Traditionally, global citizens have been limited by the strength of their passports. As a result, many entrepreneurs, business owners and high-net-worth individuals born in countries with low passport rankings have seen their opportunities to travel and trade severely restricted.
Fortunately, this is no longer the case. Thanks to the growing availability of residence and citizenship-by-investment programs, ambitious citizens can broaden their horizons, unlocking the freedom to live, study, work and retire around the world.
One such program, via Serbia’s investor visa, allows holders to obtain permanent residency and potentially full European citizenship rights. So, if you’re looking to secure an advantageous home from home, here’s why Serbia could be a great choice.
Brief overview of Serbia citizenship-by-investment program
While the government of Serbia does not offer a direct off-the-shelf program for citizenship, it does offer a route via residency.
First, you must apply for an investor visa. This allows you to reside in the country for the length of the visa in return for an investment in a Serbian business or real estate.
After holding an investor visa for three years of continuous residence, you can apply for permanent residence status. As a resident, you are free to access Serbian social and health services and live, work and trade indefinitely in the country.
After three more years of continuous residence, you are eligible to apply for Serbian citizenship, granting you the same rights as those born in the country. Serbian residency by investment and full citizenship also extend to your family members, including dependent children aged 25 or under, parents over 65 and your spouse.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for Serbian residency, you must invest in a Serbian business or real estate purchase. This allows you to apply for an investor visa.
To be eligible for permanent residence, you must meet the conditions of your investor visa, renewing every six months, for at least three years. After three years as a permanent resident, you may apply for full Serbian citizenship.
To be eligible for Serbian citizenship, you also must be over 18 and hold a clean criminal record. You will also be required to take out an adequate health insurance policy. Unlike many other countries, there is no language requirement when applying to be citizen of Serbia.
While Serbia once required new citizens to renounce any previously held citizenships, this is no longer the case and dual citizenship is now permitted.
The Application process
When you work with Knightsbridge to obtain your Serbian residency or citizenship, our expert team will guide you through the following five step process:
Step 1: Due diligence and eligibility checks
Your Knightsbridge contact will check that you are eligible for the program and ensure that your documents are in order for a fast and smooth application process. This will include a review of your proof of funds, police and health checks and AML requirements.
Step 2: Company registration or real estate investment
Depending on your preferred residency pathway, you will either need to register a new Serbian company or invest in Serbian real estate.
Once your business meets the eligibility criteria, you are ready to apply for your investor visa.
Step 3: Submit application
With the help of our immigration lawyers, we will submit your investor visa application and accompanying paperwork to the Serbian authorities for approval.
Step 4: Receive visa and meet residency requirements
If you wish to apply for permanent residency, you will need to reside in Serbia continuously for three years.
Step 5: Obtain your Serbian passport
After six years of continuous residency, you are eligible to apply for full Serbian citizenship. As a citizen, you are free to live, work, study and retire in the country indefinitely, and travel freely to over 100 countries worldwide.
Benefits of the Serbia citizenship-by-investment program
As a citizen of Serbia, you will benefit from:
International freedom
Freedom to travel to over 135 countries on visa-free or visa-on-arrival terms, including all Schengen Area nations.
Potential access to the EU
Serbia is an official candidate for EU membership and is on track to meet its eligibility requirements within the next five years.
A stable home from home
The Serbian economy is strong and stable, with GDP growth expected to continue in the years ahead.
Attractive tax regime
Serbia levies 10%, 15% and 20% taxation on salary income, capital income and capital gains, respectively. Corporation tax is among the lowest in Europe at 15%.
Low cost of living
Serbian residents and citizens benefit from a very low cost of living. Living costs are considerably below those elsewhere in Europe and around half those of the United States.
Investment options
When apply for Serbian residency, you have two investment options.
Option 1: Business
This option requires you to register a new business within the country. While there is no published minimal capital requirement, you must satisfy immigration authorities that you are adequately contributing to the local economy. This could mean meeting revenue requirements or employing Serbian workers.
Option 2: Real estate
To qualify for this route, you must invest at least EUR 250,000 into Serbian real estate. You may also be required to make a non-refundable donation to the Serbian government.
In both cases, you will need to show proof of funds of at least EUR 50,000 and satisfy immigration authorities that you will not become a burden on the Serbian social care or health system.
Why Work with Knightsbridge Group?
Embarking on the journey to Serbian citizenship opens doors to fast, hassle-free and affordable opportunities in business, travel, and lifestyle.
With a residency permit in hand, you and your family gain immediate access to a world of benefits, including visa-free travel throughout the EU, high-quality healthcare and educational facilities, as well as a low cost of living and easy entry into international markets.
To improve your chances of securing these benefits, it’s essential to entrust your application to experts in the field. At Knightsbridge Group, we boast a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in residency- and citizenship-through-investment processes.
Drawing from our extensive experience in immigration services and securing second citizenship through strategic investments, we are your trusted partner in achieving heightened global mobility for you and your loved ones.
Reach out to our dedicated team today to begin your application process and take the next step to a brighter international future.
