Deep coverage14 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
Personalize for your passports
Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Kosovo.
4 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Kosovo Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – Tourism / Visit
The Type C short-stay visa is issued for staying in the territory of the Republic of Kosovo for a limited time, but not longer than 90 days within any 180-day period, for tourism, visiting family or friends, cultural, sporting or similar short visits. Multiple-entry C visas may be issued with validity from six months up to five years, while each stay remains capped at 90 days per 180. Holders may not carry out any gainful activity or overstay. Applications are lodged in person no more than three months before the intended visit at a Kosovo diplomatic or consular mission, with proof of purpose, accommodation, sufficient means and travel medical insurance. The visa fee is EUR 40, with exemptions for children under six and certain study-related travellers. Nationals of many states, and holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa or biometric Schengen residence permit (15 days), are visa-exempt.
Government fee
€40
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted and signed Kosovo visa application form lodged in person at a diplomatic or consular mission.
Travel documentPassport valid at least three months beyond intended departure date, with at least two blank pages.
Passport photographOne recent photograph not older than one month, ICAO standard.
Proof of purpose of journeyDocuments supporting the tourism or visit purpose (invitation, booking, programme).
Proof of accommodationHotel booking, rental agreement or host invitation in Kosovo.
Proof of sufficient means of subsistenceEvidence of funds for the stay and return.
Travel medical insuranceInsurance covering the entire intended stay in Kosovo.
Transit Visa
Kosovo Air-Transit Visa (Type A)
The Type A air-transit visa is issued by Kosovo diplomatic and consular missions to nationals of countries for which the Government of Kosovo requires it, allowing transit through the international air-transit area of an airport in the Republic of Kosovo without entering its territory. A multiple-entry air-transit visa is granted for up to six months and may be issued for one, two or more transits. Holders may not leave the airport transit zone or take up any activity in Kosovo. The visa is requested in person at a mission, with a completed form, valid travel document and onward-journey evidence. Travellers who do not pass through the air-transit area do not need this visa.
Government fee
€40
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
1 day
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (5)
Visa application formCompleted and signed Kosovo visa application form submitted in person at a diplomatic or consular mission.
Travel documentPassport or recognised travel document valid at least three months beyond intended departure, with at least two blank pages.
Passport photographOne recent photograph not older than one month, meeting ICAO standards.
Onward travel evidenceTicket or proof of continued journey to the final destination beyond Kosovo.
Destination entry documentsOptionalVisa or entry permit for the country of final destination where required.
Transit Visa
Kosovo Transit Visa (Type B)
The Type B transit visa permits a foreign national to transit through the territory of the Republic of Kosovo, with a permitted duration matching the time genuinely required for the transit. Multiple-entry transit (B) visas are granted for up to six months and may be issued for one, two or more transits. The visa does not authorise a general stay or any gainful activity in Kosovo. Applications are lodged in person at a Kosovo diplomatic or consular mission with proof of the onward journey. Nationals of visa-exempt states do not require this visa for short transit.
Government fee
€40
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
5 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (6)
Visa application formCompleted and signed Kosovo visa application form lodged in person at a mission.
Travel documentPassport valid at least three months beyond intended departure, with at least two blank pages.
Passport photographOne recent photograph not older than one month, ICAO standard.
Onward travel evidenceTickets or itinerary showing the route of transit and onward destination.
Destination entry documentsOptionalVisa or entry permit for the destination country where required.
Proof of sufficient meansOptionalEvidence of funds for the transit period.
Business Visitor Visa
Kosovo Short-Stay Visa (Type C) – Business
The Type C short-stay visa for business purposes covers meetings, negotiations, conferences, trade fairs and similar short business activity in the Republic of Kosovo for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Multiple-entry business C visas may be issued with validity from six months up to five years, with each stay capped at 90 days per 180. The visa permits business engagement but not local employment or any other gainful activity. Applicants lodge the request in person at a Kosovo mission with a company invitation or business documentation, accommodation proof, sufficient means and travel medical insurance. The visa fee is EUR 40.
