Russian-born residents left stateless after Serbia blocks naturalization

Key Takeaways

• Over 20 Russian-born residents in Serbia became stateless after renouncing Russian citizenship by May 22, 2025.
• Serbia unofficially froze naturalization for Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians amid EU pressure and security concerns.
• Applicants risk statelessness due to renunciation requirement before Serbian citizenship approval, leaving affected individuals legally vulnerable.

Legal Update: Apparent Ban on Naturalization Leaves Russian-Born Residents Stateless in Serbia (Effective May 2025)

Summary and Effective Date

As of May 22, 2025, more than 20 Russian-born residents in Serbia have been left stateless after renouncing their Russian citizenship in anticipation of acquiring Serbian citizenship, only to be denied naturalization. This development follows an apparent, unofficial freeze on naturalization for nationals of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The situation has drawn attention from international media and human rights advocates, raising concerns about the legal status and rights of affected individuals.

Background and Reasons for the Policy Shift

Serbia has long been a destination for Russian nationals, especially since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022. Many Russian-born residents arrived in Serbia seeking safety from political repression, military conscription, or simply looking for a more stable environment. According to official data, about 24,000 Russian citizens are registered as residents in Serbia, while unofficial estimates suggest the number could be over 100,000.

Serbia’s citizenship law has traditionally allowed foreign nationals to apply for citizenship after three years of legal residence, provided they meet certain requirements, including renunciation of their previous citizenship. This process was seen as a pathway for Russian-born residents to secure a new legal identity and stability.

However, in recent years, Serbia has faced pressure from the European Union (EU) to tighten its citizenship and immigration policies. The EU expressed concerns that relaxed citizenship rules could allow individuals to obtain Serbian passports—and thus access to the EU’s visa-free regime—too easily, potentially posing security risks. In response, Serbia withdrew proposed amendments that would have allowed for fast-track citizenship after just one year of temporary residence for certain categories of foreigners.

Amid these policy debates, Serbian authorities have reportedly frozen the naturalization process for nationals of Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. While there is no official, publicly announced ban, multiple sources—including The Moscow Times and Meduza—report that applications from these groups are no longer being processed. This has left some Russian-born residents in a precarious position, especially those who have already renounced their Russian citizenship in anticipation of becoming Serbian citizens.

Affected Aspects of the Law

1. Naturalization Requirements

Under current Serbian law, the main pathway to citizenship for foreign nationals involves:

• Temporary Residence Permit (TRP): Valid for up to three years (previously one year).
• Permanent Residence: Eligibility after three years of consecutive legal residence (down from five years).
• Naturalization Application: Requires proof of legal residence, Serbian language proficiency, and renunciation of previous citizenship.

The key legal issue is the requirement to renounce previous citizenship before Serbian citizenship is granted. This step is intended to prevent dual citizenship in most cases and ensure the applicant’s commitment to Serbia. However, if the naturalization application is denied or frozen after renunciation, the individual is left stateless—without any citizenship or the rights and protections that come with it.

2. Unofficial Freeze on Naturalization

• There is no official law or regulation announcing a ban on naturalization for Russian, Ukrainian, or Belarusian nationals.
• In practice, however, Serbian authorities have stopped processing or approving applications from these groups, effectively freezing the process.
• This freeze has not been publicly explained or justified by the Serbian government, but is widely reported by legal consultants and advocacy groups.

3. Proposed and Withdrawn Amendments

• In 2023, Serbia proposed amendments to allow fast-track citizenship after one year of temporary residence for certain foreigners.
• These amendments were withdrawn in October 2023 after criticism from the European Commission, which cited security concerns due to Serbia’s visa-free regime with the EU.

Implications for Different Groups

Russian-Born Residents

• Statelessness: Over 20 Russian-born residents in Serbia are now stateless, having renounced their Russian citizenship but been denied Serbian citizenship.
• Legal Limbo: Stateless individuals cannot legally work, travel, or access many public services. They may face difficulties with housing, healthcare, and education.
• Emotional and Social Impact: Many affected individuals experience anxiety, uncertainty, and isolation, as they lack the basic legal recognition needed to participate fully in society.

