The Ultimate Guide to Expat Living in Belgrade, Serbia

Serbia has seen its fair share of turmoil and instability during its turbulent history, from the rule of the Ottoman Empire to the collapse of Communism and the breakup of Yugoslavia. 

This fascinating country, located at the centre of the Balkans, has a complex past, and this identity is evident everywhere in Serbia and Belgrade.

Serbia sits between Western and Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.

Although the country only regained independence in 2006, it’s already making great strides in becoming an open and business-friendly hot spot, which has drawn the attention of many expats and investors.

Those in the know already realise the uniqueness of the local passport, which allows holders access to both the West and the East with visa-free access to Russia, China and Iran.

They appreciate that this is one of the few hidden gems in Europe where you can live, work, or do business without paying the usually high taxes you find elsewhere in the continent.

With one of the lowest corporate and income tax rates in Europe, Serbia and its capital city are ideal locations for anyone seeking tax reduction without compromising on a high quality of life.

This comprehensive analysis takes a look at what Serbia’s capital city, Belgrade, has to offer entrepreneurial expats and investors.

At Nomad Capitalist, we’ve helped 1,500+ high-net-worth clients from around the world move to more than 31 different tax-friendly countries as part of their turnkey solution for offshore tax planning, dual citizenship, asset protection and global diversification. 

But these moves take time, focus and planning. So, if you’re considering a move to Serbia or still deciding on your next destination, reach out and contact us here.

As you consider your next move, here’s everything you need to know about living in Belgrade.

Benefits of Living in Belgrade

Belgrade tends to fly under the radar as a spot for expats and digital nomads.

But this hidden gem has a lot going for it, making it a great choice for those who want to soak up the vibes of a bustling European city.

Among its many qualities are the following top picks:

• Belgrade is a more affordable place to live than most Western and European cities. 
• Belgrade’s history has brought together many cultures, so there’s a lot to learn about its buildings, food and traditions.
• Serbians are really friendly and open, making it easy for new people to feel at home and become part of the local community.
• From trendy bars and cafes to art galleries and music festivals, Belgrade has a lively social scene that keeps its residents entertained year-round.
• Belgrade has become a hotspot for tech innovation, with a growing number of startups and entrepreneurial opportunities. For digital nomads, this means co-working spaces and networking events are abundant.
• With four distinct seasons, Belgrade has a temperate climate, with warm summers and snowy winters.
• Belgrade is still relatively undiscovered by mass tourism, which means fewer crowds and more authentic experiences.

Belgrade – City Guide

Could this be Europe’s best-kept secret?

We’ve often referred to Serbia’s capital as one of the most liveable, yet underrated European capitals.

Belgrade has everything, from a business-friendly environment, kind and welcoming locals to lip-smackingly great beer and food. The city truly has something for all expat tastes.

Population: Approximately 1,400,000 (out of a national total of 6,700,000)

Currency: Dinar RSD 

Language: Serbian

Culture and Attractions

Contrary to what you may have heard elsewhere, the local Serbian people are very open, helpful and kind.

Although it’s not necessary for an expat to speak Serbian to get by, depending on how long you plan on staying, learning the language will be extremely useful and greatly appreciated by locals.

The capital city is the centre of the modern Serbian identity and a great place to discover the country’s history.

From old medieval castles to German-style buildings and Ottoman-era mosques, the country’s varied and fascinating history is everywhere.

Some must-visit attractions include Mt Avala, home to the former tallest tower in the Balkans. Once a broadcasting tower, it’s now a viewing platform and cafe.

Or head to the fascinating Belgrade Fortress (Kalemegdan), which has been destroyed – and rebuilt – 40 times throughout the centuries.

Food and Nightlife

Serbian food is a tasty mixture of East meets West, taking influences from both.

Some traditional Serbian food well worth a try includes Sarma, cabbage with minced pork, rice, sauerkraut and tomato sauce, Ćevapi, minced beef and pork or for something sweeter, Uštipci, fluffy, fried doughnut balls.

Any self-respecting wine connoisseur should also have Serbia on their list of must-visit destinations as it’s one of the top wine-producing countries in the world.

After enjoying a traditional Serbian meal, washed down with some traditional Serbian wine, you can explore Belgrade’s vibrant nightlife, known for its lively clubs and all-weekend-long parties. 

Practical Tips for Expats

One thing most Europeans and Americans are no longer accustomed to is smoking being permitted pretty much everywhere.