Government fee
€40
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (7)
Visa application formCompleted and signed Kosovo visa application form lodged in person at a diplomatic or consular mission.
Travel documentPassport valid at least three months beyond intended departure, with at least two blank pages.
Passport photographOne recent photograph not older than one month, ICAO standard.
Business documentationInvitation from a Kosovo company, proof of business relationship or registration of the applicant's own business.
Proof of accommodationHotel booking or host arrangement in Kosovo.
Proof of sufficient means of subsistenceEvidence of funds for the stay and return.
Travel medical insuranceInsurance covering the entire intended stay.
Not yet researched
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
2 routes
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Kosovo Temporary Residence Permit – Education (Student)
Temporary residence for the purpose of secondary or higher education is granted to foreigners enrolled in an accredited educational or higher-education institution in the Republic of Kosovo. The permit is issued by DCAM for one year and is renewable for the duration of studies, with a decision within 30 days. Applicants submit proof of enrolment, proof of accommodation and sufficient means to cover living expenses, a non-conviction certificate and health insurance; minors in secondary education also provide parental or guardian consent. For exchange students, the running organisation must show it covers subsistence, healthcare and return expenses. The underlying entry is on a Type D visa where a visa is required.
Study: Authorises enrolled secondary or higher education at the accredited institution.
Residency after 5 years
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Travel documentValid passport with validity at least three months longer than the requested residence period.
Proof of enrolmentProof of enrolment in an accredited educational or higher-education institution in Kosovo.
Proof of sufficient means of livingBank statement or other notary-certified evidence showing the foreigner will cover living expenses.
Proof of accommodationDocument confirming the correct address of residence in Kosovo.
Parental / guardian consentOptionalFor secondary education by a minor: consent of the parent or legal guardian, notarised or court-certified.
Non-conviction certificateCertificate that the applicant is not under investigation, translated into an official language of Kosovo.
Health insuranceValid health insurance for the residence period.
Exchange / mobility evidenceOptionalFor student exchange or youth mobility: evidence of the programme or inter-university agreement and that subsistence, healthcare and return are covered.
Internship / Trainee Visa
Kosovo Temporary Residence Permit – Training
Temporary residence for the purpose of training (training free of charge) is granted to foreigners undertaking theoretical and practical training with a host in the Republic of Kosovo. The permit is issued by DCAM for one year, with a decision within 30 days. The applicant submits a training agreement covering theoretical and practical components, a programme description setting out educational objectives and training duration, proof of education or professional qualification, proof of sufficient means and accommodation, a non-conviction certificate and health insurance. The category covers structured traineeships and practical placements hosted by a Kosovo organisation.
Work: Authorises the practical training with the host; not general employment.
Study: Covers the structured training programme.
Residency after 5 years
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Travel documentValid passport with validity at least three months longer than the requested residence period.
Training agreementAgreement with the host providing theoretical and practical training.
Programme descriptionDescription including educational objectives or learning components and training duration.
Proof of qualificationsProof of education or professional qualification, original or notarised copy translated into an official language of Kosovo.
Proof of sufficient means of livingBank statement, employment contract or other proof of sufficient means.
Proof of accommodationDocument confirming the correct address of residence in Kosovo.
Non-conviction certificateCertificate that the applicant is not under investigation, translated into an official language of Kosovo.
Health insuranceValid health insurance for the residence period.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Exchange Program Visa
3 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Skilled Work Visa
Kosovo Temporary Residence Permit – Employment
Temporary residence for the purpose of employment is granted to foreigners employed by a Kosovo business within the annual employment quota, and also covers a foreigner who is the owner of the business (for whom an employment contract is not required). The permit is issued by the Department for Citizenship, Asylum and Migration (DCAM) for a period of one year and is renewable; extension must be applied for thirty days before expiry. The decision is made within 30 days of a complete application. Applicants provide an employment contract compliant with Kosovo labour law, business registration, proof of qualifications, sufficient means, a non-conviction certificate and health insurance. Employment-related work authorisation is handled with the Employment Agency. After five years of uninterrupted residence the holder may apply for permanent residence.
