Planning to live in Serbia? Start with your particular citizenship, household, purpose of stay, work status and city. There is no one-size-fits-all route. This practical hub points to public-service sources and common steps rather than offering personalised legal, medical or tax advice. Last editorial review: 30 October 2026.
1. Entry, address registration and residence
The government-operated Welcome to Serbia portal provides guidance on entry, visa requirements, temporary residence and residence/work authorisations. Foreign visitors and their hosts should check the applicable arrival and address-registration rules. The Office for IT and eGovernment explains the electronic residence-registration service, and online applications are available through eServices for foreign nationals where eligible.
Visa-free entry, a short-stay visa, temporary residence and the right to work are different questions. Do not assume one automatically grants another. Requirements vary by nationality and legal basis, so check official guidance before paying for travel or signing contracts.
2. Housing and address
Compare actual commuting distance, heating arrangements, building condition, deposits and utility costs—not just the rent shown in an advertisement. For a property purchase, check the legal identity of the property and ownership rights through the appropriate records, and obtain independent advice where needed. For rental contracts, clarify the deposit, notice, utility payment responsibility and how residence registration will work.
See also our property and housing guide and city and regional guide.
3. Work, self-employment and banking
Workers should verify employer details, contract terms, pay, social insurance and any residence/work permission. Entrepreneurs should check company registration, accounting, applicable taxes and bank onboarding requirements. The Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR) is a starting point for official company records; eUprava links to government services. Banks may require different documents for residents, non-residents, sole proprietors and companies.
Read our jobs and employment and business sections before making commitments.
4. Healthcare and insurance
Access to publicly funded health services depends on insurance and individual eligibility; do not assume every visitor or new resident is automatically covered. Ask the appropriate health-insurance institution or insurer which treatment, medical providers and expenses are covered. The eUprava portal lists health and insurance-related electronic services. For urgent medical needs, seek immediate professional help instead of relying on a website guide.
5. Children, education and local services
School and preschool admission can require proof of address, identification, previous education records or other documents depending on the situation. Contact the institution and municipality about the current timetable and the procedure for foreign children. Other everyday tasks include establishing phone and internet service, finding nearby clinics, setting up utilities and understanding local transport routes.
6. A practical first-month checklist
- Verify entry and stay conditions for each family member.
- Confirm where and how the address will be registered.
- Keep copies of accommodation and employment documents.
- Clarify health coverage and recurring monthly costs.
- Check any school and childcare requirements well before the start date.
- Find official municipal service pages for your city.
Ask or correct
Official rules and fees may change. For questions or verified local guidance, contact our editorial team; for a factual error, use Corrections. We do not process residence applications and cannot guarantee an official decision.