Moving to Serbia raises the important issue of legalizing your stay in the country. There are several ways to obtain a residence permit (ВНЖ), which differ in cost, requirements, and complexity. It's important to understand each of them to choose the most suitable one for yourself and your family.
After a comprehensive overview of life in Montenegro, the time has come for a new stage—moving to Serbia. This decision does not diminish the positive attitude towards Montenegro, which remains a wonderful country to live in and has left no negative impressions.
The story of buying a house in Serbia turned out to be long and full of surprises. The entire process, from the beginning of the search to the final signing of the documents, was so eventful that it could be described as going through the seven circles of hell. There were several attempts to buy a house, and each one faced various obstacles.
When planning to move to Serbia for permanent residence, it's important to clearly define your goals. This isn't about a temporary stay to 'wait things out,' but a full-fledged relocation for those who have already researched the country and are ready for a fundamental change of residence.
The first and most important task when buying real estate in Serbia is opening a bank account. This process can be a real challenge, as many banks are reluctant to work with foreigners without a residence permit. Even on streets with 10-12 bank branches, you can face numerous rejections.
Initially, it was assumed that the cost of heating a house in Serbia would be insignificant, around 2,000-3,000 rubles per month. This confidence was based on the fact that Serbian winters are much milder than Russian ones, with temperatures rarely dropping far below zero. The average winter temperatures range from -2 to +5 degrees Celsius.
The ability for foreigners to purchase real estate in Serbia depends on their citizenship. The country's legislation establishes different conditions for various categories of buyers, which is important to consider when planning a transaction.
A common misconception is that buying real estate in Serbia automatically leads to citizenship. In reality, purchasing a property is only the first necessary step to begin a long legalization process. Owning real estate grants the right to obtain a temporary residence permit (TRP), but not a passport.
In Serbia, a notary is not just a formal witness but a key figure ensuring the legality of a real estate transaction. Since 2014, all purchase and sale agreements must be certified by a notary. The notary bears full legal and financial responsibility for the 'cleanness' of the documents they verify.