Self-Employment (Entry in the Registration Decision)
Serbia
Last updated: December 28, 2025
90-180 days (renewable)
$214
15-30 days
Medium
About this Visa
Long-stay visa for foreign nationals establishing and managing self-employment in Serbia. Available to entrepreneurs, sole proprietors, freelancers, and digital nomads seeking to conduct business activities in Serbia for extended periods. Active as of December 2024 with unified single permit system combining residence and work authorization. Self-employment visa does not require minimum capital investment, prior business experience, or Serbian language proficiency. Applicants must demonstrate financial capacity to support themselves and maintain valid health insurance throughout their stay. No minimum income officially specified by Serbian government, though financial sustainability must be demonstrated. Available to all nationalities; no countries completely banned from eligibility. Citizenship entry requirements vary: nationals of visa-free countries (140+ nations) can enter first and apply; visa-required nationals must obtain D visa before entry. Path to permanent residence after 3 years of continuous legal residence. Can lead to Serbian citizenship after obtaining permanent residence. Permits renewable indefinitely if business remains active and in compliance with Serbian regulations.
Key Benefits
- Full legal residency rights
- Unrestricted self-employment work rights
- Can serve international clients without Serbian employer
- Family reunification eligibility for spouse and children
- Access to Serbian banking and public services
- Renewable up to 3 years
- Path to permanent residence after 3 years
- Eligibility for Serbian citizenship after permanent residence
- Healthcare access with valid insurance
- No maximum income restrictions
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum age 18 years
- No maximum age limit
- No formal education requirement unless required by business type
- No professional experience required
- Clean criminal record required
- Valid health insurance required (amount not officially specified; €20,000-30,000 recommended)
- No Serbian language requirement
- Must have legal business capacity
- Must establish or actively manage registered business in Serbia
- No passive investment; active business involvement required
Financial Requirement
No official minimum specified; must demonstrate sufficient funds for self-support. Digital nomad category requires €3,500/month or equivalent. Bank account should show minimum 3+ months living expenses (€420-500 equivalent). No minimum capital deposit required for business registration.
Documents
- Valid passportIssued within 10 years, valid 90+ days beyond departure, minimum 2 blank pages
- Visa application formCompleted form available at welcometoserbia.gov.rs or embassy
- Photograph3.5cm x 4.5cm, light background, natural tones, less than 6 months old
- Address proofLandlord statement or lease agreement for business location
- Business registration certificateExcerpt from Serbian Business Registers Agency proving founder/owner status
- Qualification certificateConfirming qualifications for business activity type (requirements vary by industry)
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.