Serbia election leaves Russian visa-free entry and citizenship rules in question

Russia's citizens currently enjoy some of Serbia's most relaxed entry and settlement rules in Europe: visa-free stays of up to 30 days, access to residence permits and a route to Serbian citizenship. After the opposition Student List won a decisive victory in Serbia's parliamentary elections last Sunday, the future of those arrangements is less certain, although nothing has changed so far.

Key facts

• Russian citizens can enter Serbia without a visa for up to 30 days, obtain residence permits and apply for citizenship
• About 2,000 Russians have become Serbian citizens since the start of 2022
• More than 300 of them received Serbian passports through an expedited process by May of this year
• The European Commission says Serbia must align its visa policy with EU rules
• A presidential election is due in December, and a new government has yet to be formed

What are the current rules for Russian citizens?

At present, Russians may enter Serbia visa-free for stays of up to 30 days. Those who want to remain can apply for residence permits, and Serbian citizenship is also available.

Since the start of 2022, roughly 2,000 Russian nationals have become Serbian citizens, and more than 300 of them had obtained Serbian passports through an expedited procedure by May of this year, Radio Free Europe reported.

Why could the rules change?

Brussels has repeatedly voiced dissatisfaction with Belgrade's approach. The European Commission believes the granting of Serbian citizenship poses security risks for EU countries, because some of those who received passports are people under EU, U.S. or Ukrainian sanctions.

The European Commission has also demanded that Serbia bring its visa policy into line with EU rules. In its November 2025 communication on enlargement policy, the Commission stated that Serbia must clearly demonstrate its geopolitical orientation toward the EU by aligning with the EU's restrictive measures adopted in connection with Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine.

What has the election winner said?

The Student List's platform calls for deeper partnerships with EU countries and the reforms needed for future integration, while also preserving a traditional partnership with the Russian Federation and not imposing restrictive measures against it.

The movement has not spoken out against Russians who have moved to Serbia. Concerns about the newcomers have centred on economic effects — the arrival of tens of thousands of people pushed up rents in Belgrade and Novi Sad — and the students plan to address that through tighter regulation of the real estate market rather than restrictions on newcomers.

What happens next?

Former President Aleksandar Vučić, who heads the Serbian Progressive Party, conceded defeat and predicted the new government would impose sanctions on Russia by March or April. The Student List itself has said Serbia will not join sanctions against Russia in the next few months.

No timetable for any change to visa or citizenship rules has been announced. Serbia still has to form a government, and a presidential election is due in December. The new cabinet's stated priorities are fighting corruption, reforming the justice system and ensuring media freedom. Any decision on sanctions is complicated by energy ties: discounted Russian supplies meet up to 90% of Serbia's gas needs.

What this means for travellers

For now, Russian citizens can still enter Serbia visa-free for up to 30 days, apply for residence permits and seek citizenship under the existing arrangements. Anyone planning a move or a long stay should check the current entry and residence rules before travelling, since the political situation is still unfolding and no revised rules have been published.

The next milestones to watch are the formation of Serbia's new government and the presidential election due in December.