Life in Serbia in 2025

Serbia is not yet a member of the EU, but it has candidate status and remains popular among migrants thanks to its low prices, mild climate, and simplified residence permit process. The country’s economy is growing: in 2024, GDP increased by 3.3%. The cost of living in Serbia is lower, and renting and buying real estate is cheaper than in most European countries. In addition, immigrants can obtain a residence permit in just 1-2 months and apply for citizenship after 3 years (which is faster than in other European countries).

Advantages of living in Serbia

The main advantages of living in Serbia are:

• Standard of living and cost of living. Standard of living in Serbia The average salary in the country is €1,200, while monthly expenses for one person do not exceed €600. The country has relatively low prices for buying and renting real estate, various services, and food, which is of high quality.
• Loyal immigration policy. You can obtain a residence permit in Serbia through employment, study, starting a business, purchasing real estate, or reuniting with your family. Unlike other European countries, citizenship is available after 3 years of residence, rather than 5–10 years.
• Rich culture and tourism opportunities. Domestic tourism is well developed in Serbia: there are the Kopaonik and Stara Planina ski resorts, the Vrnjačka Banja thermal springs, historic fortresses in Belgrade and Novi Sad, as well as the Tara and Fruška Gora national parks.
• Favorable climate. The climate in Serbia is characterized by warm, long summers with average temperatures of +23…25 °C and short, snowy winters with temperatures around –1…–2 °C. Severe frosts in winter and heat waves in summer are rare and do not last long.
• Accessibility of education for foreigners. The education system in Serbia meets European standards. There are a large number of private international schools and kindergartens in the country, where teaching is conducted in foreign languages. Universities offer programs in English designed for foreign students.
• Favorable business environment. A progressive tax system with relatively low rates, no double taxation, and government incentives for doing business create favorable conditions for entrepreneurial activity in the country. For example, to register an LLC in Serbia, you only need a registered capital of 0.85

If you are planning to move, you should consider applying for a Serbian business residence permit. Foreign entrepreneurs who register a company in the country are granted the right to legal residence for up to 3 years with the possibility of extension for the entire period of the company’s existence.

Find out how to start a business in Serbia and obtain an official residence permit by contacting iWorld specialists for a free consultation.

Possible difficulties

One of the peculiarities of life in Serbia is the unhurried nature of the locals. You need to be prepared for the fact that issues may be resolved more slowly than originally agreed. This approach can be seen in all areas of life, from household repairs to the execution of transactions. It is worth getting used to this.

In addition to adapting to the local pace of life, it is also important to take into account the peculiarities of employment. According to the country’s laws, a company has the right to hire a foreigner only if there are no Serbian citizens available for the position. The employer must obtain a permit to hire a foreigner, and the employee must obtain a work visa. The process takes several months. Because of this, many migrants choose business immigration

Bureaucracy. In recent years, the level of bureaucracy in Serbia has been declining. This is due to the digitization of processes, which allows documents to be submitted online and minimizes direct contact with officials. It should be acknowledged that compared to other European countries, where it can take weeks to obtain a single document, it is still easier to deal with the formalities in Serbia. For example, you can apply for a residence permit or pay taxes online via the eUprava portal.

Cost of living in Serbia

Serbia is one of the inexpensive but comfortable countries to live in. Prices for real estate, consumer goods, and most services are cheaper than in many other European countries. Monthly expenses here are about EUR 600 per person and EUR 2,000 for a family of four.

Housing and rental prices

Renting a one-bedroom apartment in Belgrade will cost an average of €350 to €520. The average monthly utility costs for an 85 m² apartment are around €160.

Prices for buying a home in Belgrade range from 2000 to 2900 EUR per m². In Niš and Subotica, prices are lower, at around 1200 to 1800 EUR per m².

Food and other daily expenses

Food in Serbia is of good quality and inexpensive. The average monthly food expenditure is around EUR 150–200 per person.

Product Name Price in €

Milk 1 l 1.35

Loaf of fresh white bread 500 g 0.8

Rice 1 kg 2.3

Eggs 12 pcs. 2.4

Chicken fillet 1 kg 6.4

Tomatoes 1 kg 2

Potatoes 1 kg 1

Apples 1 kg 1.1

Bananas 1 kg 1.7

Drinking water 1.5 l 0.6

Bottle of red wine 6

When it comes to eating out, lunch at an inexpensive restaurant costs an average of EUR 9, while a three-course dinner for two will cost around EUR 42. As for other expenses, a pair of Levis jeans or similar will cost around EUR 90, sneakers EUR 105, and a summer dress EUR 38. Leisure expenses are also moderate; for example, a trip to the cinema costs EUR 5, and you can rent a tennis court on weekends for EUR 8.50 per hour.

Services, transport, and communications

The cost of transport and communications in Serbia in 2025 remains quite affordable. A single ticket for a city bus/tram in Belgrade costs approximately EUR 0.8–1.3. A monthly pass costs an average of EUR 21–30, depending on the city and type of ticket.

