Why We Chose Serbia for Emigration: 5 Key Reasons
In Search of a New Home: Considering Relocation Options
The decision to move to another country is rarely spontaneous. After living in Georgia, which was never considered a final destination for emigration for 10, 20, or 30 years, an active search for a new home began. The idea of leaving Georgia was always present, and several destinations were considered for this purpose.
The first option was Poland, but there was no opportunity to move there. Germany was also considered, but for a long time, the country held no interest, partly due to a dislike for the German language. Spain and Portugal were studied more seriously, as these countries are quite open to immigration and offer programs like the 'digital nomad' visa. An additional plus was that friends were planning to move to Spain.
Besides Europe, South American countries were also considered: Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. However, Brazil was rejected due to its high crime rate. Overall, the South American continent seemed too distant, like 'another planet,' which would have made returning to Europe difficult and felt like a less familiar environment.
Reason 1: Ease of Entry and Legalization
Ultimately, the choice fell on Serbia, and the main reason was the simplicity of the relocation process. One of the most important factors is visa-free entry. This allows one to fly into the country without the need to arrange complex entry documents in advance, which is especially problematic when you are abroad.
Applying for visas, such as Schengen or national visas, while in a third country rather than your home country, often requires having a residence permit (ВНЖ) there. Without a residence permit, it is extremely difficult to submit documents to another country's consulate. Serbia eliminates this headache, significantly simplifying and reducing the cost of the first stage of emigration.
The ease of legalization became a decisive argument, especially against the backdrop of the experience with Georgia, where there were problems with issuing residence permits at the time. Even with all the necessary grounds, rejections were not uncommon. The ability to move to a country and immediately begin the legalization process without unnecessary obstacles is a key advantage of Serbia.
Reason 2: Variety of Ways to Obtain a Residence Permit
Serbia offers numerous ways to legalize your stay and obtain a residence permit. This provides flexibility and allows you to choose the most suitable option depending on your personal circumstances.
- Based on talent (on the grounds of completed higher education).
- Through real estate purchase.
- By registering as a sole proprietor (SP).
The real estate purchase option was not considered, as it requires significant savings and a decision to settle down immediately upon arrival. The simplest and most accessible path turned out to be registering as a sole proprietor. The process is quite straightforward: you arrive, register as a sole proprietor, pay taxes, and on this basis, you apply for a residence permit.
Reason 3: Prospects and a Friendly Atmosphere
A key factor in choosing Serbia was the high probability of residence permit approval. Unlike in other countries, rejections are almost non-existent here, which provides confidence and peace of mind during the legalization process. This near-100% approval rate was especially welcome after the experience in Georgia, where the residence permit situation was unstable.
Initially, the possibility of applying for a Serbian passport after three years of residence was also appealing. Although this process has now become uncertain for Russians, it was a significant argument at the decision-making stage. There are now cases where people have renounced their Russian citizenship but have not yet received Serbian citizenship, finding themselves in a legal vacuum.
Another aspect is the attitude towards Russian speakers. In Serbia, it is much more comfortable and friendly than in Georgia. For a change, I wanted to live somewhere where you are not 'hated' by default. In Serbia, the attitude is not just neutral, but very positive, which helps to reset the nervous system and eases adaptation.
Reason 4: Life in a Large European City
After three years of living in the small resort town of Batumi, there was a desire to move to a larger, more dynamic metropolis. Although Batumi is not a tiny city, its scale is significantly smaller than familiar million-plus cities like Saint Petersburg.
I wanted a change to a more active environment, and Belgrade, as the capital of Serbia, perfectly matched this desire. It is a large European city with developed infrastructure and a fast pace of life. Therefore, the choice was made in favor of the capital, rather than quieter and smaller cities like the charming Novi Sad.
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