Remote Work in Serbia
Serbia has become one of Europe's top destinations for digital nomads and remote workers, with Belgrade consistently ranking among the best cities for location-independent professionals.
Why Serbia for Remote Work
- Top ranking: Belgrade is 4th in Europe on Nomad List, ahead of Barcelona and London
- Fast internet: 110+ Mbps average in Belgrade
- Affordable: €1,000/month for comfortable lifestyle
- Free transport: Belgrade's public transit became free in January 2025
- Growing community: Active digital nomad meetups and events
Internet Quality
| Metric | Belgrade | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Download | 110+ Mbps | 80-100 Mbps |
| Upload | 64+ Mbps | 40-60 Mbps |
| Latency | 18ms | 20-30ms |
| Cost | €18-25/mo | €15-25/mo |
Providers: Orion Telekom, MTS, SBB, Yettel
Fiber optic available in major cities with speeds up to 300 Mbps.
Coworking Spaces
Belgrade:
| Space | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Hub | €150-300/mo | Central, largest, great community |
| Nova Iskra | €100-250/mo | 3 locations, creative focus, rooftop terrace |
| Smart Office | €100-200/mo | First coworking in Belgrade |
| ICT Hub | €80-150/mo | Tech-focused, good events |
Novi Sad:
- Startit Centar: 1,300m² with garden, €80-150/mo
- Various incubators with affordable desk space
Legal Considerations
Self-employment permit: The recommended pathway for digital nomads working for foreign clients. Requires proof of remote work, health insurance, and financial means.
Tax benefits: Newly settled foreigners may qualify for 70% reduction in tax and social contributions for 5 years.
Important: You cannot work for Serbian companies on a self-employment permit.
Best Neighborhoods for Remote Workers
Dorćol (Belgrade): Artsy, cafés, riverside walks, popular with nomads
Vračar (Belgrade): Central, good cafés, local feel
Stari Grad (Belgrade): Historic, touristy but vibrant
Liman (Novi Sad): University area, young, affordable
Café Culture
Serbia has a strong café culture, and working from cafés is common and accepted:
- Espresso: €1-2
- Good wifi in most modern cafés
- No pressure to leave quickly
- Many cafés open late
Community and Events
- Regular language exchange meetups
- Tech and startup events (mostly in English)
- CrossFit gyms popular among expat community
- Coworking spaces host networking events
- Facebook groups: "Digital Nomads Serbia", "Expats in Belgrade"
Challenges
- Digital nomad visa not officially launched yet
- Banking can be tricky without residence permit
- Language barrier outside major cities
- Winter can be cold and gray
Pro Tips
- •Impact Hub and Nova Iskra are the top coworking spaces in Belgrade
- •Apply for self-employment residence permit if staying long-term
- •Belgrade has strong café culture - working from cafés is normal
- •Join Digital Nomads Serbia Facebook group for community events
- •Consider Novi Sad for lower costs and quieter environment
Have questions about remote work in Serbia?