Why Serbia Became a Choice for Emigration: 5 Key Reasons
Preliminary Choice: Which Countries Were Considered for Relocation?
When planning emigration in 2025, several destinations were considered, as Georgia, where the family had previously lived, was not seen as the final destination. Initially, Georgia was a temporary option, and there were always thoughts of moving to another country for long-term residence.
In the selection process, several options were analyzed and discarded. Among them were:
- Poland. This was a desired option, but it was not possible to move there.
- Germany. This country was not of interest for a long time due to a personal aversion to the German language and culture.
- Spain and Portugal. These countries seemed attractive due to their openness to immigration, the availability of programs like the Digital Nomad visa, and friends' plans to move to Spain.
- South American countries (Chile, Argentina, Brazil). This option was rejected due to its great distance, which was perceived as moving to 'another planet,' as well as concerns about crime rates, especially in Brazil.
Reason 1: Ease of Entry and Visa Issues
One of the simplest and most obvious advantages of Serbia was its visa-free regime. No entry visas were required to enter the country, which significantly simplified and reduced the cost of the relocation process.
This is especially important when moving not from one's home country, but from a third country. Obtaining Schengen or national visas for other countries while abroad involves significant difficulties. It is necessary to have a valid residence permit in the country of stay to apply for documents, which creates additional barriers.
In the case of Serbia, it was enough to simply buy tickets and fly in. The lack of a need for preliminary entry documents became a decisive factor that made the move quick and accessible.
Reason 2: Multiple Legalization Methods and a High Approval Rate
Serbia offers many ways to legalize and obtain a residence permit, making it attractive to immigrants. The main options considered were:
- Residence permit for talent. This option is suitable for people with a completed higher education.
- Residence permit through real estate purchase. This requires a significant financial investment, which is not always available immediately after moving.
- Residence permit based on starting a business (as a sole proprietor). This path was chosen as the simplest and most accessible in the specific situation.
A key point was the high probability of residence permit approval. In Serbia, rejections are almost nonexistent, which creates a sense of security and stability. This contrasted sharply with the situation in Georgia, where at that time there were many rejections for residence permits, often with the justification 'threat to national security,' even for those with real estate or a stable income.
Reason 3: The Prospect of Obtaining Citizenship
At the time the decision to move was made, an important aspect was the possibility of applying for a Serbian passport after just three years of residence in the country. This prospect seemed very attractive for long-term life planning.
However, the situation has changed. Although the law still allows applying for citizenship after three years, in practice, the process has slowed down. Currently, there are no known cases of citizenship approval for Russians who have recently applied.
Many have found themselves in limbo: they have already renounced their Russian citizenship but have not yet received Serbian citizenship. Thus, what was initially a strong argument has now become less relevant and unpredictable.
Reasons 4 and 5: Social Comfort and Life in a Big City
Psychological comfort was another compelling reason. The attitude towards Russian speakers in Serbia is perceived as more friendly and comfortable compared to Georgia. After three years of living with a background feeling of some tension, there was a desire to move to a place where 'you are not hated' in order to reset the nervous system.
Furthermore, after living in the small resort town of Batumi, a desire arose to return to a larger, more dynamic metropolis. Belgrade, as a major European capital, fully met this demand. For people who grew up in St. Petersburg, life in a big city with its rhythm and opportunities is both familiar and desirable.
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