Kosovo has officially begun the full implementation of the Law on Foreigners and the Law on Vehicles after the informational period ended on March 15, 2026. Citizens and residents from abroad can now apply for residence permits or declare their address in Kosovo, marking a key step toward regulating vehicle circulation and maintaining an accurate registry of foreigners.
Police Enforcement:
Deputy Director of the Mitrovica-North Regional Police, Veton Elsahni, announced that vehicles with unauthorized or non-compliant documentation—including those registered in Serbia—will no longer be allowed on Kosovo roads. He noted that prior to enforcement, there were incidents in the northern municipalities where vehicles were operated with documents that are not recognized as valid in Kosovo.
Foreigners’ Reporting Requirements:
Elsahni emphasized that all foreigners must report to the police within 72 hours of entry into Kosovo.
Guidance for Serbian Document Holders:
Dushan Radaković, director of ACDC, stated that residents holding only Serbian documents must apply for Kosovo-issued documents during the three-month transitional period. He highlighted that practical challenges remain regarding vehicle registration and driving authorizations, which require institutional solutions through dialogue.
After the rules took effect on March 15, one major issue involves people with Kosovo residency and documents who continue to drive vehicles without Kosovo-issued registration, a situation Radaković said must be resolved legally.
Integration and Dialogue:
Radaković stressed the need for continued integration of institutions—including hospitals and schools—as part of the ongoing dialogue process, which remains the best path to prevent incidents and ensure citizens’ rights.
Government Measures:
The Kosovo Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that previously registered vital records from parallel Serbian institutions will be documented, and temporary recognition of Serbian-issued identity documents will be granted to facilitate compliance.
The Kosovo government will provide temporary residence permits and recognize identity documents for Serbian community members who do not yet possess Kosovo documents, ensuring fair and comprehensive application of the law.
This decision follows a meeting in Pristina between Prime Minister Albin Kurti and EU Dialogue Representative Peter Sorensen and has been welcomed by both the international community and Serbia.
