If you’re thinking about moving to Serbia, you’re not alone. The process of obtaining a Serbian residence permit has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to the country’s friendly policies and relaxed approach toward foreign residents. Serbia is one of the few European countries that makes it relatively easy for people from all over the world to settle in and take advantage of what the country has to offer.

Let’s take a closer look at why Serbia might be the right choice for you and how you can secure your residence permit in 2024.

Why Serbia is a Top Destination for Expats

Serbia, at the crossroads of Western and Eastern Europe, offers a unique blend of cultures, a mild climate, and a relatively low cost of living. It strikes a balance that many find appealing, being affordable while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Living in Serbia offers great business potential, with strong trade relationships with the EU, US, and China, making it a great option for entrepreneurs and professionals.

Types of Residence Permits in Serbia

Serbia offers several types of residence permits, depending on how long you plan to stay and what your intentions are while in the country.

Short-term Visa (Visa C)

You can stay in Serbia for up to 90 days with a short-term visa (Visa C). If you’re from Western Europe, North America, or many other countries, you won’t need a visa for visits less than three months. You may need to register your stay with local authorities and obtain a “white card,” which can be requested by law enforcement at any time.

Long-term Visa (Visa D)

If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, you’ll need a long-term visa (Visa D), which is also required for applying for a temporary residence permit (TRP). You’ll need to have a specific reason for your extended stay, such as work, study, or property investment. Importantly, the reason you provide for getting your Visa D must align with your reason for applying for a TRP.

How to Obtain a Temporary Residence Permit

A Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) in Serbia allows you to stay for up to one year, with the possibility of an extension. In some cases, especially for those renewing their permit, you may even receive a three-year TRP. Whether you’re looking to invest in real estate, start a business, or work in Serbia, you’ll need to meet specific criteria to qualify.

The grounds you used to obtain your initial TRP must still be valid when you renew. For example, if you obtained your permit through property ownership, the property must still be in your name when you apply for an extension.

Serbia’s Permanent Residence Permit

After living in Serbia for three years on a TRP, you can apply for permanent residency. Permanent residency comes with almost all the same rights as Serbian citizenship, except for the right to vote. However, if you want to maintain your permanent residency, you’ll need to spend most of the year in Serbia—183 days or more, to be exact. If you don’t, you could lose your status.

Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit in Serbia

Serbia provides several paths to obtaining residency, each with its own set of requirements. Let’s explore some of the most common ones.

Buying Real Estate in Serbia

One of the most popular ways to secure a residence permit in Serbia is by purchasing real estate. Property prices vary depending on the region. For instance, an apartment in central Belgrade can cost between 1,000 and 1,500 euros per square meter, while smaller towns or rural areas can offer much more affordable options.

When buying property, it’s crucial to ensure there are no debts or legal issues attached. A notary and possibly a lawyer can help verify everything is in order before you proceed.

Employment

Serbia seeks skilled foreign workers, especially in IT, healthcare, and construction. Employers must prioritize local workers but can hire foreigners if they can’t find a Serbian citizen for the job.

Starting a Business

Starting a business in Serbia is another attractive option, especially considering that you only need 1 euro in capital to register a company. You can even apply for a residence permit as a sole proprietor. Just be sure the company is legitimate to avoid denial.

Serbia has a highly favorable business environment with a 15% corporate tax rate and government support for startups, especially in the tech sector.

Marriage

If you marry a Serbian citizen, you can apply for a residence permit. You’ll need to prove the legitimacy of the marriage with evidence like joint photographs or correspondence. Keep in mind that sham marriages are taken very seriously and can result in penalties, deportation, and a ban on re-entry.

The Costs of Obtaining a Residence Permit in Serbia

When moving to Serbia, consider the costs of obtaining a residence permit:

• State fees: Between 150-200 euros for the permit.
• Legal services: Expect to pay 100-300 euros for lawyer or notary assistance.
• Document translations: Between 50-100 euros, as all your documents will need to be translated into Serbian.
• Health insurance: Around 50-100 euros per month for the required coverage.

Altogether, you should budget for anywhere between 500-1,000 euros for the whole process.

Advantages of Living in Serbia

Why should you consider moving to Serbia? There are several benefits, both financial and practical.

• Visa-free travel. Serbian permanent residents can travel to Schengen countries without a visa for up to 90 days, making it an excellent base for exploring Europe.
• Low taxes and affordable living. Serbia’s tax rates are much lower than most EU countries, and the cost of living is relatively low. For instance, a one-bedroom apartment in Belgrade may cost around 100-150 euros per month in utilities, which is considerably cheaper than in most European capitals.
• A path to citizenship. After five years of permanent residence, you can apply for citizenship, which opens up more work and travel opportunities in Europe.

Need Help with the Process?

Navigating Serbian bureaucracy can be tricky, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the language or legal procedures. That’s where SerbiaWealth can help. Our experts are well-versed in every step of the process—from finding the right real estate to handling the necessary paperwork. Let us assist you in making your transition to Serbia as smooth as possible.

Whether it’s real estate, business opportunities, or just a desire for something new that drives you, Serbia opens its arms to expats looking for a fresh start.