## What It Is and Who Needs It
Nostrifikacija - this is the official recognition of your diploma in Serbia. It is required if you plan to obtain a residence permit based on talent or to work in regulated professions (doctor, lawyer, etc.). For most other residence-permit grounds, you can skip it.
## Where and How
The procedure is carried out through **Агенцију за квалификације** (AZK). Fill out the ENIC/NARIC online form in Latin script, after which you receive a positive response by e-mail. Within 30 days you must appear in person at the office in Belgrade and show the original diploma (the translation is kept, make a copy for yourself).
## Apostille
- For documents from **России, Украины, Беларуси** an apostille is not required (bilateral legal-assistance agreement inherited from the 1962 treaty).
- For other countries (Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, etc.) an apostille is usually needed - it is placed in the issuing country.
- Documents from territories that are disputed (Crimea, Donetsk) will not be nostrified.
## Documents
- Scan or photo of the diploma and the transcript with grades (show the originals only during the visit).
- Translation by a certified translator.
- Receipt of fee payment - **13 150 RSD** (2026).
- Short academic biography (CV, half a page). A résumé that is too short or overly detailed often leads to rejection.
- Copy of the foreign passport; if the name in the passport differs from the diploma - document of name change with translation.
## Timeframes and Nuances
- The decision is sent to your e-mail within 10-60 days, after which you have 30 days to schedule a visit. If you miss the window, the result is archived and you will have to start over.
- A USSR diploma is accepted; the age of the document does not matter. If you have multiple diplomas - bring them all. For PhD and professional retraining, clarify the list of required documents by phone - a call is usually faster than letters.
- A specialist with five years of experience in Serbia is considered equivalent to master-level - this is standard practice.
## Official Sources
**Агенција за квалификације** (azk.gov.rs), ENIC/NARIC form.
Office: Majke Jevrosime 51, Belgrade; reception Mon/Tue/Fri 10:00-14:00; tel. +381 11 7455 728; agencija@azk.gov.rs.
Check the exact details and the current fee amount on the AZK website.