---
title: "Serbia Student residence requirements 2026: 3-year stay"
url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/student-temporary-residence/
lang: en
updated: 2026-10-11
---

Serbia · Student

# Serbia Student residence

**First stay:** 3 yrs

Temporary residence — studies at an accredited higher-education institution

First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Record corrected 11 Oct 2026](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/corrections/#change-rs-student-temporary-residence) [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/)

- **Savings needed:** RSD 65k ≈ $620 (Savings of at least RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) · One accepted proof of subsistence: funds on a Serbian bank account equal to the minimum monthly salary for the application year, RSD 64,554 in 2026 (RSD 371 per hour); salary slips, pension proof or a guarantee are alternatives. A fee of RSD 430 (≈ $4) · Application submission fee (citizens of North Macedonia, Mongolia, Cyprus and Belarus pay only this fee). A fee of RSD 23,450 (≈ $220) · Fee for approval of temporary residence.)
- **First stay:** 3 yrs (Studies shorter than three years: for the study period; otherwise up to three years at a time.)
- **Who can apply:** Any passport (entry visa depends on nationality, and a D visa grounds must match the permit grounds.)
- **Work:** Yes (Students may work up to 16 hours a week.)

## Key facts

Student residence is a student route for Serbia. You can work locally. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source.

- **Government fees:** RSD 430 ≈ $4 · RSD 23k ≈ $220
- **Processing:** Up to 30 days
- **First stay:** 3 yrs

## Cost, time and long term

To apply: government fees RSD 24k ≈ $230 in total (2 fees); decision: up to 30 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included.

**Government fees: RSD 430 ≈ $4 · RSD 23k ≈ $220**

- RSD 430 (≈ $4) Application submission fee (citizens of North Macedonia, Mongolia, Cyprus and Belarus pay only this fee).
- RSD 23,450 (≈ $220) Fee for approval of temporary residence.

**Shown, not spent: RSD 65k+ ≈ $620**

- RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) One accepted proof of subsistence: funds on a Serbian bank account equal to the minimum monthly salary for the application year, RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) in 2026 (RSD 371 (≈ $4) per hour); salary slips, pension proof or a guarantee are alternatives.

**Renewal: Renewable**

For the study period if under three years, otherwise up to three years at a time.

[Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia](https://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence)

**Permanent residence: Time here doesn't count**

You cannot apply for permanent residence while on a study permit; if you later change grounds, only half of the study time counts.

[Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia](https://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/wcm/connect/9e10bf1d-79ad-4a50-a8c1-76b6afb0d6e9/Law+on+Foreigners+2023.pdf?CVID=pdNziNy&MOD=AJPERES)

**Processing: Up to 30 days**

A decision on temporary residence is due within 30 days of the application.

[Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia](https://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/wcm/connect/9e10bf1d-79ad-4a50-a8c1-76b6afb0d6e9/Law+on+Foreigners+2023.pdf?CVID=pdNziNy&MOD=AJPERES)

## Why this route may not fit

Check this before you apply.

- Time on this route doesn't count toward permanent residence
- Needs a place at a school or university in Serbia

### What you'll need

#### Who can apply

- Applicants study at an accredited higher-education institution.

#### What you must show

- One accepted proof of subsistence is bank account funds of at least the minimum monthly salary, RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) in 2026.
- Alternatively, salary slips, pension proof or a guarantee are accepted as proof of subsistence.
- The administrative fee is paid.

#### Documents

- Confirmation of enrolment at an accredited institution, with the programme duration, is submitted.
- A valid passport is submitted, valid at least three months beyond the requested permit.
- Proof of subsistence is submitted.
- Proof of health insurance is submitted.
- A registered address is shown.

#### Steps

1. Applications are filed on the Foreign Nationals Portal or at the police directorate.

#### After you arrive

- Later extensions need a certificate of attendance.
- Extension is requested no earlier than three months before expiry and no later than expiry.
- Students may work up to 16 hours a week.

## What happens at day 183

How Serbia decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records.

