Visa D for a longer stay in the Republic of Serbia

In accordance with the constitutionally prescribed competence of the Government of the Republic of Serbia to determine and conduct international policy, the Republic of Serbia recognizes visa-free and visa-required entry to its territory.

Thus, for example, citizens of the signatory countries of the Schengen Agreement, the USA, Great Britain, Canada, the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation can stay in Serbia without a visa, provided that their stay is limited up to 30 or 90 days, depending on the country of their passport a foreigner owns.

On the other hand, for citizens of those countries for which the visa regime has been adopted, entry to Serbia itself is not free, but it is necessary to first obtain one of the visas issued by the diplomatic – consular representation of Serbia abroad.
One of the visas provided by the Law on foreigners is visa C, that is, a short-stay visa, which serves as a permit to enter, transit and stay in the territory of Serbia for a period of up to 90 days, counting from the day of first entry.

Although visa C is most often issued as a tourist or business visa, it can also be issued on other grounds prescribed by law.

However, it cannot serve as a basis for submitting a request for a temporary residence permit for a foreigner to stay and work in the Republic of Serbia, therefore a foreigner who intends to stay in Serbia for a longer period of time needs another type of visa – visa D.

Visa D, that is, a visa for a longer stay, allows a foreign citizen to stay in Serbia for twice as long period as the previous visa, that is, a stay of up to 180 days.

A visa for a long stay is issued based on an invitation letter sent by an individual or company registered on the territory of Serbia to a foreigner for his / her private or business visit.

Bearing in mind the fact that there is a growing need for the import of foreign workers, especially in economic sectors such as the construction, manufacturing and service sectors, it seems that employment is the most common basis for issuing mentioned visa.

Starting from February 1, 2024, it is also possible to submit an application for the issuance of a visa D online through the Welcome to Serbia portal, which can be done by the foreigner personally, as well as by the company inviting the foreigner.

Foreigners who enter Serbia with a visa D on the basis of employment are obliged to stay in Serbia in accordance with that basis. In other words, based on the employment contract, they will be employed by the applicant’s employer for the period for which the visa is issued, during which period they have the right to apply for a temporary residence and work permit and thereby extend their stay and work in the RS for one, two or three years.

In this case, the procedure for issuing a temporary residence permit for a foreigner’s stay and work in the Republic of Serbia follows the usual procedure, and the decision to issue the permit is made by the Serbian Ministry of the Interior.

All the mentioned actions can be taken without personal presence by signing the appropriate power of attorney.