Moving to Serbia · From the US and Canada · Updated October 2026
Why Americans and Canadians are moving to Serbia in 2027, and what to check first
Short answer
Americans and Canadians can stay in Serbia for up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa, and anyone staying longer needs a temporary residence permit from the Ministry of Interior (MUP). Most come for lower living costs, direct flights home and clear residence routes through work, a company, property or family. Moving does not end US tax filing, because the United States taxes its citizens wherever they live (IRS).
Not sure which residence route fits you? Try the Route Finder.
Facts checked 31 October 2026.
Why are Americans and Canadians moving to Serbia in 2027?
Statistics Canada counted 120,640 emigrants in 2025, the highest yearly total since its records began in 1952. Four reasons bring some of them to Serbia.
Costs. Rent, food and services usually cost far less than in Toronto, New York or Los Angeles.
Flights. Air Serbia has flown Belgrade to New York since 2016 and to Chicago since 2023, and a Belgrade to Toronto route started on 23 May 2026.
Residence. The law sets clear grounds for staying, such as work, a company, owning property or family.
Business. A foreigner can fully own a Serbian company, registered by the Business Registers Agency (APR).
See also our guide to moving from Canada and the US.
Can Americans and Canadians live in Serbia?
Yes. US and Canadian citizens can stay in Serbia without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (Ministry of Foreign Affairs). Every foreigner must have their address registered with the police within 24 hours of arrival (Ministry of Interior).
Longer stays need a temporary residence permit. Since 1 February 2024 it can be issued for up to three years, and one single permit can cover residence and work (Law on Foreigners). Permanent residence usually follows after three years, and citizenship by residence after three more. Serbian descent can open another route; see our guide to Serbian citizenship routes. Rules can change in 2027.
A residence file usually needs, each matching the others:
- a valid passport
- proof of the ground
- proof of income or savings
- health insurance
- a registered address and lease
- apostilled, translated papers
Why it has to be right: MUP compares every paper with the others, and US or Canadian papers need an apostille and a court translation. In recent cases several weeks from a complete file to a decision has been typical. MUP sets the timing and we don’t promise a date.
Our residence permit service prepares the file with you in Belgrade and Novi Sad. You deal with the people who do the work.
Is Serbia cheaper than the US and Canada?
For most daily costs, yes. Property in central Belgrade is no longer cheap, though.
| Key fact | Canada / US | Serbia |
|---|---|---|
| Home prices | Canada: average sale price $666,538 (CREA, September 2026) | New-build flats about €3,147 per m² in Belgrade and €2,186 in Novi Sad (RGZ, Q1 2026) |
| Wages | Higher | Average net pay 117,282 dinars a month (RZS, August 2026) |
| Tax on salaries | Federal plus state or provincial rates | 10 % on salaries (PwC, 2026) |
| Direct flights | – | New York, Chicago and Toronto (Air Serbia) |
More in our cost of moving to Serbia guide.
Is Serbia safe for Americans and Canadians?
Serbia has been at peace since 1999. The US State Department rates Serbia Level 2, “exercise increased caution”, because of crime (27 August 2026). It notes pickpocketing in busy areas and violence linked to organised crime and big sports events. Most crimes against foreigners are opportunistic.
What about tax and banking for North Americans in Serbia?
As general facts, not advice: the United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income wherever they live, so Americans in Serbia usually keep filing US returns (IRS). Canada taxes by residence, and a Canada–Serbia tax treaty in force since 2013 decides which country taxes which income.
Old claims that Serbian banking is outside international reporting are out of date for Americans. Since 2019 a FATCA agreement with the US means Serbian banks report accounts held by US persons (PwC). Banks also ask newcomers for a lot of paperwork.
This guide is general information, not tax advice. Your situation is decided case by case — contact us or your home-country adviser.
What commonly goes wrong when moving from North America?
Common problems:
Posts promising private banking or a permit in days are out of date.
The 90 visa-free days run out before the residence file is ready.
Missing apostilles, or police checks that count as too old after a few months.
Moving does not end US filing.
See also the real challenges of moving to Serbia. Planning the move itself? Get the free Serbia Relocation Checklist.
Who decides residence permits in Serbia?
The Ministry of Interior (MUP) decides temporary and permanent residence and citizenship files. The Tax Administration decides tax matters. No agency can promise an approval or a date.
Relocation Serbia, with offices in Belgrade and Novi Sad, is one team for residence permits, company setup and accounting. We prepare the files; the authorities decide.
A good first step is the €49 Relocation Roadmap (credited toward any package within 90 days — see pricing). It maps your route, papers and timing.
Frequently asked questions
Can Americans move to Serbia in 2027?
Yes. US citizens can stay 90 days in any 180 without a visa, and longer with a temporary residence permit. Rules can change in 2027.
Can Canadians live in Serbia long term?
Yes. A temporary residence permit can run up to three years, and permanent residence usually follows after three years.
Is Serbia safe for Americans?
The US State Department rates Serbia Level 2, exercise increased caution, because of crime (August 2026).
Do Americans still file US taxes after moving to Serbia?
Usually yes. The US taxes its citizens wherever they live. Your situation is decided case by case.
Who decides residence permits in Serbia?
The Ministry of Interior (MUP). Relocation Serbia prepares the file; the authority decides.
Updated October 2026 · Relocation Serbia. General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change.