JMBG in Serbia: Getting Your Unique ID Number
How foreigners obtain ЈМБГ through police registration
The JMBG (Јединствени матични број грађана) is Serbia's unique 13-digit personal identification number, equivalent to a social security number. It is required for healthcare, banking, employment, and all official transactions.
Foreigners are assigned a JMBG upon receiving a temporary or permanent residence permit at the Foreigners Department of their local police station.
📋 Steps to Obtain JMBG
- 1
Obtain Temporary Residence
Apply for and receive a Privremeni Boravak (temporary residence permit) first.
- 2
Visit Foreigners Department
Go to the Одељење за странце at your district police station with all documents.
- 3
Submit Residence Card Application
Fill out the application for a biometric foreigner's ID card (Лична карта за странце).
- 4
Biometric Data Capture
Provide fingerprints and a photo for the biometric card.
- 5
JMBG Assignment
The system automatically assigns a 13-digit JMBG linked to your foreigner's card.
- 6
Collect Card with JMBG
Pick up your foreigner's ID card, which displays your JMBG on the back.
✅ Required Documents
- ▸Valid passport
- ▸Approved temporary/permanent residence decision
- ▸Proof of address (white card)
- ▸Payment receipts for administrative fees
- ▸Passport-size photo
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- ✕Expecting to receive JMBG without first obtaining residence status
- ✕Confusing JMBG with EBS (Evidencioni broj stranaca — foreigner evidence number)
- ✕Not keeping a photocopy of the JMBG for bank account applications
- ✕Losing the foreigner's ID card without reporting it
💶 Fees and Timeline
JMBG assignment is included in the residence card fee (approx. 5,680 RSD). Card processing takes 15 to 30 days.
📖 Vocabulary
- ЈМБГ
- Unique Personal ID Number
- Лична карта за странце
- Foreigner's ID Card
- ЕБС
- Foreigner Evidence Number
- Матична служба
- Civil Registry Office
- Полицијска управа
- Police Administration
- Боравак
- Residence
- Пребивалиште
- Permanent Domicile
- Странац
- Foreigner
❓ FAQ
Is JMBG the same as EBS?+
No, EBS is assigned upon first entry registration, while JMBG is assigned with your residence card and used for all civil matters.
Can I open a bank account without JMBG?+
Some banks accept EBS for non-residents, but JMBG makes the process significantly easier.
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