Moving to Serbia

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process in Serbia largely depends on your nationality. Citizens of EU countries generally enjoy more straightforward entry and may have different requirements for long-term stays compared to non-EU citizens. For non-EU nationals, common routes to obtaining a residence permit include:

• Work Permit: If you have secured employment with a Serbian company, they will typically sponsor your work permit, which then allows you to apply for a temporary residence permit.
• Family Reunification: If you have a spouse or close family member who is a Serbian citizen or already holds a valid residence permit, you may be eligible for family reunification.
• Study: Enrollment in an accredited educational institution in Serbia can qualify you for a student residence permit.
• Other Residence Permits: Serbia also offers options for residence based on business ownership, real estate ownership, or other specific circumstances.

It is crucial to verify the most current requirements and procedures directly with the Embassy or Consulate of Serbia in your home country, or with the Ministry of Interior in Serbia upon arrival. Regulations can change, so official sources are always the most reliable.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Serbia can be done through several channels. Popular options include:

• Real Estate Agencies: Many local agencies specialize in rentals and can help you navigate the market, particularly if you are unfamiliar with the local language or areas. They often charge a commission, typically equivalent to one month's rent, paid by the tenant or landlord depending on the agreement.
• Online Portals: Various Serbian real estate websites list available properties. While many are in Serbian, some offer English translations or can be navigated with translation tools.
• Word of Mouth/Social Media: Especially in expat communities, you might find listings through recommendations or dedicated social media groups.

The typical rental process involves signing a rental agreement, which should clearly state the rental period, monthly rent, and responsibilities of both landlord and tenant. A security deposit, usually equivalent to one or two months' rent, is standard and is refundable at the end of the tenancy, provided the property is returned in good condition. You might also be required to pay the first month's rent upfront. For temporary housing upon arrival, consider short-term apartment rentals or hotels while you search for a long-term solution.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Serbia is influenced by several key factors:

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is usually measured in cubic meters (m³).
• Distance: The geographical distance between your current location and your new home in Serbia directly impacts transportation costs.
• Season: Peak moving seasons (e.g., summer months) can sometimes lead to higher prices due to increased demand.
• Access at Origin and Destination: Difficult access, such as narrow streets, lack of parking, or multiple flights of stairs without an elevator, can incur additional charges for specialized equipment or extra labor.
• Extra Services: Services like professional packing and unpacking, disassembly and reassembly of furniture, storage solutions, or specialized handling for fragile or valuable items will add to the overall cost.

For an exact price tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free, personalized quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized relocation can take anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks to plan effectively. Here's a checklist-style guide:

4-8 Weeks Before Moving:

• Declutter: Go through your belongings and decide what to keep, sell, donate, or discard. This reduces moving volume and cost.
• Research & Quotes: Begin researching moving companies and obtain free quotes.
• Documents: Start gathering important documents (passports, birth certificates, medical records, school records, work contracts, visa documents). Make digital copies and keep originals in a secure, easily accessible folder.
• Visa/Residence: If not already done, initiate your visa or residence permit application process.

2-4 Weeks Before Moving:

• Notify Utilities & Services: Contact utility providers (electricity, water, gas, internet, phone) to schedule disconnection or transfer services.
• Change of Address: Update your address with banks, credit card companies, subscriptions, and any other relevant institutions.
• Medical & Prescriptions: Obtain any necessary medical records and ensure you have enough prescription medication to last until you can establish new healthcare in Serbia.
• Packing Supplies: Gather boxes, tape, bubble wrap, markers, and labels.
• Begin Packing: Start packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and the room they belong to.

1 Week Before Moving:

• Confirm Arrangements: Reconfirm moving dates and times with your chosen moving company.
• Essential Box: Pack an "essentials" box with items you'll need immediately upon arrival (toiletries, medications, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers).
• Clean Out: Start cleaning out your old home, especially the kitchen and bathroom.
• Withdraw Cash: Have some local currency for immediate expenses upon arrival in Serbia.

