Serbia Digital Nomad Visa

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Serbia is home to numerous nomadic workers because of its accommodative nature and surprisingly low cost of living. The Serbian government created the digital nomad visa to attract more remote workers and help them grow into a global community.

The Serbia digital nomad visa is designed for people who work remotely as employees or business owners and want to base in Serbia for a while. In this in-depth guide, we will explore the types of visas you will need to enter Serbia as a digital nomad, visa requirements, the application process, as well as the popular nomadic hotspots, and the perks you get to enjoy in the country.

Serbia Digital Nomad Visa Options: The Basics

The Serbia digital nomad visa allows you to live and work in the country for up to three months or more. The short-stay visa gives you the right to stay in the country for 90 days every 180 days. However, if you wish to stay beyond 90 days in the country, you will need to get a long-stay visa (or a temporary residence permit) or a work permit. You can always renew your permit.

All digital nomad visas require almost similar documents as they nearly serve the same purpose. It is vital to note that you must first report to a police station within 24 hours after you arrive. Also, remember that Serbia is not a Schengen country.

Serbia for Digital Nomads: Pros and Cons

While Serbia is a great country for digital nomads, it has its disadvantages as well.

Here are the pros of working remotely in Serbia:

1. The cost of living is low in Serbia
2. Serbia has quality infrastructure and good transportation links
3. Serbia has an interesting, vibrant, and diverse culture
4. Serbia allows you to work as a digital nomad for up to a year.
5. Serbia has a scenic beauty with rich delicacies.

Here are the cons of being in Serbia as a remote worker:

1. You may experience a language barrier
2. The internet in Serbia may not be always reliable
3. Serbia's bureaucratic's system can be difficult to get through with
4. Serbia does not have so many job opportunities because of its size

Four Types of Visas

These are the types of visas available for remote-working individuals in Serbia:

1. Type B Visa (Transit Visa)

The Type B visa is for individuals who will pass through Serbia to their destinations. Although the visa is valid for six months, it only allows them to stay in Serbia for just five days per travel.

2. Type C Visa (Short Stay Visa)

This Serbian visa type allows non-nationals to visit Serbia for tourism, work, or other general purposes as many times as possible. However, you cannot stay for more than 90 days in every six months period. Also, the visa can be valid for twelve months.

3. Type D Visa (Long Stay Visa)

The long-stay visa, also known as the temporary residence visa, is for those who want to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days. However, such individuals cannot stay for more than 180 days. If you wish to stay in the country for more than this period, you will need to apply for a work permit.

4. The Sole Proprietorship Visa

This visa is particularly for those who want to own and register their businesses in Serbia. This visa demands that you create a Serbian business account and get the White Card from the police station within 48 hours of arriving in the country.

Work Remotely in Serbia: Steps You Need to Take

There are specific steps you need to take as a nomadic worker in Serbia. Follow this guide for a walk-through.

1. Register With the Police Immediately After You Arrive

You must register with the local police station within 24 hours of your arrival in Serbia. At the station, you will need to provide your passport and other required documents. The police will give you a registration slip which you will need to have with you at all times.

2. Get an Accommodation That Suits You

As a remote worker, you will need to find suitable accommodation that meets your budget and lifestyle. When searching for accommodation, you'll need to consider factors like location, cost, internet access, and safety.

3. Get Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all foreigners in Serbia. Ensure that your health insurance covers every medical expense that you will need. You can get health insurance from a local provider or an international provider that offers coverage in Serbia.

4. Create a Bank Account

As a digital nomad in Serbia, you'll need a Serbian bank account to receive your payments. Ensure that the bank you choose can handle all your banking needs.

5. Apply for a Tax Identification Number

The Serbian national employment service has made it compulsory for all businesses and workers (remote workers inclusively) in Serbia to have a Tax Identification Number. You can get a Tax Identification Number online or from a tax office.

6. Register Your Business if You’re an Entrepreneur

If you want to work remotely as an entrepreneur in the country, you would need to register your business with the Serbian Business Register Agency and get a work permit. There are two types of entrepreneurship you will need to choose from:

a) a flat-rate entrepreneur
b) a business bookkeeping entrepreneur.

Note that registering your business involves that you submit every needed document and pay the registration fee.

7. Get a Work Permit as an Employed Staff

If you work for a Serbian firm, your employer can process a work permit on your behalf.

Temporary Residence Visa vs Sole Proprietorship Visa: What Are the Differences?

