Move to Serbia

Big-hearted Balkan energy, river nightlife and generous hospitality

Serbia has no dedicated digital nomad permit, but temporary residence is available on several grounds, such as self-employment (single residence and work permit) or owning property. Permits can last up to 3 years and are handled mostly online through the Welcome to Serbia portal. Non-resident foreigners paid by a foreign payer must calculate and pay Serbian income tax themselves each quarter.

Routes we checked
4
Digital nomad visa
Not in our data
Language
Serbian
Currency
RSD
Last checked
30 October 2026

Work permitStudent visaFreelancer and self-employedResidence permit

Ways to live in Serbia

These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.

Programme details are shown in English.

Work permit Work permits →

Single permit for residence and work (employment)

One permit for living in Serbia and working for a local employer under an employment contract.

What you need
Employment contract, valid passport (at least 3 months beyond the permit), registered address. Nationals who need a visa first get a long-stay D visa for employment; others can apply after arrival.
How long
Up to 3 years
Renewable
Yes
Cost
430 RSD submission fee plus 22,770 RSD for the permit
Processing time
About 15 days
How to apply
Online only, through the Welcome to Serbia portal (by you or your employer)
Family
Family members can come with you

Official page

Student visa Student visas →

Temporary residence for studies

For students enrolled at an accredited Serbian university, school or Serbian-language course.

What you need
Proof of enrolment, funds for the stay, health insurance and a registered address. Visa-required nationals first get a D visa for education.
How long
Usually 1 year at a time
Renewable
Yes
How to apply
At the police administration for foreigners where you live
Path to permanent residence
Study years do not lead straight to permanent residence; after switching to another basis, only half of them count.

Official page

Freelancer and self-employed Freelancer and self-employed visas →

Single permit for residence and work: self-employment

For foreigners who register their own business (e.g. as an entrepreneur) in Serbia. A single permit covers both residence and the right to work.

What you need
Registration certificate of your business in Serbia; passport valid 3+ months beyond the requested period; plus the documents listed for the self-employment ground on the portal.
How long
Up to 3 years per permit; extension can be filed from 3 months before expiry
Renewable
Yes
Cost
Administrative fees
Processing time
Decision within 15 days of a complete application
How to apply
Online only, via the Welcome to Serbia portal; biometrics in person after approval
Path to permanent residence
Temporary residence.

Official page

Residence permit Residence permits →

Temporary residence based on property ownership

For foreigners who own real estate in Serbia. No minimum property value is set.

What you need
Passport valid 3+ months beyond the stay, photo, proof of funds, health insurance and proof of ownership (such as a land registry extract). The owner must agree to register your address.
How long
For the requested period, up to 3 years
Renewable
Yes
Cost
State fees for the application and approval, plus the biometric card and form
Processing time
30 days from a complete application
How to apply
Online via the Welcome to Serbia eForeigner portal, or in person at the police unit for your registered address
Path to permanent residence
Temporary residence.

Official page

Cost of living

Monthly amounts in US dollars.

Room in a shared flat$300
One-bedroom flat$360
Two-bedroom flat$670
Bills$120
Typical local salary$800

Cities to consider

Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.

What life is like

Programme details are shown in English.

Why people move

Belgrade sits where the Sava meets the Danube, with floating river clubs, long coffee sessions and a lively bohemian streak. Novi Sad is calmer and green, and grilled meats and kafanas are part of daily social life.

Day to day

Buses connect most towns, and a fast train now links Belgrade and Novi Sad. Private clinics are affordable and widely used. Cards work in cities, but cash is still common. Serbian uses both Cyrillic and Latin scripts; English is common among the young.

Trade-offs

Winter air pollution in Belgrade can be heavy. Smoking indoors is still common in cafés, and administrative procedures can be slow and inconsistent.

Before you move: visa-free entry

Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:

Visa rules for every passport

Questions

Does Serbia have a digital nomad visa?

Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.

How can I move to Serbia?

The routes we have checked are: Work permit, Student visa, Freelancer and self-employed, Residence permit.

When was this information checked?

The residence routes for Serbia were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

Sources and last check

Residence routes for Serbia were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.

This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.

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