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Belgrade, the Serbian capital, has been considered a university city since the 70s and 80s of the last century, where foreign students acquired higher education. Leading among them were students from African countries who, on the wave of affirmation of the “Non-Aligned” policy, used the opportunity to acquire quality university education in the Serbian capital.

Even today, Belgrade University occupies a respectable place on the Shanghai list, which does not escape the watchful eye of ambitious foreign students who come here for knowledge and diplomas. Schooling, learning the Serbian language and studying in Serbia represent the legal basis for granting temporary residence to foreign citizens.

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE ON THE BASIS OF SCHOOLING OR LANGUAGE LEARNING

Schooling means acquiring education in primary and secondary schools. If a foreign citizen who intends to go to school or study in Serbia comes from a country that has a visa regime with Serbia, it is necessary to first obtain a visa for a long stay based on studying (visa type D). This applies to pupils and students from African countries who need a visa for a longer stay based on their studying if they intend to seek approval for temporary residence in Serbia.

In order for a foreign pupil to be granted temporary residence in Serbia, it is necessary that, in addition to fulfilling the general conditions, he submits evidence of enrollment in a verified educational institution (primary or secondary school) of the Republic of Serbia. In addition, taking into account the fact that these are minors over whom parental rights are still exercised, the approval of temporary residence is conditional on obtaining the consent of the parents, guardians, or legal representative of the pupil who submits the request. Finally, taking into account the young age of these pupils, the Legislator foresees the fulfillment of one additional condition. Namely, a guarantee is necessary from an adult person living in the territory of Serbia that he will be responsible for the foreigner during his stay in Serbia, especially in terms of providing the pupil with accommodation, health care and means of support.

Learning the Serbian language, under certain conditions, can lead to the approval of a temporary residence in Serbia. Namely, this is a situation when the Serbian language is learned for the purpose of continuing schooling or studying in Serbia. In order for a temporary residence to be approved on this basis, it is necessary for the foreigner to submit evidence that he has enrolled in a Serbian language course with the appropriate organization. In addition, it is necessary for the foreigner to provide evidence of the intention to continue schooling or studying in Serbia.

TEMPORARY RESIDENCE OF STUDENTS IN SERBIA

Studying means acquiring higher education at accredited higher education institutions. In order for a foreign citizen to be granted a temporary residence in Serbia, it is necessary that, in addition to fulfilling the general conditions, he submits evidence that he has enrolled in studies at an accredited higher education institution (faculty) in order to acquire higher education in Serbia. Accreditation of higher education institutions is handled by the Ministry of Education, whereby a foreign student should pay particular attention to whether the faculty he is enrolling in is accredited.

Temporary residence of students in Serbia is granted for three years, except in the case when the studies last less than three years, when the temporary residence is granted for the duration of the studies.

For more information on this, as well as other issues in the field of foreigners’ rights, it is best to contact a lawyer.