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Serbia

Europe

Serbia is an emerging digital nomad destination offering visa-free access to most Western nationalities, extremely affordable living costs, fast internet, and a vibrant startup scene. Belgrade is a popular hub with numerous coworking spaces. While a dedicated digital nomad visa is still in development, remote workers can stay up to 90 days visa-free or apply for temporary residence permits for longer stays. Serbia is not part of the EU or Schengen zone, making it a convenient base for those managing Schengen day counts.

7
Visa Types
100
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Visa-Free Entry (Tourist Stay)

Citizens of most Western countries can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This is the most common option for digital nomads exploring Serbia.

90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€50 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓No visa application required
✓Free entry for most Western nationalities
✓Multiple entries allowed within the 90/180 day period
✓Can be combined with Schengen stays (Serbia is outside Schengen)
✓Remote work for foreign employers is tolerated
📋 Requirements (6)
  • •Valid passport (must be valid at least 90 days after departure from Serbia)
  • •Passport must have at least two consecutive blank pages
  • •Passport must be issued within the last 10 years
  • •Proof of sufficient funds (€50/day recommended)
  • •Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Airbnb, or invitation letter)
  • •Return or onward ticket
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate (entry stamp on arrival)
  1. 1Arrive at Serbian border (airport or land crossing)
  2. 2Present your passport to immigration officer
  3. 3Answer any questions about purpose and duration of stay
  4. 4Receive entry stamp in passport
  5. 5Register with police within 24 hours if staying in private accommodation
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Keep all accommodation receipts showing white card registration
  • •Serbia is perfect for resetting your Schengen visa counter
  • •Belgrade has excellent coworking spaces and fast internet
  • •Cost of living is significantly lower than Western Europe
  • •If planning to stay longer, start residence permit process early
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Temporary Residence Permit

For stays exceeding 90 days. Available for employment, self-employment, study, family reunification, property ownership, and other grounds. Can be granted for up to 3 years and renewed.

365 days
Duration
€190
$206 fee
+€400 additional

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $500/per_month

Alternative: Proof of minimum wage equivalent in Serbia (approx. €500/month) in a Serbian bank account, or proof of employment/income sufficient for the stay.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Legal long-term stay in Serbia (up to 3 years per permit)
✓Access to Serbian banking as a resident
✓Ability to register a business
✓Path to permanent residence after 3 years
✓Can include family members in application
✓Full digital application process since February 2024
📋 Requirements (8)
  • •Valid passport (valid at least 3 months beyond intended stay)
  • •Valid Type D visa (if required for your nationality)
  • •Proof of legal grounds for residence (employment, property, study, etc.)
  • •Proof of accommodation (rental contract with landlord consent)
  • •Proof of sufficient financial means
  • •Valid health insurance covering Serbia
  • •Police registration (white card)
  • •Criminal record certificate from home country (apostilled)
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ Up to 30 days from complete application submission
  1. 1Register on the Welcome to Serbia portal (welcometoserbia.gov.rs)
  2. 2Create your account and verify your identity
  3. 3Select the appropriate residence permit category
  4. 4Upload all required documents as digital files
  5. 5Pay the application fee online
  6. 6Submit your application electronically
  7. 7Wait for processing (up to 30 days)
  8. 8If approved, visit the police station to provide biometric data
  9. 9Receive your biometric residence permit card
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 1095 days (max x)

Cost: €190

Process: Apply for extension no earlier than 3 months before expiry and no later than the expiration date. Extension applications are submitted online through the same portal. The extended permit can be granted for up to 3 years.

Renewal: Can be renewed indefinitely as long as grounds for residence remain valid. After 3 years of continuous temporary residence, you may apply for permanent residence.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Apply well before your 90-day tourist stay expires
  • •The new online system since February 2024 makes applications much faster
  • •Property owners have one of the easiest paths to residence
  • •Keep all documents current and properly translated
  • •Consider hiring a local lawyer for complex cases
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Work

Unified Permit (Residence + Work)

Combined temporary residence and work permit introduced in February 2024. Allows foreign nationals to live and work in Serbia under a single permit, streamlining the previous two-step process.

