Wondering how to get Serbian passport? You’re not alone. Whether driven by heritage, business expansion, or lifestyle goals, more and more people are looking into how to obtain Serbian citizenship and unlock the benefits that come with holding a Serbian passport.
A Serbian passport gives you visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 130 countries, including the Schengen Zone and many other countries. Add to that Serbia’s attractive business environment and the country’s ongoing EU accession process, and it’s easy to see why so many are asking: how do I get a Serbian passport?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how to obtain a Serbian passport through various legal pathways, whether by descent, naturalization, marriage, or investment. We’ll cover the eligibility criteria, application process, and typical obstacles, so you’ll know exactly what to expect and how to prepare.
If you’re ready to explore how to get a Serbian passport and whether you qualify, read on.
Who Can Get Serbian Passport?
Before diving into how to obtain a Serbian passport, it’s important to clarify who is eligible to apply. The Serbian passport is issued only to citizens of the Republic of Serbia, which means that obtaining citizenship is the first, and most essential step in the process.
There are several categories of individuals who may be eligible to apply for Serbian citizenship, and consequently for a Serbian passport. The legal basis for acquiring citizenship is governed by the Law on Citizenship of the Republic of Serbia (hereinafter: the Law), which outlines four formal grounds for acquiring citizenship:
- Citizenship by descent (origin from a Serbian parent)
- Citizenship by birth on the territory of the Republic of Serbia
- Citizenship by naturalization (typically based on residence)
- Citizenship under international agreements.
However, when looking beyond the literal text of the Law and considering how it is applied in practice, we can group the most common real-life cases into a more practical set of categories. In other words, if you’re wondering how to obtain a Serbian passport, you will typically fall under one of the following profiles:
- Individuals of Serbian origin, including those with Serbian parents, grandparents, or even more distant ancestors;
- Foreign nationals who have legally resided in Serbia for a continuous period (usually through temporary and then permanent residence), and who meet the conditions for applying under qualified stay (i.e., naturalization);
- Spouses of Serbian citizens, under certain residency and marital duration requirements;
- Individuals admitted under special circumstances, such as those whose naturalization is deemed to be in the national interest.
If you fall under any of these categories, you may qualify to apply for Serbian citizenship, after which you will become eligible to get a Serbian passport.
Serbian Citizenship and Passport: Legal Pathways
Now that we’ve outlined who may be eligible to apply for a Serbian passport, let’s explore how those eligible individuals can actually acquire Serbian citizenship, which is the first and most crucial step in the process. Below, we’ll walk you through some of the most common (and often the most compelling) pathways people take based on real-life examples and legal practice.
Serbian Citizenship by Descent
One of the most direct ways to obtain Serbian citizenship, and ultimately a Serbian passport, is through citizenship by descent. This pathway is particularly relevant for individuals who have Serbian roots. The Law recognizes the right of persons with Serbian ancestry to become citizens, even if they were born and have lived their entire lives abroad.
Children under the age of 18 can automatically acquire Serbian citizenship if both parents are Serbian citizens at the time of birth, or if one parent is a Serbian citizen and the child is born in Serbia. If the child is born abroad to one Serbian and one foreign parent, citizenship can still be granted, but only if the Serbian parent registers the child with a Serbian embassy or consulate before the child turns 18.
Take, for example, Ana, a girl born in Canada to a Serbian father and a Canadian mother. Although she grew up entirely outside Serbia, her father was able to register her for Serbian citizenship before her 18th birthday. As a result, Ana was recognized as a citizen of the Republic of Serbia and is now eligible for a Serbian passport. Having Serbian passport grants her rights such as permanent residence in Serbia, purchase of the real estate, or education in Serbia.
Citizenship by descent is also available to adults, but under stricter deadlines. Individuals over the age of 18 who were born abroad to at least one Serbian parent can still apply, but they must do so before turning 23. This route is particularly valuable for second-generation individuals who may have missed out on childhood registration but wish to reconnect with their heritage later in life.
What’s especially important to note is that Serbian law treats individuals who acquire citizenship by descent as if they had been citizens from birth. This retroactive status brings with it all rights and privileges, including the right to live and work in Serbia, access public services, and, of course, apply for a Serbian passport.
If you have Serbian ancestry and are wondering how to obtain Serbian citizenship by descent, this route may be the perfect opportunity to reclaim your roots and enjoy all the benefits of Serbian nationality.
