General Info About Serbia
Moving to Serbia with Matrix Mobility: A Smooth Move to the Heart of the Balkans
Moving to Serbia is a chance to live in a lively country with friendly people, busy cities, and a low cost of living. Matrix Mobility is here to help you every step of the way, whether you’re moving to Serbia for work or love, or you’re a Serbian citizen moving to another country. We have a lot of experience in the area and a friendly, professional tone to make your move to another country as easy as possible. Serbia is in the middle of the Balkans and has its own rules for immigration and customs. But with Matrix Mobility’s help, you can easily get around these. Our team has been moving people in Southeast Europe for decades, so you can be sure that everything from your visa paperwork to the delivery of your household goods will be done with care. Our full range of moving services will have you saying “Добро дошли” (welcome) to your new home in no time, whether you’re moving to Serbia from the US, UK, or anywhere else, or you’re a Serbian moving abroad.
Requirements for visas and immigration
Serbia is not a member of the EU, so its visa and immigration rules are different from those of EU countries that are next to it. People from many countries, including EU member states, the UK, the US, Canada, and others, can visit Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days. You will need to get the right long-term visa or residence permit if you want to live and work in Serbia, though.
Temporary Residence Permit:
Expats who want to live in Serbia for more than 90 days (for work, study, family reunification, or other reasons) need to get a temporary residence permit. Most of the time, you would go to Serbia (usually without a visa or with a Visa D if you need one) and then apply for temporary residence through the Serbian police or immigration authorities. You can usually get a temporary residence permit for one year (it can be renewed) and it’s the main document that lets you live in Serbia for a long time. You will need to show documents like a valid passport, a Serbian address (lease contract), proof of enough money or a job, health insurance and a background check to get this permit. You also need a work permit if you’re moving for work. Serbia now has a one-stop system where the residence permit and work permit are often given out together as a “single permit” for employmentwelcometoserbia.gov.rs. Most of the time, your employer in Serbia will help you get permission to hire a foreigner (and they may even have to do a labour market test).
Visa D (Long-stay Visa):
Some non-EU citizens may be able to apply for a Visa D (which is usually good for up to 180 days) before they arrive in Serbia. This is especially true if Serbian law requires it based on nationality or if it is needed to begin the residency process. However, a lot of expats from countries that don’t need a visa can enter Serbia and then apply for a temporary residence permit right away, without needing a separate long-term visa. The “Welcome to Serbia” government portal is a good place to find out about the most recent entry and visa rules for your nationality.
Matrix Mobility’s immigration experts in Belgrade will help you understand what you need to do. We help you put together your application packet, talk to local officials, and even go with you to immigration offices if you need to. We make sure you know when and where to register your address (foreigners must do this within 24 hours of arriving, usually at the local police station or your hotel) and how to renew your permit every year. For some visa and permit processes, Serbia has set up online e-application systems at welcometoserbia.gov.rs, and we can help you use them. Our team keeps up with changes to Serbian immigration law. For example, in 2024, new rules made it easier for remote digital nomads to get work permits and made some permits last longer. We’ll make sure your move goes smoothly and is legal.
Through our global network, we help Serbian citizens who are moving abroad with their immigration needs. We can help you get the right resources and help you with document legalisation, translations, and application logistics, whether you need a U.S. work visa or a UK skilled worker visa. Moving is a two-way street, and Matrix Mobility is dedicated to helping Serbian nationals move to new countries just as easily as we help expats move to Serbia.
Rules for Customs and Imports
Customs is a big part of any move to another country, and Serbia has its own rules because it is not part of the EU customs union. You should take advantage of any tax and duty breaks that are available if you’re moving household goods to Serbia. Here’s what you need to know:
Duty-Free Import of Used Household Goods:
Serbia lets you bring in used personal items and household goods without paying customs duty, but only under certain conditions. You can usually bring in goods without paying customs duty or VATwebportal.atlasintl.com if you have lived outside of the country for at least one year (for foreigners) or two years (for returning Serbian citizens) and have owned the goods for at least six months. You might need to show proof of your time spent abroad and possibly get a certificate from a Serbian consulate saying you live outside of Serbia. Returning Serbians who meet these criteria are usually allowed to bring back a lot of stuff duty-free (up to €50,000 worth), but those who don’t meet the 2-year abroad requirement might have to pay import taxes on their things.