365 days
Duration
€253
$275 fee
+€300 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓Single permit covers both residence and work authorization
✓Fully digital application process
✓Faster processing than previous two-step system
✓Valid for up to 3 years
✓Employer handles most administrative burden
✓Path to permanent residence after 3 years
📋 Requirements (8)
  • •Valid passport
  • •Type D visa for employment (if required for nationality)
  • •Employment contract or work engagement document
  • •Employer company registration documents
  • •Proof of accommodation
  • •Health insurance (often provided by employer)
  • •Criminal record certificate
  • •Completed labor market test (in most cases)
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 30 days from complete application
  1. 1Employer initiates labor market test with National Employment Service
  2. 2If no suitable local candidates found, employer can hire foreign worker
  3. 3Register on the Welcome to Serbia portal
  4. 4Employer or applicant submits unified permit application online
  5. 5Upload all required documents
  6. 6Pay application fees
  7. 7Wait for processing (typically 30 days)
  8. 8Visit police station for biometric data collection
  9. 9Receive unified permit card (residence + work authorization)
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 1095 days (max x)

Cost: €200

Process: Extension is applied for through the same online portal. Both the employee and employer can initiate the extension process. Apply no earlier than 3 months before expiry.

Renewal: The unified permit can be renewed as long as employment continues. Changing employers requires a new permit application.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •The new unified system since February 2024 is much more efficient
  • •IT and tech workers are in high demand and may bypass labor market test
  • •Ensure your employer is familiar with the sponsorship process
  • •The biometric card is your proof of both residence and work rights
  • •Start renewal process well before current permit expires

Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

Tourist

Required for nationals who are not visa-exempt. Allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits.

90d
Duration
€35
$38 fee
+€50 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15 days (can be extended to 30 days in justified cases)
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa application feeNon-refundable application fee
€35$38
Additional (estimated)
Travel health insuranceRequired for visa application
€50$54
Required Total
€35$38
+ Additional (estimated)
€50$54
Estimated Total
€85$92
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport (valid at least 90 days after intended departure)
  • •Completed visa application form
  • •Two recent passport-sized photos
  • •Proof of travel purpose (invitation letter, hotel booking, tour voucher)
  • •Proof of sufficient funds for stay
  • •Valid travel health insurance
  • •Proof of accommodation
  • •Return or onward ticket

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Complete the visa application form online or at the embassy
  2. 2Gather all required documents
  3. 3Schedule an appointment at the nearest Serbian embassy or consulate
  4. 4Submit application and pay the visa fee
  5. 5Wait for processing (up to 15 days)
  6. 6Collect your passport with visa sticker

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot work in Serbia
  • •Cannot be extended beyond 90 days
  • •Must leave before visa expires
  • •Does not grant access to public services

💡 Tips

  • •Apply well in advance of your travel date
  • •Ensure all documents are properly translated if not in Serbian or English
  • •Keep copies of all submitted documents
  • •Check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry instead

Long-Stay Visa (Type D)

Special ProgramPopular

Required for stays between 90 and 180 days. Used as entry visa for those planning to apply for temporary residence permits for employment, study, or family reunification.

180d
Duration
€116
$126 fee
+€100 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-30 days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa D application feeNon-refundable visa fee
€116$126
Additional (estimated)
Document translation and notarizationIf documents are not in Serbian
€100$109
Required Total
€116$126
+ Additional (estimated)
€100$109
Estimated Total
€216$234
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport (valid at least 90 days after intended departure)
  • •Completed visa application form
  • •Two recent passport-sized photos
  • •Proof of purpose of stay (employment contract, admission letter, etc.)
  • •Proof of sufficient funds
  • •Valid health insurance covering Serbia
  • •Proof of accommodation
  • •Criminal background check from home country
  • •Documents supporting the specific purpose of stay