Work: Authorises employment with the sponsoring business within the annual quota; the holder may perform only the work for which authorisation was issued.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family members may seek temporary residence for family reunification subject to conditions.
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Travel documentValid passport with validity at least three months longer than the requested residence period.
Employment contractEmployment contract compliant with Kosovo labour legislation; not required where the foreigner is the owner of the business.
Business registration certificateRegistration certificate and business information of the employing company.
Proof of qualificationsEducation or professional-qualification documents, original or notarised copy, translated into an official language of Kosovo.
Proof of sufficient financial meansBank statement or employment contract showing sufficient means for living.
Non-conviction certificateCertificate that the applicant is not under investigation, issued by the state of nationality or last residence and translated into an official language of Kosovo.
Health insuranceValid health insurance for the residence period.
Seasonal Work Visa
Kosovo Short-Term Work Permit
The short-term work permit is issued by the Employment Agency of the Republic of Kosovo to foreigners who will work 90 days, 60 days or 30 days within a 180-day period, enabling foreign citizens to work in Kosovo for a short period without a full residence-based employment permit. It is used for short assignments and seasonal or temporary engagements. The employer supplies an employment contract or written confirmation of the engagement and business registration, while the foreign national obtains the registration certificate from the Directorate for Migration and Foreigners (Kosovo Police) and submits qualification evidence and the administrative tax. The permit covers only the specific work authorised.
Work: Permits short-term work (90/60/30 days within 180) for the specific employment authorised.
Max stay
90 days
Validity
180 days
Document checklist (7)
Application requestCompleted and signed application for the short-term work permit / employment certification.
Employment contract or confirmationEmployment contract under Kosovo legislation or written confirmation of the conclusion of the contract.
Copy of passportCopy of the foreigner's valid travel document.
Registration certificate (foreign nationals)Certificate from the Directorate for Migration and Foreigners (Kosovo Police) registering the entry of the foreign national.
Proof of qualificationsEvidence of the foreigner's education, qualifications and training.
Proof of business registrationRegistration documents of the employing business.
Administrative taxPayment of the applicable administrative tax.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
Kosovo Temporary Residence Permit – Posted Worker
Kosovo's Law on Foreigners recognises temporary residence for the posting of workers, covering foreign employees seconded to Kosovo by a foreign employer to carry out work for a host entity. The permit is issued by DCAM for one year and is renewable, with a decision within 30 days of a complete application. As with other employment-linked permits, applicants must evidence the posting arrangement and employment relationship, sufficient means, qualifications, a non-conviction certificate and health insurance, and the relevant work authorisation is coordinated with the Employment Agency. This category sits within the broader employment framework; detailed posted-worker documentation is set by implementing rules.
Work: Permits the posted work for the host entity under the posting arrangement; only the authorised work may be performed.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family members may seek family-reunification residence subject to conditions.
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (6)
Travel documentValid passport with validity at least three months longer than the requested residence period.
Posting / secondment documentationEvidence of the posting by the foreign employer and the assignment to the host entity in Kosovo.
Employment relationship proofEmployment contract or assignment letter with the sending employer.
Proof of sufficient financial meansBank statement or contract showing sufficient means for living during the assignment.
Non-conviction certificateCertificate that the applicant is not under investigation, translated into an official language of Kosovo.
Health insuranceValid health insurance for the residence period.
