What are the pros and cons of living in Serbia?

Life in Serbia

Life in Serbia is an exciting journey full of discoveries. Here you will find unique aspects of the culture, distinctive traits of the locals, and opportunities for real estate investment.

We spoke with Vyacheslav, who shared his experience of living in this country. We are studying the local features, the level of comfort, and important aspects of renting housing.

The principle of "polako"

Serbia surprises with its approach to life, which can be characterized by the phrase "polako", meaning "unhurried". Life here is measured, which is evident in communication, work processes and daily routine.

Vyacheslav, who moved to Serbia in October of last year, shares his experience of adapting. At 59 years old, he has found his niche in copywriting and managing a Telegram channel. Despite the freelance nature of his work, he enjoys participating in various projects, including writing scripts for games and organizing events.

Adaptation issues

When moving to Serbia, Vyacheslav had to face a number of difficulties, such as:

• Housing search
• Buying necessary items
• Opening a bank account

However, the most difficult task was to obtain legal status. Vyacheslav chose accreditation as a foreign journalist, which required serious efforts, including collecting documents and visiting various state institutions.

Opening new horizons

While developing his Telegram channel, Vyacheslav explores many interesting corners of Belgrade: museums, lectures, and other cultural events. The city is rich in contrasts, where small businesses coexist with large corporations, often bearing the names of their owners.

Cultural feature

Particular attention should be paid to the culture of Serbia. The phrase "polako" symbolizes the locals' approach to life, guiding them to realize that there's no need to rush all the time. This principle helps to easily integrate into local traditions and philosophy.

• Positive attitude to life
• The openness and friendliness of the local residents

Pros and cons of living in Serbia

Life in Serbia is not without surprises. It's important to consider the pros and cons of living here, including:

• Price level
• Salaries
• Business opportunities

Taxes for residents and non-residents are the same, which makes the country attractive for investments. This year, apartment transactions have become more reasonable, opening doors for comfortable investing.

Housing rental

Significant features of renting housing in Serbia should also be taken into account. For example, it is not customary to sign rental agreements remotely without a prior inspection. This ensures the safety and comfort of tenants, which is an important part of the local culture.

Tips for newcomers

Migrants coming to the country often face typical mistakes in the process of relocation. To avoid misunderstandings, it is important to know the local traditions. Serbia, with its unique culture and open-minded people, offers many opportunities, especially for those who are willing to learn and adapt.

Conclusion

Adapting to a new environment becomes a defining factor for the quality of life in Serbia. Stability, a calm atmosphere, and rich traditions make everyday existence here special. Fascinating tourist routes, delicious cuisine, and the friendliness of the locals create unique experiences. Many who move to Serbia realize that it becomes not just a temporary home, but a second homeland that opens up new horizons.

Life in Serbia has its own unique atmosphere, which makes it stand out among other European countries. One cannot help but notice how the locals lead a measured lifestyle, avoiding hustle and bustle, which creates an overall sense of calm and balance. This can be compared to Russian phrases like "slowly" or "little by little." Serbs know how to appreciate not only their time but also their resources, which is reflected in their everyday life.

The friendliness of the local residents

Numerous traveler reviews about life in Serbia highlight the friendliness of the locals. Some tourists compare their time spent here to visiting their hometown, where their grandmother is happy to see them every time. I also experienced this warm atmosphere firsthand and am happy to share some situations.

For example, in Belgrade, when it rains outside, public transport drivers try to carefully avoid puddles so as not to splash pedestrians. Once, when I unexpectedly ran out of money on my transport card, I tried to pay the driver in cash, to which he simply waved his hand and offered me to sit down without asking for payment. The festive atmosphere was also enhanced by the owner of the apartment where I was staying. On New Year's, she gave me a large bottle of homemade rakija, and on Christmas, she treated me to stuffed cabbage, salads, and mini pastries. These are just a few examples that illustrate how kind the locals are to those around them.

Safety and climate

However, despite many positive aspects, there are also some issues that require attention. From a safety perspective, the streets of Serbia can be described as quite peaceful. The climate is also pleasant — summers here are warm, with temperatures ranging from 23 to 25 °C, although there are sometimes hot days that pass quickly. Winters are short and cold, with average temperatures around 1-2 °C.

Financial accessibility

From the financial side of life in Serbia, one can note its affordability. The process of obtaining a temporary residence permit here is significantly easier than in most other European countries. No exams in the Serbian language are required, which makes everything much simpler. Moreover, many locals master the language at a conversational level in just six months, as it is quite similar to Russian.

Housing conditions

When it comes to housing, it is worth noting that there is no minimum price threshold for a residence permit. For example:

• The cost of an apartment in Belgrade can be around 70,000 euros.
• A house in the village will cost about 100 thousand euros.

At the same time, there are many cities in Serbia where you can find housing at lower prices.

Move to Serbia

Obtaining temporary resident status greatly simplifies the process of obtaining a Schengen visa for travel to other European countries. In addition, Serbia is applying to join the European Union, which creates additional opportunities for traveling. Taxation here is quite low compared to other European countries, and business is actively developing.

