Key Facts
Official name: Republic of Serbia
Government type: Parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, Kragujevac, Krusevac, Cacak, Uzice
Total Area: 88,361 km²
Population: 7,524,164
GDP Per Capita (PPP) $10,661
Official languages: Serbian
Religions: Serbs 82.86%, Hungarians 3.91%, Bosniaks 1.81%, Roma 1.44%, Yugoslavs 1.08%, Croats 0.94%, Montenegrins 0.92% Albanians, 0.82%, Slovaks 0.79% , Vlachs 0.53% Bulgarians 0.28% Others 4.90%
Country code: +381
Currency: RSD (Serbian Dinar)
Voltage: 220 V
Brief Overview
Both for the traveller and business person, Serbia offers a rich diversity: to see genuine wonderful places, to meet wonderful people and to experience a unique land in the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, in the south-east of Europe. This small and practical guide to Serbia will help you better understand and get acquainted with Serbia. It might be difficult for a foreigner to get used to the local culture and spirit, but our team in Belgrade is committed to helping you throughout the integration process. Give Serbia and yourself a chance to have this new and unforgettable experience.
Administrative Subdivisions
Serbia is divided into 29 districts plus the City of Belgrade. The districts and the City of Belgrade are further divided into 167 municipalities. Serbia has 2 autonomous provinces: Vojvodina with (7 districts, 46 municipalities) and Kosovo and Metohija. Kosovo declared independence in 2008, which Belgrade opposes, and is presently under the administration of EULEX. The part of Serbia that is neither in Kosovo nor in Vojvodina is called Central Serbia. Central Serbia is not an administrative division, unlike the two autonomous provinces, and it has no regional government of its own.
Belgrade – The capital city of Serbia
Belgrade (meaning “White City” in Serbian) is the capital and largest city of Serbia. The city lies on two international waterways, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where Central Europe’s Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. With a population of 1,630,000 Belgrade is the third largest city in South-East Europe, after Istanbul and Athens.
Belgrade has the status of a separate territorial unit in Serbia, with its own autonomous city government. Its territory is divided into 17 municipalities, each having its own local council. It covers 3.6% of the territory of Serbia, and 24% of the country’s population lives in the city. Belgrade is the central economic hub of Serbia, and the capital of Serbian culture, education and science.
Serbia has connected West with East for centuries – a land in which civilizations, cultures, faiths, climates and landscapes meet and mingle. It is located in the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, in southeastern Europe. The northern portion belongs to central Europe, but in terms of geography and climate it is also partly a Mediterranean country. Serbia is landlocked but as a Danube country it is connected to distant seas and oceans. Serbia is a crossroad of Europe and a geopolitically important territory. The international roads and railway lines, which run through the country’s river valleys, form the shortest link between Western Europe and the Middle East.
Insurance
Insurance of public transport passengers, motor vehicle insurance, aircraft insurance, and insurance on bank deposits are compulsory.
Climate
The Serbian climate varies between a continental climate in the north, with cold winters, and hot, humid summers with well distributed rainfall patterns, and a more Adriatic climate in the south with hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy inland snowfall. Differences in elevation, proximity to the Adriatic Sea and large river basins, as well as exposure to the winds account for climate differences.
Vojvodina possesses a typical continental climate, with air masses from northern and western Europe which shape its climatic profile. South and South-West Serbia is subject to Mediterranean influences. However, the Dinaric Alps and other mountain ranges contribute to the cooling down of most of the warm air masses. Winters are quite harsh in Sandžak because of the mountains that encircle the plateau.
Taxation
The republic of Serbia has a standard corporate tax rate of 10%. Capital gains derived from the sale of industrial property rights, real estate, shares and other securities, and capital participations are considered taxable income, and are taxed at the corporate rate. However, gains arising from certain government bonds or from bonds issued by the national bank are excluded from the tax. Dividends, interest and royalties are subject to a 20% withholding tax. Other taxes includes a value-added tax (VAT), with a standard rate of 20% and a lower rate of 10%, property taxes, transfer taxes, a tax on financial transactions, payroll taxes, and social security contributions. In Serbia, the republic government, rather than the city governments, collects local taxes and then disperses part of the funds to city officials. Local factories pay no city taxes in Serbia.
