Serbia Passport Application Guide
A Serbian biometric passport is issued by the competent internal-affairs authority, with applications abroad lodged at a diplomatic or consular mission. This guide covers the in-person rule, the documents and the minor rules. Verified against mfa.gov.rs, October 2026.
The 15-second answer
Apply in person with an identification document, a certificate of citizenship (issued within one year, for a first issuance) and a birth certificate (obtained ex officio). Applications are processed within a 60-day legal deadline.
Who issues it
Biometric passports of the Republic of Serbia are issued by the competent authority in charge of internal affairs. Applications can be submitted at the Republic of Serbia’s diplomatic or consular missions abroad. Passports are made in the Republic of Serbia.
The in-person rule
Applications for biometric passports should be submitted in person. In case applications are submitted for underage children, their presence shall also be required.
Documents
- An identification document — for example a biometric passport, identity card or other public document proving identity.
- A certificate of citizenship (issued within one year at the most) only for the first issuance of a biometric passport. For each subsequent issuance, proof of citizenship is required only if personal data have changed.
- A birth certificate — obtained ex officio unless the party explicitly states that they will obtain it personally.
Underage applicants
- Underage persons, regardless of age, shall be issued individual passports. They cannot be entered in their parents’ passport.
- Both parents must appear in person to apply for a passport for a minor child.
- Certified written parental consent is required for a parent who cannot appear in person — and also for a parent who is a foreign national. Consent can also be given electronically via the eConsulate portal.
Applications a mission will not accept
Diplomatic-consular missions shall not accept biometric-passport applications for:
- children born abroad until their birth has been duly registered in the vital records in Serbia, their residence in Serbia established and a JMBG assigned;
- persons who married before a foreign authority and apply for a new passport with a changed family name, unless the name change has been duly registered in the vital records in Serbia.
Processing and collection
Applications are processed within a 60-day legal deadline. After prior notice, the passport is collected in person at the mission where the request was submitted, or it may be handed to a person authorised by the applicant.
If you lose your passport abroad
Contact the police authorities of that country and ask for a receipt, then submit the receipt to the nearest diplomatic or consular mission of the Republic of Serbia. It will issue a travel document for your return once the procedure to establish your identity and citizenship is complete.
Frequently asked questions
Who issues a Serbian biometric passport?
The competent authority in charge of internal affairs; abroad, applications are submitted at the Republic of Serbia's diplomatic or consular missions.
Can I apply for a Serbian passport by post?
No. Applications for biometric passports should be submitted in person, and for underage children their presence is also required.
What documents do I need?
An identification document, a certificate of citizenship (issued within one year at the most) for a first issuance, and a birth certificate (obtained ex officio unless you say you will obtain it yourself).
Can children be added to a parent's Serbian passport?
No. Underage persons, regardless of age, are issued individual passports and cannot be entered in their parents' passport. Both parents must appear in person to apply for a minor child.
How long does a Serbian passport take?
The applications are processed within a 60-day legal deadline.
What if I lose my passport abroad?
Contact the police authorities of that country for a receipt, then submit it to the nearest diplomatic or consular mission, which will issue a travel document for your return once identity and citizenship are established.
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Source note: the issuing authority, the in-person rule with the underage presence requirement, the documents (identification document, certificate of citizenship issued within one year for a first issuance, birth certificate ex officio), the minor rules (individual passports, no entry in parents’ passport, both parents in person, certified consent, eConsulate), the cases a mission will not accept, the 60-day legal deadline and the lost-passport procedure are from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs page mfa.gov.rs/en/citizens/services/travel-documents, checked October 2026.