Expat Community

Expat Community in Serbia

Serbia's expat community is growing, driven by digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and retirees attracted by the low cost of living and quality of life.

Community Overview

Size: Smaller than major expat hubs but growing rapidly

Demographics:

• Digital nomads (mostly 20-40, from North America and Western Europe)
• Tech workers and entrepreneurs
• Retirees
• English teachers
• IT professionals relocating

Finding Your Community

Online:

• Facebook: "Expats in Belgrade" (~15,000 members)
• Facebook: "Digital Nomads Serbia"
• Facebook: "Foreigners in Serbia"
• Reddit: r/serbia (English-friendly)
• InterNations Belgrade
• Meetup.com groups

In-person:

• Coworking space events (Impact Hub, Nova Iskra)
• Language exchange meetups (multiple weekly)
• CrossFit gyms (Pobednik offers English classes)
• Hash House Harriers (running + social group)
• Pub trivia nights

Social Life

What expats say:

"The best thing about Belgrade are the events - almost every day you can find a language exchange or community events."

"Serbs are incredibly warm and hospitable once you get to know them."

Social norms:

• Coffee culture is central (kafana culture)
• Dinners start late (8-9 PM)
• Hospitality is important
• Friendships develop through repeated contact
• Celebrations are big (slava, birthdays)

Networking Opportunities

Professional:

• Belgrade startup events
• Tech meetups
• Chamber of commerce events
• Professional associations

Social:

• Sports leagues (football, basketball)
• Hiking groups (mountains nearby)
• Language tandems
• Cultural events

Best Places to Meet People

Neighborhoods:

• Dorćol: Artsy, cafés, popular with creatives
• Savamala: Nightlife, creative spaces
• Vračar: Central, local expat favorite

Venues:

• Coworking spaces during events
• Cultural centers (KC Grad)
• International restaurants
• English-speaking pubs

Challenges

• Community is smaller than Prague, Lisbon, or Barcelona
• Less organized nomad infrastructure than major hubs
• Language barrier can limit deeper local friendships
• Winter can reduce outdoor social activities

Tips for Connecting

1. Join early: Get into Facebook groups before arrival
2. Attend events: Coworking spaces host regular meetups
3. Learn Serbian basics: Opens doors with locals
4. Be patient: Deep friendships take time
5. Explore Novi Sad: Smaller but active expat scene

Cultural Adaptation

Things to know:

• Serbs value directness
• Hospitality is sacred
• Politics can be sensitive (avoid Kosovo topic)
• Rakija (brandy) is offered frequently
• "Serbian time" - things may start late