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KosovoPermanent residenceLast checked October 17, 2026

Permanent residence permit

Foreigners who have held a temporary residence permit continuously for 5 years can apply for permanent residence. They need a valid passport, sufficient means, health insurance, and basic knowledge of Albanian or Serbian and of Kosovo's culture and society. The MIA says spouses and partners of Kosovo citizens or residents need 3 years. Permanent residents can work and study freely and have access to social welfare.

See requirements ↓

Life in Kosovo

Money

3

Currency

Euro

EUR

Euro

Cost of living

41

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2022

Tax

8–10%

Income tax (national)

VAT 18%

0% up to EUR 3,000 a year (EUR 250 a month), 8% to EUR 5,400 (EUR 450 a month), 10% above.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

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Who it’s for

Long-term foreign residents of Kosovo, including workers, family members and refugees.

Eligibility

  • Residence period

    You need 5 years of continuous temporary residence when you apply, though 3 years can be enough for family reunification through marriage or cohabitation.

    Residence needed

    Standard
    5 years
    Marriage or cohabitation
    3 years
    • Standard rule: Law No. 04/L-219, art. 84
    • 3-year rule is stated by the MIA and AI 09/2019 (art. 23)
    Official wording

    5 years of continuous temporary residence at the time of application (Law No. 04/L-219, art. 84). The MIA and AI 09/2019 (art. 23) say 3 years is enough for permanent residence based on family reunification through marriage or cohabitation.

  • Absences

    Absences from Kosovo must stay within set limits for your residence to count as continuous.

    Absence limits

    Each absenceshorter than 6 months
    Under 6 months
    All absencestotal, not to exceed
    10 months
    • Source: art. 84(2)
    Official wording

    Absences do not break continuity if each is shorter than 6 months and the total does not exceed 10 months (art. 84(2)).

  • Periods not counted

    Some kinds of residence time do not count toward your residence period, and study permits count at half.

    • Not counted: seasonal work and daily commuting
    • Not counted: service provision for a foreign employer
    • Not counted: prison time
    Official wording

    Seasonal work, daily commuting, service provision for a foreign employer, and prison time are not counted. Study permits count at half (art. 85).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementOther requirements
  • Document checklistValid travel document
  • FeesPermanent residence permit - employment basis

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  • 3 more requirements
  • 7 documents
  • 4 fees
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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