Serbia is a country with a rich history, numerous architectural monuments, and breathtaking landscapes. However, Serbia is not exactly a prosperous country: it has yet to overcome the consequences of the collapse of Yugoslavia.
At the same time, Serbia is showing clear signs of revival: the economy is growing, the quality of life is improving, and new opportunities emerge both for local people and for foreigners.
Advantages of living in Serbia
Serbia is a land of healing mineral springs, natural mineral gas and healing silt. Serbian resorts (medical, ski, and thermal) are considered to be among the best ones in Europe, and the mountain scenery is as beautiful as the Swiss Alps. In addition to marvelous nature and historical monuments, there are other properties that make living in Serbia attractive.
Accessibility of banking services
The banking sector is already well developed in Serbia but it keeps improving thanks to the growing economy. A non-resident of the country can open a bank account in Serbia and the list of the application documents is rather short. Serbian banks do not charge high commissions and all of them have online banking applications. This means that you can manage your account with a Serbian bank from anywhere in the world. Please visit this website to apply for professional assistance in opening a bank account in Serbia.
Personal security
Even though the living standards are not very high in Serbia and some places look poor, the crime rate is extremely low in the country. You can walk alone late at night without the fear of being attacked or robbed.
Affordable real estate
Serbian real estate is an investment object popular with foreign nationals because the prices are quite affordable and the quality is high. What makes the purchase even more attractive is the fact that property owners qualify for residence permits in Serbia. Thus, a growing number of foreign investors from outside the EU buy real property in Serbia to legalize their stay in Europe.
We have to note at this point, however, that only citizens of Serbia qualify for visa-free entry to the EU. Residence permit holders have to apply for visas to the consulates in Belgrade.
Amicability and positive attitude to life
In general, Serbians are amicable and talkative. They know how to be happy about small things and to find good sides in any situation. Things have not been easy for Serbians since Yugoslavia disintegrated but they have not lost love for life.
Affordable education
Serbia is a member of the Bologna process and its diplomas are recognized in all European countries. Besides, attending a university in Serbia is a chance to earn a degree at probably the lowest cost in Europe.
Disadvantages of living in Serbia
Besides the amiability of the people, beautiful landscapes, hospitality, and very nice food, some drawbacks are also associated with living in Serbia.
Polako is the philosophy of life
The Serbian word ‘polako’ means ‘without hurry’. Serbians may go back on their promises, they may be late for meetings, they may ignore their duties… This is not because they are evil: this is a characteristic of their mentality.
Unemployment
Serbia has a developing economy. Not all the economic and political problems have been overcome. Foreign direct investments are coming to the country but their amount is not enough to solve the unemployment problem. It may be especially hard to find a job in Serbia if you are a foreigner, as local workers have to be prioritized in accordance with the law. At the same time, if you are a highly qualified specialist, you should be able to find a well-paid job in Serbia. Some perseverance is going to be required though.
Expensive medical services
The level of medical services is satisfactory in Serbia even though it is not as high as it is in Western European countries. There are state and private clinics in Serbia. However, you may have to make a choice between waiting for a long time to see the doctor for free in a state clinic or paying a large sum of money to see the doctor fast in a private clinic. Drugs are also quite expensive in Serbia.
Love for nicotine
Serbians try to adhere to a healthy lifestyle: they go easy on alcohol, many of them jog, they keep to a healthy diet but there is one big fat ‘but’: they smoke a lot. They smoke everywhere: in the park, in a restaurant, at a bus stop, and so on. You can easily see a Serb smoking right next to a ‘no smoking’ sign. Thus, if you cannot stand the smell of tobacco smoke, Serbia is not for you.
How can you acquire legal residence in Serbia?
If you are not repelled by the drawbacks specified above, you can legalize your prolonged stay in Serbia in a number of ways.
Invest in the country’s economy
An investment of 300,000 euros will make you qualified for a residence permit in Serbia. The good thing about this option is that you don’t have to permanently live in Serbia to keep our residence permit.
Start a business company
Registering a sole proprietorship would be enough to qualify for a residence permit let alone registering an LLC or a corporation. Please note that yours would have to be an active company: your first residence permit is going to be valid for 3 months and it won’t be extended if you do not carry out any business operations.
Buying a ready-made company in Serbia is also an option to consider because this would make you qualified for a residence permit too.
Study in Serbia
You will qualify for a student visa if you enroll in a Serbian university. The visa is going to be valid until your study process is over. The tuition fees are quite affordable in Serbia: normally, they are between 1,500 and 4,000 euros per semester.
Find employment in Serbia
A job contract with a Serbian employer will make you qualified for a residence permit. However, a foreigner has to be an outstanding specialist indeed to find employment in Serbia.
Apply for family reunification
If you have relatives among Serbian citizens or legal residents, you can qualify for a residence permit too. However, your sponsor will have to prove his/ her solvency and the ability to provide for your needs.
Marry a Serbian citizen or legal resident
You don’t even have to make a marriage contract to qualify for a residence permit. That is to say, your marriage can be unofficial.
Purchase residential accommodations in Serbia
This is probably the most appealing method of acquiring legal residence in Serbia. Real estate is considerably less expensive in Serbia than it is in the neighboring countries. You can buy a small apartment for 20,000 or 25,000 euros. Besides, the main investor’s family members would qualify for residence permits too.
The Serbian Government wants to attract more foreign direct investments and it makes it easy for foreign nationals to establish legal residence in the country.
