Living in Belgrade as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Belgrade's visa requirements depend on the traveler's nationality. EU passport holders can enter Serbia for up to 90 days visa-free. For travelers from other countries, Belgrade's embassy has all the necessary visa and residency information.

Language resources

Basic Serbian is useful in Belgrade, and learning the alphabet and numbers is a good first step. Online resources, such as Duolingo and Babbel, offer free courses in Serbian, and the language's phonetic nature makes it relatively easy to learn. Some expats opt to hire private tutors, while others rely on English-speaking colleagues and locals to help them understand the city!

Housing

Expats seeking to enjoy city life can expect to pay around €200 a month for a bed in a shared apartment, while a one-bedroom apartment in a city center location averages €400 a month. Two-bedroom flats in the city center range from €650-€1,200, while three or more bedroom homes range from €900-€2,500. Expats should note that utilities, including internet, heating, and electricity, need to be paid separately

Groceries

Belgrade's grocery stores offer a range of international and locally sourced produce. Expats can expect to spend around €50-€60 a month on groceries for a single person, but prices can increase during the summer months when fruit and vegetables are out of season.

Transportation

Belgrade's public transportation system is incredibly affordable, with a single ticket costing roughly 40 pennies! A monthly transit pass costs around €10-€25. Taxis are also cheap and cost approximately €10 for a 5 km journey, with Uber and other ride-hailing services readily accessible.

Belgrade's continental climate means it's mild in spring and autumn and hot in summer (average of 25°C) with winters bitterly cold (an average of -5°C in January). Snows can be heavy, making it an exciting and magical time of year, especially for those who love skiing and ice skating. Belgrade is truly a seasonal paradise!

Belgrade's job market is currently thriving with top industries including finance, IT, retail, and healthcare. Many multinational companies have established operations in the city, including IBM, Ricoh, and Procter & Gamble. Salaries are generally lower than in Western Europe but cover of living costs is reasonable for foreign workers. Fluency in Serbian is preferable, but English is increasingly becoming the language of trade in this dynamic city.

Belgrade's healthcare system is reliable, and the city is proud to host some of Serbia's most distinguished medical institutions. High-quality private clinics and international pharmacies cater to foreign residents, and consultations with experienced English-speaking doctors are available. Nevertheless, expats should ensure they have robust healthcare coverage, especially for pre-existing conditions or expensive treatments like chemotherapy.

Belgrade's public transportation is reliable, affordable, and connects all the major neighborhoods. The city's tram system is extensive and reliable, with modern trams and newer stops popping up across the city. Buses are also a popular choice, providing fast, convenient transport across the city. Unlike many European capitals, Belgrade's metro is still in the planning stage but is on track to commence operations in the next few years!

Belgrade is an overall safe city, but visitors should still practice caution, especially in the city center after dark. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and theft, is residual, but foreigners should be vigilant, particularly in crowded areas. It's recommended that expats stick to well-lit, well-populated areas and keep valuables close at all times.