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Determine the grounds for your long-stay visa (employment, study, family, etc.)
  2. 2Gather all required documents for your specific purpose
  3. 3Complete the visa application form
  4. 4Apply at the Serbian embassy or consulate in your country
  5. 5Pay the visa fee
  6. 6Attend interview if requested
  7. 7Wait for processing (15-30 days)
  8. 8Collect your passport with Type D visa sticker
  9. 9Enter Serbia and apply for temporary residence within visa validity period

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Must apply for residence permit on the same grounds as visa
  • •Cannot change purpose of stay after entry
  • •Subject to all conditions of the specific visa category
  • •Must have visa to submit residence permit application

💡 Tips

  • •Apply from your home country before traveling
  • •Ensure your visa grounds match your intended residence permit application
  • •Start gathering residence permit documents before arriving
  • •Visa-free nationals from certain countries can skip this and apply directly for residence

Self-Employment (Sole Proprietor) Permit

businessPopular

Popular option for digital nomads and remote workers. Register as a sole proprietor (preduzetnik) to legally work and reside in Serbia with favorable flat-rate taxation.

365d
Duration
€575
$624 fee
+€500 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱30 days for residence permit after business registration
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Business registration feeSerbian Business Registers Agency fee
€16$17
Residence permit application feeSelf-employment residence permit
€173$188
National Employment Service feeWork permit processing fee
€116$126
Initial bank depositMinimum deposit in Serbian bank account
€270$293
Additional (estimated)
Accountant services (annual)Recommended for tax compliance
€500$543
Required Total
€575$624
+ Additional (estimated)
€500$543
Estimated Total
€1,075$1.2K
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport
  • •Type D visa (if required for nationality)
  • •Proof of income/financial means (€3,500/month for 6 months)
  • •Proof of accommodation in Serbia
  • •Health insurance
  • •Business plan or description of intended activities
  • •Serbian bank account with minimum deposit
  • •Criminal record certificate

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Open a Serbian bank account and deposit minimum required amount
  2. 2Register your business with the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR)
  3. 3Obtain a Tax Identification Number (PIB)
  4. 4Apply for self-employment work permit through National Employment Service
  5. 5Submit residence permit application on the Welcome to Serbia portal
  6. 6Upload all required documents
  7. 7Pay all applicable fees
  8. 8Attend biometric data collection if approved
  9. 9Receive your residence permit card

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot work for Serbian companies without separate permits
  • •Must maintain active business registration
  • •Required to file annual tax returns
  • •Must pay social security contributions
  • •Income must come from foreign clients

💡 Tips

  • •Flat-rate taxation (paušalno oporezivanje) is very favorable for small businesses
  • •Annual turnover under 6 million RSD (about €50,000) qualifies for simplified taxation
  • •Hire a local accountant familiar with digital nomad situations
  • •Keep detailed records of all foreign income
  • •Belgrade has a strong community of digital nomad entrepreneurs

Property Owner Residence Permit

Special Program

Foreign nationals who purchase real estate in Serbia can obtain temporary residence based on property ownership. One of the simplest paths to legal residence.

365d
Duration
€190
$206 fee
+€2.5 additional
📍Apply: Online
⏱30 days from complete application
🔄Extendable +1095d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Residence permit application feeStandard residence permit fee
€160$174
Biometric card feeFor the physical permit card
€30$33
Additional (estimated)
Property transfer taxPercentage of property value (paid at purchase)
€2.5$3
Required Total
€190$206
+ Additional (estimated)
€2.5$3
Estimated Total
€192.5$209
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport
  • •Property ownership deed (registered with Serbian cadastre)
  • •Proof of financial means for the stay
  • •Health insurance covering Serbia
  • •Criminal record certificate from home country

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Purchase property in Serbia (no minimum value required)
  2. 2Register property ownership with the Real Estate Cadastre
  3. 3Obtain property ownership certificate (List nepokretnosti)
  4. 4Apply for residence permit on the Welcome to Serbia portal
  5. 5Upload property documents and other requirements
  6. 6Pay application fees
  7. 7Attend biometric data collection
  8. 8Receive residence permit card