Matrix Mobility will help you get the paperwork ready for this transfer of residence relief. A Serbian customs form, your passport, a detailed list of your goods, and proof of residency abroad are all usually required. Our agents at the destination will often clear your shipment through a bonded customs warehouse in Belgrade. You should not sell or get rid of duty-free imported goods for at least 12 months after they arrive, or you may have to pay duties.
If you’re an expat moving to Serbia for a short time, your goods might be brought in under a temporary import status. You have to re-export those things when you leave Serbiawebportal.atlasintl.com in this case. We’ll take care of the temporary import bond and make sure that all the rules are followed (for these kinds of shipments, we usually help arrange a bond, and the items must leave with you or be declared if they stay).
Customs Process:
All shipments that come into Serbia are checked in person by customs officials (unless you are a diplomat)webportal.atlasintl.com. Customs will use official tariff codes to determine the value of your items, not just the values you say they are worth. This means that giving clear, low but reasonable item values can help lower the amount of duties you have to pay. You should expect to send a pro forma invoice or a valued packing list. If you need help with this, Matrix Mobility will make it in Serbian. We also get any import permits we need. For instance, if electronic appliances fall under the category of controlled goods, like older refrigerators or air conditioners because of environmental rules, they may need a special import permit from the Ministry of Environment. To avoid delays, our team keeps up with these requirements.
Serbia has standard restrictions on some things, just like many other countries. You can only bring guns and bullets into the country if the police say it’s okay first. If you hunt or shoot for fun, make sure to plan ahead. In most cases, you need to get a firearm import licence after living in Serbia for a year. If you send more than a small amount of alcohol or tobacco, you will have to pay customs fees. We suggest that you don’t send large collections of wine, or if you do, be ready to pay customs fees. Of course, illegal drugs and narcotics are not allowed. If you ever move culturally important things (like art or antiques) out of the country again, you may need special permission or clearance. One strange rule: in the past, Serbian customs rules let travellers bring in up to €100 worth of goods without paying duty. However, there are different limits for moving household items.
Cars:
The rules can be hard to understand if you want to bring a car. Serbian citizens who lived abroad for more than two years could bring one car back without paying customs duties, but most cars have to pay customs duties and VAT when they come into the country. Serbia also has technical standards. For example, vehicles that are too old or don’t meet EU emissions standards might not be allowed to be imported permanently. We can help you decide if it’s possible to bring your car or if it’s better to sell it and buy a new one in Serbia. You will need the original title and purchase invoice if you want to bring a car into Serbia. The car will also have to pass a technical inspection before it can be registered.
Matrix Mobility’s customs brokers in Serbia will get your things through customs and bring them to your new home. We work closely with you to set a time because Serbian customs may need you (the owner) to be in the country and show your passport and entry stamp when the goods are cleared. Don’t worry; we want the process to go quickly. If all the paperwork is in order, many shipments can clear in just a few days. Our team will keep you updated, take care of any translation needs, and bring the boxes to your door as soon as customs gives the go-ahead.
The Serbian Customs Administration sitecarina.rs and the Welcome to Serbia portal are good places to find official customs information. Always get the most up-to-date advice; our experts will make sure you have it.
Housing and the Cost of Living in Serbia
The low cost of living is one of the best things about being an expat in Serbia. Serbia has one of the lowest costs of living in Europe. Your money will go a lot further here than in North America or Western Europe, from housing to food. Here is a breakdown:
Housing Costs:
Renting in Serbia is very cheap, especially when compared to EU countries. A modern one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Belgrade costs between €400 and €600 a month. In the suburbs or smaller cities, you can find even cheaper apartments, between €250 and €400 a month. A high-end furnished one-bedroom apartment in an upscale part of Belgrade, like Vračar, Dorćol, or New Belgrade’s business district, could cost €700 or more. Utilities like electricity, heating, and water for a flat cost between €100 and €150 a month on average. However, heating costs can go up a lot in the winter if the systems are old. Novi Sad, the second largest city in Serbia, is less expensive. Rents can be 20% lower than in Belgrade. Housing is even cheaper in cities like Kragujevac and Niš. A lot of expats are pleasantly surprised that they can afford a bigger flat or a house with a garden in Serbia, which they might not have been able to do in their home country.
