If you live in Serbia as a citizen, have residence as a foreigner, or have found love here, and a family member wishes to join you – the good news is that the law recognizes the right to family reunification. Temporary stay on this basis is one of the most common ways for foreigners to come and stay in Serbia.
Below we explain: who has the right, what the procedure looks like, what documents are required, and how it all works in practice.
Who is considered a “close family member” under the Law?
For someone to have the right to apply for temporary stay based on family reunification, they must fall within the category of “close family members,” as precisely defined by the Law on Foreigners.
Close family, according to this Law, includes:
🔹 Spouses and common-law partners
🔹 Children born in marriage or out of wedlock, adopted children, and stepchildren up to 18 years of age, provided they are not married
🔹 Parents and adoptive parents of children up to 18 years of age who are not married
Exceptionally, the following may also be considered close family members:
- Other relatives (e.g., brother, sister, grandparents) if they are dependent on the person in Serbia and do not have adequate family care in the country they come from
- Adult unmarried children who, due to health reasons, cannot support themselves independently
- Polygamous marriages: Serbia recognizes family reunification with only one spouse, together with their joint children up to 18 years of age who are not married.
Who can submit an application?
The application can be submitted by the family member coming to Serbia if they are reuniting with:
- A citizen of the Republic of Serbia
- A foreigner with approved temporary stay
- A foreigner with permanent residence
- A foreigner who has been granted asylum
It is important that the person living in Serbia has a regulated status and can provide financial support to the family member coming.
📑 What documentation is required?
Documentation is always tailored to the specific situation, but in most cases the following is required:
Basic documents:
- Completed application for temporary stay
- Valid passport (valid for at least 3 months longer than the intended stay)
- Registration of residence (white card)
- Proof of health insurance
- Proof of means of support (e.g., employment contract of the family member in Serbia)
- Proof of paid administrative fee
- Biometric photograph
Proof of kinship:
- Marriage certificate or birth certificate
- Proof of common-law relationship (at least one year of cohabitation)
- Parental consent (if a child is coming without both parents)
- All foreign documents must be translated into Serbian and certified by a court interpreter.
📬 How is the application submitted?
Since 2020, electronic submission of applications has been enabled through the unique Portal for Foreigners: welcometoserbia.gov.rs.
When submitting documentation, an appointment is also scheduled for taking biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). The expected decision deadline is between 15 and 30 days, although in practice it may take a few months.
How long does temporary stay last and when is it extended?
Temporary stay based on family reunification is approved for a period of up to 3 years and can be extended if the basis for stay still exists. The application for extension is submitted no earlier than 3 months and no later than 30 days before expiration.
Temporary stay based on family reunification is an excellent option for those who wish to live together with their loved ones in Serbia. Although the process is not complicated, it requires carefully prepared documentation and knowledge of legal conditions.
If you are unsure which documents you need or how to properly submit the application, consulting an attorney with experience in immigration law can save you time, money, and stress.