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Does not include work authorization
  • •Must maintain property ownership
  • •Cannot sell property and retain residence on this basis
  • •Separate work permit needed for employment

💡 Tips

  • •Belgrade and Novi Sad have the strongest property markets
  • •Consider hiring a local real estate lawyer
  • •Property prices are significantly lower than Western Europe
  • •Rental yields can be attractive in major cities
  • •This permit can be combined with other residence grounds

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalBelgrade
CurrencyRSD (дин)
LanguageSerbian
TimezoneUTC+1
Last UpdatedDec 4, 2024

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Serbia have a digital nomad visa?
Serbia does not yet have an official digital nomad visa, though one has been discussed and may launch in the future. However, Serbia is already very welcoming to digital nomads. Most Western nationalities can stay visa-free for 90 days, and for longer stays, you can register as a sole proprietor (preduzetnik) with favorable flat-rate taxation, or apply for a temporary residence permit. The income requirement for extended stays is approximately €3,500 per month.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while in Serbia on a tourist visa?
Remote work for foreign employers during a short tourist stay (up to 90 days) falls into a legal gray area and is generally tolerated in practice. Serbia does not actively enforce restrictions on remote work for foreign clients. However, for stays longer than 90 days, you should formalize your status by registering as a sole proprietor or obtaining a residence permit. Working for Serbian companies without a work permit is strictly prohibited.
What is the white card registration and do I need it?
The white card (beli karton) is a police registration that all foreigners must complete within 24 hours of arrival in Serbia. Hotels, hostels, and most Airbnb hosts handle this automatically. If you are staying in private accommodation arranged independently, you must register at the local police station yourself, bringing your passport and proof of accommodation (rental contract with landlord consent). Failure to register can result in fines of 10,000-50,000 RSD.
How long can I stay in Serbia and can I extend my stay?
Most Western nationalities can stay visa-free for 90 days within any 180-day period. This cannot be extended beyond 90 days on tourist status. To stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit before your 90 days expire. Grounds for residence include employment, self-employment, property ownership, study, or family reunification. Residence permits can be granted for up to 3 years.
What is the easiest way to get long-term residence in Serbia?
The easiest paths to temporary residence in Serbia include: 1) Purchasing property (no minimum value required), 2) Registering as a sole proprietor if you have foreign income of €3,500/month, or 3) Establishing a company. Since February 2024, all applications are submitted online through the Welcome to Serbia portal, making the process much more streamlined. After 3 years of temporary residence, you can apply for permanent residence.
What are the tax benefits for digital nomads in Serbia?
Serbia offers very favorable tax treatment for small businesses through the flat-rate (lump-sum) taxation system called "paušalno oporezivanje." Sole proprietors with annual turnover under 6 million RSD (approximately €50,000) can opt for this simplified system, resulting in effective tax rates significantly lower than most Western countries. Combined with the low cost of living, Serbia is one of the most tax-efficient locations for digital nomads in Europe.
Can I open a bank account in Serbia as a foreigner?
Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Serbia relatively easily. Non-residents can open accounts with just a passport and white card registration. Popular banks for foreigners include OTP Bank, Banca Intesa, Raiffeisen Bank, and UniCredit. Most offer multi-currency accounts in RSD, EUR, and USD. Note that Serbia is not in SEPA, so international transfers may have higher fees than EU banks.
What are the best cities in Serbia for digital nomads?
Belgrade is the top destination, offering excellent coworking spaces, fast internet (fiber widely available), vibrant nightlife, and a growing international community. Novi Sad is the second-largest city with a more relaxed atmosphere, host of the EXIT music festival, and strong tech scene. Other options include Niš in the south and mountain towns like Zlatibor for those seeking nature. All major cities have reliable infrastructure and very affordable costs.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 4, 2024

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