Does Serbia Have a Citizenship by Investment Program?

There are rumors circulating online about a citizenship by investment program in Serbia, with some sources suggesting it exists. However, upon thorough investigation, there is no solid evidence supporting the existence of such a program according to legal experts and Serbian law.

No Citizenship by Investment Program

Despite the rumors, Serbia does not have a citizenship by investment program as defined by the global standards. This means that there are no financial investments that individuals can make to acquire Serbian citizenship easily. The process to obtain citizenship in Serbia must comply with the country's legal framework.

Current Citizenship Acquisition Methods in Serbia

There are several legal ways to acquire Serbian citizenship:

Citizenship by Origin

Both parents are citizens of Serbia. At least one parent is a citizen of Serbia.

Citizenship by Residency

A foreigner with a residence permit can apply for Serbian citizenship provided they declare their intention to renounce their current citizenship.

Citizenship by Marriage

An individual can apply for Serbian citizenship after marrying a Serbian national, provided they express their desire to obtain Serbian citizenship.

Citizenship for Serbians from the Diaspora

The Article 23 of the Law on Serbian Citizenship specifically addresses the acquisition of citizenship for members of the Serbian nation residing outside of Serbia:

The individual must be 18 years of age or older. The individual has not been deprived of legal capacity. A written statement expressing the desire to have Serbian citizenship must be submitted.

Conclusion

While rumors persist, it's important to note that Serbia does not offer a citizenship by investment program. The process to obtain Serbian citizenship must follow the established legal procedures.