Living in Serbia: Pros, Cons, and What Expats Should Know

Serbia is a Balkan country known for its natural beauty, delicious food, and friendly people. It has become increasingly popular among foreigners due to its liberal immigration policies, affordable cost of living, and the Serbia Residency by Investment program.

But before you head to this culturally beautiful country, knowing what it’s like living in Serbia is essential for success.

In this guide you will learn about:

• The pros and cons of living in Serbia
• Life in Serbia for foreigners
• Working in Serbia as a foreigner
• The best places to live in Serbia for foreigners

Living in Serbia Pros and Cons

Pros of living in Serbia

There are many pros to living in Serbia, including:

• Low cost of living: Compared with Western Europe and America, Serbia offers a low cost of living. Compared with the USA, Serbia is 53% less expensive. Compared with the UK, Serbia’s cost of living is 83% lower. · Safety: Serbia is a very safe country, offering peace of mind to citizens and residence.
• Affordable healthcare: The public healthcare system in Serbia is significantly cheaper than other countries in the European Union and the US. Private healthcare and private health insurance are also cheaper.
• Stunning natural landscapes: Serbia is full to the brim with gorgeous natural landscapes. From stunning national parks to mammoth mountains, Serbia is a nature lovers dream.
• Residency by Investment opportunity: The Serbia Residency by Investment program offers foreign nationals the opportunity to invest in the Serbian economy in exchange for residency.
• Ease of travel: Living in Serbia offers citizens and residents ease of travel throughout Europe. Additionally, the Serbian passport has free access to over 80 countries across the globe.
• Large English-speaking community: In major cities and capitals, most citizens will know at least some English.

Cons of living in Serbia

• Not LGBTQ+ friendly: Serbia is not very LGBTQ+ friendly. Same sex marriage is not legalized, and Serbia does not allow gay couples to adopt children.
• Low-income rate: Serbia has a low-income rate when compared with other European countries. As of 2023, the average annual gross salary was RSD 118,599 (€1,013,97).
• Low quality public healthcare: The public healthcare system in Serbia is a bit poor compared to other European countries. The wait times are incredibly long, and the service is not on par with Western Europe. However, there are fantastic private medical facilities, and the cost of private health insurance is less expensive.

Life in Serbia for Foreigners

Accommodation

There are a range of accommodation options available for foreigners in Serbia. Whether you want to rent or are thinking of buying property in Serbia as a foreigner, there are a variety of accommodation types, including:

• Houses
• Apartments
• Townhouses
• Shared housing

The price of rent in Serbia varies by location and property type. There is a noticeable change happening with properties in Serbia, with older buildings being replaced with slick western-style ones. Generally, rental prices in Serbia are as follows:

Buying a property in Serbia is one of the options for the Serbia Residency by Investment program. Here are some prices for accommodation in Serbia:

Transportation

Serbia has a well-connected transport system. Busses are the most widely used in the bigger cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad. Plus, taking the bus in Serbia is inexpensive, with a monthly pass costing around only €21.

Serbia’s railway is also reliable and cheap, with a ticket between Belgrade and Navi Sad costing between €3-€8. The bus for this route costs between €4-€7.

Education

The education system in Serbia is comprehensive with public and private schools available. Public schools are free for residents and citizens of Serbia at all levels except university.

Most expats and foreigners choose private schools in Serbia to ensure their children receive a similar education to their home country. There are a range of options at varying price points, with tuition fees ranging between €4,000-€6,000 per year.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Serbia for foreigners generally consist of private health insurance and private healthcare services. As the public healthcare system is under a lot of strain, the wait times are long, and the level of service may not be adequate.

Luckily, private health insurance is relatively inexpensive, costing between €20-€150 per month depending on the plan. Private healthcare is also generally less expensive in Serbia than other countries, with a private doctor’s consultation costing between €20-€60, the same will set you back around between €120-€280 in the UK.

Cost of living in Serbia

Understanding the cost of living in Serbia is an essential part of daily living. Let’s take a look at some of the basic costs:

Is Serbia immigrant friendly?

Absolutely, in general, most Serbian nationals are very friendly, whether it is to locals, expats, or foreigners. The people of Serbia are very family-focused, creating a sense of community that is welcoming to most.

Serbians are also known for long meals with great local food to go along with a drink or two that can go on for hours. So, if you agree to a sit-down meal, it’s best not to make plans for the rest of the day. Food, friends, and family are very important in Serbian culture, something most expats absolutely love about living in Serbia.

Serbia is opening up to foreigners, with options for foreign investors. For example, options like the Serbia residency by investment program and Serbia residency through company formation program. This enables foreign investors to obtain a Serbian residence permit. This can eventually lead to Serbian citizenship, granting a Serbian passport.

Is English widely spoken in Serbia?

English speaking foreigners will find it easier to integrate into Serbian society in the urban areas like Niš, Novi Sad, and Belgrade because a lot of the population can speak at least a little English. Younger generations can generally speak English at a conversational level.

However, if you’re planning on living in Serbia its essential to learn some of the basics of Serbian to get around. Remember, you are a guest in the country, so you can’t rely on locals speaking your language, you need to put the effort in to integrate into your new home.

Working in Serbia as a Foreigner

While unemployment in Serbia is quite high, it’s important to remember that some jobs and industries are far more lucrative. For example, the IT industry is booming in Serbia, with many immigrants making their way to Serbia to start their careers.