- **Stay on this route:** **Up to 3 years at first, renewable**
- **Tax residence:** - **At least 183 days in 12-month period beginning or ending in the tax year** Presence in Serbia for 183 or more days, continuous or interrupted.
- **Foreign-source income:** **Worldwide, foreign tax credit** Residents are taxed on income earned in Serbia and in another state; salary and self-employment income are taxed at 10%, capital income and capital gains at 15%, royalties and property income at 20%, with a tax credit for income tax paid abroad up to the Serbian tax on that income.

[All tax rules for Serbia](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/tax/) Tax records checked 11 Oct 2026

## What you need to arrange

- **Health insurance** Proof of health insurance is submitted
- **Bank account / funds** One accepted proof of subsistence is bank account funds of at least the minimum monthly salary, RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) in 2026

Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts.

**Full official text**

Temporary residence for enrolment at an accredited higher-education institution. Subsistence may be proven by salary or pension documents, a guarantee, or a bank statement showing funds equal to the minimum salary in Serbia for the application year; health insurance is also required. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

#### What you must show and pay

- Savings of at least RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) · One accepted proof of subsistence: funds on a Serbian bank account equal to the minimum monthly salary for the application year, RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) in 2026 (RSD 371 (≈ $4) per hour); salary slips, pension proof or a guarantee are alternatives. (sources 1, 4)
- A fee of RSD 430 (≈ $4) · Application submission fee (citizens of North Macedonia, Mongolia, Cyprus and Belarus pay only this fee). (source 3)
- A fee of RSD 23,450 (≈ $220) · Fee for approval of temporary residence. (source 3)

#### Requirements

- Applicants study at an accredited higher-education institution. (source 1)
- One accepted proof of subsistence is bank account funds of at least the minimum monthly salary, RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) in 2026. (sources 1, 4)
- Alternatively, salary slips, pension proof or a guarantee are accepted as proof of subsistence. (source 1)
- The administrative fee is paid. (sources 1, 2)
- Confirmation of enrolment at an accredited institution, with the programme duration, is submitted. (source 1)
- A valid passport is submitted, valid at least three months beyond the requested permit. (sources 1, 2)
- Proof of subsistence is submitted. (sources 1, 2)
- Proof of health insurance is submitted. (sources 1, 2)
- A registered address is shown. (sources 1, 2)
- Applications are filed on the Foreign Nationals Portal or at the police directorate. (sources 1, 2)
- Later extensions need a certificate of attendance. (source 1)
- Extension is requested no earlier than three months before expiry and no later than expiry. (source 1)
- Students may work up to 16 hours a week. (source 5)

#### Stay

- Studies shorter than three years: for the study period; otherwise up to three years at a time.
- First stay: up to 36 months, decided case by case.
- Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

#### Nationality

entry visa depends on nationality, and a D visa grounds must match the permit grounds.

#### Work

Students may work up to 16 hours a week.

#### Family

Students cannot apply for permanent settlement on study grounds.

Checked 2026-10-11

## Official sources

1. [Temporary residence: grounds, single permit to reside and work, required documents](https://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence) · Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Law on Foreigners (Sl. glasnik RS 24/2018, 31/2019, 62/2023), Serbian text](https://www.paragraf.rs/propisi/zakon_o_strancima.html) · Paragraf (reprint of the Official Gazette text) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Frequently asked questions: temporary residence and single permit fees](https://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/help) · Government of the Republic of Serbia (Welcome to Serbia portal) · checked 2026-10-11
4. [Government adopts decision on regular increase in minimum wage: RSD 371 per hour, RSD 64,554 a month from 1 January 2026](https://www.srbija.gov.rs/vest/en/257386/government-adopts-decision-on-regular-increase-in-minimum-wage.php) · Government of the Republic of Serbia · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2025-09-11
5. [Right to work and income tax (students)](https://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/right-to-work-and-income-tax) · Welcome to Serbia, Government of the Republic of Serbia · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette of the RS, as amended 2023)](https://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/wcm/connect/9e10bf1d-79ad-4a50-a8c1-76b6afb0d6e9/Law+on+Foreigners+2023.pdf?CVID=pdNziNy&MOD=AJPERES) · Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia · checked 2026-10-11

