Serbia is a relatively under-the-radar destination in Eastern Europe and only attracts slightly over 3 million tourists annually. Serbia's main tourist attractions include Belgrade (capital city), fortresses, monasteries, national parks, and other attractions.
Serbia is located near other popular European countries, making it a great place to live. Some countries that border Serbia include Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Montenegro, and Macedonia. Serbia will likely change in the future, as Serbia makes it easy to gain residency if you are willing to invest in real estate or set up businesses.
Residency by Investment in Serbia with No Minimum Investment offers a unique opportunity for applicants and their families to obtain residence status in this stunning European country. Serbia's government has designed a straightforward and advantageous program to attract foreigners interested in experiencing the beauty and life in the heart of the Balkans.
Applicants and their family members can initiate the application process without the burden of a hefty business investment or a specific minimum investment requirement. This inclusive approach allows a broader range of individuals to consider Serbia as their future residence.
Map of Serbia
Serbia has one of the world’s most intriguing residency by investment options for real estate investors interested in investing in Serbia. Other residency by investment programs, which may require an investment of $100,000 USD or more, this program only requires minimal investment. Under the Serbian residency program, you can gain residency by purchasing real estate in Serbia. You can also gain residency by setting up your own company and hiring yourself as an employee if you don’t want to invest in real estate. However, the real estate option seems to be one of the most attractive options, given that there is no minimum investment requirement. Moreover, real estate prices are well below the levels in other frontier and emerging markets, and one could easily find a lovely apartment in Serbia in the €20,000-30,000 range.
To qualify, applicants must fulfill certain requirements, such as obtaining health insurance and demonstrating the means to support themselves and their family members during their stay. While there's no minimum investment needed, financial stability and responsibility are still essential criteria.
Once granted residence status, individuals can enjoy the benefits of Serbia's tax policies, which can be advantageous for both business and personal finances. Serbia's strategic location also provides easy access to the Schengen Area, allowing residents to travel freely within Europe.
For retirees looking to enjoy their golden years in a place of natural beauty and cultural richness, Serbia offers an attractive proposition. The incorporation of family members, including parents and a spouse, in the residency application adds to its appeal as a family-friendly option.
The naturalization process in Serbia is also straightforward for those who wish to become citizens after residing in the country for a specified period. This offers a path to full citizenship and all the rights and privileges that come with it.
Related article: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency
Zemun, Serbia
No minimum investment is required for the Serbian residency by investment program, which is one of the most appealing aspects of this program. However, there are various restrictions to keep in mind, and not all countries qualify for residency through a real estate investment.
People who want to purchase real estate should keep in mind the following:
Currently, only over 70 countries worldwide can gain residency in Serbia through an investment in real estate;
One may need assistance creating legal contracts, sales contracts, and ensuring the property is registered correctly;
You also have to register with the tax office and ensure proper payment of the property taxes;
You will need to open a personal account in Serbia and send the funds to this account;
Some of the application documents include the following:
Passport copy and passport photos;
Completed application;
Birth/marriage certificate (if the family is applying);
Proof of source of funds;
Employment/salary data;
Proof of dwelling (lease/owned);
Proof that all fees have been paid.
It usually takes 40 days to receive approval once you have applied, and you might want to think about getting documents apostilled to help expedite the process.
You generally need to stay in Serbia for 183 days/year or more, although some exceptions could be made under certain circumstances. Once you have been a resident for five years, you can apply for permanent residency. Moreover, the residency program could lead to citizenship in some cases if you are willing to remain in Serbia after five years. Once you have been a permanent resident for three years, you can apply for Serbian citizenship.
Serbian Dinar Banknotes
Real estate in Serbia is very affordable by regional standards. It is possible to buy a house in a smaller city or an apartment in Belgrade for less than €20,000. If you can rent out a 20,000 euro apartment for €300/month, you would be able to enjoy an 18% yield. If you stay in Serbia and pay rent for five years, you would have most likely almost paid enough for you to have your apartment. These are two main reasons why an investment in real estate in Serbia makes sense if you stay for five years. Purchasing real estate can be an excellent option for someone who wants to live in Serbia and gain passive income from their investments. There is ample room for appreciation during the next decade, so investing in real estate is a good idea if you are in it for the long haul.
Serbia is also a relatively cheap place to live in Eastern Europe and is an excellent place to relocate. The average salary in Serbia is slightly above $600 USD, and you can easily find an apartment for $300-400 USD/month or a room for less than $200 USD. Although these rent numbers are relatively low, one can still enjoy a relatively high rent yield if they rent to other expats, as the price of real estate is still very low. If you choose to set up your own business, Serbia can be an excellent low-cost hub if you want to pay a lower salary to yourself to have more money to invest in your business. Also, labour in Serbia is very cheap, which makes it so you can hire workers in Serbia at a much lower cost.
Victor Monument on Kalemegdan Fortress, Belgrade, Serbia
Serbia offers two ways to gain residency, starting a business and investing in real estate. The real estate route makes more sense if you have sufficient funds. You can also set up your own business or work remotely for clients while doing this. Serbia does not require hiring employees, but this can be a good option if you need them.
The real estate investment residency program is unique because there is no minimum investment amount, and your family can join you to gain residency. Other programs could set you back as much as 500,000 Euros and still only offer similar benefits. The potential to gain Serbian citizenship is appealing, but the process is not straightforward. If you want a more guaranteed route to citizenship, it is best to look at other programs, some of which can offer citizenship in less than one year if you invest enough.
In conclusion, Residency by Investment in Serbia with No Minimum Investment is an advantageous option for foreigners seeking residence in a country known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and accommodating government policies. Serbia's commitment to welcoming residents from around the world makes it an attractive choice for those looking to incorporate the beauty and life of the Balkans into their own.