However, it’s important to remember that although Serbia is a country in Europe, the salary is drastically lower than in most Western European countries. An entry level IT job for a foreign company in the UK generally pays two to three times what Serbia pays.

There is a north south divide along with a large urban rural divide in Serbia which does impact job prospects. North Serbia is more urban, offering more in terms of job prospects. South Serbia is more rural, making it challenging to obtain work, particularly in the tech sector.

Digital nomads in Serbia

If you aren’t 100% sure about taking the leap to live and work in Serbia, there is a digital nomad visa. This is a fantastic opportunity for foreign nationals to live in Serbia while working for a foreign company.

Plus, Serbia has reliable and affordable internet, making working remotely safe and efficient. The minimum monthly income is set at €3,500 per month to ensure that you can live comfortably in Serbia without relying on the government for assistance.

The digital nomad visa in Serbia is a great opportunity for foreigners to explore all Serbia has to offer without being affected by the low-income standards. The culture, history, and great food are just some of what awaits foreign nationals in Serbia.

Best Places for Expats to Live in Serbia

Novi Sad

A stunning city on the Danube River, Novi Sad is a laid-back city, with stunning cultural architecture. It is an ideal place for foreigners looking for a relaxed pace of life, with fantastic natural splendor for families and retirees to enjoy.

Belgrade

Belgrade is the capital of Serbia and the country’s largest city. Belgrade is the political and economic hub of Serbia, making it the ideal option for businesspeople looking for investment opportunities.

Additionally, there are activities for all, with historic landmarks and architecture, an exciting nightlife, and modern facilities.

Niš

One of the largest cities in Serbia, Niš has a rich cultural and historical ambience, inviting foreigners to soak up what Serbia is all about. Niš is home to some of the most beautiful historical architecture in Serbia, with monuments, parks, and fortresses waiting to be explored.

How to Move to Serbia as a Foreigner

Moving to Serbia as a foreigner is a big decision. Luckily, Serbia offers various options for residency.

Serbia Residency by Investment

The Serbia Residency by Investment program offers foreigners a pathway to permanent residency and eventual citizenship in Serbia. To meet the requirements, investors are required to purchase a Serbian property.

One of the main benefits of the program is that there are no restrictions on property location or price. However, it is essential that the foreigners home country has a reciprocity agreement with Serbia whereby Serbian citizens can acquire real estate.

If approved, applicants can obtain temporary residency in Serbia for up to three years. After which they can then apply for permanent residency in Serbia for a further three years. It then may be possible to apply for Serbian citizenship and obtain a Serbian passport.

Serbia Residency by Company Formation

The Serbia Residency by Company Formation is an ideal option for entrepreneurs looking to start a business in Serbia. Serbia has a growing economy that welcomes foreign investment to further propel the country to new heights.

The biggest benefit of the program is that there is no minimum investment amount, making it much more investor friendly than many other European countries.

Once approved, applicants have full residency rights, with the right to live, work, and study in Serbia. The Serbia Residency by Company Formation program provides temporary residency for three years which can then become permanent residency, and eventually provide Serbian citizenship, provided the requirements have been maintained for the full six years.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Serbia

Can a US citizen live in Serbia?

Yes, a US citizen can live in Serbia. But it is essential that they obtain the correct visa. Any stay over 90 days on a tourist visa requires a temporary residence permit.

Is Serbia friendly to foreigners?

Absolutely! Serbia is very immigrant friendly, offering foreign nationals a friendly welcome. It’s important to understand the culture in Serbia and always remain respectful of their customs. But in general, pull up a chair and enjoy the long hearty meals with the friendly locals.

Can you speak English in Serbia?

Nationals in bigger cities are more likely to speak English, but if you’re planning to live in Serbia, learning to speak Serbian, at least on a conversational level is recommended.

What are the main pros and cons of living in Serbia as a foreigner?

The pros of living in Serbia include a low cost of living, options for residency by investment, affordable healthcare, and safety. The cons of living in Serbia as a foreigner are the country does not recognize same sex marriage and the low-income rate.

Is Serbia a good place for expats to live in 2024?

Yes, Serbia is a great place for expats to live in 2024, with so many foreigners choosing to call this country home. The locals are friendly, there is a great private education system, and the cost of living is low compared with other European capitals.

How affordable is life in Serbia compared to Western Europe?

Serbia is significantly cheaper than countries in Western Europe. For example, the cost of living in the UK is 83% more expensive than Serbia including rent.

What are the pros and cons of Serbian healthcare for expats?

The pros of Serbian healthcare for expats are that the costs are significantly less for private healthcare, including private health insurance. The level of care in private healthcare facilities in Serbia is also fantastic. The cons of healthcare in Serbia are generally with the public healthcare system which can take significantly longer to obtain care, and the level of service may be less than desirable.

Is Serbia safe for foreigners?

Yes, Serbia is generally considered a safe country for expats and locals. While there is petty crime like all countries, in general, the level of safety in Serbia is good.

Is Serbia a good place for retirees?

Yes, Serbia is an excellent place to retire for foreigners. There is so much to explore and do, the locals are friendly, and there is a growing expat community in Serbia. Plus, with the

lower cost of living, finding the right place and space to live is much more accommodating for retirees than more expensive countries in Europe.