Family Life in Serbia
Serbia offers a family-friendly environment with affordable childcare, generous parental leave, and a culture that values family connections.
Parental Leave
Serbia has one of the most generous parental leave policies:
Maternity leave:
- 3 months at 100% salary (mandatory before birth)
- Option to extend up to 2 years total
- Government subsidized
- Father can take portion of leave
Paternity leave:
- 7 days paid leave (can be extended)
Childcare
Types and costs:
| Type | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Public daycare | €50-100 | Subsidized, limited spots |
| Private daycare | €200-400 | Better availability |
| Nanny/babysitter | €300-600 | Full-time |
| Au pair | Less common | Not established market |
Public daycare:
- Ages 1-6
- Limited places (apply early)
- Priority for working parents
- Quality varies
Private options:
- More flexible hours
- Smaller groups
- English-speaking options in Belgrade
- Higher standards typically
Children's Healthcare
Coverage:
- Public healthcare covers children of residents
- Pediatric care accessible
- Vaccinations required for school entry
- Private pediatric clinics: €30-50/visit
Quality:
- Public adequate for routine care
- Private recommended for specialist needs
- Children's Hospital in Belgrade is main facility
Education (recap)
- Public schools free for residents
- International schools: €5,000-20,000/year
- See Education section for details
Family Activities
Parks and outdoors:
- Ada Ciganlija (river beach/park)
- Kalemegdan Fortress
- Košutnjak Forest
- Avala Mountain (day trip)
- Fruška Gora National Park
Indoor activities:
- Museums (many free days)
- Indoor playgrounds
- Shopping malls with kids' areas
- Swimming pools
Cultural:
- Children's Cultural Center of Belgrade
- Zoo
- Science museums
- Theater performances for kids
Family-Friendly Neighborhoods
Belgrade:
- Vračar: Central, good schools, parks
- Dedinje: Upscale, quiet, green
- Banovo Brdo: Residential, family-oriented
- Zemun: More relaxed, Danube access
Novi Sad:
- Generally more family-oriented
- Quieter than Belgrade
- Good parks and outdoor spaces
Cost of Raising Children
Monthly estimates:
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Childcare | €100-400 |
| Food | €100-200 |
| Clothing | €50-100 |
| Activities | €50-100 |
| Healthcare | €0-50 |
Total: €300-850/month per child (excluding international school)
Safety for Families
- Serbia is very safe for families
- Children often play outside unsupervised (by local standards)
- Low crime in residential areas
- Traffic is main concern in cities
Government Support
Benefits for families:
- Child allowance (income-based)
- One-time birth grant
- Healthcare coverage
- Educational support
Family Reunification
Serbia offers accessible family reunification:
- Spouse, minor children, dependent parents eligible
- Work rights for family of work permit holders
- Path to permanent residence
- See Family Reunification visa section
Tips for Expat Families
- Apply for public daycare early (6+ months ahead)
- Join parenting expat groups on Facebook
- Consider Serbian school for language immersion
- Family healthcare through parent's insurance
- Many activities are very affordable or free
Pro Tips
- •Serbia has one of Europe's most generous maternity leave policies
- •Apply for public daycare 6+ months in advance
- •Family reunification is straightforward for dependents
- •Many free activities: parks, playgrounds, museum free days
- •Join expat parenting groups for recommendations
Have questions about family life in Serbia?