But it’s allowed in Belgrade – yes, including restaurants and bars – so, if you want to avoid smoky areas, it’s best to sit in an outdoor seating area when possible.

Transportation and Safety

Like many other European cities, the downtown area is very walkable, and walking tours are now a popular way to see the city’s sites.

Serbia is located right in the middle of the Baltic peninsula and Belgrade is smack bang in the middle of the country.

That means you can reach pretty much anywhere in Serbia within roughly four hours via public transportation. Buses are cheap, clean and generally run on time.

On the downside, Belgrade has a lot of unlicensed cabs and unscrupulous taxi drivers in the city have been known to overcharge unwitting tourists up to two to three times the going rate. So, it’s best to use official ride-hailing services as they are much more reliable and safe.

The official currency is the denar, which has a favourable exchange rate with the euro and US dollar.

Standard safety precautions should, of course, be taken, but there is no need to stress as Belgrade is a safe city with only low levels of street crime.

The normal range of petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing and purse snatching do occur so, as in any major city, visitors to Belgrade should be aware of their surroundings and always keep their belongings on them.

Living in Belgrade – Affordability 

Belgrade is generally very affordable compared to many Western European cities, making it extra appealing to expats and digital nomads.

To put it into context, the cost of living in Belgrade is around 58.9% lower than in London, which could help you drastically save money on expenses – money that could be spent on a more luxurious lifestyle.

Cost of Rent

For a one-bedroom apartment, rental prices in the Belgrade centre range from around €450 to €700 per month. A three-bedroom apartment in central Belgrade costs around €850 – €1,500 per month. 

If you venture a little outside the centre, a one-bedroom apartment will cost around €255 – €425 per month, and a three-bedroom apartment will cost around €590 – €1,000.

Utilities and Groceries

For basic utilities, expect to pay around €150 per month; this includes electricity, heating, water and refuse.

An expat relocating to Belgrade can expect to budget between €170 and €250 on monthly groceries. Here’s a snapshot of some typical everyday costs:

• Milk (1 litre): €1.10
• Loaf of bread: €0.50
• Eggs (12): €1.85
• Potatoes (1 kg): €0.70
• Local beer: €2.10
• Cappuccino: €1.70
• Monthly transport pass: €28
• Monthly gym membership: €30.

Dining and Lifestyle

Dining out in Belgrade is enjoyable and affordable with the city offering a range of options from budget eateries to high-end restaurants. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant costs around €34. 

Public Schools are free for residents and expats, with nominal fees for books and materials. Private school tuition costs anywhere from €8,500 to €21,200.

Belgrade, Serbia – Where to Live

Belgrade has become increasingly popular with expats and, whether you’re an entrepreneur or digital nomad moving with a family, there are some great neighbourhoods to choose from.

Vračar

For expats looking for a central location, Vračar is a multicultural area, with locals and expats living side by side.

Vračar is one of Belgrade’s most prestigious central neighbourhoods, known for its vibrant café culture, historic landmarks and tree-lined streets.

Vračar is also filled with some of Belgrade’s best real estate investment opportunities, with property values steadily rising over the past decade.

Dorćol

For expats looking for charm and atmosphere, Dorćol offers cobblestone streets and historic buildings.

One of Belgrade’s oldest and most eclectic neighbourhoods, the area is known for its bohemian charm and being a melting pot of cultures with bars and restaurants, all of which make it a great spot for socialising.

Novi Beograd 

For expats who prefer a more contemporary vibe, Novi Beograd or New Belgrade is a modern, planned neighbourhood located across the Sava River from the old city.

Known for its wide boulevards, green spaces and modern architecture, it’s a favourite among young professionals and families as it boasts great public transport connections, enabling city centre access in less than 15 minutes.

Savski Venac

For expats looking for a more tranquil, family-friendly neighbourhood, Savski Venac is an elegant neighbourhood known for its historic architecture and open green spaces.

It’s close to international schools and kindergartens, making it ideal for expat families.

Getting Residence and Citizenship in Serbia

When applying for residence in Serbia, several routes are available, including work, family reunification, company formation and investment.

Expats considering establishing residency in Serbia may do so via either company formation or real estate investment.