Moving Day:

• Supervise: Be present to supervise the movers and answer any questions.
• Final Walk-Through: Do a final walk-through of your old home to ensure nothing is left behind.
• Secure Essentials: Keep your "essentials" box and important documents with you.

Ready to make your move to Serbia smooth and stress-free? Request a free quote today on relocation123.com!

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Serbia: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to a new country can be an exciting adventure, and understanding customs regulations is a key step to a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know when bringing your belongings into Serbia, ensuring a hassle-free move.

If you're relocating as a new resident (Temporary Import)

Foreign citizens with a temporary working contract in Serbia can import their household goods on a temporary, tax-free basis. Your shipment will be stored in a customs warehouse during the import process.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport.
• Packing list (in English or Serbian).
• Detailed list of goods with quantities (as per agent's instructions).
• List of books (title and author, typed).
• List of paintings (title, author, technique, typed). Note: Paintings and other cultural items/instruments (like violins, pianos) may require a value expertise.
• List of electrical items (brand, model, serial number, typed).
• Certificate from the police station for foreigners ("uverenje") confirming permission to import household goods. This is based on your business visa/temporary residence, which must be valid for over 3 months.
• Power of attorney for customs clearance from your company (on company letterhead, signed and stamped).
• Cost of transport to Serbia.

Good to know

• Import is tax-free.
• Food, alcohol, and all other consumables are not permitted for temporary import.
• The temporary import status must be extended whenever your visa/temporary residence is extended (e.g., annually).
• You are obligated to close the temporary import by exporting the goods when you leave Serbia.
• Import procedure usually takes approximately 5 working days.

If you're a returning Serbian citizen

Serbian citizens returning home have specific conditions for importing household goods, which depend on the duration of their stay abroad.

What you'll need

• Copy of your passport.
• Copy of your personal ID card (with your Serbian address).
• Packing list (in English or Serbian).
• Detailed list of goods with quantity and value for each item (as per agent's instructions).
• Total number of books in the shipment.
• List of paintings (title, author, technique, typed). Photos of each painting are also required.
• Paintings value expertise (if applicable). This also applies to other cultural items or instruments (violins, pianos) for which details and photos are needed.
• List of electrical items (type, brand, model, serial number, typed).
• Power of attorney for customs clearance (signed by you).
• Cost of transport to Serbia.
• Certificate from the Serbian embassy in your country of origin, proving you worked abroad for more than 2 years (if applicable).

Good to know

• If you worked abroad for more than 2 years and can prove it with an embassy certificate, import is tax-free for goods up to 10,000 EUR in value. Your original passport must be presented on the day of import, showing your last entrance stamp into Serbia, which must not be older than 1 year.
• If you did not work abroad for more than 2 years, or cannot provide proof, your import will be taxable. Taxes and duties are calculated based on the value of your shipment plus the cost of transport.
• Shipment will be unloaded in a customs warehouse for clearance (unless you worked for the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs abroad).
• Food products, alcohol, and consumables are not allowed.
• Import procedure usually takes approximately 5 working days.

If you're moving under diplomatic status

Diplomatic removals apply to individuals employed by embassies or other diplomatic organizations (e.g., UN, US AID, OSCE). These imports are generally duty and tax-free.

What you'll need

• Copy of passport (photo and personal data page).
• Packing list (in English or Serbian).
• List of books (title and author, typed).
• List of paintings (title, author, technique, typed).
• Diplomatic protocol from the embassy/organization (item count and gross weight must match travel documents).
• LNPDV certificate from the embassy/organization.
• Power of attorney for customs clearance (on embassy/organization letterhead, stamped and signed).
• Cost of transport to Serbia.

Good to know

• Import is duty/tax-free.
• Small amounts of food and alcohol are also duty/tax-free.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing vehicles into Serbia has specific requirements depending on your status. All vehicles must meet at least the EUR III engine emission standard.

