Moving to Serbia: 10 Answers to Key Questions About Life in Subotica
The Geopolitical Aspect: Why Serbia?
In the current geopolitical climate, Serbia is of particular interest. This Balkan country maintains friendly relations with Russia, driven by numerous historical and cultural reasons.
There is a view that Serbia could become for Russian business what Hong Kong once was for mainland China. This refers to its role as a connecting link that opens up opportunities for entrepreneurs and international interaction, primarily in business rather than politics.
How to Transfer Money to Serbia?
The issue of money transfer is one of the most pressing for those moving. Currently, there are several main ways to transfer funds to Serbia, particularly to the city of Subotica.
Each method has its own features, limitations, and potential delays, which you should inquire about with the respective services.
It's worth noting that the situation with UnionPay payment system cards can change. For example, cards from 'Solidarnost' bank have stopped working, while cards from other non-sanctioned banks continue to function.
Budget for the Initial Period After Moving
Planning a budget for the first few months in Subotica is a key step. It is recommended to have a financial reserve for at least three months to settle in calmly and look around. The main expense items at the initial stage include several points.
- Housing rental: the cost of simple options starts from 150-250 euros, while well-renovated apartments will cost 250-350 euros and more.
- Deposit and realtor services: when renting, you often need to pay a security deposit and an agent's commission.
- Food: for a family of three, food expenses will be at least 300 euros per month.
- Legalization: you need to account for the costs of state fees and other procedures for obtaining a residence permit. In Subotica, this will require showing 500 euros in your bank account.
Moving with a minimal amount, such as 500 euros, is extremely risky. It is recommended to have a financial cushion of 5,000 to 10,000 euros for a comfortable adaptation.
Do You Need a Car in Subotica?
Having a personal car in Subotica significantly increases comfort, although it is not an absolute necessity, especially for those living in the city center. The city has a developed network of bike lanes, and public transport runs regularly and on schedule. The fare for a city bus is 120 dinars, and you can pay the driver directly.
As for buying a car, prices for used cars vary. You can find a 'workhorse' for 700-1000 euros. A car in good condition, 10-12 years old, will cost around 4000 euros and up. There are specialized websites for finding suitable options, such as polovniautomobili.com.
Buying a Car Without a Residence Permit
It is impossible to purchase a car in Serbia without having a residence permit (VNZh). The purchase procedure requires an official document from the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP) confirming residence permit status.
However, there is a workaround that some compatriots use. They arrange with friends or trusted individuals who already have a residence permit to register the car purchase in their name. In this case, a power of attorney is not required to drive such a car.
The Real Estate Market Situation in Subotica
Currently, the Subotica real estate market is experiencing a price rebound after the rush seen last autumn and winter. The cost of both renting and buying houses and apartments has started to decrease.
Nevertheless, the number of available properties, especially high-quality ones, is limited. People looking for houses with good renovations and expensive finishes may face difficulties. In this regard, realtors are increasingly offering options in small towns and villages around Subotica, where prices are lower, and transport accessibility remains good.
It is expected that real estate prices in the future will be influenced by factors such as the opening of a high-speed railway line and the development of a free economic zone. However, the implementation timelines for these projects may shift.
Renting Accommodation with Pets
Finding an apartment to rent with pets, such as a cat or dog, is more difficult but quite possible. Many landlords are wary of pets, but there are several ways to solve this problem.
One life hack is to attend viewings without your pets. First, it's worth getting to know the owner and establishing a connection. If you make a good impression, you can then gently bring up the topic of pets.
In some cases, you can offer the landlord a higher deposit, for example, double or triple the usual amount. This serves as a guarantee to cover potential damages, for instance, if a cat damages the furniture. Overall, the issue is solvable, and many people find suitable housing.
How to Transport Personal Belongings from Russia?
There are various options for transporting personal belongings from Russia to Serbia. Information about private carriers who deliver goods in minivans or even trucks appears periodically. As a rule, these are Serbian citizens who have established themselves as reliable providers.
Another available method is to use the services of 'Russian Post'. You can send items as parcels. For example, there is a known case where 30 boxes, each weighing 20 kg, were successfully sent. Delivery times ranged from two weeks to two months, and the cost of one parcel averaged 6000 rubles. This option is suitable for those who are willing to wait.
Can You Get a Residence Permit for Elderly Parents?
It is not generally possible to obtain a residence permit for elderly parents through the family reunification procedure. This mechanism is primarily intended for reunification with minor children.
There are exceptions for cases where parents are dependents. However, this fact must be proven to the Serbian authorities by providing evidence that they cannot manage without your assistance (for example, due to a serious illness).
A more common method is to register a share of real estate in the parents' name. As property owners, they gain a legal basis to apply for a residence permit, but not under the family reunification program.
Where to Buy Goods for Home and Renovation?
In Subotica, there are no large DIY hypermarkets like 'Leroy Merlin'. However, everything needed for home renovation and furnishing can be found in numerous small shops, known here as 'Farbara' (paint shop) and 'Gvožđara' (hardware store).
Large construction stores are located in nearby cities—Novi Sad and Belgrade. For convenience in finding useful places in Subotica, a special interactive map has been created. You can find it on the website subotica.site, at the bottom of the main page. The map marks various locations, from restaurants and playgrounds to construction stores.
Support for Entrepreneurs in Serbia
To help entrepreneurs who have moved to Serbia and plan to open a small, medium, or large business here, the non-profit organization 'Za Integraciju' was created.
The organization helps solve various tasks related to running a business, especially when it comes to more complex forms than sole proprietorship. Specialists can assist in obtaining licenses, permits, and provide legal advice, drawing on the experience of those who have already gone through this process and established their business in Serbia.
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