Do You Need a Visa D for Serbia if You Have EU Residency?
If you’re planning to relocate to Serbia and hold residency in an EU country, you might be wondering whether you can skip the Visa D process. The short answer is no. Serbia’s visa requirements are based on your citizenship, not where you hold a residency permit.
In this article, we’ll clarify why having EU residency doesn’t exempt you from the Visa D process when applying for temporary residency in Serbia.
Common misconception about Visa D and EU Residency
Many people believe that having an EU residence permit allows them to bypass the Visa D process for Serbia. This assumption often leads to confusion during the relocation process.
The fact is, Serbia is not a part of the European Union, and its visa policies follow different regulations. When determining whether you need a Visa D, Serbian authorities consider your citizenship, not your residency status in an EU country. So, even if you hold a valid EU residence permit, if your country of citizenship requires a visa to enter Serbia, you will still need to apply for Visa D.
What is Visa D and who needs it?
A Visa D is a long-stay visa required for non-EU citizens who plan to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days. It is an essential step for anyone applying for a temporary residence permit in Serbia.
Key situations that require a Visa D include:
- Relocation to Serbia for work, education, or family reunification
- Starting a business in Serbia
- Any other scenario where your stay will exceed the standard 90-day tourist allowance
In general, if your country doesn’t have a visa waiver agreement with Serbia, you will need to go through the Visa D process before applying for a temporary residence permit. Check your Visa regime here.
Why EU Residency doesn’t exempt You from Visa D in Serbia
Here’s the critical point: Residency in an EU country does not change the visa requirements for Serbia. For example, if you are a citizen of India living in Germany with a German residence permit, your German residency doesn’t affect your requirement to obtain Visa D for Serbia. Your citizenship is the deciding factor.
This is an important distinction for individuals who plan to move to Serbia but are basing their relocation plans on their EU residency status rather than their nationality.
Steps for applying for Visa D
If you’ve determined that you need a Visa D, here are the key steps to follow:
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Check Visa Requirements: Verify your country’s visa obligations with Serbia. If your country is not on Serbia’s visa-exempt list, you’ll need to apply for Visa D.
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Prepare Required Documents: The application for Visa D typically includes:
- Completed visa application form;
- Valid passport (passport must be valid at least 90 days after the intended date of departure from the Republic of Serbia, with at least two consecutive blank pages, and issued within the past 10 years);
- Photo (size 3.5×4.5cm);
- Visa fee.
- Proof of the purpose and reasons for stay in the Republic of Serbia;
- Letter of invitation
- Adequate and valid travel medical insurance
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Submit the application: Visa D applications must be submitted at the Serbian embassy or consulate in your home country or country of residence or online, through the portal for foreign nationals www.welcometoserbia.gov.rs. . Make sure to submit the application well in advance of your planned move, as processing times can vary.
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Wait for approval: Visa D processing can take several weeks, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. Once approved, you can use Visa D to enter Serbia.
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Apply for Temporary Residence: Once you have entered Serbia with Visa D, you can proceed with your temporary residence permit application.
Key takeaways on Serbia’s Visa requirements
If you’re planning to move to Serbia, it’s crucial to understand that your EU residency does not exempt you from Serbia’s Visa D process. What matters is your citizenship, not your residence permit in another country.
- Citizenship is the determining factor for whether you need Visa D for Serbia.
- Even if you hold an EU residence permit, you may still need to apply for Visa D, depending on your nationality.
- Failing to apply for Visa D could result in delays or complications when you try to secure a temporary residence permit in Serbia.
Final thoughts
When considering a move to Serbia, always check your visa requirements based on your country of citizenship. Having an EU residency may simplify travel and residency processes within the European Union, but it does not replace the need to comply with Serbia’s visa rules.
Taking the time to understand Serbia’s immigration laws will save you from unnecessary delays and potential complications. If you’re unsure about the process or need help with your Visa D application, Gnjatić Law office is at your disposal.