Is proof of health insurance really necessary for temporary stay visa?

[Thiago_Brazilac]

Zdravo!

I'm moving to Serbia in August and I have a question regarding documents for obtaining the visa for temporary stay (type D). Whoever has applied for that visa might be able to help me... I was just wondering how was the process. What exact documents did you need to present to the authorities in Serbia? I've seen the list of documents on Serbian Federal Police website and all of them are easy for me to get, except international health insurance, but I think that one is "optional" - that's what I wanted to confirm. Some websites don't even list it.

Hvala unapred,

[SlavicMuse]

When I had my work visa it was mandatory to have either international health insurance or a sum of money (determined by the number of months your visa will be for) in a Serbian bank account. Or I should say a bank that is physically located here in Serbia (doesn't have to be an actual Serbian bank).

With my private permits and vanbračna, I don't have international insurance as my boyfriend and his mother had to sign a document saying they'd deal with my medical needs if I had a need for something.

[Squashylights]

Type D Visa means more that 90 days in Serbia. But what is your reason to visit Serbia? If you could tell us more I could help you in this case. I never show them my insurance and just show them my Bank Statement (Banca Intesa, Belgrade Branch) with 2000 Euros or more in it. I simply refuse to pay 800-1000 Dinars to translate my insurance papers to Serbian just for visa purposes.

[Philo]

Hi Thiago - I concur with Kiki.

When I went through the application process for my 12-month work visa (temporary residency), I had to provide either proof of medical insurance or show I had at least 1000 euros in the bank. The first time I still had my travel/tourist insurance valid and they were fine with that. By the second year (ie my second application) my insurance had run out and I just had to show that I had 1000 euros in a Serbian bank account. The bank just prints out a official document that you then take to MUP with your application... and the 500 other papers you need. ;-)

Good luck!

[Squashylights]

Philo I just got my visa renewed 5 days back and they wanted 2000 Euros in my Bank Account. Also in my case they came to check at my apartment for the last two times. A friendly visit by the police but they said it was a part of the new system.

[Philo]

Hey SL - my last application was over 12 months ago I must admit, but it was only 1000 euros then.

Are you on a work visa though? Or relationship one? Maybe they ask for more of a 'bond' on the basis that you may not necessarily be working here .. or maybe it has simply increased.

[development79]

Well in order for the sum to have increased, there needs need to be a fixed number by law in the first place. Last year I was asked for 2500 EUR + Medical Insurance. Then either medical insurance or the amount of money. And the third time for 1500 EUR.

I am currently waiting for my temp. visa this week actually and this year I asked the officer how much money is sufficient? reply: 1000 EUR.

Conclusion: just go and ask yourself basically.

By the way for me at least the simple bank statement stamped by the bank would not do. Official bank document stating the amount of money NOT from the cashier

[Philo]

OK .. so what we are finding then is that with MUP, it depends 'who you get on the day', and what sort of mood they are in. Is that about right?

And sorry .... I probably was not clear about the bank statement that needed to be provided. The one I took along to MUP was not one provided by a cashier, but one that I had to get from one of the consultants at the personal banking desks. They printed the statement/certificate and then stamped it. It was a specific format required by MUP.

[development79]

Philo, I really do not get it as yet..... The first time, that i last year I remember i went there at least 9 times. Even though the people at the office where I was had already received a list of documents by email from the authorities yet, when I went there they asked me for different and more documents.

To sum up and please ad anything else..

- Passport of course plus 2 photos (passport needs a validity of at least six months, this is very important)
- completed 3 application forms
- Bank statement as well as a copy of credit card as I recall ..well the specific amount of money still remains a mystery! I would say more than 1000 for sure.
- cv in serbian
- Medical Insurance
- 'White paper' from the registration at the local police station
- Contract in Serbian, if for work purposes

Just to note that I did everything completely on my own, this time everything was done by the people at my new workplace... a big relief!