Student Protests in Serbia: What’s Really Happening and What It Means for Expats

The catalyst for the current wave of student-led protests in Serbia was a tragic event: the collapse of a newly renovated train station awning in Novi Sad, which resulted in 15 deaths.

This incident shook the nation, with many citizens demanding accountability from the government. Allegations of corruption, poor construction standards, and mismanagement of public funds have fueled public outrage, leading to mass protests in Belgrade, Novi Sad, and other major cities.

Initially, the protests were organized by citizens demanding justice, but when weeks passed without arrests or official accountability, students took matters into their own hands.

• University students refused to attend classes, calling for government action.
• Mass gatherings formed in front of government buildings, blocking major streets.
• Students organized silent demonstrations and marches spanning over 90 kilometers from Belgrade to Novi Sad.
  
  

This student-led movement gained national momentum, with other sectors joining in—including lawyers and judges, who have now shut down Serbia’s judicial system for 30 days in protest.

One of the biggest concerns for expats and foreigners considering Serbia is whether the protests are escalating into conflict.

Let’s set the record straight:

• Serbia is NOT at war.
• The protests remain largely peaceful, despite being intense.
• There have been no violent clashes between protesters and police.
  
  

While the atmosphere is charged with frustration, Serbia’s protests have not led to riots or large-scale violence. Unlike in some Western countries, where protests can quickly escalate into chaos, Serbia’s student-led demonstrations have remained highly organized and structured.

Many potential expats have reported delays in their Serbian visa applications and are wondering if the protests are responsible.

The truth is:

🚨 Visa processing delays are NOT directly linked to the student protests.

Several factors contribute to the slow processing times at Serbian embassies, including:

✔️ General inefficiencies in Serbia’s bureaucratic system
✔️ High volume of visa applications
✔️ Slow response times at embassies worldwide

If you are currently applying for a Serbian visa, residency, or citizenship through descent, you might experience delays. However, this has been an ongoing issue for years and is not caused by the protests.

Given the ongoing protests, some people question whether now is the right time to move to Serbia.

The answer?

It depends on your priorities.

🇷🇸 Why Moving to Serbia Still Makes Sense:

✅ The protests show that Serbian people demand accountability, which is a sign of civic engagement.

✅ Despite unrest, daily life in Serbia remains normal—businesses are open, people are working, and social life continues.

✅ No major disruptions to foreign investments, property purchases, or residency applications (aside from minor legal delays).

🇷🇸 What to Consider Before Moving:

⚠️ If your move depends on Serbia’s judicial system, such as property purchases requiring a lawyer, expect delays due to the lawyer and judge protests.

⚠️ If political stability is a major factor for you, it’s worth monitoring the situation before making a decision.

Many expats in Serbia agree: it’s still a great place to live despite the political tensions.

While some see the protests as a sign of instability, others see them as a positive movement towards change.

• Serbia’s people are not silent. They demand transparency and justice—which is a sign of a functioning democracy.
  
  
• The protests show a strong sense of community. Students, workers, and even lawyers are coming together to stand for what they believe is right.
  
  
• Unlike some Western countries, where protests are suppressed, Serbia’s citizens are actively making their voices heard.
  
  

So, what do you think? Do you believe the student protests in Serbia will bring meaningful change? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

If you’re considering moving to Serbia and want expert advice on residency, business setup, or citizenship, we can help.

📩 Get in touch today for a consultation!

🚀 Visit us at RelocationSerbia.com to learn more!