Living in Kosovo
Source: gov.uk (2025-05-16)

Advice for British people living in Kosovo including information on health, education, benefits, residence requirements and more.

This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Kosovo.

This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Kosovan authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.

Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad).

To stay up to date:
- follow the FCDO’s travel advice for Kosovo (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kosovo) and sign up for email alerts
- follow the British Embassy Pristina on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/UKinKosovo/), X (https://x.com/UKinKosovo) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/BritishEmbassyPristina/)
Before you go

See the FCDO’s travel advice for Kosovo (https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kosovo) for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety and security.

Visas and residency

You must tell the UK government offices that deal with your benefits, pension and tax if you are moving or retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad).

British citizens visiting Kosovo do not require a visa to enter Kosovo. You may be required to provide documentary evidence giving a reason for your entry and stay to local authorities when entering Kosovo. A 90-day entry stamp will be issued which is renewable for longer stays.

British citizens intending to stay in Kosovo for longer than 90 days must apply for a temporary (https://mpb.rks-gov.net/f/45/Leje-qendrim-i-perkohshem-per-te-huajt) or a permanent (https://mpb.rks-gov.net/f/46/Permanent-residence-permit) residence permit before the 90 days are up.

As of June 2021 applications for residence permits are submitted online on eKosova (https://ekosova.rks-gov.net/).

Working in Kosovo

British nationals can work in Kosovo provided that they have a work permit.

Work permits are issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare (https://mpms.rks-gov.net/) for a limited period of time, depending on the type of permit.

Please check the Law on Foreigners (https://gzk.rks-gov.net/ActDetail.aspx?ActID=8876) for more information.

Health

If you are a resident in employment, you are entitled to the same health benefits as a Kosovo national. However, the public health system in Kosovo is poorly funded. Hospitals lack specialist equipment and there is a widespread shortage of medicines and other essentials. Many doctors and nurses lack training in modern techniques and practices.

Treatment is also available at private medical clinics, which are of better quality than the public health system and are relatively affordable. A small payment in cash is required for treatment in the public health system.

As Kosovo is outside the EU, your GHIC Card (https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/) is of little use, and medical treatment will involve some cost.

If you need urgent assistance, call 112 and speak to the Kosovo Emergency Centre (https://ame.rks-gov.net/page/en-us/centers).

Education

Education in Kosovo is regulated by the Ministry of Education, Science, Technology and Innovation (https://masht.rks-gov.net/en/home/). Education starts in either pre-schools or primary schools. Primary school begins at the age of 6 and lasts for nine years. Primary education is compulsory for all children aged between six and 15 years and is free of charge. There are several private schools offering international schooling in English, particularly in Pristina.

Benefits

To find out what UK benefits you might be able to get while abroad and how to claim them please visit benefits if you’re abroad (https://www.gov.uk/benefits-if-you-are-abroad) and moving and retiring abroad (https://www.gov.uk/moving-or-retiring-abroad).

Driving licences and vehicles

The British Embassy cannot issue or renew a UK driving licence. Contact the DVLA for information about renewing a licence or applying for a new licence (https://www.gov.uk/renew-driving-licence)

To drive in Kosovo, you must have a valid driving licence. If you are taking your car, you must have vehicle registration / ownership documents and a locally valid insurance policy.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs (https://mpb.rks-gov.net/?culture=en-gb) is the responsible authority for registration of vehicles.

Voting

You cannot vote in Kosovo.

British citizens living abroad can vote in some UK elections (https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/i-am-a/voter/overseas-voters) – you will need to register as an overseas voter (https://www.gov.uk/voting-when-abroad).

Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnerships

Births

If your child is born in Kosovo, you can register the birth with the UK authorities (https://www.gov.uk/register-a-birth) in addition to registering locally. If your child has British nationality (https://www.gov.uk/apply-citizenship-british-parent), you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities to apply for a British passport (https://www.gov.uk/get-a-child-passport/first-child-passport).

Deaths

If someone dies in Kosovo, read our guidance on:

what to do after someone dies abroad (https://www.gov.uk/after-a-death/death-abroad)

when someone dies in Kosovo (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kosovo-bereavement-guide)

Marriage and civil partnership

Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad (https://www.gov.uk/marriage-abroad).

Pets

If you’re moving to Kosovo with your pet, read the guidance and ensure you comply with the regulations:
- taking your pet to a non - EU country (https://www.gov.uk/taking-your-pet-abroad)
To visit other countries with your pet, check the rules for the country you’re travelling to. Contact your vet to get the travel documents your pet needs.

Before you travel, check the rules for the country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements.

Guidance on bringing medication into country Kosovo

Information on bringing medication and other goods in Kosovo can be found on the website of Kosovo Customs (https://dogana.rks-gov.net/).

Sponsoring family members

If you want to sponsor a family member, the first point of contact should be the xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

Returning to the UK

Before you leave Kosovo, you should submit the residence permit card to the Department of Citizenship, Asylum and Migration and notify them of your departure.

Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/returning-to-the-uk) which includes information on, amongst other things, bringing family members, tax and access to services.