Global Expo Impact Snapshot

Dubai Expo (2020/2021)

• 24 million visitors

• Injected $42B USD into the economy

• Sparked a real estate surge, startup growth, and the creation of a long-term innovation district

Shanghai Expo (2010)

• 73 million visitors (one of the highest in history)

• Triggered nation-scale infrastructure expansion

• Accelerated China’s global influence and economic positioning

Milan Expo (2015)

• 22 million visitors

• Boosted hotel revenues by 25–55%

• Catalyzed growth in technology and startup ecosystems
  
  
  

  These cities experienced long-term growth far beyond the event itself, especially in:

  • Real estate valuation

  • Business formation and foreign investment

  • Tourism and hospitality revenue

  • Infrastructure and transportation upgrades

  • Global visibility and geopolitical relevance

  Belgrade is projected to follow a similar trajectory.

Infrastructure Upgrades

Major developments include:

• Expanded roads, rail networks, and airport modernization

• New hotel construction across commercial zones

• Development of tech and innovation hubs

• Increased public transportation capacity

• Major investments in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and surrounding regions

Foreign Investment Surge

Capital is flowing in from:

• European Union

• China

• United Arab Emirates

• Regional and domestic development firms

With increasing economic diversification, Serbia is positioning itself as a logistics bridge between Western Europe, the Balkans, and the Middle East.

One of the biggest upcoming competitive advantages is the Athens–Belgrade–Budapest railway project, creating a corridor connecting Central Europe with the Mediterranean.

Although the Expo is centered in Belgrade, the economic effects will radiate outward.

Why Novi Sad Matters

• Only one hour from Belgrade

• Rapid urban development

• Growing expat and business community

• Strong tech presence and startup ecosystem

• Increasing demand for property, rentals, and commercial services

As Belgrade experiences rising competition and real estate pressure, Novi Sad is positioned to absorb spillover investment, workforce demand, and housing needs.

Waiting feels safer—but history shows that post-Expo entry is almost always more expensive and more competitive.

Those who move before 2027 benefit from:

✅ Lower real estate acquisition costs
✅ Less competitive business landscapes
✅ Easier access to prime commercial locations
✅ Faster brand recognition and market penetration
✅ More time to hire and train local talent
✅ Early positioning before demand spikes

Those who wait until after 2027 may face:

⚠ Higher property prices
⚠ Higher construction and rental costs
⚠ Major competition from foreign and domestic investors
⚠ Market saturation in trending industries

Market indicators suggest:

• Property prices currently below EU averages

• Projected 10–30% price increase after Expo 2027

• Sharp demand increases in:

  • Residential housing

  • Commercial office space

  • Retail zones

  • Hospitality infrastructure

  • Expo district developments

Dubai saw a similar trend pre-Expo, where early buyers secured long-term gains as international demand surged post-event. Serbia is set to follow a comparable economic arc.

High-growth sectors include:

Base Market Entry Opportunities

• Logistics and freight

• Real estate development

• Construction firms and subcontracting

• Hospitality and tourism

• Tech startups

• Consultancy services

• Retail and commercial services

Expo-Adjacent Business Opportunities

• Catering and event support

• Transportation and car hire

• Mobility services

• Short-term accommodation solutions

• Staffing services

• Marketing and media firms

• Corporate service providers

Companies that establish local entities before 2027 gain:

• Market credibility

• Local banking access

• Faster hiring pipelines

• Partnership opportunities

• Early brand recognition

• First-mover advantage

Highly Competitive Tax Environment

• 10% personal income tax

• 15% corporate tax

• Entrepreneur flat-rate tax options also available

• Efficient business registration process

• Strong legal frameworks for foreign ownership

Geographic & Logistical Advantage

• Crossroads of Eastern and Western European trade

• Access to major regional transportation networks

• Growing freight, distribution, and warehousing sectors

• Increasingly attractive for international supply chain relocation

After 2027, Serbia is likely to emerge as:

• A major Southeast European business gateway

• A regional tourism magnet

• A strong logistics connector

• A rising player in tech and innovation

• A hub for foreign and domestic investment

While no two countries are identical, the Dubai Expo economic model offers the closest comparison—high growth acceleration, rapid modernization, increased foreign capital, and a long-lasting global spotlight.

Expo 2027 is a turning point.

Serbia is shifting from emerging potential to global attention. The individuals and companies best positioned to benefit will not be those who react after the surge—but those who prepare before it.

If your goal is to:

• Secure property at current prices

• Enter a market before major competition

• Establish residency, citizenship, or business foundations

• Capitalize on incoming economic momentum

• Build a long-term foothold in Southeast Europe

…then the smart strategy is clear: move before the wave, not after it.

Serbia is evolving fast. Positioning yourself early could define your next decade of personal and professional growth.

To explore your relocation, residency, or business setup options in Serbia, book a paid consultation with Relocation Serbia today.