Living in Serbia: What Expats Wish They Knew After Moving

Let’s be honest — the administrative system in Serbia can be painfully slow and inconsistent. Even locals struggle with it. Expect to visit government offices multiple times for one piece of paperwork. There's a saying here: "You’re always one paper short."

You might show up with everything you were told you needed, only to be told you’re missing a document no one ever mentioned — not even on the official website. Some documents need to be ordered from your home country or obtained from a separate Serbian office… which may or may not be open when you go.

The real kicker? Not all officials know the correct process themselves. This leads to inconsistent instructions, long delays, and frustrating back-and-forth.

That’s where having a local legal team that speaks the language and knows the system makes all the difference.

One of our clients has lived in Serbia for six years. They’ve purchased property, own vehicles, and even speak the language — but they’re still stuck on temporary residency.

Why? They relied on informal advice from neighbors and unqualified consultants. Even worse, some legal professionals took their money and delivered nothing.

Unfortunately, stories like this are all too common. Expats often overpay or get trapped in bureaucratic limbo due to misinformation or broken promises.

👉 Relocation Serbia offers transparent, professional guidance — and we get it right the first time.

In Serbia, who you know often matters more than what you know. From renting an apartment to fast-tracking documents, success here is built on relationships.

Need an apartment? A fixer? Legal help? Referrals are everything. Expat Facebook groups, local forums, and a trustworthy consultant can open doors that official channels won’t.

We help our clients tap into these networks — and avoid getting taken advantage of.

Pro tip: Start building relationships before you arrive. Our relocation consultations can connect you to the right people early on.

If someone invites you in for coffee, say yes. Serbs are known for their warmth, generosity, and their love of feeding guests.

Expect to be offered rakija, coffee, cakes, and conversation. Declining can be seen as rude — even if you’re full.

This welcoming culture is part of what makes living in Serbia so special. You’re not just another tourist — you’re part of the community.

Yes, many young Serbs speak excellent English — especially in major cities. But at government offices? Not so much.

Most paperwork is in Cyrillic, and many officials don’t speak English at all. Translation apps help, but they’re not always accurate — especially for legal or administrative terms.

That’s why we only work with English-speaking professionals and translators you can trust. You shouldn’t have to guess what your residency contract says.

Want to start learning Serbian? Check out “Learn Serbian with Boko” on YouTube — great for beginners.

Serbia is a very cash-friendly society. Credit cards are accepted in large supermarkets and malls, but many local shops, cafes, and taxis prefer — or even require — cash only.

ATMs can run out of money on weekends, and some businesses won’t serve you without cash. Don’t get caught empty-handed.

Pro tip: Always carry some Serbian Dinars or at least Euros you can exchange. It's the simplest way to avoid being stuck.

The rental process in Serbia is often unstructured and unregulated. Landlords commonly prefer to be paid in cash, and many rental agreements are either vague or verbal.

Many listings aren’t even online — they’re spread through personal networks. And the heating system? That can make or break your utility bills, especially in winter.

We strongly recommend having your lease reviewed by a legal expert who speaks both Serbian and English.

At Relocation Serbia, we screen rental contracts, negotiate with landlords, and make sure you’re protected.

In Serbia, people work to live — not the other way around. Deadlines aren’t always taken seriously, and responses can take days (or weeks).

A task you think is urgent might be treated casually. This is normal here — especially in the public sector.

Interestingly, many business deals happen over coffee — literally. It’s common to see businesspeople negotiating in kafanas (local restaurants) rather than offices.

This relaxed pace can be refreshing… but it can also drive you crazy if you’re used to fast-moving systems. Having someone local to follow up and push things along is often essential.

Public transport in Belgrade is mostly free (as of this writing), but often unreliable. Buses don’t always stick to schedules. In Novi Sad, you still need to pay — but don’t expect perfect timing.

Apps like Moovit or CarGo (local Uber alternative) can help with navigation and private rides.

Healthcare is affordable but tricky to navigate. Not all doctors speak English, and public services may have long wait times. Private care is fast and accessible — we help clients find English-speaking providers for everything from dentistry to pediatrics.

Many visitors plan a short stay and end up staying for years. Why?

Serbia is vibrant, affordable, social, and free. From the laid-back lifestyle to the rich history and buzzing nightlife, the quality of life here is high — especially for those coming from high-pressure Western countries.

Living in Serbia gives you room to breathe, eat well, and enjoy meaningful human connection. Don’t be surprised if you extend your trip… permanently.

Serbia isn’t perfect — but it’s full of opportunity, culture, and heart.

Whether you’re seeking freedom, adventure, or a fresh start, living in Serbia can be a life-changing experience… if you know how to navigate it.

That’s where we come in.

👉 Let us handle the hard parts.

📩 Get a consultation today and learn how we can assist you with residency, business setup, and real estate investments in Serbia.

🚀 Visit us at RelocationSerbia.com to learn more!