Serbia: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-11
Path to citizenship
Ordinary Serbian naturalisation comes after 3 years with permanent residence, which is granted after 3 years of continuous temporary residence (since February 2024; absences of up to 10 months in total are allowed) — about 6 years overall. You need a declaration that you consider Serbia your country and release from your previous citizenship; there is no language test. Spouses of citizens need 3 years of marriage and permanent residence, without giving up their citizenship; people of Serbian origin need neither permanent residence nor release. A draft amendment that would have dropped the release requirement has not been adopted. Whether Ukrainians' temporary-protection time counts we could not find — the graph does not count it.
- • 3 years with permanent residence and release from previous citizenship
- • spouses of citizens — 3 years of marriage and permanent residence, no release
- • by origin — without permanent residence or release
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.5–1.5.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 11.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| Belgrade | RSD 142,000≈ €1,210 | RSD 348,000≈ €2,960 |
| Novi Sad | RSD 120,000≈ €1,020 | RSD 297,000≈ €2,530 |
| Niš | RSD 104,000≈ €883 | RSD 259,000≈ €2,200 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety73
- Earning potential62
- Healthcare70
- Path to citizenship62
- Schools and education55
- Environment43
- Warm, sunny climate60
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Serbia, and how long does it take?
3 years with permanent residence and release from previous citizenship; spouses of citizens — 3 years of marriage and permanent residence, no release; by origin — without permanent residence or release. Processing takes 0.5–1.5 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Serbia?
The main routes we cover: Temporary residence (work, business, study); Residence as the spouse of a Serbian citizen; Person of Serbian origin. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
Can I keep my citizenship in Serbia?
Ordinary naturalisation requires release from your previous citizenship (or proof it will be granted). For Russian and Ukrainian citizens this is a lengthy procedure on their own country's side. Spouses of citizens and people of Serbian origin do not have to give it up.
How much does it cost to live in Serbia per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: Belgrade ≈ RSD 142,000 / RSD 348,000; Novi Sad ≈ RSD 120,000 / RSD 297,000; Niš ≈ RSD 104,000 / RSD 259,000. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 11.2026.
How much is rent in Serbia?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: Belgrade RSD 68,800–RSD 105,000; Novi Sad RSD 46,500–RSD 67,500; Niš RSD 32,500–RSD 45,000.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 11.2026; budget as of 11.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.