General Living Costs:
The cost of living in Serbia is low. For example, eating out is very cheap. A meal at a mid-range restaurant might cost 1,200 RSD (about €10), and local bakeries sell delicious burek or pastries for only a few euros. Groceries are cheap, especially those made in the area. Fresh fruits, vegetables, bread, and dairy are all great deals at open-air markets. In cities, buses and trams cost about 30 to 60 cents per ride. Fuel and owning a car are less expensive than in the EU (as of 2025, petrol costs about €1.30/L). Internet and mobile plans are also cheap, with high-speed internet costing about €20 a month. In general, the cost of living in Serbia can be 50–60% lower than in the US for the same lifestyle, and much lower than in Western Europe. Because of these price differences, many expats are able to save money or live a better life, like going out to eat more often.
Belgrade is the most popular city for expats because it has a lot of international businesses and a lively nightlife. It’s a cosmopolitan city that is known for being friendly to tourists and having a lot of international schools, cultural events, and modern conveniences. People who want a slower pace than the capital but still want the comforts of a city go to Novi Sad. The Danube River setting and the famous EXIT music festival draw them in. People who want a quieter life and even lower costs are increasingly choosing Niš in the south, which has a lot of historical charm. You can live comfortably in any of these cities as an expat on a moderate budget. For example, depending on how you live, you could live in Belgrade for about €1,200 a month (including rent) or in Novi Sad for about €1,000.
Matrix Mobility can help you find a home in any of these places. We can help you find the right place to stay, whether you want a modern flat in the heart of Belgrade, a house in a quiet suburb for your family or a serviced flat for a short business trip. We know the local real estate agents and the fair market prices, so we’ll make sure you get a good deal and a lease that protects you. Our destination services can also help you find temporary housing and set up your utilities so that you can move into a home that is already working.
Serbia: Cultural and Useful Tips for Living
Serbia is known for its warm welcome, rich culture, and mix of European and traditional Balkan influences. Here are some things to expect and some tips for daily life:
Language:
Serbian is the official language, and it uses both Cyrillic and Latin scripts. Don’t worry; a lot of Serbians, especially young people and businesspeople, speak at least some English, especially in Belgrade and other big cities. That said, learning some basic Serbian phrases and greetings, like “Hvala” (thank you) and “Dobar dan” (good day), will make you popular with the locals. Matrix Mobility can help you find Serbian language classes or a tutor. Keep in mind that it helps to know the Cyrillic alphabet in Serbia, since many street signs and government documents are written in it. It’s not too hard to learn, and we think expats should try it. It will help you feel more at home.
Culture and manners:
Serbians are very friendly and like to be around other people. As a way to say “welcome,” it’s common for coworkers or neighbours to invite you over for coffee (which usually means a longer visit to talk) or rakija (a fruit brandy that is popular in Serbia). Values like family and community are important. In some Western cultures, people greet each other with handshakes, and once you know them, with hugs or kisses on the cheek. It’s polite to bring a small gift, like a bottle of wine or some chocolates, when you go to someone’s house. Serbs may argue over who pays the bill when they go out to eat. This shows how generous they are. At first, business etiquette is formal (use titles and last names, dress smartly), but it gets more relaxed as people get to know each other. Also, be ready for people to be very direct when they talk. What may seem like bluntness is just a cultural norm of being honest and open in conversation.
Lifestyle:
Living in Serbia can feel both European and very local at the same time. For instance, Belgrade never sleeps. The cafe culture is strong, and you can see people drinking coffee at all hours. There are famous floating clubs, or “splavs,” on the rivers at night. Serbia is a safe place for families to live because there isn’t much violent crime. Serbians love kids, and you can often see them playing in parks outside. Many Serbian families have a home in the country or go hiking in the mountains on the weekends. Serbia is a meat lover’s paradise, with grilled meats like čevapčići and pljeskavica, as well as hearty stews. The country also has great fresh produce and a great bakery culture.
