Serbia to Spain: Complete Visa and Immigration Guide
Serbian citizens have excellent access to Spain: visa-free entry to the Schengen zone for up to 90 days. As an EU candidate country, you can explore Spain, handle preliminary paperwork, and make an informed decision before committing to a longer-term move.
Key Facts for Serbian Citizens
- Visa Required: No (90 days visa-free Schengen)
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Work, Student
- Processing Time: 4-8 weeks for residence permits
- Spanish Consulates: Embassy in Belgrade, Consulate in Novi Sad
- Citizenship Timeline: 10 years (1 year if married to Spanish citizen)
- Tax Treaty: Yes (2009, amended by MLI)
- Dual Citizenship: Serbia allows; Spain requires renunciation declaration
Why Serbian Citizens Choose Spain
Serbian nationals relocate to Spain for various reasons, from family reunification to business expansion. Spain offers full access to the European Union market. Serbian entrepreneurs recognize this. They can establish businesses in Spain and operate freely across all 27 EU member states without additional permits.
Visa Options for Serbian Citizens
Good news: you don’t need a visa to enter Spain for short stays. As an EU candidate country, Serbia enjoys 90-day visa-free access to the Schengen zone. For stays beyond 90 days, these are your main options:
Not sure which visa fits your situation? Book a consultation and we’ll map out the optimal strategy for your move.
Spanish Consulates in Serbia
Belgrade – Embassy of Spain
Prote Mateje 45, 11000 Belgrade
Tel: +381 (0) 11 344 02 31
Emergency: +381 (0) 63 28 50 82 (Spanish citizens only)
Email: [email protected]
Visa Appointments: [email protected]
Covers: All Serbia
Spain also maintains a consulate in Novi Sad for northern regions.
Tax Considerations
Tax Treaty: Serbia-Spain
Spain and Serbia signed a double taxation agreement in 2009, amended by the Multilateral Instrument (MLI) for BEPS compliance.
Key Points:
- Treaty covers: Dividends, interest, royalties, pensions, capital gains
- Serbian pensions: Taxable in Spain with credit for Serbian tax paid
- Beckham Law: 24% flat tax for 6 years on Spanish income for qualifying new residents
Required Documents
Required Documents:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- Criminal Record from Serbia, apostilled (Hague Convention member)
- Birth Certificate with apostille
- Medical Certificate from authorized doctor
- Proof of Income (bank statements, employment contracts, pension documents)
- Health Insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Photos Schengen specifications
- Proof of Accommodation in Spain
Serbia joined the Hague Apostille Convention, so documents can be apostilled (not full consular legalization). All Serbian documents require sworn translation into Spanish by an official translator. We handle document preparation for you.
Dual Citizenship: What You Need to Know
Serbia allows dual citizenship in most cases. However, Spain doesn’t have a dual nationality agreement with Serbia, so Spanish law requires you to formally renounce your Serbian passport during the citizenship ceremony.
Here’s what actually happens: Spain requires the renunciation declaration, but Serbia doesn’t recognize it. In practice, you keep both passports.
Important: Use your Spanish passport for all travel after naturalizing. Exclusively using your Serbian passport for 3+ years can result in losing Spanish citizenship.
Path to Spanish Citizenship
Serbian citizens need 10 years of continuous legal residency to apply for citizenship. Marriage to a Spanish citizen reduces this to 1 year.
Requirements:
- DELE A2 Spanish language exam
- CCSE civic knowledge exam
- Both available through Instituto Cervantes (testing in Belgrade)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I enter Spain without a visa from Serbia?
Yes. Serbian citizens enjoy 90-day visa-free access to the Schengen zone, including Spain. For stays beyond 90 days, you need a proper visa or residence permit.
Will I lose my Serbian citizenship if I become Spanish?
No. Spain requires a formal renunciation declaration, but Serbia doesn’t recognize it. You’ll effectively keep both passports. Just use your Spanish passport for travel after naturalizing.
How long until I can apply for Spanish citizenship?
10 years of continuous legal residency is the standard requirement. If you marry a Spanish citizen, this drops to just 1 year.
Do my Serbian documents need apostille?
Yes. Serbia is a Hague Apostille Convention member, so your documents need apostille stamps from Serbian authorities before translation.
We Handle Everything
Spanish bureaucracy is relentless. Visa applications, tax residency, NIE appointments, ongoing compliance. Getting any of it wrong costs time and money. We handle the paperwork and planning so you can focus on actually building your life here.
This guide provides general information about moving from Serbia to Spain. Requirements can change. Contact us for personalized advice on your situation. Information accurate as of January 2026.