Moving from North America · Updated October 2026
Why Canadians and Americans Are Moving to Serbia, and What to Know First
Short answer
More Canadians and Americans choose Serbia for lower living costs, cheaper homes, family roots and a slower pace. Both can stay visa-free for up to 90 days in a 6-month period; longer stays need a temporary residence permit from the Ministry of Interior (MUP). Wages are lower and paperwork takes patience, and some people qualify for citizenship through Serbian ancestry.
Not sure which residence route fits? Try the Route Finder (about two minutes).
This guide is general information, not tax advice. Your situation is decided case by case — contact us or your home-country adviser.
More Canadians and Americans are moving to Serbia. Most want lower costs, a home they can own outright, family roots or a slower pace. This guide covers why people go, the trade-offs and the rules for staying longer than 90 days.
Written by Relocation Serbia, with offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad.
Why are Canadians and Americans moving to Serbia?
Most people describe the same pressures at home:
- Prices rose fast. Inflation peaked at 8.1% in Canada and 9.1% in the U.S. in June 2022. It has cooled since, but many households feel their pay never caught up.
- Homes are out of reach. The national average home sale price in Canada was $666,538 in September 2026, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).
- Debt is normal. Mortgages, car loans and student debt take a large share of income.
Serbia answers some of these. Not all.
How many people are leaving Canada?
More than at any time on record. Statistics Canada counted 120,640 emigrants in 2025, the highest yearly total since its series began in 1952. The real number may be higher.
What does Serbia offer people from North America?
Lower day-to-day costs. Groceries, transport, rent and private healthcare usually cost less than in Canada or the U.S. How much less depends on the city — Belgrade costs more than Novi Sad or a small town. See food prices in Serbia.
Homes you can buy. In many Serbian towns, a house costs about what a down payment does in Toronto or Los Angeles (see cheap property in Serbia). Owning property in Serbia can also be a basis for a temporary residence permit.
Family and community. Daily life is built around family and neighbours. Many diaspora families come back for this.
Citizenship by descent. If you have Serbian roots, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent, which can make relocation simpler.
What are the trade-offs?
Serbia is not perfect. It helps to know the hard parts before you decide:
The average net salary was about 1,012 euros a month in May 2026, and half of employees earned under about 797 euros (Statistical Office of Serbia). The move works best when your income comes from abroad, a pension or your own business.
Offices check files closely. Documents from Canada or the U.S. usually need an apostille and a certified Serbian translation.
English is common in Belgrade and Novi Sad, less so in small towns and state offices.
Can Canadians and Americans live in Serbia?
Yes. Canadian and U.S. citizens can usually stay up to 90 days in a 6-month period without a visa, according to the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To stay longer you need a temporary residence permit, which the Ministry of Interior (MUP) decides. The common bases are work, owning a company, owning property and family ties.
The file usually includes:
- a valid passport
- proof of the basis
- health insurance
- a registered address
Documents must match exactly — a different name spelling or a missing translation is a common reason a file is sent back. MUP sets the timing, and we don’t promise a date.
Our residence permit service covers the route and the file in Belgrade or Novi Sad. You deal with the people who do the work.
Serbia vs Canada and the U.S. at a glance
| Topic | Canada / U.S. | Serbia |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | Canada: national average home sale price $666,538 (CREA, September 2026) | Varies widely between Belgrade, Novi Sad and small towns |
| Cost of living | High, especially for families | Lower; highest in Belgrade |
| Taxes | Depends on your province or state and your income | Flat personal income tax of 10–20% by type of income, plus a yearly 10% or 15% tax on high incomes |
| Healthcare | Public in Canada; mostly insurance-based in the U.S. | Public system for insured residents, plus private clinics |
Who we help from Canada and the US
At Relocation Serbia, we help:
- Diaspora families returning and rebuilding.
- Retirees planning a lower-cost life.
- Digital nomads and professionals.
- Entrepreneurs setting up a business and residence.
One team covers residence permits, housing, company registration and bank accounts. A good first step is the €49 Relocation Roadmap (credited toward any package within 90 days — see pricing).
Frequently asked questions
Can Canadians and Americans live in Serbia?
Yes. Canadian and U.S. citizens can usually stay up to 90 days in a 6-month period without a visa. To stay longer, you need a temporary residence permit, for example for work, a company, property or family.
Is Serbia cheaper than Canada or the U.S.?
For most people, yes. Belgrade costs more than smaller towns, and local wages are lower, so the gain is biggest when your income comes from abroad.
Do I still pay taxes at home after moving?
It depends. U.S. citizens generally keep filing U.S. tax returns from abroad, and Canada has special rules for people who leave. This is decided case by case.
Who decides a residence permit in Serbia?
The Ministry of Interior (MUP). It checks that every document matches and sets the timing. No agency can promise a date or an approval.
Related: Moving from Canada · Moving from the USA · €49 Relocation Roadmap · Canada to Serbia guide · Food prices in Serbia · Route Finder
Sources (checked 18 and 25 Oct 2026): CREA via CP24, 16 Oct 2026 · Statistics Canada via The Hub, 29 Jun 2026 · Statistical Office of Serbia via N1, 24 Jul 2026 · Statistics Canada and U.S. BLS CPI, June 2022 · PwC Tax Summaries Serbia, 7 Aug 2026 · Serbian MFA visa regime, Canada and USA.
Updated October 2026 · The Team at Relocation Serbia. This guide is general information, not tax advice. Your situation is decided case by case — contact us or your home-country adviser. Serbian authorities decide residence and citizenship.