Why More Canadians and Americans Are Moving to Serbia (And How to Join Them)

It’s one of the most common questions expats hear when they return to Serbia from Canada or the U.S.:

“Why would you ever leave there for here?”

On the surface, it’s a fair question. Western countries are supposed to offer the best salaries, the highest standards of living, and the most opportunity. But when you dig deeper, the story becomes more complex — especially for those who’ve lived in both worlds.

For many Canadians and Americans, the reality of daily life no longer matches the promises. High wages don’t go as far as they used to. The cost of housing is out of reach. Freedom feels increasingly conditional. And stress? It’s at an all-time high.

That’s where Serbia enters the picture.

Inflation is crushing.

According to recent data from Better Dwelling, Canadian inflation has been climbing at a pace nearly three times higher than the Bank of Canada’s target. Americans are also feeling the heat — prices are up, and real wages haven’t caught up.

Housing is unaffordable.

The average home in Canada costs over $750,000. In major U.S. cities, $1M starter homes are now the norm. Meanwhile, mortgage arrears in Canada reached the highest level since 2021, with thousands of homeowners falling behind on payments.

People are leaving — quietly.

In 2024 alone, over 106,000 Canadians permanently left the country. And that’s just the ones who declared their departure. Many leave without notifying tax authorities to avoid "exit" taxes that apply to assets like homes and businesses.

Debt is the norm.

North Americans live on credit: mortgages, car loans, student debt, phone plans, even furniture. While interest rates soar, financial literacy remains low. It's a dangerous mix.

So what’s driving the mass exit? Many are simply tired. Tired of working 50+ hours a week just to break even. Tired of watching their freedoms shrink while their tax bills grow. Tired of the rat race.

For those moving to Serbia from Canada or the U.S., the shift is almost surreal.

✔ Lower Cost of Living:

Groceries, housing, transportation, and healthcare all come at a fraction of North American prices. Many expats find they can live comfortably — even luxuriously — on half their old budget.

✔ Real Estate That Makes Sense:

In Serbia, you can buy a charming home for what amounts to a down payment in Toronto or LA. Plus, no property tax for 10 years in some cases? Yes, please.

✔ Less Bureaucratic Red Tape:

While Serbia has its quirks, business setup, address registration, and even residency can be more straightforward than expected — especially with the right guidance.

✔ Personal Freedom & Community:

Serbia values personal relationships, family, and community. During global lockdowns, Serbia remained one of the most open countries in Europe. Here, you’re treated as a person — not just a number.

✔ Dual Citizenship Opportunities:

If you have Serbian roots, you may be eligible for citizenship by descent, making relocation and life setup even easier.

One of the most vocal groups questioning the move to Serbia? The diaspora who left decades ago.

Many still view Serbia through the lens of the 1990s — a time of war, instability, and economic hardship. But today’s Serbia is a different country.

Yes, it has problems — no country is perfect. But to those who haven’t lived abroad long enough to see the cracks in Western life, Serbia’s value is often underestimated.

To the skeptics who ask, “Why go back?”, the better question might be: “Why not rediscover what’s changed?”

Let’s revisit the data:

• 
  

  106,000+ Canadians permanently left the country in 2024 — the highest since 1967.

  
  


• 
  

  Many are not newcomers, but citizens choosing to abandon a system that no longer serves them.

  
  


• 
  

  Canada’s government underreports these figures because most leavers don’t declare their exit to avoid costly final taxes.
  
  

  
  

If you’re thinking of relocating — do it before exit taxes or other financial penalties become more widespread. Australia, parts of Western Europe, and the U.S. are also discussing similar legislation.

Life in Serbia isn't a fairy tale. But for many North Americans, the tradeoffs are worth it:

If you’re serious about moving to Serbia from Canada or the U.S., we’re here to help.

At Relocation Serbia, we specialize in helping:

• 
  

  Diaspora families return and rebuild.

  
  


• 
  

  Retirees escape high taxes and cost of living.

  
  


• 
  

  Digital nomads and professionals relocate with ease.

  
  


• 
  

  Entrepreneurs set up businesses and establish residency.
  
  

  
  

From visa support to finding housing, registering businesses, and even opening a bank account — our team walks you through every step.

Whether you're fed up with rising costs, tired of government overreach, or just craving a simpler life — you're not alone.

Thousands of Canadians and Americans are quietly starting fresh in Serbia. You can too.

👉 Ready to explore your options? Contact Relocation Serbia today for a free consultation and find out if Serbia is right for you.

📩 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!