Serbia’s money is the Serbian Dinar (RSD). Most stores and restaurants in cities will take cards, but cash is still the most common way to pay. You can pay a lot of bills, like rent and utilities, in person at the post office or a bank. Even though online banking is available, some landlords prefer cash. In Serbia, there are both public and private healthcare options. The public system is easy to get to and cheap (and expats with residency can use it, but the services may not be very good and the wait times may be long). A lot of expats go to private clinics because they can get care faster and it’s still not too expensive. We can help you find health insurance that pays for private care.
Transportation and driving:
There are a lot of public transportation options in cities, like buses, trams, and trolleybuses in Belgrade. It’s also very cheap (a monthly pass in Belgrade costs about 3,500 RSD or €30). There are a lot of taxis, and they are cheap compared to cities in the West. Just make sure to use official taxis or apps like CarGo. If you drive, keep in mind that Serbian drivers can be aggressive by some standards and may not always follow the rules strictly. For example, they might not always stay in their lanes, and red lights might not always be followed at night. Always wear your seatbelt and drive carefully. The roads can be anything from great highways to bumpy country roads. Some places get snow in the winter, and the law says that cars must have winter tires during the colder months. If you’re only going to be in Serbia for a short time, you should get an International Driving Permit. If you’re going to be there for a long time, you might need to change your foreign licence to a Serbian one (the rules are different depending on where you came from; we can help with this). Serbia also has some unique traffic rules. For example, you must always have your lights on when you drive, and you can’t drink and drive at all (the legal BAC limit is very low, so don’t drink and drive).
The Internet in Serbia is fast and easy to find. Serbia has one of the best internet infrastructures in the region, which makes it easy to work from home (one reason it is becoming popular with digital nomads). In most cities, power and water are dependable. One useful tip: if you have sensitivities, be aware that air pollution can be a problem in Belgrade and some other cities in the winter because of how they heat their homes. Serbia is mostly safe, but be careful of small thefts in crowded markets or buses, just like anywhere else. It’s enough to use common sense (keep an eye on your things); violent crime against expats is very rare.
People in Serbia usually have a good time and are relaxed. People in the area often say “Нeма везе,” which means “no problem/it’s okay.” This shows that they are easygoing. Things in government offices might move slowly, or plans might change at the last minute. You’ll do well to be patient and have a sense of humour. Serbians are quick to help strangers, so don’t hesitate to ask for help. The friendly people and lively culture make many expats feel at home here right away.
Matrix Mobility offers moving services in Serbia.
Matrix Mobility is proud to be the only place you need to go for all your moving needs in Serbia. We customise our services for people moving to Serbia from other countries as well as for Serbians moving to other countries. This is how we can help:
International Moving Services:
We do door-to-door international removals, which means we pick up your things from your current home abroad and take them to your new home in Serbia (or the other way around). Our professional packers make sure that everything, from furniture to breakable items, is packed safely. We also offer unpacking services when you get your things, so your new place will feel like home right away. We offer specialised packing for high-value equipment or artwork, with full insurance options, for businesses or diplomats moving to Serbia. There is a dedicated coordinator for each move who keeps track of your shipment, gives you updates, and makes sure that the final delivery schedule works with your schedule.
Corporate Relocation and Office Moves:
More companies are opening offices in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and other cities because Serbia’s tech sector and business process outsourcing industry are growing. Matrix Mobility can help you move your office so that your business can keep running smoothly. We plan office moves on weekends or after hours to cut down on downtime. We also take apart and put back together office furniture and IT systems, and we provide crates for files and electronics. If your company is moving floors or buildings in Serbia, our team can also help with internal moves. We can also help HR departments move several employees at once, including the actual move and the services to help each family settle in.
