Can I start the permit process after arriving in Serbia on a tourist visa?

Yes — most Western passport holders can enter visa-free for 90 days and begin the permit application process from within Serbia. Many expats scout Belgrade for a few weeks, find accommodation, open a bank account, and submit their online application via welcometoserbia.gov.rs. Just ensure you don't overstay your visa-free period — submit your application early to allow processing time within your allowed stay.

Is the 24-hour police registration rule strictly enforced?

Yes, and it matters for your permit application — you need a registered address in Serbia. Hotels do it automatically. For a private apartment, you and your landlord must visit the local police station with your passport, lease, and a registration form. Some landlords initially resist because registration creates a paper trail for their rental income taxes. Offer to handle the paperwork yourself and explain it's a legal requirement for your residency permit.

How long does it realistically take to become 'set up' in Belgrade?

Allow 4–8 weeks for the full setup: find a permanent apartment (2–4 weeks with short-term accommodation buffer), register your address, open a bank account, register as self-employed at APR, get your TIN, and submit the permit application. The permit itself takes up to 8 weeks to process. Most expats describe the full process as manageable with help from local contacts or an immigration lawyer (typically €300–€600 for full service).

Do I need a car in Belgrade?

No — most expats in central Belgrade manage without a car using Car:Go (ride-hailing), free public transport, and walking. A car is useful for exploring Serbia (Zlatibor, Tara, Fruška Gora, the south) but adds costs (parking fees in the centre, insurance, registration). If you'll spend most time in Belgrade or Novi Sad, a car is optional.

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🇷🇸 Serbia

Moving Guide

Moving to Serbia is straightforward compared to many non-EU destinations. Since 2025, the Self-Employment Permit application is fully digital via welcometoserbia.gov.rs.

Online

Permit Application

welcometoserbia.gov.rs — fully digital since 2025

Up to 8 weeks

Processing Time

From complete application submission

Within 24 hrs

Police Registration

Required at local police station after arrival

~2.5 hrs

Flight from London

Air Serbia, Wizz Air, British Airways to Belgrade

~5 hrs

Driving Distance from Vienna

Good motorway connection A1/E70

Required

Document Translation

All permit documents must be in Serbian (certified court translator)

Last updated: March 2026

Overview🏰Belgrade 🎡Novi Sad

🛂Visa 🏥Healthcare 💰Finance 🏠Housing 💼Working 🌆Daily Life ✈️Moving 📚Education 🌅Lifestyle 📈Investing

Overview

Moving to Serbia is straightforward compared to many non-EU destinations. Since 2025, the Self-Employment Permit application is fully digital via welcometoserbia.gov.rs. The main pre-arrival tasks are securing health insurance, gathering income documentation, and arranging initial accommodation. Shipping goods from Western Europe is straightforward via road freight or the established ferry-to-road corridor from Italy.

Key Takeaways

Apply for the Self-Employment Permit online at welcometoserbia.gov.rs — gather 6 months of bank statements showing €3,500+/month in foreign income
Police registration (prijavljivanje): mandatory within 24 hours of arriving at your accommodation; hotels register you automatically; for a private apartment, go to the local Policijska Stanica with your passport and lease; landlords in expat areas know the process
Road freight from Western Europe: well-served corridor; multiple freight companies offer part-load (groupage) and full-load services; typical pallet from Germany/UK: €200–€600
International School of Belgrade (ISB): IB Diploma and PYP; English-medium; one of the best international schools in the Balkans; fees approximately €8,000–€15,000/year

Before You Move

Preparation before arriving in Serbia significantly reduces friction with the residency process.

Apply for the Self-Employment Permit online at welcometoserbia.gov.rs — gather 6 months of bank statements showing €3,500+/month in foreign income
Purchase long-term health insurance covering Serbia before applying — travel insurance is explicitly not accepted; Pacific Prime, Cigna Global, and APRIL International all offer Serbia-specific plans
Get your criminal record certificate from your home country — apostilled if required
Have all documents (income proof, lease, criminal record) certified translated into Serbian — budget €20–€50 per document; use a court-certified translator (sudski tumač)
Open a Wise or Revolut account before leaving — use it until you establish a local Serbian bank account
Research Serbian banks: Raiffeisen Bank Serbia is most expat-friendly; open an account as soon as possible after arrival (required for the permit)
Buy a local SIM at the airport on arrival: Telekom Serbia, A1, and Yettel all have kiosks at Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport

Arriving in Serbia

First steps upon arrival in Belgrade.

Police registration (prijavljivanje): mandatory within 24 hours of arriving at your accommodation; hotels register you automatically; for a private apartment, go to the local Policijska Stanica with your passport and lease; landlords in expat areas know the process
Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport: well-organised; taxi rank outside; Car:Go app recommended over street taxis; journey to Savamala/Stari Grad ~20–30 mins, €15–€20
Local SIM: Telekom Serbia, A1, or Yettel; plan for 15+ GB data from €10–15/month; 4G/5G throughout Belgrade
Serbian bank account: visit Raiffeisen Bank Serbia with your passport and proof of address; bring a Serbian-speaking contact if possible; account opening requires TIN (poreski identifikacioni broj) which you'll obtain after registering as self-employed
TIN (tax identification number): obtained via the Tax Administration (Poreskauprava.gov.rs) or automatically when registering a sole trader at APR
Connect with expat community: 'Expats in Belgrade' and 'Belgrade Digital Nomads' Facebook groups are active and full of practical local knowledge

Shipping Belongings and Bringing Pets

Practical logistics for relocating to Serbia.

Road freight from Western Europe: well-served corridor; multiple freight companies offer part-load (groupage) and full-load services; typical pallet from Germany/UK: €200–€600
Customs: personal belongings imported within 12 months of establishing permanent residency may be eligible for customs-duty exemption — document your residency permit and keep all receipts
Voltage: 230V/50Hz (EU standard); UK appliances need a Type F adaptor; North American appliances need a voltage converter
Pets: Serbia requires a valid EU-format pet passport or equivalent health certificate, microchip, and up-to-date rabies vaccination (at least 21 days before entry)
Veterinary care in Belgrade: several good private vets; costs significantly below Western Europe; ask expat communities for specific recommendations
Car import: bringing a foreign-registered car requires temporary import procedures; long-term residents should consider re-registering in Serbia (complex — consult a local agent)

Schools and Moving with Children

Belgrade has a good selection of international schools for expat families.

International School of Belgrade (ISB): IB Diploma and PYP; English-medium; one of the best international schools in the Balkans; fees approximately €8,000–€15,000/year
British International School Belgrade: UK National Curriculum; IGCSE and A-Levels; fees approximately €7,000–€12,000/year
QSI International School of Belgrade: Quality Schools International network; PK–12; US-style curriculum
French School Belgrade (Lycée Français): for French-speaking families; Bac français programme
Local private Serbian schools: bilingual Serbian/English options available from €2,000–€4,000/year
Public Serbian schools: free but Serbian-medium only — not practical unless children will learn Serbian
Belgrade is child-friendly: parks, playgrounds, Ada Ciganlija, and the Danube riverfront provide excellent outdoor family life

FAQs