The starting price for a taxi is approximately EUR 1.7, with a price per kilometer of EUR 0.7–1.2. An average trip around the city will cost EUR 4.3–6.8. It is important to note that taxis in Serbia operate on a meter, and the cost is regulated by the city authorities, which protects passengers from excessive fares.

Mobile communications: 10 GB of internet and calls cost around EUR 18. Home internet (60+ Mbps) costs EUR 30 per month. The main providers are SBB, Telekom Srbija, and Orion Telecom.

In addition to everyday expenses, it is important to find out in advance how to open a bank account in Serbia to pay for utilities, rent, and other bills.

Health

According to Numbeo, Serbia’s healthcare system received a score of 52 out of 100. The ranking takes into account indicators such as quality of service, waiting times, and cost of services. For comparison, Croatia received 60 points and Bulgaria 50.

Private clinics offer high-quality services at lower prices than in Western Europe, which is why people come here for dental, plastic, and ophthalmological services. A consultation with a private therapist costs around EUR 30, and a filling at the dentist starts at EUR 40.

In large cities in Serbia, especially in private clinics, the level of medical care meets European standards and is significantly ahead of post-Soviet countries. However, in small towns, only basic outpatient services are usually available, and patients have to travel to Belgrade or Novi Sad to see specialists.

Education

The Serbian education system includes preschool institutions, schools, and higher education institutions. Admission to state kindergartens is on a first-come, first-served basis by prior registration. Residents may prefer private kindergartens, which have the advantage of allowing parents to choose the language of instruction. Instruction can be provided in Serbian, English.

Attendance at state kindergartens in Serbia is free for citizens and residents, while private kindergartens cost between EUR 200 and EUR 500 per month.

There are about 500 schools in Serbia. Of these, 90% are state schools. By law, children of citizens and residents of the country have the right to attend municipal educational institutions in Serbia. Only private schools are available to foreigners who do not have a residence permit. Education is mainly provided in the official language.  School education in Serbia includes primary and secondary education. Education generally lasts 12 years. After graduating from secondary school, students take exams and can choose between a vocational school or a gymnasium.

Students can obtain higher education in Serbia at one of 18 universities. The level of teaching and organization of the educational process in the country meet European standards. Since 2005, the Bologna system has been in place in Serbian universities. Foreigners who do not have a residence permit can only apply for contract-based education. To be admitted, you must provide a secondary school certificate and pass exams. Foreign students with a Serbian residence permit are eligible for scholarships and grants to help reduce the cost of university tuition and living expenses.

Moving to Serbia: what you need to know

To move to Serbia for permanent residence, you must complete the following steps:

1. Determine the legal basis for your move and prepare the necessary documents.
2. Apply for a long-term visa
3. Arrive in the country and register your place of residence.
4. Apply for a residence permit.
5. Apply for permanent residence after 3 years of continuous residence in the country.

For a longer stay, you will need a type D visa (for 90–180 days), followed by a residence permit. Upon arrival, all foreigners must register with the police within 24 hours — this can be done online or in person

To successfully obtain your first residence permit and renew it without any problems in the future, it is important to choose the optimal basis. It must remain relevant for you for at least 3 years. Given the promising prospects of the Serbian market, more and more migrants are considering business immigration, as it is profitable to do business here in terms of logistics and tax burden.

One way to obtain the right to legally reside in the country is to start a business. Find out how to obtain a Serbian residence permit by registering a company during a free consultation with iWorld specialists.

Residence permit

To obtain a residence permit in Serbia, you must choose the most suitable basis and confirm it — for example, in the case of employment, find a job in advance, prepare the documents, and submit your application directly in the country.

You can obtain a Serbian residence permit on one of the following grounds

• employment;
• secondary or higher education;
• student exchange program;
• research activities;
• family reunification;
• medical treatment;
• real estate ownership;
• religious services;
• refugee status;
• starting a business;
• investing in the country’s economy.

According to the law, the grounds for issuing a long-term visa, if required in your case, and for granting a residence permit must be the same. For example, if you applied for a visa to look for work, then after signing a contract with a local company, you will be issued a Serbian residence permit through employment.

To apply for a residence permit, you will need to provide the following documents:

• application for a residence permit;

• identity document valid for at least 3 months after the intended period of stay;

• proof of financial means to support your stay in the country;
• document confirming your place of residence in Serbia;
• health insurance policy;
• proof of eligibility for a residence permit;
• receipt of payment of the administrative fee.

The processing time for a residence permit application in Serbia is 30 days. If the decision is positive, the residence permit is issued for a period of up to 3 years, depending on the grounds, and may be extended for the same period. After 3 years of legal residence in the country, you are entitled to apply for permanent residence and then citizenship.

Once you have obtained a Serbian residence permit, you will receive

• The opportunity to work freely in Europe
• The prospect of starting a business with low taxes
• A residence permit in an EU candidate country
• Social support from the state

Citizenship and its advantages

Life in Serbia in 2025 is characterized by accessibility and comfort, which is why many foreigners are interested in obtaining citizenship and the maximum set of rights. Obtaining a passport of the country has a number of advantages, including:

• the ability to visit 135 countries without a visa, including the Schengen zone;
• access to public healthcare and social security;
• the right to free education in municipal schools and the opportunity to apply for state-funded places at universities;
• doing business in a country with a promising growing economy and access to the European market.