Attractions

As for the attractions, I was particularly impressed by Gardosh and the Zemun waterfront, where the magnificent sunsets leave an unforgettable impression. In the summer, you can also have a wonderful time on Ada Ciganlija island. However, life in Serbia has its downsides, which I approach with philosophical calmness.

Disadvantages of living in Serbia

The urban infrastructure often leaves much to be desired: noticeable neglect, a lack of trash bins, and poorly maintained roads. Sidewalks are sometimes overgrown with grass pushing through the tiles. Additionally, the walls of buildings are regularly covered in graffiti. During the winter months, Belgrade can experience issues with smog. At the beginning of my stay in this city, I even had to move furniture around, trying to figure out the source of a burnt electrical wire smell, before realizing that it could be seeping into the apartment through the windows.

Thus, life in Serbia is a combination of many pros and cons, creating a unique atmosphere in this beautiful land.

House heating

Some citizens prefer to use stoves and fireplaces to heat their homes, which has become quite a common practice. In this regard, there is a noticeable improvement in public health: several institutions are starting to impose restrictions on smoking. It is becoming increasingly rare to see people with cigarettes at bus stops, many of them choose to step aside. Although I don't often visit playgrounds, I notice that smoking is virtually absent in public transport and elevators.

Infrastructure provision

Some immigrants express dissatisfaction with the state of urban infrastructure in the capital: digital technologies do not always function properly, the quality of delivery often leaves much to be desired, and local public transport is frequently not equipped with air conditioning and suffers from scheduling issues. Speaking of the state of the economy in Serbia, the country does not stand out for its high income levels. Many Serbs prefer to work in European Union countries; however, despite this, they continue to return home and rebuild their lives in Serbia.

Salary and economic data

According to local statistics, the minimum wage in Serbia is 340 euros, while the average net salary reached 820 euros as of October 2022. In Serbia, five of the highest-paying sectors can be identified, where the average incomes are as follows:

• IT sector - 1693 euros
• Aviation industry - 494 euros
• Scientific research - 1469 euros
• Cinema and television - 1254 euros
• Management and consulting - 1178 euros

The process of registering a company

I started the process of registering my company (in Serbia, this process is referred to as DOO), but, on the advice of lawyers (which turned out to be the right decision), I stopped this endeavor in time, as I found a more affordable way to conduct business legally. In Argentina, it is impossible to register a company and simply submit empty reports to the tax authorities. In any case, you need to prepare at least 300–350 euros per month to maintain the business.

Prices for goods and services

As for the prices, compared to similar prices in Russia, they seem quite high here.

• Cost of gasoline
• Electronics
• Utilities
• Communication
• Medications
• Certain medical procedures

Nevertheless, the prices for food, clothing, services, and essential items are quite reasonable. An income of 2000 euros allows for a comfortable lifestyle. However, purchasing elite real estate or yachts will require at least five thousand euros.

Tax system

As for the tax system, the tax rates for residents and non-residents in Serbia are the same. The tax burden conditions for individuals in Serbia look quite attractive and are essentially among the leading ones in Europe. For example, the standard income tax rate for individuals is only 10%. A progressive taxation system is also applicable in the country.

Basic Provisions:

• If the annual income exceeds three times the average annual salary (more than $32,000 based on last year's data), individuals are required to pay 10% on the amount that exceeds this threshold at the end of the year.
• If the income exceeds six average annual salaries (more than $64,000), an additional 15% tax will need to be paid on the amount that exceeds this threshold.

Taxation of individuals in Serbia

In Serbia, the tax system for individuals covers several key types of income. This includes earned income, which is taxed at a rate of 10%. Similarly, individual entrepreneurs also pay a tax of 10%.

Changes in the rental housing market in 2023

In 2023, the rental market is seeing more realistic prices, which has led to significant changes in the approach to rental relationships. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the process of renting housing in Serbia. One of the main challenges faced by tenants is the fact that remote viewings of properties have not become the norm — an in-person visit is a necessary step.

Rental housing duty

Since the beginning of 2022, rental prices in the region have significantly increased, effectively doubling. However, by March 2023, the situation began to change, and rents started to gradually decrease, giving hope to those searching for housing. By April, rental apartments in the central part of Belgrade could be found in the range of 400 to 500 euros, which seemed completely unrealistic just in February. By June 2023, there was a nearly 8% decrease in rental prices across various parts of the city, and this trend continues.

Factors affecting rental prices

It is important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly depending on the size of the living space and additional utility services. For example, during the cold season, electricity costs can reach 15,000 dinars, which is about 128 euros. Personally, I managed to negotiate a fixed winter fee of 50 euros.

Language barrier

When searching for an apartment in Serbia, it is recommended to negotiate in Serbian. Although many locals speak English, not everyone can maintain a full conversation, which can result in inflated prices for foreign renters. Those who want to avoid the language barrier should seek help from translators in local groups.

