Serbia, long overshadowed by its EU neighbors, is rapidly emerging as a top-tier destination for digital nomads. Nestled in the heart of the Balkans and outside the Schengen Zone, Serbia offers a compelling mix of affordability, rich culture, fast internet, and growing infrastructure—without the red tape that plagues other European destinations. Whether you’re building a startup, writing code, or teaching online, this landlocked gem might be your ideal remote base.
Legal Stay: From Tourist to Temporary Resident
Most travelers can enter Serbia visa-free for 90 days, which offers a convenient soft landing. The real benefit, however, comes from Serbia’s unique legal position: it’s outside the Schengen Area, meaning your Schengen clock pauses while you’re here—a popular workaround for nomads on the move through Europe.
For longer stays, Serbia now offers a Temporary Residence Permit (TRP) that can be granted for up to three years—a significant upgrade from the old one-year model. While a dedicated digital nomad visa is still under development, remote workers can currently apply for a TRP by demonstrating a monthly income of at least €3,500, private health insurance, and a local lease agreement. The process, while bureaucratic, is streamlined through an online portal and typically takes between 4 to 8 weeks.
Bonus: A Path to Permanent Residency
Once granted, the TRP is renewable, and after three continuous years, holders become eligible for permanent residency—down from the previous five-year requirement.
Cost of Living: High Quality, Low Price
One of Serbia’s most attractive features is its affordability. In July 2025, a single digital nomad can comfortably live in Belgrade—the vibrant capital—for $1,900 to $2,900 USD/month, depending on lifestyle choices. Smaller cities like Novi Sad or Niš offer even lower costs, ranging between $1,000 and $1,800/month.
Here’s what you can expect:
- One-bedroom apartments in central areas rent for $350–$700/month.
- Coffee culture thrives, with a cappuccino rarely exceeding $1.60.
- Mobile data is cheap and reliable, often under $1 per GB.
Groceries, public transportation, and gym memberships are also budget-friendly, allowing nomads to enjoy a European lifestyle without European prices.
Work Infrastructure: Built for Productivity
Serbia punches above its weight when it comes to digital infrastructure:
- Internet speeds are excellent, with fixed broadband averaging 70+ Mbps and mobile data around 50 Mbps.
- Unlimited mobile plans cost less than €15 per month.
- Coworking spaces are abundant in major cities, offering fast Wi-Fi, hot desks, and a strong community vibe.
For those who prefer working from cafés, you’ll find plenty of laptop-friendly spots with solid Wi-Fi and a laid-back atmosphere—just be prepared for the occasional smoke-filled room, as indoor smoking is still common in many establishments.
Residency & Taxes: Simple, Flat, and Transparent
If you stay fewer than 183 days per year, you’re typically not considered a tax resident. However, once you cross that threshold or establish your “center of vital interests” in Serbia, you may be taxed on global income.
Fortunately, the income tax is flat at 10%—one of the lowest in Europe. Moreover, recent reforms offer 70% tax-base relief for five years to newcomers under 40 or those who haven’t resided in Serbia for the previous two years. Social contributions (for health, pension, and unemployment) apply to formal employment contracts or self-employment setups but remain manageable.
Many digital nomads eventually register as sole proprietors to benefit from deductible expenses and simplified tax filing.
Lifestyle: A Rich, Relaxed, Yet Dynamic Scene
Why people love it:
- Vibrant social life: Serbia boasts a buzzing nightlife, endless riverside cafés, and a youthful, English-speaking population.
- Central location: With overnight trains and short bus rides to cities like Budapest, Sofia, or Sarajevo, it’s a perfect Balkan base.
- Year-round events: From tech meetups to music festivals, there’s always something happening.
- Safe and friendly: Urban areas are walkable, safe, and welcoming to foreigners.
The trade-offs:
- Winter air pollution can be bothersome, particularly in Belgrade.
- Indoor smoking is still prevalent in restaurants and bars.
- Public transportation is affordable but dated; ride-hailing apps fill the gap, though they can surge.
Practical Tips for Settling In
- Register your address within 24 hours of arrival—your host or landlord can usually help.
- Health insurance is a requirement for residence applications. You can either keep your international policy or switch to a local expat provider.
- Open a bank account once you have your TRP; this helps with local transactions and receiving payments.
- Use public transport for commuting or grab a bike in flatter cities like Novi Sad. In Belgrade, rideshares are more convenient.
- Network locally: Regular tech meetups and informal gatherings make it easy to plug into the local scene.
If you’re seeking a European lifestyle at half the cost, Serbia is hard to beat. You get fast internet, a laid-back work rhythm, and access to vibrant cities and natural escapes—all without overstaying your Schengen welcome.
While the country still has a few quirks—like smoking indoors and winter smog—the pros far outweigh the cons for most nomads. With a flexible residence path, tax-friendly policies, and a warm, creative community, Serbia offers more than just a place to work—it offers a place to thrive.