Serbia
Easy residency & vibrant Belgrade
Serbia offers one of Europe's easiest residency paths without EU membership complications. Belgrade has become a digital nomad hotspot with low costs, fast internet, and legendary nightlife. Not EU, but no visa needed for many nationalities and straightforward residence permits.
Our framework evaluates Serbia across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
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Immigration Overview
Serbia sits outside the EU, which is both a limitation and an opportunity. You don't get automatic EU access, but you also avoid EU bureaucracy. Residence permits are relatively easy to obtain, costs are low, and Belgrade has developed a genuine international community of remote workers and entrepreneurs.
The city's nightlife is famous across Europe, the food is hearty and affordable, and the locals are warm once you get past the initial reserve. Many digital nomads cycle through Belgrade seasonally. The tax situation for remote workers can be favorable, though it's evolving.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Temporary Residence Permit
For remote workers and freelancers
- Proof of income from abroad
- No formal digital nomad visa yet
- 1 year permits, renewable
- Relatively easy approval process
Business Registration
Register a Serbian company for residence
- Low minimum capital requirements
- 10% corporate tax
- Path to residence through business
- Can invoice internationally
Property-Based Residence
Residence through real estate ownership
- Purchase property in Serbia
- No minimum investment threshold
- Annual renewal required
- Straightforward process
Serbian Nationality
After 5 years of residence (reduced from 8)
- 5 years continuous residence
- Serbian language proficiency
- Integration requirements
- Dual citizenship allowed
Why Serbia?
Very Affordable
Belgrade is significantly cheaper than EU capitals. Quality apartments, dining, and entertainment at low costs.
Legendary Nightlife
Belgrade is famous for its clubs, river barges (splavovi), and vibrant social scene. The city never sleeps.
Easy Bureaucracy
Residence permits are relatively simple to obtain. Less red tape than EU countries.
Good Connectivity
Fast internet, growing coworking scene, active digital nomad community.
English Widely Spoken
Especially among young people. Serbian uses Cyrillic but Latin alphabet also common.
Great Food Culture
Hearty Balkan cuisine, quality meat, excellent local produce. Dining out is very affordable.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Serbian residence:
- Valid passport
- Proof of income or property ownership
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Police background check
- Application at local police station (foreigners department)
Serbia's residence system is relatively informal compared to EU countries. Many Americans, Brits, and EU citizens can stay visa-free for 90 days, making it easy to test the waters. Longer stays require a residence permit but the process is manageable.
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