Customs and duties
Serbia’s has different tariff rates that range from 1–30%. Serbia applies a VAT of 20%, with an 10% reduced rate for basic foodstuffs, medicines, published materials, public utilities and certain services. Serbia imposes excise taxes on certain luxury goods.
Economic development
Officials in general see revitalization of the infrastructure (roads, rail and air transport, telecommunications, and power production) as one step toward economic recovery. Another important aspect of economic reconstruction will be the revival of former export industry, such as agriculture, textiles, furniture, pharmaceuticals, and nonferrous metallic ores.
While politically, and economically, Serbia is much more stable than in previous years, the economy is still in a quasi-state of disarray, with rampant unemployment, with a large grey market, and a relapsing industrial base. Foreign investors, as well as several international financial institutions (EBRD, IMF, and the World Bank), have recognized economic reforms as being positive, and increased their capital transfers to the region.
Culture
Many times during its rich, centuries-long history, Serbia has been at the centre of Europe’s and the world’s attention, out of all proportion to its modest size, economic might and number of inhabitants. Many lessons on bravery, patriotism and the struggle for freedom can be learned wherever you turn in Serbia, as you pass through its cities and regions.
The cultural and historical heritage of Serbia begins with prehistoric archaeological sites and its legacy from classical antiquity. Perhaps its greatest riches, though, are in the many mediaeval Serbian churches and monasteries, some of which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
All year round, numerous cultural, traditional and sporting events are held in Serbia, demonstrating the creative power and spiritual vitality of this country.
Typically Serbian!
It does not take long for foreign visitors to Serbia to discover the hospitality, kindness, openness and warmth of the country’s residents. Serbs enjoy rich and flavorsome food and normally have three meals a day, with lunch being the largest. In contrast to the rest of Europe, there is no single day of the week in Serbia when you cannot have a night out and that holds true for all generations, for all lifestyles and musical tastes and for all available budgets.
Tourism, travel and recreation
Rich architecture, museums, galleries, cathedrals, parks, and rivers, are just some of the attractions that bring visitors to Serbia.
Today, Serbia is a modern, democratic European country, on the path to membership of the European Union, which a diverse range of visitors – from young backpackers to participants in congresses and fairs – visit every day. Statistically, the most-visited tourist destinations are the cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad, the mountains of Kopaonik and Zlatibor and the spa towns of Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja.
All visitors need a valid passport to enter Serbia. Serbia requires sufficient funds for the stay and a certificate showing funds for health care.
Rental Market
The rental market is not only focused on Belgrade. Good quality properties are also available in the countryside, in Nis, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Cacak, Subotica, etc.
If we are talking about Belgrade market and you are looking for a house we are recommending the Senjak and Dedinje area. For short-term or smaller apartments the best area is New Belgrade with lot of new, modern apartments.
Rental fees depend on the size, quality and location of the property excluding utility costs. Utility costs depend on the energy consumption and number of persons occupying the property.
Standard Tenancy: 12 months
Security Deposit: Yes, usually equivalent to 1 month
Holding Deposit: Usually not required
Real Estate Commission: 1 monthly rent
Utilities: Tenant’s responsibility, usually not included within the rent
Healthcare
The government provides obligatory health care to citizens for preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services.
There were 228 health institutions and about 3,000 other clinics, mostly private in Serbia in the mid-2000s. Medical care in Serbia is of a good standard; medical professionals are highly skilled and care facilities are well supplied. You can choose between private health service and state health service.
Schools
Most of the international kindergartens and schools are located in Belgrade in Senjak and Dedinje area. These are the most popular areas for expats, as they are most convenient for family life. For families interested in placing their children, these kindergartens and schools provide pre-arranged organized tours where they introduce their service and give all the information thus making the expat’s decision easier.
Some of the main international kindergartens and schools are the following:
International School of Belgrade
The British International School of Belgrade
Chartwell International School
Deutsche Schule Belgrad
École Française de Belgrade
This relocation guide to Serbia provides expats and HR professionals with useful information on housing, healthcare and lifestyle in one of Southeast Europe’s most historically rich and fast-evolving countries.
