Serbia is one of the European countries that offers straightforward residency by investment program. Serbia residency by investment allows investors to live in south east Europe, have great business connections to West and the East and to operate at a reasonably low cost of living. Often, foreigners choose Serbia as a country to live in because of the friendliness of the locals to foreigners and the rich culture and heritage. In addition to this, good infrastructure and excellent geographical location add to the attraction for foreigners.
Residency by Investment in Serbia: Benefits and Investment Options
Why Choose Serbia?
Serbia is a sovereign state in Southeastern Europe, strategically positioned between the European Union and the Balkans. While not yet an EU member, Serbia offers a unique mix of affordability, accessibility, and opportunity for foreigners seeking a second home or base in Europe.
Foreign residents are often drawn to:
- Warm hospitality and friendly locals
- Low cost of living compared to Western Europe
- Strong infrastructure and central location
Advantages of living in Serbia
High-Quality Workforce
- Five university centers across the country
- Strong language skills: Serbia ranked 24th worldwide in business English proficiency (Business English Index, 2025)
Competitive Operating Costs
- Among the lowest electricity, gas, and telecom costs in Europe (Eurostat)
- Average monthly salary: ~€900
Customs-Free Access to 1.1 Billion Consumers
- EU (66% of total exports)
- Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus (5.9%)
- CEFTA countries (18.6%)
- Turkey, EFTA, and the USA also included through trade agreements
Financial Incentives
- Cash grants and tax holidays for IT and innovation businesses
- Payroll tax credits up to 75%
- 54 double taxation treaties with Europe, Canada, UAE, UK, and others
- 14 free trade zones hosting 200+ multinational companies
Prime Geographic Location
By air: Belgrade’s Nikola Tesla Airport offers direct flights across Europe (Rome, Vienna, Paris, London, Moscow, etc.) and quick access to the Adriatic Sea in under one hour
By road: Connected to Austria, Germany, Greece, Turkey, and the Balkans by modern highways
By water: The Danube links Serbia to Western and Eastern Europe
Quality of Life in Serbia
Tourism & Leisure
Serbia offers a surprisingly diverse range of leisure opportunities for a country of its size. More than fifty spa and health resorts are scattered across the country, many of them making use of natural thermal springs and mineral waters that have been valued for centuries. These destinations attract both locals and international visitors looking for wellness, relaxation, and medical treatments at a fraction of the cost compared to Western Europe. For winter sports enthusiasts, Serbia is home to four modern ski centers, with Kopaonik being the most famous and well-developed, offering slopes, hotels, and après-ski experiences that rival Alpine resorts but with far lower prices. Beyond wellness and skiing, Serbia’s central location makes it easy to enjoy the sea—flights from Belgrade to the Adriatic or Greek coasts take less than an hour, making weekend getaways to the beach highly accessible.
Education
Families relocating to Serbia will find an education system that balances tradition with international standards. Several international schools operate in Belgrade and other major cities, including British, French, American, and Russian schools, offering globally recognized curricula such as IB and Cambridge programs. Tuition fees are significantly lower than in comparable schools in Western Europe, making international education more affordable for expatriate families. For higher education, Serbia has one of the oldest and most respected universities in the Balkans: the University of Belgrade, founded in 1808. Today, it is consistently ranked among the top 300 universities worldwide in the prestigious Shanghai Academic Ranking, attracting students from across the region and beyond.
Culture & Religion
Cultural life in Serbia is deeply rooted in Orthodox Christian traditions, which continue to shape its national identity, festivals, and community spirit. Visitors and residents alike often find that this strong cultural heritage fosters a sense of belonging and continuity. At the same time, Serbia is increasingly cosmopolitan, with a growing number of cultural events, international film and music festivals, and an active café lifestyle that has become one of Belgrade’s trademarks. This unique positioning gives Serbia a level of openness that appeals to investors and expatriates seeking an alternative European base.
Residency by Investment in Serbia: Options
Foreign nationals have two main pathways to obtain legal residency in Serbia: through real estate investment or by company formation. Both routes are designed to be accessible, with relatively simple procedures compared to other European jurisdictions.
Real Estate Investment in Serbia
Purchasing property in Serbia is one of the most direct ways to qualify for a residence permit. The local real estate market remains affordable compared to Western Europe, attracting both investors and individuals seeking a second home. Options range from modern apartments in Belgrade to traditional houses in smaller towns and rural areas, offering flexibility depending on lifestyle and investment goals.
Annual property taxes are low by regional standards, starting from just 0.4% of the property’s assessed value. This makes ownership not only an entry point to residency but also a cost-effective long-term investment. For many expatriates, this pathway combines the security of holding a tangible asset with the benefits of living in a strategically located European country.
Company Formation in Serbia
Another popular way to secure residency is by establishing a company. Serbia actively supports entrepreneurship, and the incorporation process is designed to be straightforward. With the assistance of a local notary and an official translator, a company can be registered in as little as one hour.
For applicants unable to travel, the process can be carried out remotely. By issuing a Power of Attorney with an apostille, foreign investors can delegate the registration to a representative in Serbia. Once the application is filed, registration is typically completed within three to five business days. This option is especially attractive to business owners, digital entrepreneurs, and investors seeking to leverage Serbia’s customs-free access to key international markets.
Tax Residency in Serbia
Holding a Serbian residence permit does not automatically make you a tax resident. According to local law, an individual is considered a tax resident if they maintain personal or business interests within Serbia, or if they spend more than 183 days in the country during a 12-month period. This means that residency and tax residency are two separate statuses. Many foreign nationals choose to keep their Serbian residence without taking on tax obligations, while others find the country’s relatively low tax rates and extensive network of double taxation treaties advantageous for managing their global income. Because the financial implications differ depending on personal circumstances, it is strongly recommended to seek professional tax advice before deciding whether to establish tax residency in Serbia.
Apply for Serbian Residency with Expert Guidance
While Serbia offers clear and accessible pathways to residency, the process is not something applicants can complete entirely on their own. Applications must be submitted through licensed partners who are authorized to work directly with Serbian authorities. This ensures compliance with local regulations and prevents unnecessary delays or rejections.
With over 30 years of experience in investment migration and a strong on-the-ground presence in Serbia, NTL Trust is uniquely positioned to guide you through every stage of the process. From choosing between real estate or company formation to navigating tax residency questions, our team provides end-to-end support tailored to your personal and financial goals.
Contact NTL Trust today to begin your application for Serbian residency with confidence and expert guidance.
