A step-by-step guide to apostilling and nostrifying foreign diplomas in Serbia: required documents, sworn translators, timelines, and costs.
The information in this guide may be incomplete or outdated. Laws and regulations in Serbia may change. Before making important decisions, be sure to consult official sources or professionals.
What Is an Apostille
An apostille is a special certificate that authenticates a document for use in foreign countries. It was established by the 1961 Hague Convention and is recognized by over 120 countries, including Serbia. If your home country is a signatory of the Hague Convention, an apostille is all you need — no consular legalization is required.
The apostille must be placed on the original document in the country where it was issued. For example, if your diploma was issued in India, you need to obtain the apostille from the relevant Indian authority. Plan ahead and get this done before moving to Serbia.
What Is Nostrification
Nostrification (recognition) is the process by which the Serbian Ministry of Education officially recognizes your foreign diploma. Without nostrification, your diploma has no legal standing in Serbia, which means you cannot:
Work in a profession that requires verified educational credentials
Continue your studies at a Serbian university
Obtain a professional license (doctor, engineer, lawyer, etc.)
If your name has changed (e.g., after marriage), also include your marriage certificate with an apostille and translation.
Sworn Translators
In Serbia, official document translations must be performed by a sworn translator (sudski tumač). Only their translations carry legal validity. When choosing a translator, keep in mind:
The translator must be registered with the Serbian Ministry of Justice
Ask to see their license or credentials
Average cost is approximately 2,000 to 4,000 dinars per page (roughly 17–34 EUR)
Turnaround time is usually 2–5 business days
You can find a list of sworn translators on your local court's website or through expat community recommendations.
The Nostrification Process Step by Step
Obtain an apostille on your diploma and transcript in the country of issuance
Commission a sworn translation of all documents into Serbian
Submit your application to the Ministry of Education (in person or by mail)
Wait for the review — a commission will examine your curriculum and may request additional documents
Receive the decision — if approved, you will be issued an official recognition certificate
In some cases, the commission may require you to pass additional exams if your study program differs significantly from Serbian standards.
Timelines and Costs
Administrative fee for nostrification: approximately 5,000–10,000 dinars (roughly 43–86 EUR), depending on the education level
Sworn translation: 2,000–4,000 dinars per page (17–34 EUR)
Apostille: cost varies by country of issuance
Processing time: 1 to 6 months (typically 2–3 months)
Practical Tips
Start the apostille process before you move — this will save you significant time and hassle
Make notarized copies of all originals in case of loss
Check with ENIC-NARIC whether your country has a bilateral agreement with Serbia — this could simplify the procedure
Keep all receipts and payment confirmations — you may need them for tax purposes or future applications
Join expat groups on social media to find recommended translators and get up-to-date advice from people who have been through the process