Official name: Republic of Serbia
Government type: Parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belgrade, Novi Sad, Nis, Kragujevac, Krusevac, Cacak, Uzice
Total Area: 88,361 km²
Population: 7,524,164
GDP Per Capita (PPP) $10,661
Official languages: Serbian
Religions: Serbs 82.86%, Hungarians 3.91%, Bosniaks 1.81%, Roma 1.44%, Yugoslavs 1.08%, Croats 0.94%, Montenegrins 0.92% Albanians, 0.82%, Slovaks 0.79% , Vlachs 0.53% Bulgarians 0.28% Others 4.90%
Country code: +381
Currency: RSD (Serbian Dinar)
Voltage: 220 V
Both for the traveller and business person, Serbia offers a rich diversity: to see genuine wonderful places, to meet wonderful people and to experience a unique land in the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, in the south-east of Europe.
This small and practical guide to Serbia will help you better understand and get acquainted with Serbia.
It might be difficult for a foreigner to get used to the local culture and spirit, but our team in Belgrade is committed to helping you throughout the integration process. Give Serbia and yourself a chance to have this new and unforgettable experience.
Administrative Subdivisions
Serbia is divided into 29 districts plus the City of Belgrade. The districts and the City of Belgrade are further divided into 167 municipalities. Serbia has 2 autonomous provinces: Vojvodina with (7 districts, 46 municipalities) and Kosovo and Metohija.
Kosovo declared independence in 2008, which Belgrade opposes, and is presently under the administration of EULEX. The part of Serbia that is neither in Kosovo nor in Vojvodina is called Central Serbia.
Central Serbia is not an administrative division, unlike the two autonomous provinces, and it has no regional government of its own.
Belgrade – The capital city of Serbia
Belgrade (meaning “White City” in Serbian) is the capital and largest city of Serbia. The city lies on two international waterways, at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where Central Europe’s Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans.
With a population of 1,630,000 Belgrade is the third largest city in South-East Europe, after Istanbul and Athens.
Belgrade has the status of a separate territorial unit in Serbia, with its own autonomous city government. Its territory is divided into 17 municipalities, each having its own local council.
It covers 3.6% of the territory of Serbia, and 24% of the country’s population lives in the city. Belgrade is the central economic hub of Serbia, and the capital of Serbian culture, education and science.
Serbia has connected West with East for centuries – a land in which civilizations, cultures, faiths, climates and landscapes meet and mingle. It is located in the centre of the Balkan Peninsula, in southeastern Europe.
The northern portion belongs to central Europe, but in terms of geography and climate it is also partly a Mediterranean country. Serbia is landlocked but as a Danube country it is connected to distant seas and oceans.
Serbia is a crossroad of Europe and a geopolitically important territory. The international roads and railway lines, which run through the country’s river valleys, form the shortest link between Western Europe and the Middle East.
Insurance
Insurance of public transport passengers, motor vehicle insurance, aircraft insurance, and insurance on bank deposits are compulsory.
Climate
The Serbian climate varies between a continental climate in the north, with cold winters and hot, humid summers with well-distributed rainfall patterns, and a more Adriatic climate in the south, with hot, dry summers and autumns and relatively cold winters with heavy inland snowfall.
Differences in elevation, proximity to the Adriatic Sea and large river basins, and exposure to the winds account for climate differences.
Vojvodina possesses a typical continental climate, with air masses from northern and western Europe that shape its climatic profile. South and southwest Serbia is subject to Mediterranean influences.
However, the Dinaric Alps and other mountain ranges contribute to the cooling down of most of the warm air masses. Winters are quite harsh in Sandžak because of the mountains that encircle the plateau.
Taxation
The republic of Serbia has a standard corporate tax rate of 10%. Capital gains derived from the sale of industrial property rights, real estate, shares and other securities, and capital participations are considered taxable income, and are taxed at the corporate rate.
However, gains arising from certain government bonds or from bonds issued by the national bank are excluded from the tax. Dividends, interest and royalties are subject to a 20% withholding tax.
Other taxes include a value-added tax (VAT), with a standard rate of 20% and a lower rate of 10%; property taxes; transfer taxes; a tax on financial transactions; payroll taxes; and social security contributions.
