Temporary Residence in Serbia: Privremeni Boravak Guide
How to apply for a temporary residence permit at the local police station
Foreign citizens planning to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit (Привремени боравак / Privremeni boravak) at the local police station's Department for Foreigners (Одељење за странце).
The permit is issued for work, study, family reunification, or property ownership and must be renewed annually.
📋 Steps to Obtain Temporary Residence
- 1
Register Address (White Card)
Register your residential address within 24 hours of arrival at any police station or through your host/landlord.
- 2
Gather Required Documents
Collect passport, proof of purpose (work contract, enrollment, property deed), and health insurance.
- 3
Translate & Certify Documents
Have foreign documents translated by a sworn translator (Sudski tumač) and certified.
- 4
Submit Application at Police
Submit the complete dossier at the Foreigners Department (Одељење за странце) of your district police.
- 5
Pay Administrative Fees
Pay the Republic Administrative Tax (Републичка административна такса) at a post office or bank.
- 6
Collect Residence Card
Pick up your biometric residence card (Лична карта за странце) after processing.
✅ Required Documents Checklist
- ▸Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- ▸White card / address registration confirmation (Потврда о пријави боравишта)
- ▸Proof of purpose: work permit, university enrollment, or property deed
- ▸Valid health insurance policy (private or RFZO)
- ▸Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statement)
- ▸Two passport-size photos
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Failing to register your address (white card) within 24 hours of arrival
- ✕Submitting documents without sworn (sudski) translations
- ✕Applying after the 90-day visa-free period has expired
- ✕Not having valid health insurance at the time of application
💶 Fees and Processing Time
Administrative tax is approx. 1,620 RSD for the application plus 5,680 RSD for the biometric card. Processing takes 15 to 30 days.
📖 Essential Serbian Vocabulary
- Привремени боравак
- Temporary Residence
- Одељење за странце
- Foreigners Department (Police)
- Бела картица (Пријава)
- White Card (Address Registration)
- Лична карта за странце
- Foreigner's ID Card
- Судски тумач
- Sworn Translator
- Административна такса
- Administrative Tax / Fee
- Боравишна дозвола
- Residence Permit
- Пасош
- Passport
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work in Serbia with a temporary residence permit?+
You need a separate work permit (Radna dozvola) unless your residence is specifically issued for employment.
How long is temporary residence valid?+
Temporary residence is issued for up to 1 year and can be renewed annually.
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