Example:
A Russian-born resident who arrived in Serbia in 2022, lived and worked legally for three years, and then renounced Russian citizenship as part of the Serbian naturalization process, now finds themselves without any passport or legal status. They cannot return to Russia, cannot travel elsewhere, and are unable to access basic services in Serbia.

Other Foreign Nationals

• Nationals of countries other than Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus are not affected by the freeze and can still apply for Serbian citizenship under the standard process.
• However, the situation has created uncertainty and caution among all foreign residents considering naturalization.

Serbian Government and Policy Makers

• The government is caught between its goal of attracting foreign talent and investment, and the need to align with EU standards and maintain the visa-free regime.
• The freeze on naturalization is seen as a response to EU pressure, but it has also drawn criticism from human rights advocates and legal experts.

European Union

• The EU’s main concern is that relaxed citizenship rules in Serbia could allow individuals to obtain Serbian passports—and thus access to the EU—without sufficient scrutiny.
• The EU has pressured Serbia to maintain strict controls and align its policies with European standards, especially as Serbia is a candidate for EU membership.

Comparison with Previous Law

Before the Freeze:

• Russian-born residents could apply for Serbian citizenship after three years of legal residence, provided they met all requirements.
• The process, while sometimes lengthy, was generally predictable and transparent.
• In 2022, 50 out of 84 foreign nationals granted Serbian citizenship were Russian citizens.

After the Freeze:

• Applications from Russian, Ukrainian, and Belarusian nationals are no longer being processed, even if all legal requirements are met.
• Individuals who renounce their original citizenship in anticipation of Serbian naturalization risk becoming stateless.
• The process has become opaque, with no official guidance or explanation from the authorities.

Implementation Timeline

• 2022: Significant influx of Russian nationals to Serbia following the war in Ukraine.
• 2023: Serbia proposes fast-track citizenship amendments, then withdraws them in October after EU criticism.
• 2023–2024: Amendments to immigration law extend temporary residence permits to three years and reduce the permanent residence requirement to three years.
• May 2025: Reports confirm that over 20 Russian-born residents are stateless due to an apparent freeze on naturalization for Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians.

Step-by-Step Procedures Under Current Law

1. Obtain Temporary Residence Permit (TRP):
   • Apply through the Serbian Ministry of Interior.
   • TRP is now valid for up to three years.
2. Apply for Permanent Residence:
   • After three years of consecutive legal residence, submit an application for permanent residence.
3. Apply for Naturalization:
   • Prepare documentation showing legal residence, Serbian language proficiency, and proof of renunciation of previous citizenship.
   • Submit the application to the Ministry of Interior.
4. Await Approval:
   • Citizenship is granted at the discretion of Serbian authorities.
   • For Russian-born residents, applications are currently not being processed, leaving applicants in limbo.

Important:
Applicants should not renounce their original citizenship until they have written confirmation that Serbian citizenship will be granted. Legal experts warn that the current process exposes individuals to the risk of statelessness if their application is denied or frozen.

Policy Implications and Practical Effects

Statelessness

• Stateless individuals lack the protection of any country. They cannot obtain travel documents, work legally, or access many public services.
• The United Nations and human rights organizations consider statelessness a serious violation of basic rights.

Legal Limbo

• Without citizenship, affected individuals are unable to regularize their status in Serbia or elsewhere.
• They may face deportation, detention, or other legal consequences, even though they followed the legal process in good faith.

Impact on Families

• Families with children may be separated or face difficulties enrolling children in school or accessing healthcare.
• Mixed-nationality families (for example, Russian-Serbian) may face additional complications if one parent is stateless.

Serbia’s International Reputation

• The freeze on naturalization and resulting statelessness may damage Serbia’s reputation as a safe haven for refugees and foreign residents.
• Ongoing EU scrutiny could affect Serbia’s progress toward EU membership and its visa-free regime.