In Serbia, the republic government, rather than the city governments, collects local taxes and then disperses part of the funds to city officials. Local factories pay no city taxes in Serbia.
Customs and duties
Serbia has different tariff rates that range from 1–30%. Serbia applies a VAT of 20%, with a 10% reduced rate for basic foodstuffs, medicines, published materials, public utilities and certain services. Serbia imposes excise taxes on certain luxury goods.
Economic development
Officials in general see revitalization of the infrastructure (roads, rail and air transport, telecommunications, and power production) as one step toward economic recovery.
Another important aspect of economic reconstruction will be the revival of former export industries, such as agriculture, textiles, furniture, pharmaceuticals, and nonferrous metallic ores.
While politically and economically, Serbia is much more stable than in previous years, the economy is still in a quasi-state of disarray, with rampant unemployment, a large grey market, and a relapsing industrial base.
Foreign investors, as well as several international financial institutions (EBRD, IMF, and the World Bank), have recognized economic reforms as being positive and increased their capital transfers to the region.
For a full overview of how we support newcomers, explore our key relocation services, or dive into our expat services and recent relocation trends in the CEE region.
Many times during its rich, centuries-long history, Serbia has been at the centre of Europe’s and the world’s attention, out of all proportion to its modest size, economic might and number of inhabitants.
Many lessons on bravery, patriotism and the struggle for freedom can be learned wherever you turn in Serbia, as you pass through its cities and regions.
The cultural and historical heritage of Serbia begins with prehistoric archaeological sites and its legacy from classical antiquity.
Perhaps its greatest riches, though, are in the many medieval Serbian churches and monasteries, some of which are included on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
All year round, numerous cultural, traditional and sporting events are held in Serbia, demonstrating the creative power and spiritual vitality of this country.
As we explore Serbia’s turbulent yet resilient past in this relocation guide to Serbia, it becomes clear how history continues to shape the country’s culture and identity today.
Typically Serbian!
It does not take long for foreign visitors to Serbia to discover the hospitality, kindness, openness and warmth of the country’s residents.
Serbs enjoy rich and flavorsome food and normally have three meals a day, with lunch being the largest.
In contrast to the rest of Europe, there is no single day of the week in Serbia when you cannot have a night out and that holds true for all generations, for all lifestyles and musical tastes and for all available budgets.
Tourism, travel and recreation
Rich architecture, museums, galleries, cathedrals, parks, and rivers, are just some of the attractions that bring visitors to Serbia.
Today, Serbia is a modern, democratic European country, on the path to membership of the European Union, which a diverse range of visitors – from young backpackers to participants in congresses and fairs – visit every day.
Statistically, the most-visited tourist destinations are the cities of Belgrade and Novi Sad, the mountains of Kopaonik and Zlatibor and the spa towns of Vrnjačka Banja and Sokobanja.
All visitors need a valid passport to enter Serbia. Serbia requires sufficient funds for the stay and a certificate showing funds for health care.
The rental market is not only focused on Belgrade. Good quality properties are also available in the countryside, in Nis, Novi Sad, Kragujevac, Cacak, Subotica, etc.
If we are talking about Belgrade market and you are looking for a house we recommend the Senjak and Dedinje area.
For short-term or smaller apartments the best area is New Belgrade with a lot of new, modern apartments.
Whether you’re planning to live in Belgrade or another regional city, this relocation guide to Serbia highlights rental options, housing costs, and what to expect from the local market in 2025.
Rental fees depend on the size, quality and location of the property excluding utility costs.
Utility costs depend on the energy consumption and number of persons occupying the property.
Most of the international kindergartens and schools are located in Belgrade in Senjak and Dedinje area.
These are the most popular areas for expats, as they are most convenient for family life.
For families interested in placing their children, these kindergartens and schools provide pre-arranged organized tours where they introduce their service and give all the information thus making the expat’s decision easier.
Some of the main international kindergartens and schools are the following:
The government provides obligatory health care to citizens for preventive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and rehabilitative services.
There were 228 health institutions and about 3,000 other clinics, mostly private in Serbia in the mid-2000s.
Medical care in Serbia is of a good standard; medical professionals are highly skilled and care facilities are well supplied.
You can choose between private health service and state health service.
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