Relocation to Serbia: How to Get Serbian Citizenship via Marriage

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the process of obtaining Serbian citizenship through marriage, a route often overlooked by many. This method involves marrying a Serbian citizen, meeting residency requirements, and passing cultural and legal checks. The speaker highlights the eligibility criteria, necessary documents, and potential challenges, such as proving the authenticity of the marriage. While this option is not commonly pursued by the speaker's clients, it can be a straightforward way to gain citizenship, provided all conditions are met and the government approves the application.

Takeaways

• 😀 Marriage to a Serbian citizen is one of the easiest ways to obtain Serbian citizenship.
• 😀 To qualify for citizenship through marriage, the marriage must be legally recognized in Serbia, not just a common-law marriage.
• 😀 Applicants must maintain continuous temporary residency for three years before applying for permanent residency and eventually citizenship.
• 😀 Permanent residents must stay in Serbia for the majority of the year to avoid gaps that could affect their citizenship application.
• 😀 Applicants must integrate into Serbian society, including possible language proficiency and cultural knowledge tests.
• 😀 A clean criminal record, both in Serbia and the applicant's country of origin, is necessary for citizenship approval.
• 😀 Applicants may be required to renounce their previous citizenship, but this will be covered in a future video.
• 😀 The application process includes submitting various documents, such as the marriage certificate, proof of residency, and the Serbian spouse's ID.
• 😀 The Serbian authorities may investigate marriages to ensure they are legitimate and not part of a citizenship scam.
• 😀 The process for applying for citizenship requires being physically present in Serbia, and cannot be started from abroad for most cases, except for citizenship through descent.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video?

The video focuses on explaining the process of obtaining Serbian citizenship through marriage, highlighting the steps, requirements, and potential challenges involved in the process.

Why did the speaker make this video?

The speaker made the video to correct an oversight in a previous video where they forgot to mention citizenship through marriage, an option that can be an easier route to obtaining Serbian citizenship.

What is required to apply for Serbian citizenship through marriage?

To apply for Serbian citizenship through marriage, you must be legally married to a Serbian citizen and meet the residency and other legal requirements outlined by the government.

What are the key eligibility requirements for citizenship through marriage?

Eligibility includes being legally married to a Serbian citizen, completing the residency requirements (including three years of temporary residency and a subsequent application for permanent residency), and demonstrating integration into Serbian society.

Can common-law marriages be used to apply for Serbian citizenship?

No, common-law marriages are not recognized in Serbia for citizenship applications. You must be legally married to a Serbian citizen with a valid marriage certificate.

What residency requirements must be fulfilled to apply for citizenship?

Applicants must have continuous temporary residency for at least three years, followed by permanent residency, and must maintain that residency without large gaps in order to qualify for citizenship.

How does the Serbian government assess integration into Serbian society for citizenship applicants?

Applicants may be required to demonstrate social and cultural integration, possibly through a language test, and must show familiarity with Serbian customs, culture, and good character.

Do applicants need to give up their previous citizenship to obtain Serbian citizenship?

In some cases, applicants may need to renounce their previous citizenship to become a Serbian citizen. The specifics of this requirement will depend on the individual case and are explored in more detail in a future video.

What documents are required for the citizenship application?

Documents needed include the marriage certificate (translated and possibly notarized), proof of residency (such as utility bills and lease agreements), the spouse’s Serbian ID, and background checks. It's important to ensure all required documents are complete and up-to-date.

What is the potential timeline for obtaining Serbian citizenship through marriage?

The approval process for citizenship can take several months, possibly up to 12 months or longer, depending on the individual case and the processing speed of the authorities.