Serbia is quietly emerging as a top destination for travelers, investors, and remote workers seeking a blend of rich history, natural beauty, and urban sophistication. With a resilient economy, visa-free access to over 140 countries, and a residency program tailored for international professionals, living in Serbia is and excellent experience for any investor who is looking for the next up and coming European hub.
1. A Cultural Crossroads with Deep Roots
Serbia’s cultural legacy stretches back to the 7th century, with influences from the Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian empires. The country is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the medieval monasteries of Studenica and Gamzigrad, showcasing exquisite Orthodox architecture and centuries of spiritual continuity.
Notably, 17 Roman emperors, including Constantine the Great, were born on what is now Serbian soil, highlighting the region’s historical significance in shaping European civilization.
Belgrade, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, reflects this layered heritage. Archeological evidence reveals human presence for over 7,000 years, while its modern face, a fusion of Ottoman fortresses, Austro-Hungarian facades, and Brutalist architecture, tells the story of shifts of historic periods and the merge of cultures.
Today, Belgrade is a hub for tech startups, creative industries, and digital nomads, offering a vibrant nightlife, world-class cuisine, and affordable cosmopolitan living. It consistently ranks as a top party capital globally and draws increasing numbers of international residents.
2. Natural Wealth and Sustainable Appeal
Serbia’s natural diversity spans fertile plains, lush forests, and rugged mountains. The country is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot, home to nearly 3,000 plant and animal species, and features five national parks including Tara and Đerdap, ideal for hiking, river cruising, and eco-tourism.
Agriculture remains a major strength: Serbia is the world’s #2 exporter of raspberries, and a leading supplier of plums, prunes, and apples across Europe. This agricultural abundance supports a thriving farm-to-table food scene and a growing organic sector.
For wellness seekers, Serbia boasts over 1,000 natural mineral and thermal springs, many developed into spa resorts like Vrnjačka Banja, Niška Banja, and Prolom Banja, destinations long favored by locals for health tourism.
3. Infrastructure, Innovation & Business Climate
Serbia’s strategic location at the crossroads of Central and Southeast Europe makes it a key transport and logistics hub. The country is part of major Pan-European Corridors, and thanks to Chinese and EU-funded infrastructure upgrades, Serbia now offers modern highways, rail lines, and the recently revitalized Belgrade airport.
The Belgrade Waterfront project, a $3 billion urban revitalization initiative, has transformed the Sava riverbank into a skyline of luxury residences, offices, and public spaces, attracting investors from the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Serbia’s IT sector is among the fastest-growing in the region, with hubs like Novi Sad and Niš gaining reputations for outsourcing, gaming, and software development. Google, Microsoft, and NCR all have a strong presence in the country.
With low corporate taxes (15%), affordable skilled labor, and multiple free trade agreements, Serbia is a magnet for Foreign Direct Investment: especially from Germany, Italy, Austria, the US, and China.
4. Residency, Affordability & Quality of Living in Serbia
Serbia offers a residency program, ideal for entrepreneurs and remote workers. Foreign nationals can set up a company or buy a real estate and obtain temporary residence, which may be renewed and lead to permanent residence. Unlike many other European countries, Serbia does not impose minimum capital or physical presence requirements, making it one of the most accessible and flexible residency paths in Europe.
The cost of living in Serbia is dramatically lower than in most EU capitals, yet Serbia provides high-speed internet, international schools, excellent healthcare, and English-speaking professionals across sectors.
It’s also gaining favor among digital nomads, thanks to Serbia’s 90-day visa-free stay for over 70 nationalities, favorable tax policies for remote income, and co-working spaces in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš.
5. Safety, Education & Strategic Outlook
Serbia is consistently ranked among the safest countries in Europe, especially for solo travelers and families. The country has a strong healthcare system, a growing number of bilingual private schools, and widespread English proficiency, particularly among the younger population.
Though not an EU member yet, Serbia is in active accession negotiations and enjoys Schengen-like agreements with surrounding countries. It maintains close ties with both the East and the West, offering geopolitical neutrality and mobility in turbulent times.
Why Serbia, Why Now?
Whether you’re seeking urban environment that is still not overbuilt, green retreats, or a European residency foothold, Serbia delivers. With its unmatched blend of heritage, hospitality, and hustle, it’s quickly becoming one of Europe’s best-kept lifestyle secrets, and it’s ready to welcome the world. NTL Trust is your trusted guide to your residency in Serbia through both company formation and real estate paths. Contact us today to find out how to start your path to Serbian residency.
