Published: 24.07.2026
Sources report that some Russian nationals received Serbian citizenship through an accelerated procedure based on a presidential decision in Serbia’s interests. The European Commission is urging Belgrade to tighten controls and conduct more thorough screening because a Serbian passport provides visa-free access to the EU.
This concerns an exceptional accelerated procedure, not the ordinary naturalization route. According to sources, standard naturalization requires extended lawful residence, while the accelerated practice has drawn EU scrutiny and could lead to more thorough checks of applicants’ backgrounds, finances, and eligibility. It primarily affects Russians seeking a Serbian passport as a faster route to EU access, as well as investors and applicants with politically sensitive profiles. Ordinary movers should note that residence permits do not guarantee citizenship and that the accelerated route may become less predictable.