How to Quickly Obtain Serbian Citizenship
Serbia as an Attractive Destination
Although Serbia is not yet a member of the European Union, it attracts people from all over the world as an appealing place to live and establish innovative businesses. Many foreigners are interested in obtaining Serbian citizenship under Article 19 of the Citizenship Law, which allows expedited access for those who contribute significantly to the country’s interests.
Ways to Obtain Serbian Citizenship
There are several ways to obtain Serbian citizenship. They are available to people of Serbian origin as well as foreigners who have resided in the country for an extended period. Besides these common options, the law also provides a special path for expedited citizenship when the applicant is of interest to Serbia.
Article 19 of the Law on Citizenship of Serbia
According to Article 19 of the Law, a foreign national can acquire Serbian citizenship even without meeting all regular requirements. To exercise this right, however, they must demonstrate that their acceptance benefits Serbia. Moreover, this provision applies to spouses and children of such persons, who do not need to meet standard requirements.
Specific Procedure for Citizenship Acquisition
Unlike the standard process, this procedure includes specific steps and a multi-level assessment. First, the application is submitted to the Ministry of Interior of Serbia (MUP). Finally, the government makes the final decision based on the recommendation of the relevant state authority.
Step One: Documentation for the Ministry of Interior
The applicant must, first and foremost, provide the Ministry with the following documents:
- A copy of a valid passport
- Birth certificate (no older than six months, translated into Serbian)
- Certificate of current citizenship (no older than six months, translated into Serbian)
- Signed statement declaring Serbia as their country
- Completed form with basic information, including personal data, marital status, employment information, and any criminal history
Additional Features for the Special Interest Process
For foreign nationals applying through the special interest process, it is important to note that no administrative fees are charged. If the applicant is married, a marriage certificate translated into Serbian is also required.
Step Two: Recommendation from the Relevant Ministry
Next, the applicant must obtain a letter of recommendation from the ministry covering the field in which they can contribute to Serbia. The documentation includes:
- CV (biography) in Serbian
- Proof from the Ministry of Interior that an application has been submitted
- Additional materials, such as project drafts or expert opinions on the applicant’s potential contribution
Application Content and Contribution to Serbia
The application should therefore include personal information, a description of activities, past achievements, and planned contributions to the country. It should also explain how the applicant can contribute to Serbia’s development in a specific field.
Completion of the Procedure and Final Decision
After both steps are completed, the relevant ministry reviews the application’s merits and submits a proposal to the Serbian government. Although the ministry’s recommendation is not binding, a well-prepared application supported by evidence can significantly improve the chances of a positive outcome.