Registration, 90/180 and the 30-day rule: the key deadlines in Kosovo

Since 15 March 2026, Kosovo has been fully enforcing the rules for foreigners. These are the deadlines you should know.

1. Register your address within three days

Within three days of arrival, you must register your address with the police. You can do this at the border, at the nearest police station or online, including through the Kosovo Police app. If you stay in a hotel, the hotel registers you. In private accommodation, it is best to take care of it yourself.

If you miss the registration, you risk a fine of €100 to €300. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, since 15 March 2026 a breach also leads to an entry ban. Under the law, an entry ban can last from one month to five years.

2. No more than 90 days within 180 days without a permit

Without a residence permit, you may stay in Kosovo for no more than 90 days within 180 days. The count starts on the day of your first entry: once you have used up the 90 days, you may only enter again when 180 days have passed since that first entry. A short trip abroad does not reset the count, and if you try it, you risk being turned away at the border.

This count is independent of the Schengen area: days in Kosovo do not count towards Schengen, and vice versa. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, you may only work during this time with a work permit. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a residence permit before your 90 days run out. You may then stay until a decision is made.

3. Report a move within eight days

With a residence permit, you must report every new address to the police or the migration authority within eight days. If you move away from Kosovo, de-register beforehand. Here too, missing the deadline can cost you a fine of €100 to €300.

4. The 30-day rule for permit holders

A temporary residence permit can be revoked if you stay abroad for more than 30 consecutive days without justification. If you have a good reason, you may be away for up to 90 days. You must then inform the migration authority or the border police of the reason no later than ten days after your return. If you commute between Kosovo and another country, plan your trips accordingly.

5. Renew at least 30 days before expiry

A temporary permit is usually valid for one year. You must apply for renewal at least 30 days before it expires, otherwise you risk a fine of €100 to €300. Since September 2026, you can do this online via the eKosova portal.

Sources

1. Ministry of Internal Affairs: information for foreign citizens entering Kosovo (16 January 2026)
2. Law No. 04/L-219 on Foreigners
3. Law No. 06/L-036 amending the Law on Foreigners
4. U.S. Embassy Pristina: Residency Permit, Fingerprints and Record Checks
5. U.S. Embassy Pristina: Reinforcement of the Registration of Foreigners (13 March 2026)
6. Ministry of Internal Affairs: online renewal of residence permits via eKosova (September 2026)