A good basis for residence reflects your actual life: work, business, family, studies or your own home. Choosing it solely by the application price can prove inconvenient: the grounds must be maintained after you receive the card.
In this articleEmployment and entrepreneurship
Employment and self-employment use the single residence and work permit — jedinstvena dozvola. An employer is involved when you are hired; independent activity requires evidence of a registered business and an appropriate work status. Registering a sole trader or DOO and obtaining a permit are separate procedures.
Before choosing a business structure, it is useful to calculate monthly taxes, accounting, bank charges and address costs. This helps you understand the cost of living after receiving the card, rather than just the cost of the first application.
Family, property and education
- Family: review the main applicant's status, relationships, children's documents and whether the other parent's consent is needed.
- Property: check whether the specific property is suitable for residence and review ownership documents. Purchasing the property and making an immigration application require separate preparation.
- Studies: documents from a suitable educational institution are required; the right to work and a later move to permanent residence are checked separately.
- Qualifications: the term “talent-based residence” often covers several different steps. Diploma recognition, proof of qualifications and immigration grounds need to be established before paying for translations.
Documents for an initial assessment
- Applicants' passports and nationality details.
- Current status in Serbia, permit expiry date and previous application history.
- Documents supporting the proposed grounds: a contract or details of business, property, family or education.
- Family members and plans: who is moving immediately and who will need an independent right to work.
For the application itself, the set is supplemented with evidence of address, funds, insurance and other documents required by the chosen procedure. A universal file “for any residence permit” cannot replace checking the grounds.
What happens after choosing the grounds
We will compare suitable options, set out mandatory steps and costs, and prepare the documents and application. Where business registration, diploma recognition or family applications are needed, we will include those stages in the overall plan.
Permits may be issued for up to three years, but the maximum period does not mean every applicant receives the same card. It depends on the grounds and supporting documents.
RICS Consulting's perspectiveStart with the question “How will I live and work after obtaining residence?” This helps you choose sustainable grounds and avoid unnecessary procedures at the first renewal.
Get a plan for your situation
We will review your starting position, set out the steps and prepare a cost estimate. You will receive a scope of services, indicative timing and a clear next step.
Get a residence application planOfficial sources and date checkedInformation checked on 17 September 2026. Before applying, confirm the current fees and requirements for your category.