Moving to Serbia: The Complete 2025 Cost Breakdown for Expats

Thinking about moving to Serbia in 2025? You're not alone. More and more expats from Canada, the U.S., Australia, and across Europe are discovering Serbia’s affordability, freedom, and incredible lifestyle.


But before you book that one-way ticket, you’re probably wondering — how much does it actually cost to move to Serbia?


At Relocation Serbia, we work with clients from all over the world and this is one of the most common questions we hear. So, we’ve created this detailed budget guide to help you plan confidently — covering pre-move costs, monthly living expenses, and the unexpected fees most people overlook.





Let’s break it all down.


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Before You Move: Pre-Move Costs to Consider

✈️ Visa or Residency Application

Depending on your passport, you may need:



  • A visa to enter Serbia




  • Or you may arrive visa-free and apply for temporary residency from within the country



At Relocation Serbia, we assist clients with various residency pathways — including marriage-based, business-based, or property-based applications.

📌 Cost range: €110 – €1,500

(Varies depending on visa type, legal help, and application complexity)







✅ Need help with your residency application? Book a consultation

🚚 Travel & International Shipping

Your travel costs will depend on where you’re coming from:



  • Driving from a nearby EU country? Minimal cost




  • Flying in from North America or Australia with pets and household items? Expect to pay significantly more



📦 Shipping large items like vehicles or furniture can involve customs fees, container costs, and handling.




📌 Cost range: €200 – €15,000

(Yes, really — importing a car or shipping your entire home adds up fast!)

🐶 Bringing Pets to Serbia

Relocating with pets? You’ll need:



  • Up-to-date vaccination records




  • Potential transit visas through other countries




  • Special paperwork for pet import approval






📌 Estimated cost: €300 – €1,000+

👨‍⚖️ Professional Relocation Assistance

If you want a smoother transition, professional support is a game changer. Our services at Relocation Serbia can include:



  • Airport pickup




  • Business setup




  • Residency applications




  • Property assistance




  • Full relocation management





📌 Cost range: €1,000 – €7,500

(Highly customized based on your situation and needs)

Settling In: Immediate Costs After Arrival

🏠 Renting a Home in Serbia

A one-year lease is required for most residency applications. Airbnb contracts won't cut it.

📌 Belgrade Rent (monthly): €500 – €2,500

📌 Novi Sad Rent (monthly): €350 – €1,500

📌 Other Cities/Villages: €250 – €1,200





💡 Cost depends on location, size, furnishings, and length of lease

🏡 Buying Property in Serbia

Buying can be an attractive long-term option. Just know:




  • There’s no standard pricing system




  • Owners often price emotionally, not based on market value




  • You may need to renovate or furnish from scratch





📌 Price per square meter: €250 (rural) – €6,000+ (Belgrade waterfront)

🔌 Utilities Setup

Utilities depend on the heating system, provider, and apartment size.

📌 Monthly cost estimate: €50 – €250





  • Water: €30




  • Electricity: €25




  • Internet + TV + Phone: €30 (fiber-optic available!)

🛋 Furniture & Appliances

Is your home furnished? If not, prepare to spend on:



  • Kitchen setup




  • Bedroom and living furniture




  • Bathroom upgrades





📌 Setup cost range: €1,500 – €20,000

(Custom setups like full renovations can go even higher)

Monthly Living Costs in Serbia

🥗 Food & Groceries

Grocery costs depend on diet and family size. Many expats live well on less.



📌 Monthly estimate: €150 – €400 per person

(One couple + child can spend ~€200–€300/month and eat very well)

🚗 Transportation

Options include:



  • Public transport (bus, taxi)




  • Personal vehicle (higher monthly costs)





📌 Monthly estimate: €30 – €500

Plus annual inspection & registration fees based on engine size

🏥 Healthcare & Insurance

You can choose between:



  • Public healthcare (more affordable, slower)




  • Private healthcare (faster, paid monthly)





📌 Monthly insurance cost: €30 – €200

(Private plans offer better coverage and English-speaking doctors)

🎓 Education

Serbia offers free public education, but many expats prefer:



  • English-speaking private schools




  • Online/homeschooling options





📌 Annual cost: €2,000 – €15,000+ per child

(Varies by school and grade level)

Other Relocation Costs to Consider

🏢 Starting a Business in Serbia

Business registration is a popular residency path for entrepreneurs. We assist with the full setup.



📌 Company registration: €500 – €1,000

📌 Office rental (if needed): €300 – €10,000/month

📌 Accounting & legal fees: €100 – €500/month

🎯 Final Thoughts: What’s Your Budget to Move to Serbia?

The total cost of moving to Serbia can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of euros — depending on your lifestyle, family size, and whether you own or rent.


But here’s the good news: Serbia offers one of Europe’s best quality-of-life-to-cost ratios. If you plan properly, you can live comfortably, securely, and even invest long-term.

🔑 Ready to Move? Here's How We Can Help

At Relocation Serbia, we help clients:
✅ Apply for residency

✅ Register businesses

✅ Relocate families smoothly

✅ Navigate housing, banks, healthcare & more


👉 Let us handle the hard parts.


From residency and rentals to business setup and legal support, Relocation Serbia is your expert guide on the ground.


📩 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!