At the moment Serbia is in the status of a candidate to the EU, but in 2025 it should become a full member, which will allow its citizens to obtain the status of EU citizens automatically.
For Russian citizens in 2023, a simplified procedure for obtaining citizenship (with higher education and a business in the country) was proposed, allowing for the issuance of citizenship after just 12 months of residence. However, this procedure is not currently approved, and it is still not possible for Russian citizens to obtain a Serbian passport in an expedited manner.
Ways to obtain citizenship
Serbian citizenship can be obtained by:
- A newborn child of citizens of the Republic.
- A foreigner residing on the basis of permanent residence.
- A person married to a Serbian citizen for at least 3 years.
- A citizen of the former Yugoslavia planning to reside in the Republic.
- A foreigner with Serbian roots.
The granting of citizenship status in the Republic of Serbia is regulated by the Citizenship Law No. 135/2004 and 90/2007. The law governs the methods of acquiring the corresponding status through naturalization, birthright, marriage, or in accordance with national interests.