Here are the differences between a temporary residence visa and a sole proprietorship visa:

Temporary Residence Visa	Sole Proprietorship Visa
Used for tourism, business, or other short-term purposes	Used to establish and operate a business in Serbia
Allows you to stay up to 90 days within a six-month period	Allows you a stay for up to 180 days and can be extended for a year or longer
Does not permit employment or work in Serbia	Permits the holder to work and employ others
Doesn’t allow you to establish a legal entity in the country	Allows you to establish a legal entity in the country
Does not make you subject to taxation if not engaged in income-generating activities	Makes you subject to taxation
Allows you to apply for permanent residency after 5 years of continuous temporary residence	Allows you to apply for permanent residency after 3 years of continuous legal residence
Usually takes a few weeks to be processed	Processing can take several months
Lower visa fees ($127.50)	Higher visa fees ($190.15)
Requires a three-month upfront bank deposit	Requires a one-month upfront bank deposit

Digital Nomad Visa for Serbia: Who Is Eligible to Apply?

This visa is designed for nomadic workers who work remotely as employees or business owners. However, it is first vital to note that the Serbia digital nomad visa is not out yet, as it's still under debate. Your eligibility for the visa primarily depends on your monthly income. To get the visa, you will need to show that you've earned nothing less than $3,500 monthly in the past six months.

What About Your Family Members?

Your family members can also apply for the visa under the same conditions.

How to Apply?

These are the processes you need to follow to apply for the digital nomad visa:

1. Check your eligibility

Ensure that you meet all the requirements for this visa program before applying. Remember that you will need to get all your documents ready as well- including your valid passport, health insurance, etc.

2. Apply for the visa

You can apply for the Serbia Digital Nomad Visa online (at the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website) or at the Consular Section of the Serbian Embassy. Fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents for whichever type of visa you are applying for (temporary residence permit or sole proprietorship visa).

3. Pay the fees and wait for feedback

After submitting your document, pay the applicable fees and wait for a response. You can always track your status online. Once you get approval (via email and e-visa), you can travel to the country.

Required Documents

These are the documents you need to apply for the digital nomad visa in Serbia:

1. The visa application form
2. A copy of your valid passport
3. Proof of health insurance
4. Two passport-sized photographs
5. A statement of your reason for coming and how long you'll spend in Serbia
6. The landlord's ID
7. A bank letter with an official stamp to prove that you have deposited the required amount in your account.
8. Proof of residency
9. Proof of your past income
10. Invitation letter (from a relevant Serbian company or authority)
11. Visa fee payment
12. Evidence that you are qualified to perform the said activities.
13. Evidence of your right to conduct business (or your intended activity) in any business environment
14. Evidence that you have the tools or equipment to perform your intended activities

Cost of Getting a Visa

If you are applying for a temporary residence permit, you will need to deposit three months' worth of Serbian-standard monthly income in your bank account as proof of funds, which is around $550+. Although some people often pay for two months and get approval. You will also need to pay taxes (visa fee) of $116. In total, you will pay about $650.

However, if you are applying for the Sole Proprietorship Visa, you will need to create a business account in Serbia and make a business bank account deposit at a one-month income (Serbia standard) of at least $270. You will also need to pay the visa fee of $173 and the Serbian National Employment Service charge of $116. In addition, once you open your sole proprietorship, you must pay a registration tax of $16. In total, you will pay about $566.

What Is the Processing Time for the Digital Nomad Visa in Serbia?

Usually, the processing time for this visa is at least 30 days. However, you need to apply for it at least three months before you travel.

Paying Taxes as a Digital Nomad

These are the taxes that you'll need to pay as a remote worker in Serbia (LLC and sole proprietor):

1. Sole Proprietorship Taxes

Generally, the tax rate for a sole proprietor in Serbia is 10%. If you're a remote worker who works as a sole proprietor in Serbia, you'll need to pay personal income tax (PIT) on your earnings which is a flat rate of 10%. If you earn a little more than 6 million dinars (about $54,000) annually, you may be taxed at a fixed rate.

2. LLC Taxes

As an LLC in Serbia, you do not pay a flat tax rate. Your taxes will depend on your company's earnings. You'll basically need to pay corporate income tax (CIT) on your company's profits, which is 15%. This rule applies to all LLCs regardless of their size or type of activity.

Serbia For Digital Nomads: Essential Information

Serbia is known for its growing digital nomadic population. Here is vital information that you should know about the country.

