Factsheet: Serbia
Serbia is a Balkan country of nearly 6.8 million people, an EU accession candidate since 2012 but not yet a member. It nevertheless holds a growing place among expats and European entrepreneurs: cost of living among the lowest in Europe (-55% vs Paris), 15% flat tax on income and profits, ultra-simplified lump-sum regime for small entrepreneurs, and an emerging tech scene in Belgrade in gaming, fintech and cybersecurity. For EU citizens, 90 days of visa-free stay are possible, then creating a d.o.o. (Serbian LLC) opens the path to a residence permit.
Why choose Serbia?
Serbia appeals through its combination of very low prices, simple taxation and a dynamic capital undergoing rapid transformation. Here are the six main reasons to consider relocating to Serbia.
Rent, groceries, restaurants, transport: everything is on average 55% cheaper than in France. A budget of 900 to 1,600 EUR/month allows for very comfortable living in Belgrade.
Fixed rate at 15% on personal income and corporate profits, with no progressive brackets, no tiers, no ceiling.
For micro-entrepreneurs earning less than 6 million RSD/year (~50,000 EUR), the Pausalni porez regime replaces corporate tax and VAT with a fixed monthly lump-sum contribution, and accounting is reduced to a minimum.
Serbia is a member of CEFTA (Balkan free trade agreement) and maintains trade agreements with Russia, Turkey and the UAE — a strategic position for businesses wanting to access these markets.
Belgrade attracts international tech companies, with a dynamic ecosystem in gaming (Nordeus, 4Experience), fintech and cybersecurity. Office rents well below any EU capital.
Fiber 100-500 Mbps from 10-20 EUR/month (SBB, Telekom, A1), active coworking spaces (Impact Hub, StartIt Center, Clockwork), ideal setting for remote work and startups.
Visa & Residence
EU citizens can enter Serbia without a visa for stays up to 90 days. For longer stays, creating a d.o.o. (Serbian company) is the most common route to obtaining a temporary residence permit.
Visa-free stay — 90 days
EU nationals can stay in Serbia for up to 90 days without any visa, under bilateral agreements between Serbia and the EU. This stay is renewable after leaving Serbian territory (borders with Bulgaria and Romania, both Schengen members, are easily accessible). For extended stays, you need to transition to resident status.
Residence permit via d.o.o. creation
The most common route for settling long-term in Serbia is creating a d.o.o. (Drustvo s Ogranicenom Odgovornoscu, equivalent of an LLC). As the manager or founder of a Serbian d.o.o., you can apply for a one-year renewable temporary residence permit. The procedure involves 7 administrative steps: registration with the commercial register (APR), obtaining a tax identification number (PIB), opening a professional bank account, then filing the residence permit application with the foreigners' bureau. A local lawyer or formation agency facilitates the process for 500 to 1,500 EUR.
Cost of living
Serbia is one of the cheapest destinations in Europe for expats. Belgrade remains the most expensive city in the country, but stays very affordable compared to any EU capital.
Estimated monthly budget: 900 - 1,600 EUR/month
📊 Taxation
Serbia offers simple and competitive taxation, with a 15% flat tax and a very advantageous lump-sum regime for small entrepreneurs.
🚀 For entrepreneurs
Serbia attracts a growing number of foreign entrepreneurs thanks to its simple taxation, low costs and dynamic tech ecosystem in Belgrade.
❤️ Healthcare
Serbia has a public healthcare system and a private sector of growing quality in Belgrade. Costs remain well below Western European standards.
Where to live
Serbia is primarily focused on Belgrade for expats, but Novi Sad and several neighborhoods within the capital offer very interesting alternatives.
Drawbacks to know
Serbia is not an EU member state: no free movement, no European passport for companies, and right to stay subject to visa or permit after 90 days.
Approximately 36% in charges on salaries, a barrier for d.o.o. directors wishing to pay themselves a significant salary.
The Kosovo question and ambiguous relations with Russia create chronic political uncertainty that can impact the business climate.
Serbian is written in Cyrillic (and Latin), which complicates administrative procedures for beginners.
Roads, public services and connectivity lag behind in mid-sized towns and rural areas of Serbia.
Frequently asked questions
Can an EU citizen stay more than 90 days in Serbia without a visa?
What is the difference between a d.o.o. and Pausalni porez in Serbia?
Will Serbia join the EU soon?
Can I open a bank account in Serbia as a foreigner?
Is Serbia safe for expats?
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