Company Formation

This is the most straightforward and quickest option for Serbian residence and the process involves the following:

• No minimum investment requirement – however, the company must, in practice, do what it’s registered to do.
• LLC formation with the minimum required shared capital of €1.
• No physical presence requirements, ​​but a visit to the Immigration office is necessary to sign and receive residence documents.
• Register your Serbian company in five to seven days.

After six months of receiving a temporary residence permit, renewal is possible, which may be extended for one to three years.

A permanent residence permit can be acquired after living continuously in Serbia for three years on a temporary residence permit.

After three years of permanent residence, you can apply to become a citizen, but you must have physically resided in Serbia for two and a half years on a continual basis.

Real Estate Investment

As with the company formation route, there’s no minimum investment amount required for the real estate option to acquire a temporary residence.

However, it’s entirely at the Government’s discretion to decide if they will allow residence or not, based on your purchase.

The key factors for residence through real estate options:

• Residence applications based on real estate are assessed on an individual basis by the Government.
• The Government has the authority to accept or reject your application.
• One can only purchase Serbian real estate if their native country has a reciprocal real estate agreement with Serbia.
• Applicants must stay in Serbia for one to two months after filing for residence.
• Temporary residence permits acquired through real estate can be renewed annually. 

To obtain a temporary residency for a year in Serbia, you must spend a minimum of six months there. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have enough funds to support yourself and any dependents.

You can obtain permanent residence after three years of temporary residency and, after five years of permanent residence status, you can apply to become a Serbian citizen through naturalisation.

Check out our extensive article on Serbian residence for everything you need to know.

Citizenship

Are you lucky enough to have Serbian roots?

If so, then Serbian citizenship by descent is well worth exploring.

Acquiring Serbian citizenship by descent allows your children to become Serbian citizens and your spouse can also apply for citizenship without residency requirements.

Serbia does allow dual nationality, but only if you’re a native-born Serb or achieved citizenship through exception (CBE).

Which is as good a point as any to note that Citizenship-by-Descent (CBD) processes are often complicated and require a lot of time and leg work.

That’s where Nomad Capitalist comes in – we’ve already written an ultimate guide on how to get Serbian Citizenship by Descent – and we’ve helped many worldwide clients trace their heritage, reconnect with their roots and get a second passport without facing the stress and endless bureacracy. 

So, talk to us about our citizenship by descent service if you’re thinking about reconnecting with your Serbian roots.

According to the latest Nomad Passport Index, the Serbian passport offers visa-free, visa-on-arrival and eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation) access to 135 countries, including the European Union, Japan, China, Singapore, Russia and the United Arab Emirates.

Serbia is one of only a few countries that allow visa-free access to Russia and China while enjoying the same travel privileges throughout continental Europe (despite not being in the European Schengen Zone).

Taxes in Serbia

The criteria for qualifying as a Serbian tax resident are:

• Stay for at least 183 days per year
• Own a personal residence in Serbia
• Own a business in Serbia.

Serbian tax residents are taxed on worldwide income, whereas tax non-residents are taxed only on Serbian-sourced income. 

Serbia has some of the lowest tax rates in Europe and has double tax avoidance treaties with over 60 countries.

This means expats may be able to save a significant amount on taxes by becoming tax residents in Serbia.

The corporate tax rate is a flat 15%, and personal income tax ranges from 10% to 20%, depending on the type of income. Additionally, Serbia does not impose any wealth tax.

The Ultimate Guide to Expat Living in Belgrade, Serbia – FAQs

Living the Dream in Serbia

One of Europe’s last remaining hidden gems, you can live, work or do business in Belgrade while paying fewer taxes.

The country’s positive attitude toward entrepreneurs is evident in its low corporate tax rate of 15% and straightforward procedure for obtaining residence through company formation.

Serbia has no restrictions on investment, foreign business ownership or hiring local employees, which makes incorporating a company easy for foreigners.

Many entrepreneurs, particularly in the tech and startup space, have found Serbia to be an ideal base for establishing their businesses.

Serbia offers a highly skilled workforce and has made it to our list of the best countries for hiring remote workers. Its central position within Europe also provides an excellent base from which to establish a business.

For those in search of a European base that offers a business-friendly environment and personal freedom, Serbia could be the ideal choice.

However, if your goal is legally minimising your taxes to zero, you may have to explore options beyond Europe.

Our Nomad Capitalist philosophy is to go where you’re treated best by exploring the best combination of tax planning, dual citizenship and asset protection strategies.