Moving Guide

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.

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.

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).

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.