Expert Analysis and Multiple Perspectives

Legal Experts

• Professor Dimitry Kochenov and others have warned that requiring renunciation of previous citizenship before approval exposes applicants to statelessness.
• They call for procedural safeguards, such as granting conditional approval before requiring renunciation.

Human Rights Advocates

• Organizations like the Russian Democratic Society have highlighted individual cases and called for greater transparency and fairness in the naturalization process.
• They urge the Serbian government to provide clear guidance and protect the rights of stateless individuals.

Serbian Officials

• The government has not issued an official statement on the freeze, but the withdrawal of fast-track amendments suggests a response to EU concerns.
• Officials are balancing domestic policy goals with international obligations and pressures.

European Commission

• The EU has made it clear that Serbia’s citizenship policies must align with European standards to maintain the visa-free regime.
• Security concerns remain a top priority for the EU.

Future Outlook and Anticipated Developments

• No Immediate Resolution: There is no indication that Serbia will resume naturalization for Russian, Ukrainian, or Belarusian nationals in the near future.
• Potential Legal Challenges: Affected individuals or advocacy groups may seek legal remedies in Serbian courts or appeal to international bodies.
• Continued EU Pressure: Serbia’s EU accession process and visa-free regime will likely continue to shape its citizenship policies.
• Need for Safeguards: Legal experts and human rights advocates are calling for procedural changes to prevent statelessness, such as granting citizenship before requiring renunciation of previous citizenship.

Official Resources and Practical Guidance

• Serbian Ministry of Interior: mup.gov.rs – Handles citizenship and residency applications.
• Serbian Government Portal for Immigration: euprava.gov.rs – For visa and permit applications.
• Legal Assistance: Local immigration lawyers and organizations such as the Russian Democratic Society can provide support and advice.

Key Takeaway:
If you are a Russian-born resident in Serbia considering naturalization, do not renounce your original citizenship until you have clear, written confirmation that Serbian citizenship will be granted. Seek legal advice and monitor official government updates for any changes in policy.

Summary Table: Key Facts

Conclusion and Next Steps

The situation facing Russian-born residents in Serbia highlights the complex intersection of national immigration policy, international obligations, and individual rights. The apparent freeze on naturalization for Russians, Ukrainians, and Belarusians—combined with the requirement to renounce previous citizenship—has left over 20 individuals stateless as of May 2025. This legal limbo has serious consequences for affected individuals and their families, and raises important questions about procedural fairness and human rights.

Practical Guidance:

• Monitor official government websites for updates on citizenship and immigration policies.
• Consult with qualified immigration lawyers before taking any steps to renounce your original citizenship.
• Contact advocacy organizations such as the Russian Democratic Society for support and information.
• Do not renounce your original citizenship until you have received written confirmation of Serbian citizenship approval.

For more detailed analysis and ongoing updates, VisaVerge.com reports that the situation remains fluid and recommends that all foreign residents in Serbia stay informed about the latest legal developments.

Official Resource:
For authoritative information on Serbian citizenship and immigration procedures, visit the Serbian Ministry of Interior.

By staying informed and seeking professional advice, Russian-born residents and other affected individuals can better protect their rights and avoid the serious consequences of statelessness.

Learn Today

Naturalization → The legal process by which a foreign national acquires citizenship of a new country.
Statelessness → Condition of lacking citizenship in any country, resulting in loss of legal rights.
Temporary Residence Permit → Official authorization allowing foreigners to live in Serbia temporarily, valid up to three years.
Renunciation of Citizenship → Formal process of giving up previous nationality to acquire a new citizenship.
European Union (EU) → A political and economic union of European countries influencing Serbia’s immigration policies.

This Article in a Nutshell

By May 2025, Serbia’s unofficial ban on naturalization for Russians causes over 20 stateless residents. EU pressures and renunciation rules create legal limbo. Residents risk losing passports and rights, while Serbian policies remain unclear, raising serious human rights concerns and requiring urgent legal safeguards and advice.
— By VisaVerge.com

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