Acquisition of Serbian Citizenship Based on Descent

Acquisition of Serbian Citizenship Based on Descent

Individuals of Serbian descent residing abroad may be eligible to acquire the citizenship of the Republic of Serbia in accordance with the current Law on Citizenship. Specifically, Article 23 of the Law enables persons of Serbian origin who do not have registered residence in the territory of the Republic of Serbia to apply for admission to citizenship without the requirement of prior residence in the country.

Citizenship by descent may be granted to legally competent adults who submit a written declaration expressing that they consider the Republic of Serbia their own state. It is essential that the applicant proves their descent through appropriate documentation demonstrating that they originate from persons who had Serbian nationality or were citizens of the Republic of Serbia or one of its predecessor states.

Eligibility Requirements:

• The applicant must be at least 18 years of age;

• The applicant must have legal capacity;

• A written declaration of allegiance to the Republic of Serbia must be submitted;

• Proof of Serbian descent must be provided (e.g., birth certificates, citizenship certificates, sworn statements of witnesses, etc.).

Special Provisions – Refugees and Internally Displaced Persons:

Persons born in the territory of the former SFRY who have refugee status or are internally displaced may benefit from facilitated procedures, subject to the submission of additional supporting documents, such as:

• Certificate of refugee status;

• Proof of citizenship of another former Yugoslav republic.

Application Procedure:

The application for admission to citizenship may be submitted to the competent police department in Serbia or to a diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Serbia abroad. Upon receipt of the application and accompanying documents, the competent authority will assess whether the legal requirements have been met and will issue a decision in an administrative procedure. The application may be submitted in person or through a legal representative (attorney).

Advantages of Dual Citizenship:

The Republic of Serbia permits dual citizenship, meaning the applicant is not required to renounce their current citizenship. This is especially beneficial for members of the diaspora who wish to preserve their connection with their country of origin while retaining the rights associated with their country of residence. Nonetheless, it is advisable to verify whether the other country permits dual citizenship.

For any additional information, our legal team is available to assist you via our contact form or email: office@mlaw.rs.