Serbian Citizenship by Naturalization
For foreign nationals who have built their lives in Serbia and wish to formalize their legal and civic ties with the country, naturalization is one of the main pathways to get Serbian passport. This route is ideal for those who have resided in Serbia for a number of years and who are ready to take the final step toward full integration.
In addition to already having lawful permanent residence status, an applicant must meet several core requirements to qualify for Serbian citizenship by naturalization:
- Be at least 18 years old and legally capable of work;
- Have continuously resided in Serbia for at least three years before submitting the application;
- Provide evidence of release from their current citizenship, or show that they will be released upon acquiring Serbian citizenship;
- Submit a written declaration stating that they consider Serbia their permanent home.
This process is ideal for those who have built their lives in Serbia, whether due to work, family, or personal reasons.
It’s important to note that Serbian authorities maintain discretionary power in naturalization cases, especially when assessing whether the applicant poses a threat to public order or national security. The Ministry of Interior reviews each case individually, and while meeting the legal requirements is essential, the final decision is always subject to administrative discretion.
Notably, there are exceptions and flexibilities built into the law to accommodate individuals from countries that do not allow dual citizenship or where releasing citizenship is not realistically possible. In such cases, it is sufficient to provide a formal statement of renunciation of current nationality, which becomes effective only upon acquisition of Serbian citizenship. Stateless individuals are also not required to meet the citizenship release requirement.
Serbian Citizenship Through Marriage and Family Roots
For those who share a personal or ancestral connection with Serbia, the path to citizenship can be significantly shorter and more accessible. Whether through marriage to a Serbian citizen or by proving Serbian ethnic origin, the law provides facilitated procedures that reflect these close ties.
Serbian Citizenship by Marriage
If you’re married to a Serbian citizen, you may be eligible to obtain Serbian citizenship, and with it, a Serbian passport, under a simplified naturalization process. This route is increasingly popular among expatriates who start families in Serbia or who relocate for love.
To qualify under this category, you must:
- Be married to a Serbian citizen for at least three years, and
- Hold lawful permanent residence in Serbia at the time of application.
A key benefit of this pathway to acquiring citizenship is that the foreign spouse is allowed to keep their original citizenship. In other words, there is no requirement to renounce their existing nationality, making the process significantly more flexible.
Let’s say Emma, a German national, married Luka, a Serbian citizen, in 2020. After spending some time abroad, they relocated to Serbia, and Emma obtained permanent residence in 2024. In 2025, after more than three years of marriage, Emma submitted her application for Serbian citizenship based on marriage.
It’s worth emphasizing that the Serbian spouse must be a citizen at the time of application, and the marriage must still be valid. Authorities may request proof of cohabitation and other documentation to verify the authenticity of the marriage, if they find necessary.
Serbian Citizenship by Descent: Key Requirements
If you’re wondering how to get a Serbian passport and you have family ties to Serbia, you’re not alone. For many people of Serbian descent, the journey toward citizenship is about more than legal status. It’s about reclaiming cultural identity and reconnecting with ancestral roots. The good news is that Serbia offers simplified legal pathways specifically tailored for individuals like you.
Whether your parents or grandparents emigrated decades ago, or you identify as ethnically Serbian, understanding how to get a Serbian passport through these facilitated routes could be your easiest and most meaningful option.
One of the most common pathways is for emigrants and their descendants. Serbia recognizes the unique position of those whose ancestors left the country decades ago, often during the post-war period. Whether your grandfather moved to Canada, or your parents emigrated to Australia, you could still qualify. If you are over 18, legally competent, and submit a simple written statement declaring that you see Serbia as your country, you’re already well on your way to Serbian citizenship, and ultimately, your Serbian passport. The best part? You don’t need to give up your current citizenship or even live in Serbia.
Even spouses of these emigrants can apply under similar conditions, simply by making the same declaration of allegiance to Serbia. This inclusive approach makes it easier for entire families to reconnect with their Serbian roots.
Similarly, if you’re someone who identifies as ethnically Serbian, even if you’ve never lived in Serbia, you also have a privileged route. According to the Law, members of the Serbian nation can become Serbian citizens without renouncing other nationalities and without meeting the usual residency requirements. All you need is proof of Serbian ethnic origin, legal majority, and a written declaration that Serbia is your homeland.