Not yet researched
Digital Nomad Visa
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
No verified routes yet
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Not yet researched
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Residence by Real Estate
Citizenship by Investment
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Business Investor Visa
No verified routes yet
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Not yet researched
Retirement Visa
Working Holiday Visa
1 route
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Kosovo Temporary Residence Permit – Family Reunification
Temporary residence for family reunification is granted to foreign family members of a citizen of the Republic of Kosovo or of a foreigner holding a residence permit, including spouses, children and persons under adoption or guardianship. The permit is issued by DCAM for one year and is renewable, with a decision within 30 days. Applicants provide civil-status evidence (marriage, birth, adoption or guardianship certificate), the sponsor's identity document, proof that the sponsor or foreigner has sufficient means and secured accommodation meeting minimum standards, a non-conviction certificate and health insurance. Where the basis is cohabitation, three years of cohabitation (or a common child) must be proven instead of marriage. After the qualifying period the holder may progress to permanent residence; spouses of Kosovo citizens or permanent residents face a reduced three-year threshold.
Study: Family members may access education while resident.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Designed for spouses, children and dependants joining the sponsor.
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Travel documentValid passport with validity at least three months longer than the requested residence period.
Civil-status certificateMarriage certificate, child's birth certificate, or certificate of adoption or guardianship establishing the family relationship.
Sponsor's identificationValid identification document of the Kosovo citizen or sponsoring foreigner.
Proof of sufficient means of livingBank statement, employment contract, social card or other proof that the sponsor has sufficient means.
Proof of secured residenceProof of ownership or a notarised rental contract with adequate space meeting minimum residence standards.
Non-conviction certificateCertificate that the applicant has not been convicted / is not under investigation, translated into an official language of Kosovo.
Health insuranceValid health insurance for the residence period.
Proof of cohabitationOptionalWhere based on cohabitation: declaration of the family community, declaration of two witnesses certified by a notary, or other proof of three years of cohabitation (or a common child).
Not yet researched
Spouse / Partner Visa
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
4 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Talent / Highly Skilled Visa
Kosovo Temporary Residence Permit – Scientific Research
Temporary residence for the purpose of scientific research is granted to foreigners conducting research at a licensed research or higher-education institution in the Republic of Kosovo. The permit is issued by DCAM for one year and is renewable, with a decision within 30 days. In addition to the standard residence documents, the applicant submits an invitation from the licensed institution and a hosting agreement specifying the research activity or area, the obligations of the researcher and the host organisation, and the start and end dates or estimated duration of the research. Proof of sufficient means, accommodation, a non-conviction certificate and health insurance are also required.
Work: Authorises the research activity at the hosting institution under the agreement.
Study: Permits the research programme; formal enrolment for a degree falls under the education ground.
Residency after 5 years
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (7)
Travel documentValid passport with validity at least three months longer than the requested residence period.
Invitation from licensed institutionInvitation from the licensed research or higher-education institution in Kosovo.
Hosting / research agreementAgreement stating the research activity or area, obligations of the researcher and host organisation, and start/end dates or estimated duration.
Proof of sufficient means of livingBank statement or notary-certified evidence of funds to cover living expenses.
Proof of accommodationDocument confirming the correct address of residence in Kosovo.
Non-conviction certificateCertificate that the applicant is not under investigation, translated into an official language of Kosovo.
Health insuranceValid health insurance for the residence period.
Humanitarian / Asylum Route
Kosovo Temporary Residence – Humanitarian Grounds
Temporary residence on humanitarian grounds is granted under Kosovo's Law on Foreigners to refugees, persons under subsidiary protection, stateless persons, and victims of human trafficking or of the smuggling of migrants and foreigners who agree to cooperate with the competent authorities. The permit is issued by DCAM for one year and is renewable while the humanitarian circumstances persist, with a decision within 30 days. Documentation reflects the protection status and is set by the competent authorities; standard conditions on identity, accommodation and non-threat to public order apply where feasible. This is a protection-based status rather than a discretionary migration route.
Study: Access to education is generally available to protected persons.
Residency after 5 years
Family: Family unity provisions may apply depending on the protection status.
