Moving to Serbia: What You Need to Know

Serbia is not a dream destination in the classic sense. There is no Mediterranean climate, no EU membership and no English-language administration. And that is exactly why it offers something hardly any other country in Europe still has: real freedom for those who are willing to settle in properly. This article explains what you can really expect when you move to Serbia – beyond the promises of tax optimisation – and what you should plan for before, during and after the move.

Why more and more Germans and Austrians are moving to Serbia

Our readers come from many countries, but a large share of the people we accompany come from Germany and Austria. Their motivations vary, yet a few patterns keep repeating:

• Tax relief: a 10% flat tax instead of up to 45% in Germany (the German top rate – compare it with the rates in your own country)
• Cost of living: Belgrade is roughly 40–60% cheaper than Munich or Vienna
• Data protection and privacy: Serbia is not a CRS member and is not subject to EU regulation
• Cultural climate: for some people, the more traditional social climate is a factor in itself
• Location: a 2-hour flight to Munich, Vienna or Frankfurt – the rest of Europe is not far away
• Growing expat community: Belgrade has a growing German-speaking community, alongside the wider international one

None of these points alone is a reason to move. They become relevant when they fit your personal situation – your work, your family and how you want to live. The tax argument in particular only works if the move is genuine and properly planned; we come back to that in the checklist below.

How long can I stay in Serbia without a visa?

Citizens of Germany, Austria and Switzerland may enter Serbia with their passport and stay for up to 90 days per half-year without a visa. That is enough for an exploratory stay or a gentle transition – but not for living in the country permanently. If you hold a different nationality, check the entry rules that apply to your own passport before you travel; the 90-day figure here refers to the rules for German, Austrian and Swiss citizens.

Anyone who wants to stay longer needs a residence permit (privremeni boravak, temporary residence). The simplest route: setting up a company, or proof of property ownership, as the ground for the residence permit. Which ground suits you, which documents you need and how the procedure runs is explained in our guide Residence Permit in Serbia: Step by Step.

Living in Belgrade: what to expect

Belgrade is a city of contrasts: socialist-era prefab tower blocks stand next to elegant villa districts from the interwar period. Nightlife lasting until 6 in the morning sits alongside quiet coffee houses. Compared with Germany, rents are low – but by Serbian standards they are becoming increasingly expensive.

Typical rents for apartments in central Belgrade locations (as of 2026):

• One-room apartment in the city centre: EUR 450–700 per month
• Two-room apartment in a good location: EUR 600–1,000 per month
• Three-room apartment, modern: EUR 900–1,500 per month
• House / villa on the outskirts: from EUR 1,200 per month

Neighbourhoods we recommend for expats are Vračar, Zemun, Novi Beograd (for families) and Savamala (for young creatives). Each has its own character, and the right choice depends on whether you value a central location, quiet streets or modern buildings. If you are looking for your first apartment, read our article Renting an Apartment in Belgrade: What First-Timers Should Know.

Registering your address: an obligation, not an option

In Serbia, foreign nationals must be registered with the police within 24 hours of arrival. In practice, the hotel takes care of this during a hotel stay; in a private apartment, it is the landlord or you yourself. This registration is the basis for every further official step, so do not treat it as a formality you can sort out later.

For longer stays, there is the formal registration of residence (prijava boravišta), which you need for the residence permit and for your tax number. The registration only confirms where you are staying – it is not a permit to stay. How the white card, temporary residence and permanent residence relate to each other is explained in our article Boravak vs. Permanent Residence in Serbia.

Health insurance: what applies to you?

One of the most practical questions for anyone moving to Serbia: how are you covered for health care?

As a company founder (d.o.o. or preduzetnik), you are automatically covered by the Serbian statutory health insurance (RFZO) – the contributions are paid as part of the social security contributions you pay as an entrepreneur. The public health system is adequate for minor complaints; for more complex treatment, experienced expats recommend additional private insurance.

Private health insurance in Serbia costs expats roughly EUR 60–120 per month and offers considerably better services. Whether you rely on the public system, a private policy or a combination of both, make sure there is no gap in cover between leaving your previous insurance and starting in Serbia.

Language: do I have to learn Serbian?

For everyday life in Belgrade, you can get by well with English – especially among younger people, in restaurants, in coworking spaces and when renting an apartment. For dealings with the authorities, however, you need either a basic knowledge of Serbian or a local agent.

Our recommendation: for the first 3–6 months, a basic language course plus a reliable contact person (lawyer, accountant) who speaks Serbian and your own language is enough. After that, your Serbian can be built up very quickly – the language has a consistent phonetic spelling and a logical structure. Every word is written the way it is pronounced, which makes reading signs, forms and street names much easier than many newcomers expect.

Belgrade or Novi Sad?

Belgrade is the capital – more international and more expensive – and it has the nightlife, the infrastructure and the largest expat community. Novi Sad is smaller, quieter and more family-oriented, and around 20–30% cheaper, with apartments of similar quality. If you work remotely and value calm and lower costs, Novi Sad is worth a serious look; if you want the infrastructure, the nightlife and the biggest international network, Belgrade is usually the better base.

Moving to Serbia: a practical checklist

A structured approach saves a lot of stress. The order below reflects how the steps build on each other:

• Contact a tax adviser in your current country of residence – before you deregister there
• Find an apartment in Serbia and sign a lease
• Register your address (prijava)
• Apply for your residence permit
• Apply for a tax number (PIB)
• Set up a company (d.o.o. or preduzetnik) – see Setting Up a DOO in Serbia: What Does It Actually Cost?
• Open a business bank account – see Opening a Bank Account in Serbia as a Foreigner
• Hire an accountant
• For people moving from Germany: cancel your German health insurance (after registering with the RFZO)
• For people moving from Germany: deregister in Germany and notify the tax office of your move abroad
• If needed, use a relocation service in Serbia

If you are still deciding whether to work for a Serbian employer or for yourself, our article Employed or Self-Employed in Serbia? compares both routes.

What many people underestimate: the Serbian pace

Serbia is not a country of speed. Dealings with the authorities take longer than expected, registration certificates are not automatically transferred digitally, and language barriers at the offices are real. That is not a deal-breaker – but anyone who cannot cope with it will be frustrated.

The good news: with an experienced relocation partner at your side, all of this runs considerably more smoothly. Exgentum supports you along the entire immigration route – from the first consultation to ongoing support after you have arrived.

Conclusion: Serbia is worth it – for the right people

Serbia is neither a holiday destination nor an off-the-shelf tax haven. It is a real country with real bureaucracy, its own rhythm and real potential for those who are prepared to commit seriously. Anyone who combines the tax advantages with a well-planned move will find Serbia one of the most attractive alternatives in Europe.

Further reading:

• Residence Permit in Serbia: Step by Step
• Setting Up a DOO in Serbia: What Does It Actually Cost?
• Boravak vs. Permanent Residence in Serbia