Diplomatic Vehicles

• Documents: Copy of passport, diplomatic protocol (vehicle data must match travel documents), LNPDV certificate, power of attorney, registration card, cost of transport.
• Good to know: Import is tax-free. Diplomats are allowed to import one car. If the car is not for the ambassador or a family member, an additional cost of 0.1 EUR per kg applies. Detailed vehicle information (type, model, chassis/engine serial numbers, doors, seats, color, weight, engine volume/power, max allowed weight) is required. Clearance can be quick if documents are submitted early on a working day.

Temporary Import Vehicles (for foreign citizens with temporary work)

• Documents: Copy of passport, certificate from police station allowing vehicle import (based on business visa/temporary residence valid for >3 months), power of attorney from your company, cost of transport, registration card, certificate that the car engine is at least EUR III standard (from Serbian standardization institute), COC Certificate from manufacturer/dealer confirming EUR III, Import Certificate from Serbian Traffic Safety Agency (STSA).
• Good to know: Import is tax-free but temporary. Vehicle will be unloaded in a customs warehouse. Import procedure takes approx. 5 working days. The temporary import must be closed by exporting the car when you leave Serbia, or you must pay taxes and duties. You must personally obtain the STSA Import Certificate before dispatching the vehicle, as applications may be declined.

Returning Serbian Citizens' Vehicles

• Documents: Copy of passport, copy of personal ID card, registration card, invoice of the car, certificate that the car engine is at least EUR III standard (from Serbian standardization institute), cost of transport, power of attorney (signed by you), COC Certificate from manufacturer/dealer confirming EUR III, Import Certificate from Serbian Traffic Safety Agency (STSA).
• Good to know: This is a taxable import. You will pay taxes and duties based on the car's value and transport cost. Customs uses its own price book for car models; if your invoice shows a lower price, the customs value will be applied. Detailed vehicle information is required. Clearance usually takes 5 working days. You must personally obtain the STSA Import Certificate before dispatching the vehicle, as applications may be declined.

Pets

The source does not provide specific details on pet import. Please contact your local agent for information.

Restricted & prohibited items

• Firearms: Importing firearms is very difficult and requires permits from both the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Police. Permits are valid for very short periods. For temporary import, you must be in the country for over 1 year before applying for documents. Always consult your destination agent well in advance.
• Plants: Require two phytosanitary exams: one at the Serbian border and one at the destination city. Not all custom offices have the necessary equipment, which can cause delays. Always check the procedure with your destination agent.
• Food, Alcohol & Consumables: Generally not allowed for temporary import or for returning Serbian citizens. Small amounts of food and alcohol are permitted for diplomatic removals.

Alcohol & tobacco

Alcohol and tobacco are generally restricted or prohibited for import, except for small amounts allowed for diplomatic removals. Always check specific allowances with your agent.

Frequently asked questions

How long does customs clearance usually take?
For most shipments, the import procedure typically takes approximately 5 working days once the goods are in the customs warehouse.

Can I import food or alcohol with my household goods?
Generally, food, alcohol, and other consumables are not permitted for temporary import or for returning Serbian citizens. Small amounts are allowed for diplomatic moves.

What are the requirements for importing a vehicle?
All vehicles must meet at least the EUR III engine emission standard. Specific documents, including certificates from the Serbian standardization institute and the Traffic Safety Agency, are required, varying based on your residency status.

Do I need an original passport for customs clearance?
Yes, for returning Serbian citizens, the original passport is required on the day of import, showing your last entrance stamp into Serbia, which must be no older than 1 year.

What if my temporary residence visa is not valid for long enough?
For temporary import of household goods or vehicles, your temporary residence visa must be valid for more than 3 months to obtain the necessary police certificate.

Are there any special considerations for cultural items like paintings or musical instruments?
Yes, for paintings and certain cultural items or instruments (like violins or pianos), a value expertise may be required. Detailed lists and photos are also necessary.

For personalized assistance with your move to Serbia and detailed customs guidance, please contact relocation123.com.

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