You can become a citizen of Serbia in the following ways:

• By birth. If one of the parents is a citizen of the country, the child automatically receives this status.
• By naturalization. You can apply for a Serbian passport in this way after 3 years of legal residence in the country.
• By marriage. Foreigners who are legally married to citizens are entitled to apply for citizenship after 3 years of joint life and residence in the country, subject only to the requirement of recognizing Serbia as their country.
• By restoration. Citizenship can be obtained by adult foreigners who previously held a Serbian passport but lost it illegally or due to a decision of their parents.

Foreigners can apply for citizenship through naturalization, which requires them to meet the following conditions:

• be of legal age and legally competent;
• have lived in the country for at least 3 years;
• submit a written statement that you recognize Serbia as your country;
• renounce your first citizenship or be willing to do so when you are granted Serbian citizenship.

The naturalization process in Serbia consists of several stages. First, you must live in the country legally for at least 3 years. Moreover, you must have permanent residence before applying for a passport. Permanent residence is also granted after 3 years of residence, and immediately after it is issued, you can apply for citizenship at the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After submitting all the documents and their verification, if the application is approved, you will be granted Serbian citizenship.

Work and business in Serbia

Serbia offers opportunities for work in various sectors, such as IT, marketing, tourism, education, and provides relatively simple conditions for legal employment. Foreigners who are not EU citizens must obtain a work permit in Serbia and apply for a residence permit.

Foreigners have the opportunity to open and run a business in Serbia on the same terms as citizens of the country. Registering a company in the country is a good way to enter the European market. Serbia’s state policy is aimed at attracting foreign investment. The country has simplified procedures for starting a business and an attractive tax system. For example, the corporate tax rate is 10%. The Serbian government provides financial support to investors in the form of subsidies and tax incentives. This is especially relevant for the manufacturing, agricultural, and IT sectors.

A transparent and loyal tax system, a growing economy, low labor costs, a simplified business registration procedure, and access to a large consumer market make Serbia attractive to foreign entrepreneurs and start-up founders.

By opening a company in Serbia, you can obtain a residence permit. Find out how to register a business and obtain legal residence with the prospect of becoming a citizen of the country, and start operating with the support of specialists.

Serbia is a country with rich cultural traditions shaped by Orthodox Christianity, Slavic heritage, and a mix of Eastern and Western cultures. One of the main institutions in the country is the Serbian Orthodox Church. Religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and days dedicated to saints are celebrated with deep faith and observance of traditions, including rituals, prayers, and family gatherings. Almost every family in Serbia celebrates Slava, a day of veneration of the family’s patron saint.

The family occupies an important place in Serbian society. Strong ties between relatives, especially between grandparents, parents, and children, play a significant role. Family dinners and holidays, which bring together all generations, are an important part of Serbian culture. It is customary to welcome guests warmly, setting the table with abundant food. The local cuisine is characterized by an abundance of meat dishes, such as čevapčići (grilled sausages) and pleskavica, as well as pies and pastries, such as burek.

Serbia is famous for its unique architecture, which combines Eastern and Western influences. Here you can find Byzantine-style churches and monasteries, Ottoman mosques, and ancient fortresses. One of the most famous architectural monuments is the Ostrog Monastery, as well as numerous churches and palaces in Belgrade. Medieval monasteries such as Studenica and Sopoćani are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and attract tourists from all over the world. The iconography and frescoes of these monasteries are considered true masterpieces of religious art.

The country is famous for its folk crafts: weaving, embroidery, and ceramics. In Serbian villages, you can still find traditional handicrafts such as woolen carpets, embroidered clothing, and wooden decorations.

Serbs are proud of their history, traditions, and national heroes, and are known for their hospitality and respect for the culture of their guests.

The best cities in Serbia to live in

When choosing a city to move to, it is important to consider the level of infrastructure development, the job market, prices, conditions for recreation and raising children, as well as many other factors that may be important to you specifically. Based on migration statistics and feedback from foreigners, the best cities to live in Serbia are:

1. Belgrade. The capital of Serbia has a well-developed infrastructure and offers the best conditions for employment and education. iWorld experts consider Belgrade one of the best cities in the world for a comfortable life.
2. Novi Sad. The second largest city in the country, located on the banks of the Danube. It is on par with the capital in terms of living standards, while the cost of housing is lower.
3. Niš. One of the oldest European cities with a rich history and many attractions. Suitable for people who prefer a quiet atmosphere.
4. Subotica. Known for its multiculturalism and unique architecture. A good choice for those who love nature and a measured lifestyle.
5. Kragujevac. The city is a major industrial and educational center of the country and offers good conditions for work and study. In addition, housing prices here are pleasantly surprising in their affordability.

 

Legal advice regarding obtaining Serbia work permit