[Orson]

Is there now a new and easy one-year (up to three?) easy residency to be found in Serbia?

So it seems if this fresh mid-August post (by a Serbian) from NomadCapitalist is true.

The original post is very long and filled with a native's information about many aspects of life in Belgrade - or maybe it's just hometown promotion!

Here's my condensed version about "Visas," followed by generally confirming gleanings from government web-sites:

Quote:

Nomad Guide for Living in Belgrade, Serbia
by Marija Kovacevic | Expat
_ _ _
Visas
Before I get to the more exciting stuff, we need to go over a few formalities that may not be particularly interesting. However, in order to come to Belgrade and start truly enjoying everything the city has to offer, you have to get your visa.
So, here come the rules.

The visa requirements depend upon the time you intend on spending in Belgrade. You should know that visa is not required unless you’re planning on staying less than 90 days. This means that citizens of EU, USA, Australia, UK, as well as numerous other countries, do not have to worry about this requirement in case of a shorter visit.

What is required of you, regardless of the duration of your stay, is to register at the nearest police station upon arrival (within the next 24 hours). On the other hand, if you check into a hotel, you can scratch the registration requirement off of your to-do list, since this means that the hotel has you covered and you’re automatically registered the moment you

check in.

What happens if you wish to stay longer? The rules do change, but the process still isn’t too challenging.

For a temporary residence Type D visa [LINK IN ORIGINAL] you should file an application to the Secretariat of Internal Affairs. After doing so, you’ll have to wait up to three weeks to get the answer.

However, it usually takes less than three weeks to get the application processed.

Once the temporary residence permit has been issued, you are allowed to reside in Serbia up to one year. Once the permit expires, you may file for an extension (you’ll probably be able to extend it for another year).

What makes you eligible for a temporary residence permit is the reason of your stay.You’ll be asked to provide an adequate answer to the question What brings you here? Your motive for staying in Belgrade will be justified if it concerns professional or educational activities (scientific research included).

Once you get the temporary residence permit, is there anything else you should do?

The main requirement is to notify the authorities of the change of your address if you happen to relocate during your stay.

In the event that you’d like your temporary residence permit extended, you should file for an extension at least 30 days before the expiration date.

[Emphasis within original text.]

I have been able to find almost all of this information on Serbian websites like this one, on "Temporary and Permanent Residency" and "Duration and extension of temporary stay".

Except for the claim by Marija Kovacevic that a legitimate "reason" is expected, not mentioned. (However, I would definitely have one in mind! It seems a legitimate requirement, to me.)

In addition, at the latter link, we read this:

Quote:

Temporary stay extension

To a foreign citizen, close family member of the citizen of the Republic of Serbia, temporary stay can be extended for the period of up to three years or until fulfillment of conditions for issuance of authorization for permanent stay.

[Emphasis added]

This simplification and openess for longer-term temporary residency is in line with pending "Accession of Serbia to the European Union" - as Wikpedia explains.

Similaryly, Nomad Capitalist in May explains that Serbia is the fastest improving passport in the world. I mean, "For one thing, Serbia is one only three countries on earth whose citizens can visit Europe, Russia, and China without a visa. (The other two are Mauritius and Seychelles.)"

At any rate, men. You now have a new venue for longer-term basing in South-Eastern Europe.

I has three parts: IMMEDIATE registration with the police (which is normal for Europe); then get a "Type D" form and file an application to the Secretariat of Internal Affairs." And know - apparently, presumably - a legitimate reason to stay. (The "Playboy-like pursuit of your women" does not pass muster, I assume.)

Oh. Someone please check - but I think this 1 to 3 year longer term Type-D via is for US, EU, Canadians and Aussies. (Beyond that, I'm unsure.)

UPDATE Checking my hotlinks, I find a new or overlooked webpage that clarifies things and susses out the "reasons" protocol:
http://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/info...ary%2Bstay

Quote:

Temporary stay can be authorized to a foreign citizen if he/she, along with request, encloses proof:

that he/she has enough means to support himself/herself;
that he/she has health insurance;
of justification of the request*** for temporary stay in accordance with purpose of temporary stay that can be authorized to a foreign citizen which intents to stay in the Republic of Serbia longer that 90 days.

***Depending upon basis for marriage, as proof of request justification, it is required to enclose the following documentation:

3.1. Foundation of company, branch or bank, i.e. for persons registered into the Ruling on Registration of company, branch or bank

Ruling on Registration
Certificate from commercial bank of account turnover;

3.2. Foundation i.e. ownership of independent business (commercial, handcraft, catering industry etc.) or agency

Ruling on Registration

3.3. Consignation, Agreement on Business Cooperation, Agreement on Business-Technical Cooperation and Transfer of Technologies

Ruling on Registration of domestic companies
Agreement on Cooperation between foreign and domestic legal entity
Referral or delegation of the company that sends him/her (original document and translation of the authorized sworn-in-court interpreter)

3.4. Setting up of the employment

Ruling on Registration of the company or other legal entity where foreign citizen sets up employment
Employment Contract or Service Contract
Opinion of National Employment Service when the employment is being set up for the first time or Ruling of the National Employment Service that authorizes employment setting up.
_ _ _

My previous LINK goes to "Home >Information for Foreigners
Rights and Obligations of Foreign Citizens"

I then punched this: "Terms for issuance of authorization for temporary stay" to find the info below my "UPDATE." above.

[Odin]

A thing to note, once in Belgrade dont use the Taxis with either the White or the Blue plastic signs on top, these are usually Mafia taxis and a 5 minute ride will cost you 5 times more than normal. Also a taxi number plate should end with TX, if it doesn't , it isnt a Taxi ...and just someone out to rip you off.

I learnt this this the hard way, i jumped in a "White" taxi ( they are usually Mercs or BMW) and ended up in a dark street with three other Serbian Mafia taxi drivers ..threatening me with if i did not pay the 30 euro for the 5 minute taxi ride...

something to look out for..