How to Register Utilities in Serbia After Buying Property

Yes. If you own property in Serbia, you can register utilities in your name. Many expats purchase real estate as a pathway to temporary residency without the complications of starting a business—and setting up utilities is part of that process.

Relocation Serbia regularly supports clients through this registration process, ensuring smooth transitions and compliance with local regulations.

Here are the primary services you’ll need to switch into your name:

• Electricity

• Water

• Gas

• Internet/Phone

• Informatika (a lesser-known but mandatory utility in Serbia)

1. Determine the Utility Providers

Most utilities in Serbia are provided by public or municipal companies. The provider will depend on your property’s location.

2. Gather Required Documents

You will typically need:

• A valid passport (you likely won't have a Serbian ID yet)

• Proof of ownership (final purchase contract, cadaster extract)

• Or a rental agreement, if you’re a tenant

• White Card (proof of police registration within 24h of arrival)

• PIB (Serbian Tax ID) if applicable

• JMBG if you’ve acquired citizenship or have it through descent
  
  

3. Visit Utility Offices in Person

Most providers require in-person submissions. A local Serbian speaker can be very helpful to avoid miscommunication, especially since forms and staff may not operate in English.

"Many clients give us power of attorney or accompany us to avoid relying on Google Translate with clerks. It saves time and headaches."

4. Submit the Application & Sign the Contract

At the utility office, you’ll:

• Provide documentation

• Fill out and sign utility-specific contracts

• Schedule a meter inspection (for electricity, gas, or water)
  
  

The utility company will:

• Check your meter functionality

• Assess any outstanding debts from the previous owner
  
  

Important: Do not agree to pay off someone else’s unpaid bills. Confirm the account is debt-free before switching ownership.

Informatika is a municipal utility service that covers:

• Garbage collection

• Building maintenance (e.g., cleaning common areas)

• Property tax administration

• Waste management
  
  

It is especially relevant for apartment owners and renters.

Key Facts About Informatika:

• Includes monthly water charges

• Costs are calculated by number of occupants and apartment size

• In new builds, extra fees may be added for future repairs (e.g., heat pump replacements)
  
  

A typical Informatika bill is around 1,800 dinars/month (~$25 CAD). Larger buildings can have higher fees—up to 10,000–15,000 dinars monthly.

Switching Informatika to Your Name:

Just visit the local Informatika office with:

• Your name

• Phone number

• Proof of ownership

• Number of occupants
  
  

You’ll fill out a short form and begin receiving monthly bills.

Serbia has a very modern utility payment system. All utility bills include a QR code that can be scanned via your mobile banking app.

• Scan the QR code

• Pay via app instantly

• Receive digital proof of payment
  
  

Works with all major Serbian banks like Raiffeisen, OTP, AIK, and ERS (Novi Sad-based).

Some banks may have limited online tools, so choose a bank with a strong digital platform.

• ❌ Assuming bills are cleared by the previous owner

• ❌ Not inspecting the meter before transfer

• ❌ Choosing banks or providers with poor English support

• ❌ Skipping the White Card or temporary residence process
  
  

If issues arise, Relocation Serbia provides assistance—from legal recourse for unpaid debts to switching services.

Before buying, our legal team checks:

• Cadaster registration

• Right-of-way access (easements)

• Outstanding debt or informatics fees

• Construction quality and legal status
  
  

New buyers can avoid major mistakes by including utility and legal checks in their pre-purchase checklist.

Relocation Serbia offers full-service support for:

• Property due diligence

• Residency application

• Utility registration

• Legal advice and ownership transfer
  
  

👉 Contact us today to simplify your move.