Housing
Belgrade’s rental market in 2024 remains dynamic, with new developments helping stabilize prices in some areas. After a period of rapid growth, rental prices have begun to level off, influenced by increased supply and shifting market dynamics. Prices in secondary cities like Novi Sad, Nis, and Kragujevac are slightly lower but remain high due to the limited supply of upper-class rentals. Proof of long-term accommodation is required for single and residence permit application.
Average monthly rates in Belgrade
Studio
$500–$850
$1,200–$3,200
$1,800–$5,200
$2,700 – $10,800
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$850–$1,600
Three-bedroom apartmen
House
Key Trends:
- Increased housing supply has slowed rapid rental price growth, stabilizing costs in some areas.
- Landlords are increasingly flexible with long-term rentals and payment options, now accepting bank transfers for corporate leases.
- Many landlords provide kitchen essentials and small furniture on request, easing move-in.
- Landlords now routinely issue the White Card (Beli karton) for expats, simplifying registration.
- Belgrade’s most sought-after and priciest areas are Stari Grad, Vračar, and Savski Venac, with key spots like Knez Mihailova, Dorćol, the Temple of Saint Sava, and Belgrade Waterfront. Senjak and Dedinje are known for luxury villas, diplomatic residences, and upscale apartments.
- New Belgrade is a prime rental hub, featuring high-quality housing in developments like A Block and West 65, with new complexes under construction expanding future options.
- Suburban areas like Zemun, Rakovica, and Borča offer more affordable rental options.
Challenges:
- Limited availability of pet-friendly apartments, often requiring additional deposits or permitting small dogs only.
- Hidden landlord arrangements, where properties are rented by relatives rather than the actual owner, complicating negotiations.
- Traditional landlord mentality makes flexibility and cooperation more difficult in some cases.
- Slow response times from agents and landlords can delay rental processes.
- Unclear cost structures and misleading property listings remain a common issue.
Immigration
Serbia offers a streamlined process for foreign nationals seeking to work or live in the country. The country allows visa-free entry for citizens of 95 countries, including most Schengen Annex II nations and several others, for limited durations, like China, Russia, and Turkey. Citizens from other countries must obtain a visa from a Serbian embassy or consulate.
For long-term stays and employment, the Single Permit is required. The Single Permit can be issued or extended for up to 3 years and comes in the form of a chip card. The approval process for the Single Permit typically takes between 30 to 90 days, though additional delays may occur. Processing times can vary by location, with the capital city experiencing the highest demand and therefore requiring the longest processing time. A major challenge for both employers and employees is the uncertainty in processing times, which complicates relocation planning and setting a firm employment start date.
Secured long term accommodation in Serbia is mandatory for Single/Residence permit application even in the cases where application is submitted from abroad.
Foreigners holding the Single Permit can engage with multiple employers, change employer or employment type without needing to apply for a new permit, although changes must be approved by the relevant authorities.
The Serbian government has discussed introducing a Digital Nomad Visa to attract remote workers to the country; however, this type of visa has not been officially implemented yet.
For long-term stays and employment, the Single Permit is required. The Single Permit can be issued or extended for up to 3 years and comes in the form of a chip card. The approval process for the Single Permit typically takes between 30 to 90 days, though additional delays may occur. Processing times can vary by location, with the capital city experiencing the highest demand and therefore requiring the longest processing time. A major challenge for both employers and employees is the uncertainty in processing times, which complicates relocation planning and setting a firm employment start date.
Secured long term accommodation in Serbia is mandatory for Single/Residence permit application even in the cases where application is submitted from abroad.
Foreigners holding the Single Permit can engage with multiple employers, change employer or employment type without needing to apply for a new permit, although changes must be approved by the relevant authorities.
The Serbian government has discussed introducing a Digital Nomad Visa to attract remote workers to the country; however, this type of visa has not been officially implemented yet.
Moving
Transportation: Serbia relies on road transport for household goods, with the Port of Rijeka (Croatia) as a key point for FCL shipments. Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) handles air freight, serving as the country’s primary international air cargo hub.
Customs Duties: Inbound shipments are subject to import customs duties. The fees are determined based on the value of goods, freight and insurance value. Temporary import is possible for business visa holders.
Customs clearance generally takes between 3-7 days.
Customs Duties: Inbound shipments are subject to import customs duties. The fees are determined based on the value of goods, freight and insurance value. Temporary import is possible for business visa holders.
Customs clearance generally takes between 3-7 days.