Registration design

It is important to discuss with landlords the execution of the so-called "white cardboard" - the certificate of registration of a foreigner's residence in Serbia. Landlords are obliged to be aware of all their obligations when it comes to renting accommodation to foreigners. It is also worth considering that locals prefer to minimize correspondence.

• Emails are used for exchanging contacts.
• It's better to discuss rental conditions over the phone or in messaging apps.
• Personal communication is taken more seriously than text messages.

The rental process

What are the main steps in the rental process? Usually you first rent temporary accommodation for up to two weeks - I chose a hotel myself and spent six days there. Then comes the step of looking for a long-term rental - usually a minimum six-month contract. Don't forget to schedule viewings of apartments for personal evaluation - I, for example, rented a car, although this is not mandatory.

District infrastructure

In addition to the apartment itself, it would be wise to pay attention to the infrastructure of the area. It's worth checking how close the shops are, where the public transport stops are located, and what routes are available. If you're not confident in your Serbian communication skills, don't hesitate to invite a translator.

Straightforwardness of the owners

Property owners often act straightforwardly: if an apartment is rented out, they report it without any unnecessary words. Unlike agencies, which may try to inflate prices or offer less profitable alternatives. For example, an agent might announce that an apartment for 300 euros has just been rented, but there is a similar one for 500 euros, while assuring that prices will rise every day.

Conclusion of a lease agreement

As a rule, the process of signing a contract does not require the involvement of a notary or other intermediaries. Even if you are renting an apartment, it is always better to discuss the terms directly with the owner, avoiding additional bureaucracy, which usually simplifies the process and makes it more transparent.

Introduction

Questions regarding the risks I am willing to take make me reconsider my approach to giving recommendations. One way to verify real estate data is to contact the cadastral office, where you can find out information about the owner. Unfortunately, the system's performance leaves much to be desired and is often unstable. It's also worth noting that many landlords are not always willing to return the deposit, which is equal to one month's rent and is meant to protect against potential property damage.Legal experts advise always requesting confirmation of receipt for fixed monetary amounts.

Typical mistakes of immigrants

When we discuss the mistakes that immigrants make, I have compiled a list of the most common misunderstandings that newcomers face.

• Lack of language skills.The first thing that stands out is the insufficient knowledge of the language. In Serbia, films are not dubbed; they are shown with the original soundtrack and subtitles. English is a mandatory subject in schools, and many locals speak it at a high level. Although learning Serbian is possible, English will be extremely important for everyday communication.
• Misunderstanding of the country.The next common mistake is a lack of understanding of the country you are planning to move to. I strongly advise spending time learning about the country, its culture, and traditions, as well as seeking recommendations from locals. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to spend at least a month in a new country; however, researching information about prices, people, and social norms can be done right from your home country. Friends in Serbia can help with the adaptation process, and traveling through different regions will give you a better understanding of the country's diversity.
• Uncertainty in income sources.The third typical mistake is uncertainty regarding sources of income. Before moving, it's important to thoroughly research the local job market and opportunities for starting a business or earning passive income. Be sure to calculate your expenses and check if your funds will be sufficient for living. If you plan to earn money remotely, make sure you can easily withdraw cash in Serbia. If you have professional skills, send out your resumes and try to go through interviews in advance. Even if you don't manage to get a job, this will give you an idea of the requirements for your profession.
• Incorrect costing.The fourth mistake is underestimating your own expenses. Don't forget to account for costs such as rent, transportation, food, healthcare, additional education, and legalization. Multiply the total amount by one and a half to ensure you have a buffer for unexpected expenses that may arise at the beginning of your new life stage. This will help you approach saving more rationally, and over time, your financial outlays will become more predictable.

Conclusion

Starting a new life without a financial cushion is quite a risky move that can lead to undesirable consequences. Don't underestimate the importance of proper financial planning and assessing your resources.

Conclusion

Living in Serbia is a unique experience that can bring a lot of positive emotions and impressions. I was pleasantly surprised by the kindness and openness of the locals, their ability to find joy in simple things. Serbs truly live by the principle of"Hurry up slowly."and it creates an atmosphere of serenity and calmness in everyday life.

Pros of living in Serbia

Life here combines many advantages:

• Affordable real estate— Apartments in Belgrade can be purchased at a reasonable price.
• Relatively low taxesfor Europe.
• Ease of obtaining temporary residency— the application process is simpler than in many other countries.
• Good-natured localscreate a comfortable living environment.

Disadvantages of living in Serbia

Of course, there are also some drawbacks:

• Neglect of the urban environment— the lack of trash bins and broken roads.
• Environmental issues— smog and dirty air in some areas.

Personal experience

I also understand that such details are part of local life and only make it more colorful. It's important to remember that every place has its own characteristics and brings a unique experience to people's lives.

Serbia has become another home for me, and I eagerly continue to explore its culture, traditions, and atmosphere. I hope that my experience will help those who are considering moving or simply want to better understand this sunny country. The moments I have experienced here will forever remain in my memory as an important chapter in my life journey.

I would like to wish everyone to find their place in the world, regardless of geographical location, as this is the essence of life — to be in harmony with oneself and the surrounding world.