So, if you’re asking yourself how to get a Serbian passport and you have ancestral or ethnic ties to Serbia, this could be the most direct and meaningful route for you.
Citizenship for Former Serbian Citizens
If you’re looking into how to get a Serbian passport and have previously held Serbian citizenship, or citizenship of a predecessor state such as the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (SFRY) or the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY), there’s a simplified path available to you. The Law allows individuals who voluntarily renounced their Serbian citizenship in the past to reacquire it, without the strict residency requirements typically expected under naturalization procedures.
This is particularly relevant for individuals who once moved abroad and gave up their Serbian citizenship in order to acquire another, often due to legal restrictions in their host country. If you’re in this situation, Serbia provides an opportunity to formally reconnect with your country of origin, no matter where you currently reside.
The reacquisition process requires that you are at least 18 years old, legally competent, and willing to submit a written statement affirming that you consider Serbia your country. You will also need to provide documentation proving your former citizenship. For many, this is one of the most direct and accessible ways to resume Serbian nationality and apply for a Serbian passport once again.
Special Admission Based on National Interest
Not everyone fits the usual legal criteria for naturalization. But, if you have made notable contributions in sports, science, culture, or business, you may still be eligible.
For individuals who do not meet the standard eligibility criteria but offer exceptional value to the Republic of Serbia, there exists a unique path: citizenship based on national interest. Article 19 of the Law grants the Serbian Government discretionary authority to admit foreign nationals whose naturalization is considered strategically beneficial to the country.
If you are a highly regarded athlete, artist, scientist, entrepreneur, or a specialist in a field aligned with Serbia’s cultural, economic, or technological priorities, you may qualify for this exceptional route. This pathway has previously been used to grant Serbian citizenship to Olympic athletes, prominent researchers, or business leaders whose work contributes to Serbia’s development on a global stage.
To begin this process, an official proposal must be initiated. The proposal is typically provided by a Serbian institution, sports federation, ministry, or similar authority, demonstrating your potential contribution to the Republic of Serbia.
While this route is highly selective and less common, it offers a powerful option for eligible individuals seeking how to get a Serbian passport while playing an active role in the country’s progress.
How to Get Serbian Passport: From Application to Issuance
If you’re wondering how to get a Serbian passport, it’s important to understand that obtaining the passport is the final step, preceded by the successful acquisition of Serbian citizenship. The procedure itself is handled by the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia, or by Serbian embassies and consulates abroad, depending on where the applicant resides.
Each legal pathway to Serbian citizenship, whether by descent, naturalization, marriage, or special admission, has its own specific criteria and procedural rules. While the requirements for documentation differ depending on the route, all applications are subject to administrative processing and decision-making by the competent authorities, with one important note – discretionary power of the authorities in each case.
Once the application is submitted, the timeline for obtaining a decision can vary. In some straightforward cases, a decision may be issued within several months, but more complex applications can take a year or longer to resolve. The waiting time depends on the basis of the application, the applicant’s individual circumstances, and the volume of cases pending with the authorities.
After the Ministry issues a decision granting Serbian citizenship, the applicant must ensure that registration as Serbian national is done properly. From that point onward, the individual becomes eligible to apply for a Serbian passport, which is issued by the same authorities. One option is to obtain Serbian passport in Serbia, whereas another option is at a diplomatic mission abroad.
How to Get a Serbian Passport: Key Steps to Follow
Learning how to get a Serbian passport is more than simply understanding the Law; it’s about taking the right steps through a process that can often involve administrative layers and legal complexities. While Serbia offers several clearly defined paths to citizenship, each one carries distinct requirements and procedural expectations.
Applicants may encounter certain recurring obstacles:
- Administrative Uncertainty: Processing times can vary widely, especially when foreign documentation is involved or when cases are more complex.
- Documentary Errors: Delays often stem from incomplete, incorrectly prepared, or untranslated documents.
- Dual Citizenship Concerns: Although Serbia permits dual nationality, your country of origin might not. Evaluating the legal effects is crucial.
Because of this, approaching the process with the right strategy and awareness is essential. For those with ancestral ties to Serbia, long-term residence, or personal or business interests, gaining Serbian passport is a realistic goal.
However, making informed decisions at every stage is key to avoiding setbacks. This is where experienced legal professionals can make a significant difference, by ensuring that your application is properly assembled and presented. With the right guidance, the path to Serbian citizenship becomes not just clearer, but smoother and more secure.
