Living and working in Serbia
Serbia – a country of natural beauty, a capital city bubbling with nightlife, and a rich cultural history, covered in monasteries and other stunning archeological sites. It is definitely a place with a lot to offer, but what is it like to live there?
Read on and discover the ins and outs of Serbia.
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Currency
The Serbian Dinar is the official currency in Serbia
Famous people
Some famous Serbs include Nikola Tesla, Novak Đoković and Nikola Jokić.
Population
Serbia has ~6.6 million residents, and the largest part lives in Belgrade
Typical food
Grilled meats, fresh bread and cheeses. Dishes like ćevapi (grilled minced meat), sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), and ajvar (a pepper-based spread)
Avg. working week
Serbia has a 40-hour work week, which is about 8 hours daily
Location
Serbia is located between Southeast and Central Europe, bordering countries like Hungary, Romania, and Croatia
Languages
Serbian is the official language used by Serbs, with both Cyrillic and Latin alphabets in use
Healthcare
Health care is mostly self-paid insurance for foreign employees, with high quality standards. There is also public healthcare but it usually involves longer waiting times
What you need to know about working in Serbia
Within the working culture there is a mix between traditional, respectful values and more collaborative, open communication. Relationships in the workplace are highly valued, with trust-building essential to business deals. Companies will often prioritise creating connections and a feeling of reliability beforehand. This can include sharing meals, extensive conversations and multiple meetings. Regardless of it being written or verbal, an agreement is expected to be honoured fully.
Taxes in Serbia
If you have a job in Serbia, you must register with the local tax office to obtain a personal tax identification number. Serbia has a flat income tax rate of 10%, but other deductions may apply based on residency status and income level. If you continue to reside in another country, you should check with your home country’s tax authority to understand any international tax obligations.
What you need to fix when living and working in Serbia
There are certain things you need to fix when you decide to start living and working in Serbia. We list them here for you:
- Residence & Work permit; most expats apply for a temporary residence permit
- Register your address; this must be done within 24 hours of your arrival
- Tax ID; if you get work, you’ll receive this from your employer
- Health insurance; employees are covered through the state system, but many expats also take private health insurance for faster service and English-speaking doctors.
- Open up a local bank account; needed for salary payments, rent and bills
- Get a local SIM card
Popular cities in Serbia
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Life in Serbia
Living in Serbia is a mix of history, nature, and kind people. You can drive along the Danube River, see Tara National Park, or just take in the historic atmosphere of Belgrade’s ancient fortress with the view of Sava and Danube rivers.
Serbia is also known for its fun festivals and traditions. One of the biggest events is the EXIT Festival in Novi Sad, one of Europe’s largest music festivals, where people gather to enjoy live music in Petrovaradin Fortress. You’ll also experience Serbian Orthodox traditions, like the annual Slava celebration where families celebrate their patron saints.
Typical Serbian food
Serbian cuisine is known for dishes like ćevapi (grilled minced meat), sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), and kajmak (creamy dairy spread). Serbian hospitality often includes rakija (a traditional fruit brandy), and a meal at a Serbian restaurant is usually very lively with plenty of delicious food to share.
How to find accommodation in Serbia
Looking for housing in Serbia is best done on websites like 4zida.rs and Halooglasi – translate the pages to English and scroll away! It is recommended to download the Viber messenger app to negotiate. You can also ask your employer for support in finding a place to live. It is always smart to start the housing search early on to avoid stress and work out details in advance. These are the average monthly rental costs in Serbia:
- 1-bedroom apartment in the city center: €400-€700
- 1-bedroom apartment outside the city center: €250-€450
- Room in a shared apartment: €180-€250
Cost of living in Serbia
These are the average costs of living for an expat life in Serbia:
- Groceries: €150-€300 a month
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: €8-€9
- Coffee in a café: €1,50-€3
- 0.5L Beer in a bar: €2-€4
- Gym membership: €20-€40 a month
- Cinema ticket: €4-€7
Still not convinced about Serbia?
Imagine yourself walking through the historic streets of Belgrade that blend with modern street art and city life:
- Belgrade is one of Europe’s oldest cities, with landmarks like the Temple of Saint Sava, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world, and Skadarlija, a charming bohemian quarter.
- Or head to Novi Sad, known for riverside views, cultural festivals, and baroque architecture. If you’re a nature lover, visit Zlatibor, a mountain destination perfect for skiing in winter or hiking and wellness retreats in the summer.
- Serbia is also ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and rafting down the Drina River. The countryside has a lot of options for adventure. Additionally, Serbian winters bring opportunities for skiing in Kopaonik mountain.
Serbia has different living options depending on your lifestyle preferences:
- Belgrade is great if you enjoy activities, restaurants, and a fun nightlife.
- Novi Sad, Serbia’s second-largest city, has a more relaxed atmosphere with a rich cultural scene and beautiful riverfront views.
- For a slower, nature-oriented lifestyle, smaller towns like Niš and Subotica offer a mix of charm, history, and a slower pace of life, with easy access to natural landscapes and historic sites.
FAQ
Yes, EU citizens need a residence and work permit to work in Serbia, although the process is usually straightforward.
In Serbia, English proficiency varies among individuals, but generally, you can expect to find a decent level of English comprehension, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Younger generations tend to have a better grasp of English compared to older generations. But it is very recommendable to learn some Serbian phrases as a sign of respect, and it will make things easier if you plan to stick around for a while.
Learning Serbian can be a good experience, leading to connections with locals and a fuller understanding of the culture. Many language schools in Belgrade and Novi Sad offer immersive courses where you can learn the language while participating in cultural activities.
Serbia has hot summers with temperatures around 25-30 degrees and cold winters with snowfall. It’s ideal for seasonal activities.
Serbia has well-developed public transport options in cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad, and intercity buses and trains are available.