Getting used to a new place can be hard, so we offer orientation tours as part of our destination services. We can take you on a guided tour of your new city soon after you arrive in Serbia. We’ll show you important places like hospitals, supermarkets, international schools, and places to have fun. We’ll show you how to do things like buy a bus pass and pay your bills. Do you need help getting a local SIM card or opening a bank account? We’ll go with you and help you understand if you need it. Our settling-in package can include anything you need, like setting up your home internet, showing you how to sort your trash (recycling is slowly being introduced in Serbia), or even helping you find a good nanny or housekeeper. As soon as possible, we want you to feel at home and comfortable in Serbia.
School Search and Family Support:
If you’re moving with kids, the first thing you need to do is find the right school. There are a few international schools in Belgrade that teach British, American, or IB curricula, as well as bilingual private schools. There are also local public schools that are free but taught in Serbian. We’ll talk to you about your options, set up school visits, and help you sign up. We also put you in touch with parenting groups for expats and give you information about family activities like sports clubs and children’s theatres. Our moving services don’t just leave you in a new country; we help you make a life there.
Immigration and Legal Services:
As mentioned before, getting your work and residence permits in Serbia is very important. Matrix Mobility helps you with your immigration paperwork in Serbia. They will translate your documents (which must be done by certified court translators in Serbia), arrange for notarisations, and go with you to the police immigration office to submit your applications. Our lawyers can help if you’re a foreigner marrying a Serbian or a Serbian moving abroad and need to document apostilles. We also tell you about any required registrations. For instance, all residents must register their address. We make sure your landlord does this, or we help you do it in person if you own property.
Moving Pets:
We know your pets are part of the family too. People in Serbia are friendly to pets (you’ll see a lot of people walking their dogs in city parks). Our Pet Relocation service can help you with the details of bringing your pets. We check that your pet’s microchip and vaccination record meet Serbian and EU standards. For example, we make sure they have had a rabies shot and check if they need a rabies titer test based on where they came from. If you need them, we can get your pet through customs at the airport and get the right import permits. When you get to Serbia, most pets don’t have to go through quarantine, so you can take your furry friend home the same day. We can also help you find reliable English-speaking vets in your area who can provide follow-up care.
Safe Storage:
You might not be moving everything at once, or there might be a break between when you leave one home and move into the next. Our Belgrade location has Storage Solutions for your household items. We offer clean, safe storage with inventory management for both short-term and long-term needs. Whether you need to store things for a few weeks or for a long time while you work abroad, we can help. You can store your things in sealed boxes, and you’ll get an inventory list to put your mind at ease. Just let us know when you’re ready, and we’ll bring your stored items to you. We’ll even put together any furniture that needs to be put back together.
Ongoing Help:
We are still dedicated to our clients after the move. In Serbia, who do you call if your washing machine breaks or if you need a translator at the doctor’s office? Our Matrix Mobility team is always there to help you. We have a network of reliable contractors, translators, and service providers. We also value feedback, and a dedicated account manager will check in with you to make sure everything is going well and to talk about any new needs you may have. And when you decide to move from Serbia to a new place, we’ll be ready to help you with your next move!
Matrix Mobility wants to be more than just a moving company; we want to be your partner in moving. When you let us help you move to or from Serbia, you get a team of experienced professionals who will treat your move like it was their own. We are part of global relocation associations, so we know a lot about Serbia and follow international standards. This means you can expect high-quality service with a personal touch.
Are you ready to move to Serbia?
Matrix Mobility is ready to help you get to Serbia, whether it’s for a new job, a new adventure, or to go back home. With our team of experts on your side, you can relax knowing that every part of your move is taken care of. We do everything from packing your things safely to setting up your new home in Serbia.
Start your move off right by taking the first step. Call Matrix Mobility right now for a free moving quote and consultation that meets your needs. If you have any questions about moving to or from Serbia, our relocation experts in Belgrade would be happy to help. Let us show you why people in Southeast Europe trust us to help them move to other countries. To start planning your move to Serbia, or call us at +381 11 450 1790.
Get ready for an exciting trip to Serbia. We’ll be there to help you with everything. Contact us now to see how easy it is to move with Matrix Mobility, the best moving company in the area.