary residence through family reunification. Each family member submits a separate application with their own passport, photographs, health insurance, and proof of the family relationship. Family permits follow the same duration and renewal rules as the primary permit.

Individuals spending more than 183 days in Serbia in a 12-month period become tax residents subject to worldwide income taxation. Property-related taxes include: 2.5% property transfer tax upon purchase, approximately 0.4% annual property tax, 20% tax on rental income, and 15% capital gains tax (exempt for properties held 10+ years). Serbia has double taxation treaties with 64 countries.

1. Verify reciprocity: confirm your country of citizenship has a reciprocity agreement with Serbia (the Ministry of Justice maintains a list; if unlisted, you can request a determination for RSD 1,990)
2. Purchase residential property: execute a purchase agreement, notarize it, and register ownership with the cadastre
3. Obtain a long-stay Visa D from a Serbian embassy if required
4. Register your residential address at the property with local police
5. Submit the temporary residence application via the Foreigners' Portal or in person at the police directorate
6. Attend a biometric data collection appointment
7. Receive the biometric foreigner identity card upon approval

Processing takes approximately 15 days under the digitalized system introduced in February 2024.

• Foreigners cannot purchase agricultural land in Serbia
• Only residential property qualifies; commercial real estate does not
• Property must be owned by the individual, not through a company
• The reciprocity requirement limits eligibility to citizens of countries with bilateral property ownership agreements
• Inheritance of property does not require reciprocity verification

After 3 years of continuous temporary residence, holders may apply for permanent residence. Absences must not exceed 10 months total or 6 months continuously during this period. Citizenship by naturalization is available after 3 further years of permanent residence.