🇺🇸 Relocating from United States
Moving to Serbia from the United States
Americans can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. For longer stays, the most common residency pathway is company formation — a Serbian DOO can be registered in 5–7 days with no minimum capital, qualifying you for a temporary residence permit. Americans with Serbian ancestry (a Serbian-born parent or grandparent) may also qualify for citizenship by descent without ever living in Serbia. Serbia has a tax treaty with the USA — but US citizens remain subject to US worldwide taxation regardless of where they live.
- Visa-free entry: 90 days within any 180-day period — no visa required
- Most common pathway: Company formation (DOO) — fastest and most flexible for remote workers and entrepreneurs
- Tax treaty with Serbia: Yes — US–Serbia double taxation treaty exists. However, US citizens are taxed on worldwide income
- Full process managed by a bilingual on-the-ground team
40+%
Lower cost of living the the United States
5-7 days
Avg. company registration
EU
22+
Free trade agreements
What changes by nationality
What American nationals specifically need to know
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Entry rules, tax treaty provisions, document requirements, and banking considerations vary by nationality. Here are the specifics that apply to American passport holders.
Entry & visa rules
Visa-free access
90 days within any 180-day period — no visa required. Serbian border authorities stamp your passport on entry — the stamp date begins your 90-day window. Keep this date in mind when planning your stay or permit application. Overstaying creates complications for future permit applications.
Tax treaty
Serbia — United States tax treaty
Yes — US–Serbia double taxation treaty exists. However, US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of residence. FBAR filing obligations continue. We recommend consulting a US-qualified tax advisor for personal tax planning.
Most common residency pathway
How American nationals typically obtain residency
Company formation (DOO) — fastest and most flexible for remote workers and entrepreneurs. This is the pathway we most commonly process for clients from United States. The specific documents required differ slightly from other nationalities — we provide a personalised checklist after the eligibility call.
Ancestry & citizenship
Serbian heritage in United States
Strong community of Serbian-Americans with ancestry traceable to early 20th century emigration waves. Many qualify for citizenship by descent through Serbian-born grandparents. If you have a Serbian-born parent or grandparent, Relocation Serbia conducts a lineage assessment to confirm eligibility for citizenship by descent — which requires no residency in Serbia.
Your options
Three ways American nationals establish themselves in Serbia
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Most clients from United States use one of these three pathways. The right one depends on your goals, timeline, and whether you have Serbian ancestry.
For Individuals & Families
RESIDENCY VIA COMPANY FORMATION
Register a Serbian DOO in 5-7 days - €1 minimum capital. The company registeration immediately qualifies you for a temporary residence permit. Most common for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed American nationals.
LEARN ABOUT RESIDENCY >>>
For Long-Term Settlers
RESIDENCY VIA PROPERTY PURCHASE
American citizens can freely purchase Serbian property. Ownership is a recognised basis for a temporary residence permit. Combines investment and residency into a single coordinated process.
LEARN ABOUT REAL ESTATE >>>
For Those With Serbian Ancestry
CITIZENSHIP BY DESCENT
If you have Serbian ancestry - typically a Serbian-born parent or grandparent - you may qualify for Serbiam citizenship without even living in Serbia. Applicable to a significant number of American nationals.
LEARN ABOUT CITIZENSHIP >>>
What to avoid
Common mistakes American nationals make when relocating to Serbia
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These are the errors we see most frequently from clients arriving from United States. Each one is avoidable with proper preparation.
- Overstaying the 90-day visa-free period without a residence permit — creates complications for future applications
- Assuming US tax obligations end upon moving to Serbia — they don't. US citizens pay US taxes on worldwide income
- Not opening a US-compliant Serbian bank account — FBAR reporting required for foreign accounts over $10,000
- Trying to register a company without a Serbian address — a registered legal address is mandatory
- Confusing the 90-day limit with 90 consecutive days — it's 90 days within any rolling 180-day window
Questions
American national FAQ
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The questions we answer most from clients relocating from United States.
Do Americans need a visa to enter Serbia?
No. US citizens can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No visa, no pre-registration. For stays longer than 90 days, a temporary residence permit is required — the most common pathway is company formation or property ownership.
Does moving to Serbia mean I stop paying US taxes?
No. US citizens are taxed on worldwide income regardless of where they live — this is unique to the USA (and Eritrea). Moving to Serbia does not end your US tax obligations. You will still file US tax returns annually. Serbia's flat 10% income tax applies to Serbian-sourced income, and the US-Serbia tax treaty reduces double taxation — but US filing requirements remain. We strongly recommend working with a US-qualified international tax advisor.
Can I keep my US bank accounts when I move to Serbia?
Yes — US bank accounts remain accessible after moving to Serbia. You will also need to open a Serbian bank account for local transactions and as part of your residency or company setup process. Foreign bank accounts exceeding $10,000 at any point in the year must be reported via FBAR (FinCEN 114). Relocation Serbia coordinates Serbian bank account opening as part of the relocation process.
Can I work remotely for a US employer while living in Serbia?
Yes. Many Americans in Serbia work remotely for US employers or clients. The tax treatment depends on your employment structure — whether you're employed, self-employed, or working through a Serbian company. Setting up a Serbian DOO and invoicing your US employer through it is a common and efficient structure. We advise on the structure on the consultation call.
Ready to move to Serbia from United States?
Book a eligibility call. We'll confirm your pathway, timeline, and cost — no obligation.
Specific to American nationals · Bilingual team
· Belgrade & Novi Sad offices