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
365 days
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (5)
Identity / travel documentPassport, recognised travel document or identity evidence available to the applicant.
Proof of protection status or humanitarian circumstanceEvidence of refugee or subsidiary-protection status, statelessness, or status as a victim of trafficking or migrant smuggling.
Cooperation confirmationOptionalFor trafficking/smuggling victims: confirmation of willingness to cooperate with the competent authorities.
Proof of address of residenceOptionalDocumentation of the address of residence in Kosovo where available.
Health insuranceOptionalHealth insurance or coverage arranged for the residence period where applicable.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Kosovo Long-Stay Visa (Type D) – Residence Entry Visa
The Type D long-stay visa is the entry visa for stays exceeding 90 days and is issued only after the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirms that the named applicant meets the conditions for obtaining a residence permit in the Republic of Kosovo. It is granted for a single entry and is valid for three months, during which the holder enters and then completes the temporary residence permit process at the Division for Foreigners (DCAM). Type D underpins employment, study, scientific research, family reunification and medical-care stays. The visa fee is EUR 80, with exemptions for holders of diplomatic or official passports, children under six, and pupils, students and accompanying teachers travelling for study. Applications may be lodged up to six months in advance.
Residency: The Type D visa is the gateway to a temporary residence permit and the residence ladder.
Government fee
€80
Processing time
15 days
Max stay
90 days
Validity
90 days
Document checklist (7)
Type D visa application formCompleted and signed long-stay visa application lodged in person at a Kosovo diplomatic or consular mission.
Travel documentPassport valid at least three months beyond intended departure, with at least two blank pages.
Passport photographOne recent photograph not older than one month, ICAO standard.
Confirmation of residence-permit eligibilityConfirmation from the Ministry of Internal Affairs that the applicant meets the conditions for a residence permit, on which the D visa is issued.
Proof of purpose of stayDocuments for the underlying purpose (employment, study, research, family reunification or medical care).
Proof of sufficient means of subsistenceEvidence of funds for the planned long stay.
Health insuranceInsurance valid in Kosovo for the intended stay.
Permanent Residence
Kosovo Permanent Residence Permit
A permanent residence permit may be granted to a foreigner who, at the time of application, holds a temporary residence permit and has five years of uninterrupted residence in the Republic of Kosovo; the threshold is reduced to three years of uninterrupted residence for those married to a Kosovo citizen or to a foreigner with permanent residence. Applicants must hold a valid travel document, demonstrate sufficient means of living and health insurance, show elementary knowledge of one of Kosovo's official languages (writing and reading) together with knowledge of culture and social regulation, and not pose a threat to state security, public order or public health. The application is submitted to DCAM, which decides within 60 days; no administrative appeal is available, but an administrative dispute may be initiated at the Basic Court.
Work: Permanent residents enjoy broad access to employment and economic activity in Kosovo.
Study: Full access to education as a permanent resident.
Residency: This is the permanent residence status itself; it may support a later application for naturalisation under separate citizenship law.
Family: Family members may reside on family-reunification grounds and progress on their own residence track.
Processing time
60 days
Document checklist (7)
Permanent residence applicationCompleted application for a permanent residence permit submitted to DCAM.
Valid travel document for foreignersValid passport or recognised travel document.
Proof of qualifying residenceEvidence of five years of uninterrupted residence (three years if married to a Kosovo citizen or permanent resident) while holding temporary residence.
Proof of sufficient means of livingEvidence of stable and sufficient means of subsistence.
Health insuranceValid health insurance.
Language and integration evidenceProof of elementary knowledge (writing and reading) of an official language of Kosovo and of culture and social regulation.
Non-threat / security clearanceEvidence that the applicant does not pose a threat to state security, public order or public health.
Some links are affiliate links — booking through them supports VisaPassage at no extra cost to you. Check fare and refund terms with the provider before you book.
Europe
