Serbian citizenship by marriage

Serbian citizenship by marriage refers to the possibility of acquiring Serbian citizenship through marriage to a Serbian citizen. It allows the foreign spouse of a Serbian citizen to obtain citizenship based on their marital relationship. By marrying a Serbian citizen and meeting the necessary requirements, the foreign spouse can apply for and, if approved, be granted Serbian citizenship.

How to obtain citizenship by marriage in Serbia

Obtaining Serbian citizenship through marriage is possible, but it requires fulfilling certain criteria and going through the application process. Here is an overview of the general requirements and steps involved:

1. Eligibility. The spouse of a Serbian citizen can apply for citizenship if they meet the following criteria:
   • They have been married to a Serbian citizen for at least three years.
   • They have been residing legally in Serbia for at least three years before submitting the application.
   • They have a basic knowledge of the Serbian language and Cyrillic script.
2. Application Process:
   • Collect the necessary documents. These typically include a completed application form, a valid passport, marriage certificate, proof of legal residence in Serbia, evidence of basic knowledge of Serbian language and Cyrillic script, and other supporting documents as required.
   • Submit the application. The application should be submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, specifically the Department for Citizenship and Status Issues. The application will be reviewed, and any missing documents or additional information may be requested.
   • Application processing. The authorities will process the application and verify the provided information. This may involve an interview or additional language proficiency tests.
   • Decision and oath. If the application is approved, the applicant will be notified, and they will be required to take an oath of allegiance to Serbia.

Application and Supporting Documents

When applying for Serbian citizenship by marriage, you will generally need to submit the following documents along with your application:

1. Completed application form. Fill out the official application form provided by the Ministry of Internal Affairs or relevant authorities.
2. Valid passport. Submit a copy of your valid passport, which should include all relevant personal information and any existing visas or residence permits.
3. Marriage certificate. Provide an official copy of your marriage certificate, demonstrating your legal marriage to a Serbian citizen.
4. Proof of residence. Include documents that prove your legal residence in Serbia for a specified period, typically at least three years. This can include residence permits, rental agreements, utility bills, or other official documents.
5. Serbian language proficiency. Demonstrate basic knowledge of the Serbian language and Cyrillic script. This requirement may be fulfilled by providing a language certificate or through an interview/test conducted by the authorities.
6. Supporting documents. Include any additional documents requested by the authorities, such as a police clearance certificate, birth certificate, proof of income, or evidence of integration into Serbian society.

Dual Nationality

Serbia allows dual nationality, which means that you can retain your original citizenship while acquiring Serbian citizenship through marriage. The Serbian government recognizes the right of individuals to hold multiple nationalities.