Immigration Law

Navigating the legal system of a foreign country can be challenging. Immigration law encompasses all legal aspects of foreign citizens’ residence and business operations in Serbia – from obtaining residence permits and work permits to acquiring citizenship and protecting their rights before courts and institutions. Our law office provides comprehensive legal assistance to foreign citizens and foreign companies operating in Serbia, helping them understand and meet all legal requirements. Each step in immigration and administrative procedures requires precision and knowledge of regulations, and we are here to be your guide through these processes.

Our Immigration Law Services Include:

• Temporary and permanent residence: We advise and represent clients in procedures for obtaining temporary residence permits (based on employment, studies, family reunification, business investment, etc.), as well as permanent residence in the Republic of Serbia. We prepare all necessary documentation, help meet requirements, and submit applications to the Ministry of Interior. We also provide support in extending stays or obtaining the so-called “white card” for short-term stays when needed.
• Work permits for foreigners: For foreigners wishing to work in Serbia (whether as employees in a local company, founders of their own company, or as posted workers), it is necessary to obtain a work permit. Through cooperation with the National Employment Service, we manage the work permit issuance process – from registering the need for foreign workers, through collecting qualification evidence and employer requirements, to obtaining the decision. We strive to expedite this procedure for our clients and avoid common administrative obstacles.
• Acquiring Serbian citizenship: Foreign citizens who meet legal requirements can apply for Serbian citizenship. We help you determine if you meet the conditions (such as a certain number of years of continuous residence, marriage to a Serbian citizen, Serbian ancestry, or similar) and prepare the application with complete documentation. Also, in case of renouncing previous citizenship, we provide advice on that procedure as well. All these procedures are complex, but we have experience in successfully completing them.
• Company formation and investment: If you are a foreign investor or entrepreneur wanting to start a business in Serbia, we provide complete support in establishing a company by a foreign person. This includes obtaining necessary tax ID and registration numbers, opening bank accounts, and advising on business specifics (taxes, foreign exchange operations, customs benefits for foreign investments, investment protection, etc.). Also, if a foreign company wants to open a representative office or branch in Serbia, we guide clients through these procedures.
• Real estate purchase for foreigners: Although real estate purchase in Serbia is legally possible for foreigners with certain restrictions (reciprocity for citizens of other countries, prohibition of agricultural land purchase in some cases, etc.), many foreigners successfully acquire apartments, houses, or commercial spaces. Our team provides specific advice to foreigners when purchasing real estate – from verifying reciprocity conditions, through obtaining Ministry of Justice approval (when required), to contract conclusion and registration. This way, foreign clients safely invest in the Serbian real estate market, aware of all their rights and obligations.
• Representation before courts and authorities: If a foreign citizen faces legal proceedings in Serbia – whether as plaintiff or defendant, accused or injured party – we provide complete representation with assured translation and explanation of every step in the client’s understood language. We also represent foreigners before administrative bodies (e.g., in procedures before the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tax Administration) to bridge language and administrative barriers. Our network of court interpreters for multiple languages enables us to execute all documentation and communication precisely and accurately.
• Regulating personal status and other foreign citizens’ rights: Support provided to foreigners doesn’t end with obtaining papers. We’re here for all other legal needs they may have during their stay in Serbia: marriage to a domestic citizen (and legal advice on potential prenuptial agreements), recognition of foreign court decisions (e.g., foreign divorce or custody decisions, which is important when relocating to Serbia with family), exercising rights from health and pension insurance, etc.