How to obtain temporary protection in Serbia for Ukrainians in 2026
Ukrainians who were forced to leave Ukraine because of the war can obtain temporary protection status in Serbia. This also applies to their family members who legally resided in Ukraine until February 24, 2022. The authorities of the Republic of Serbia have decided to extend temporary protection for Ukrainian citizens for the period as long as the grounds for granting it remain.
Official information source for temporarily displaced persons from Ukraine.
What does temporary protection entail?
Temporary protection in Serbia provides Ukrainians with the following rights:
- The official right to reside in the country without the need to apply for a visa.
- The right to work without additional work permits.
- Access to medical care through the national healthcare system.
- Free education for children.
- Social support, including the possibility of receiving humanitarian aid and housing.
How to apply for temporary protection?
To obtain temporary protection, Ukrainians must apply to the Commissionerate for Refugees and Migration immediately after crossing the border with Serbia. The procedure is quite simple:
1. Crossing the border with a valid identity document (foreign passport, internal passport).
2. Upon arrival, go to the nearest Commissariat office, where you will be explained the next steps in the application process.
3. In order to obtain protection, you must submit:
- a passport (biometric or internal),
- documents confirming legal residence in Ukraine (for family members),
- a completed application.
- Receive a temporary protection card confirming your status.
How to extend temporary protection?
If your temporary protection status is about to expire, you can extend it. To do this, you need to follow a few simple steps:
- Submit an application for an extension of protection to the CIC by sending an email to [email protected].
In the letter, please indicate:
- Full name and surname.
- Date and place of birth.
- Address of residence in Serbia.
- Passport number and temporary protection card number.
Legal assistance from Visit Ukraine
When applying for temporary protection, various legal issues may arise: from the correct filling of documents to employment or social benefits. To avoid problems, Visit Ukraine lawyers offer professional legal assistance for Ukrainians in Serbia.
You can choose one of the following options:
- Written consultation - a quick answer to your questions in a convenient format.
- Introductory consultation (30 minutes) - a short consultation for an initial assessment of the situation.
- Basic consultation (60 minutes) - a detailed analysis of your case with recommendations.
- Legal support - full legal support when applying for temporary protection or obtaining a residence permit.
🫂 Contact Visit Ukraine lawyers to get qualified support at every stage of your stay in Serbia.
Do I need a biometric passport to enter Serbia?
A biometric passport is not required to enter Serbia. It is enough to have any document proving your identity, such as an internal passport or other documents. However, it is advisable to have a foreign passport to apply for temporary protection.
Employment for Ukrainians in Serbia: important tips and tricks
After obtaining temporary protection, Ukrainians have the full right to work in Serbia without additional permits. However, the realities of the local labor market can be complicated, so it is important to know where to look for work and what offers to avoid.
Where is the best place to look for a job?
1. Online job search platforms. The most effective way is to use specialized job search sites:
- Poslovi.infostud.com
- Halo oglasi
- LinkedIn
- The National Employment Service (NSZ) is a public service that provides assistance in job search, including free training courses.
2. Large international corporations have their offices in Serbia and often look for employees who speak English or other languages other than Serbian. Among such companies are Philip Morris, Levi9 (IT company), and Schneider Electric.
3. Services and tourism. Restaurants, hotels, and cafes in cities with a large number of tourists (Belgrade, Novi Sad) are often looking for staff for such positions as administrators, waiters, or hotel managers.
Tips for a successful job search:
- Learn the Serbian language.
- Consider volunteer programs. Some organizations and programs offer volunteer positions with minimal financial support, but it can be a good start for adaptation.
Help with housing for Ukrainians in Serbia
How to get temporary housing?
Ukrainians who come to Serbia for temporary protection can take advantage of temporary housing programs. Upon arrival, you need to contact the Commissionerate for Refugees and Migration, which can help you find accommodation in special temporary accommodation centers or provide advice on finding accommodation through humanitarian organizations.
Temporary housing is provided for an initial period during which a person receives support in adapting to new conditions. After that, Ukrainians are encouraged to look for long-term rental accommodation on their own.
Where to look for housing on your own?
- Renting through real estate agencies. Agencies help with the search for housing and often offer options in different neighborhoods.
- Websites for finding accommodation. The most popular platforms for finding an apartment in Serbia: Halo oglasi, Nekretnine.rs, City Expert.
How much does it cost to rent an apartment?
- In Belgrade, renting a one-bedroom apartment can cost from 300 to 600 euros per month, depending on the neighborhood.
- In cities such as Novi Sad or Niš, prices will be lower - around 200-400 euros per month.
- Family apartments or large apartments can cost more - from 500 to 800 euros.
Where is the best place to live?
- Most Ukrainians live in the capital of Serbia - Belgrade, where there are more opportunities for work and adaptation. These are the neighborhoods that are often chosen by foreigners and refugees:
- Vračar and Savski venec are central districts with good infrastructure, but rents are more expensive.
- Novi Belgrade is an area with new buildings, relatively affordable, but with all the necessary amenities.
If you are looking for more affordable housing, you should consider smaller cities such as Niš or Kragujevac, where housing prices are lower and living conditions are also comfortable.