1. Best Places for Digital Nomads

These are some of the best destinations for remote workers in Serbia:

1. Belgrade - Belgrade is Serbia's capital and has a thriving digital nomad scene. It has several coworking spaces, cafes with reliable Wi-Fi, and diverse nightlife. You can also enjoy the city's cultural attractions during downtime, like the Nikola Tesla Museum and the Belgrade Fortress.
2. Novi Sad - Ranking as the second-biggest Serbian city, Novi Sad is known for its vibrant tech and startup community. You can always enjoy its coworking spaces (particularly the popular Smart Office). Novi Sad has cafes and restaurants with impressive Wi-Fi speeds.
3. Niš - Niš is in Southern Serbia and is home to the Niš Tech Community. This community conducts events for remote workers. Nis is particularly known for its ancient rich history and Roman ruins.
4. Kopaonik - Kopaonik is a mountain resort. It is in central Serbia and offers several coworking spaces, like the Kopaonik Business Center. Digital nomads who love to Ski, hike, and snowboard can enjoy always enjoy this city.
5. Zlatibor - Zlatibor is a popular tourist destination located in Serbia's western region. The town has beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and offers enticing traditional Serbian cuisine. As a nomadic worker, you can enjoy the coworking spaces, especially the Coworking Zlatibor.
6. Subotica - Subotica is the city that borders Serbia with Hungary in the north. It offers several coworking spaces, like Hub 53, and is known for its Art Nouveau architecture. Palic Lake is somewhere you want to visit during the summer.

2. Popular Digital Nomad Hubs and Co-Working Spaces

Serbia has excellent coworking spaces with fairly fast internet, meeting rooms, and other digital hardware. Most of these spaces host events and workshops for their members. These workshops help to attract digital nomads.

Here are some of the popular digital nomads' hotspots in Serbia:

1. Startit Centar - Startit Centar is a popular co-working space in Belgrade. It offers different membership options, from daily passes to dedicated desks, and has a community of entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and freelancers.
2. Impact Hub - Impact Hub has several membership options, from hot-desking to private offices. Also, it focuses on social entrepreneurship and innovation.
3. Smart Office - Smart Office is a co-working space in Novi Sad. It has a community of entrepreneurs, startups, and freelancers.
4. Coworking Niš - Coworking Niš is a co-working space in Niš. It has customized memberships that will fit your needs. Also, its prices are reasonable compared to other co-working spaces in the region.

It is important to note that there is an active expat community in Serbia. Many expats connect with one another through social media platforms like the Novi Sad Visitors group on Facebook. You can also meet like-minds through meetups and events. You can check Meetup.com to meet with people who work within your field or industry.

3. Living Costs

The cost of living in Serbia is relatively cheap compared to other countries in Europe. You can easily get a single-room apartment in the city center for $406.69, while outside the city center, you can get it for $280.28.

You might not have to spend much on transportation as a remote worker. However, if you would need to make movements, a single ticket costs around $0.8 while a monthly pass is about $30. You can always use a registered taxi like CarGo. 10 minutes rides cost about $44.40; however, farther distances will cost between $8.79 and $16.49 (the cost of the ride largely depends on the distance and time taken to reach your destination).

If you love to cook homemade meals, you can spend up to $37.37 on groceries and enjoy them for a week. But if you prefer eating out, you will likely spend between $7.69 and $16.49 on your meal, depending on your taste. You can easily chill out with friends over a beer. A bottle of domestic beer costs around $0.7 while imported ones cost a little over $1.

You may not spend up to $175.86 on utility, including electricity, water, waste, cooling, and internet. Also, medical expenses in the country are very much affordable. You can have a basic medical checkup for only $20.

If you’re looking for affordable countries in Europe, you may consider a Montenegrian digital nomad visa and Croatia’s remote workers’ visa too.

4. Internet Access and Quality

Serbia has fair internet quality with affordable prepaid internet packages. The Internet speeds can range up to 60 Mbps for fixed Internet connections. However, the average internet mobile speed for SIM card connections can be slower (up to 46 Mbps). Gladly enough, hotels, eateries, and cafés have free internet.

It is important to note that the reliability of the internet in Serbia largely depends on the service provider. While the internet is available in virtually every part of Serbia, 5G network is only available in the bigger cities.

Written by: Fikayomi Abisola

Abisola is an ETIAS Travel and Immigration writer with several years of writing experience in the industry. Abisola has a unique enthusiasm for travels, tours, and tourism and loves to educate travellers about the criteria involved in international travelling.

FAQs

Can I work remotely in Serbia?
You can work remotely in Serbia as a foreign national. Serbia has a low cost of living and an amazing cultural life.
Is Belgrade good for digital nomads?
Belgrade is a charming city with a vibrant social life. It is home to a growing community of nomadic workers.
Can a US citizen work in Serbia?
A US citizen who is a remote freelancer or self-employed remote worker can work in Serbia with a required visa.
Is there a required monthly income for a digital nomad visa in Serbia?
Yes, there is a required monthly income for the digital nomad visa in Serbia. The minimum is $3500.

Serbia Digital Nomad Visa