This guiding document informs foreign citizens on legal obligations during entry, residence and employment in the Republic of Kosovo.

Dear visitors, welcome to the Republic of Kosovo! We wish you a pleasant stay in our country. We are obliged to inform you of the rights and obligations of foreign citizens and guests in the Republic of Kosovo, in order to make your stay in our country easier and in accordance with the rules and laws of our country.

Please note that:

Upon entering the Republic of Kosovo, the foreigner must:

• possess a valid travel document;

• possess a visa or residence permit, when required;

• respect the purpose and duration of stay;

• notify the address of stay within three (3) days from the date of entry at the border or at the nearest  police station;

• have sufficient means of subsistence;

• respect the laws of the Republic of Kosovo;

• not be banned from entering and staying in the Republic of Kosovo;

• not pose a threat to state security, public order and health.

In the case of a short-term stay:

• The foreigner may stay for up to ninety (90) days within a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days without a visa or with a visa when required,

• Work/employment is not permitted during this period without a work permit;

• Any stay over 90 days requires an application for a residence permit.

In the case of residence in the Republic of Kosovo for employment purposes:

• a temporary residence permit for work is required;

• a work permit is required;

• Prior licensing is required in the case of applying for a work permit for a profession that requires a license;

• working without a permit is prohibited.

The application for a work permit is made at the Employment Agency.

 

 

Stay for other purposes:

For study purposes, family reunification or other humanitarian reasons, scientific research and other circumstances provided for by law, it is required:

•        to be provided with a temporary residence permit and

•        to meet other legal criteria depending on the purpose of the stay.

 

The application can be made at diplomatic/consular missions or at the DCAM, in cases where the foreigner has entered the Republic of Kosovo and does not need a visa.

Consequences in case of violation

When the legal provisions related to the entry, movement, residence and employment of foreigners are not complied with, the competent authorities may take the measures determined by law, which may include but are not limited to:

•        cancellation of the residence permit;

•        imposition of a fine;

•        ordering removal and

•        prohibition of entry into the territory of the Republic of Kosovo.

For more information, please refer to Law No. 04/L-219 on Foreigners, published in the Official Gazette of the Republic of Kosovo.

Full implementation begins on March 15, 2026. Any entry after this date that results in failure to comply with the rules listed within this guide will result in a ban on entry to the Republic of Kosovo.

Thank you for your attention.

We wish you a pleasant stay in our Republic!