## Student residence and its alternatives

| Route | Money needed | Stay | Work |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Student residence | – | 3 yr, renewable | Yes |
| [Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/student-higher-ed-91/) Portugal | Needs income of €920+ a month ≈ $1,030 | 3 yr, renewable | Yes |
| [Internship permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/internship-residence/) Spain | – | 1 yr, renewable | – |
| [D3 study visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/d3-study-research/) Georgia | – | 1 yr, renewable | No |
| [Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/study-visa/) Italy | Needs savings of €10k+ a year ≈ $11k | – | Yes |

## Questions people ask

### How much money do I need for the Student residence?

Savings of at least RSD 64,554 (≈ $620). One accepted proof of subsistence: funds on a Serbian bank account equal to the minimum monthly salary for the application year, RSD 64,554 (≈ $620) in 2026 (RSD 371 (≈ $4) per hour); salary slips, pension proof or a guarantee are alternatives. A fee of RSD 430 (≈ $4). Application submission fee (citizens of North Macedonia, Mongolia, Cyprus and Belarus pay only this fee). A fee of RSD 23,450 (≈ $220). Fee for approval of temporary residence.

### How long can I stay on the Student residence?

Studies shorter than three years: for the study period; otherwise up to three years at a time.

### How long does the Student residence take to process?

A decision on temporary residence is due within 30 days of the application.

### Can I work on the Student residence?

Yes. Students may work up to 16 hours a week.

### Can I bring my family on the Student residence?

Students cannot apply for permanent settlement on study grounds.

### Does the Student residence lead to permanent residence in Serbia?

Time on the Student residence doesn't count toward permanent residence in Serbia.

### How are Student residence holders taxed in Serbia?

No special regime in our records is tied to the Student residence. The standard rules apply: Residents are taxed on income earned in Serbia and in another state; salary and self-employment income are taxed at 10%, capital income and capital gains at 15%, royalties and property income at 20%, with a tax credit for income tax paid abroad up to the Serbian tax on that income.

## More in Serbia

[Independent professional](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/independent-professional/) [Self-employed permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/single-permit-self-employment/) [Startup founder residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/startup-residence/) [Intra-company transfer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/intra-corporate-transfer/) [Work permit (single permit)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/single-permit-employment/) [Talent residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/talent-residence/) [Serbian origin residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/serbia/serbian-origin-residence/)

## Study visas elsewhere

[🇩🇪 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/germany/student-16b/) [🇫🇷 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/student-residence/) [🇬🇧 Student visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/student-visa/) [🇳🇱 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/student-residence/) [🇦🇱 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/albania/student/) [🇲🇪 Student permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/student/)

≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated.

## How this was checked

**Checked on 2026-10-11 against 6 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources.

Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out.

1. [Temporary residence: grounds, single permit to reside and work, required documents](https://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/portal/en/information/temporary+residence/temporary+residence) · Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia · checked 2026-10-10
2. [Law on Foreigners (Sl. glasnik RS 24/2018, 31/2019, 62/2023), Serbian text](https://www.paragraf.rs/propisi/zakon_o_strancima.html) · Paragraf (reprint of the Official Gazette text) · checked 2026-10-10
3. [Frequently asked questions: temporary residence and single permit fees](https://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/help) · Government of the Republic of Serbia (Welcome to Serbia portal) · checked 2026-10-11
4. [Government adopts decision on regular increase in minimum wage: RSD 371 per hour, RSD 64,554 a month from 1 January 2026](https://www.srbija.gov.rs/vest/en/257386/government-adopts-decision-on-regular-increase-in-minimum-wage.php) · Government of the Republic of Serbia · checked 2026-10-11
5. [Right to work and income tax (students)](https://welcometoserbia.gov.rs/right-to-work-and-income-tax) · Welcome to Serbia, Government of the Republic of Serbia · checked 2026-10-11
6. [Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette of the RS, as amended 2023)](https://www.mup.gov.rs/wps/wcm/connect/9e10bf1d-79ad-4a50-a8c1-76b6afb0d6e9/Law+on+Foreigners+2023.pdf?CVID=pdNziNy&MOD=AJPERES) · Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Serbia · checked 2026-10-11

Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.