At a Glance
Cost of Living
low
Safety
high
English Level
moderate
Climate
Continental with cold winters (-3 to 7°C) and hot summers (23-35°C)
Essentials
Cost of Living
Serbia offers one of the lowest costs of living in Europe. A single person can live comfortably on €1,000/month including rent. Belgrade is 40-60% cheaper than Western European capitals.
Healthcare
Serbia has both public and private healthcare. Public care is accessible but can have long waits. Private healthcare is affordable by Western standards (€20-50 for GP visit). Health insurance is required for residence permits.
Banking
Foreigners can open bank accounts in Serbia with passport and proof of address. Non-residents can open accounts but with limited services. Serbia is not part of CRS (automatic tax information exchange). Full banking with residence permit.
Housing
Housing in Serbia is very affordable. Belgrade city center 1-bedroom: €350-600/month. No restrictions on foreigners buying property. Property ownership can support residence permit applications.
Lifestyle
Remote Work
Belgrade is ranked 4th in Europe for digital nomads on Nomad List. Fast internet (110+ Mbps), numerous coworking spaces, affordable cafés, and free public transport make it ideal for remote work.
Language
Serbian is the official language, using both Cyrillic and Latin scripts. English is widely spoken among younger generations and in professional settings. Basic Serbian helps for daily life outside tourist areas.
Expat Community
Growing expat and digital nomad community, especially in Belgrade. Regular meetups, coworking events, and active Facebook groups. Community smaller than major expat hubs but friendly and accessible.
Transportation
Belgrade became the largest European city with free public transport in January 2025. No metro system yet, but extensive bus, tram, and trolleybus network. Taxis and rideshare are affordable.
Food & Dining
Serbian cuisine is hearty and meat-focused. Dining out is very affordable (€5-10 for a meal). Strong café culture with excellent coffee. Rakija (fruit brandy) is the national drink. Vegetarian options improving but limited.
More Topics
Safety
Serbia is very safe with low crime rates. Belgrade's crime rate is lower than most Western European capitals. No "no-go zones." Main concerns are petty theft and taxi scams. Violent crime affecting tourists is extremely rare.
Climate & Weather
Continental climate with four distinct seasons. Hot summers (often 30°C+), cold winters (regularly below 0°C). Best times to visit: May and September. Be prepared for extreme temperatures in summer and winter.
Education
Serbia has public and private education systems. International schools available in Belgrade (€5,000-20,000/year). University education is affordable (€500-2,500/year for international students). Growing reputation in IT education.
Family Life
Serbia is family-friendly with affordable childcare, safe neighborhoods, and family-oriented culture. Maternity leave is generous (up to 2 years). Healthcare covers pregnancy and children. Family reunification is accessible.
Taxes
Serbia has attractive 10% flat income tax. New residents may qualify for 70% tax relief for 5 years. Residents taxed on worldwide income. Not part of CRS (no automatic tax info exchange). Corporate tax 15%.
Culture & Lifestyle
Serbia has a rich cultural heritage with strong traditions of hospitality, café culture, and family values. Nightlife is legendary. Music festivals like EXIT draw international crowds. Serbians are direct but warm.
Questions
No expat life questions for Serbia yet.