On February 7, 2025, the Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia published the Regulation on the Submission of Visa Applications via Electronic Means and Visa Approval (“Regulation”), which was jointly adopted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Internal Affairs, and the Minister responsible for Employment Affairs. The Regulation will come into force on March 1, 2025.
What does the new Regulation stipulate?
- A unified web portal for foreigners and an online application form.
- All supporting documents must be submitted in electronic form – electronic documents/digitalized documents. The Regulation explicitly lists all required evidence that the applicant must submit to meet the conditions for visa issuance, depending on whether they are applying for a short-stay visa C (for stays up to 90 days) or a long-stay visa D (for extended stays).
- When submitting an application for a long-stay visa (visa D) based on employment, in addition to the supporting documents stipulated by the Foreigners Act and other evidence, the following documents must particularly be included: 1) a draft employment contract or other agreement through which the foreigner obtains employment-related rights without establishing an employment relationship, in accordance with the law; 2) a diploma, certificate, or other official document confirming the acquired relevant level and type of qualification, unless the specific job position does not require qualifications; 3) a certificate from the employer confirming that within 90 days prior to the submission of the application for the unified employment permit, the employer has not dismissed employees due to technological, economic, or organizational changes at the job positions for which the visa D for employment is requested, in accordance with labor regulations.
- When submitting a visa application via electronic means, it is also mandatory to submit an invitation letter. The Regulation includes two forms for invitation letters, which can be used by individuals or legal entities to invite a foreigner for a visit.
- The electronic system for submitting visa applications and approving visas introduces increased efficiency, simplicity, and accessibility of procedures for foreigners.
For additional information or consultations, the Tasić & Partners team is at your disposal.