Serbia Reciprocity: How Foreigners Can Buy Property in Serbia Legally

If you’re considering buying property in Serbia, understanding the concept of “Serbia reciprocity” is crucial. For many foreigners, it can be the difference between a smooth path to residency — or hitting a legal roadblock.



At Relocation Serbia, we help clients from all over the world navigate Serbia’s property and immigration laws. In this article, we’ll explain what reciprocity means, how it affects your ability to buy property in Serbia, and — most importantly — what you can do if your country doesn't have a reciprocity agreement with Serbia.


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Man in a blue suit and red tie pointing at a message bubble that says “Purchase a property through BUSINESS” with the Serbian flag, promoting foreign property investment in Serbia via company ownership. Belgrade skyline in the background.

What Is Serbia Reciprocity?

Serbia’s reciprocity laws regulate foreign ownership of property based on mutual agreements between countries. In simple terms:


Serbia allows citizens of countries to buy property here only if Serbian citizens are allowed to buy property in those same countries.



This mutual arrangement is what’s known as a reciprocity agreement, and it applies primarily to residential property purchases by foreign individuals.





If your country does have reciprocity with Serbia, you can typically purchase property in your own name and apply for residency through real estate ownership.

Why Reciprocity Matters When Buying Property in Serbia

Real estate investment is one of the most popular routes to temporary or permanent residency in Serbia. It's simple, tangible, and often cost-effective compared to other European countries.

However, reciprocity laws can block this path for many would-be investors. Without that agreement in place:



  • You cannot own property in your name




  • You cannot use that property to apply for residency directly




  • You lose access to one of the fastest legal pathways into Serbia







So what can you do if reciprocity is not in your favor?

What If Your Country Has No Reciprocity Agreement?

Don’t worry — there’s a proven legal workaround.

✅ Workaround: Buying Property Through a DOO Company

Even if your country has no reciprocity agreement with Serbia, you can legally own property through a Serbian company.

Here’s how it works:



  1. You establish a Serbian DOO company (similar to a limited liability company or LLC).




  2. This company becomes the legal owner of the property.




  3. You, as the director or shareholder, retain full control over the company and, by extension, the property.



Why DOO?

There are two main company types in Serbia:



  • Preduzetnik (entrepreneur/sole proprietor) — tied to your personal identity




  • DOO (limited liability company) — separate legal entity



Only a DOO can legally purchase property, even if the company is 100% foreign-owned.


💡 Fun fact: You don’t need to give any ownership to the Serbian government — you can own 100% of your DOO as a foreigner.



Can You Get Residency Through This Process?

Yes, if structured correctly, the DOO can be used not only to acquire property but also to:



  • Apply for temporary residence as a business owner or employee




  • Operate a rental or consulting business using that property




  • Open a Serbian bank account for local transactions




  • Eventually pursue permanent residency or citizenship
















However, there’s a catch: Serbian authorities may ask you to prove qualifications related to your company’s activity (e.g., education or professional experience). You can’t just say, “I want to run a construction firm” if you’ve never worked in the field.

Countries With and Without Reciprocity With Serbia

If you’re from one of the following countries, you can typically buy property directly in your name:

✅ Countries with Reciprocity Agreements



  • United States




  • Canada




  • Germany




  • France




  • Italy




  • Australia




  • Switzerland




  • United Arab Emirates




  • United Kingdom




  • Most EU member states






If your country is not on this list, then the DOO workaround is likely your best path.

Alternative Paths to Residency and Property Ownership

💍 Family Reunification Option

If your spouse is from a country with visa-free access to Serbia, they may be able to buy property in their name. You could then apply for residency through the family reunification process.

Relocation Serbia has helped dozens of international couples use this method to navigate reciprocity restrictions legally.

🏡 Rural vs Urban Living in Serbia

Serbia still offers excellent real estate opportunities at a fraction of Western European prices, especially in rural areas.

Whether you're dreaming of a city apartment in Belgrade or Novi Sad, or prefer a self-sustainable lifestyle with chickens and goats in a countryside village, Serbia has options.







Just remember: even if you're buying through a DOO, the property must still be registered under that legal entity.

Final Thoughts: What to Do Before You Buy Property in Serbia

Serbia's reciprocity laws can seem confusing at first glance — but with the right strategy, you can legally own property and start your life here.

📌 Here’s what you should do next:





  1. Check if your country has reciprocity with Serbia




  2. If not, plan to open a DOO company to acquire property




  3. Book a consultation with our experts to walk you through the paperwork, legal structure, and residency path

Ready to Invest in Serbian Property?

Whether you’re an investor, digital nomad, or family looking for a new start — we’re here to guide you every step of the way.


👉 Book your consultation now with our legal and relocation team to find the best solution for your citizenship and residency goals.