Pros and Cons of Living in Serbia: A Personal Experience
Downsides of the Urban Environment: Smoking, Graffiti, and General Neglect
One of the most noticeable negative aspects of Serbian cities is the smoking culture. People smoke practically everywhere: at bus stops, in cafes, restaurants, and even in internet cafes. After visiting public places, clothes often reek of tobacco smoke. It has become part of the local color—a cigarette in one hand and a cup of coffee in the other.
Another aspect that catches the eye is the abundance of graffiti. The walls of buildings across the country are covered with drawings and inscriptions that no one is in a hurry to remove. Historically, in the 90s, this was a form of social protest, but over time it has become an integral, though not always pleasant, part of the urban landscape. The themes of the graffiti range from supporting football teams to political slogans.
The overall impression is complemented by the state of the urban infrastructure. Even in the city center, you can find rusty structures, peeling paint on buildings, and broken sidewalks. Although this creates a certain atmosphere, many would like to see the cities better maintained and restored.
Ecology and the Cost of Rental Housing
Smog becomes a serious problem, especially during the heating season. It mixes with fog, creating a dense blanket that significantly reduces visibility—sometimes to just ten meters. Breathing this air is not only unpleasant but also harmful to your health. This grayness also affects the general mood, as sunny days become a rarity.
Renting a home is another challenging issue, especially for newcomers. The real estate market has its own peculiarities that can come as an unpleasant surprise. Finding a suitable option takes time and patience.
The Key Advantage: Simple Legalization and Fast Citizenship
The main reason many choose Serbia for relocation is the ease of legalization. The country offers one of the fastest paths to citizenship through naturalization in the world. A recently passed law allows one to apply for a passport after just three years of residence in the country.
The legalization process is as follows:
- Obtaining a residence permit. First, you need to apply for a residence permit, which can be done on your own without the help of intermediaries.
- Obtaining permanent residency. After three years of living in the country with a residence permit, you can apply for permanent residency.
- Applying for citizenship. Immediately after obtaining permanent residency, the opportunity to apply for Serbian citizenship becomes available.
A residence permit can be obtained during the 30-day visa-free stay. If there isn't enough time, you can do a 'visa run'—leave the country and re-enter to reset the period. Many people live like this for years without experiencing serious difficulties.
High Quality of Life: Food and People
Serbia pleasantly surprises with its high quality of food products. As an industrial-agricultural country, it supplies itself with fresh, domestically grown vegetables and fruits. Even in regular supermarkets, you can find excellent meat, fish, and dairy products.
Store brands from chains like 'Maxi' offer high-quality goods at affordable prices. This allows for a tasty and varied diet without spending a lot of money.
But Serbia's greatest asset is its people. Serbs are incredibly kind, responsive, and hospitable. They always smile when they talk, and this smile is sincere, as they love to communicate. The locals are always ready to help not just with words but with actions, and their friendliness extends to people of all nationalities.
Pleasant Bonuses: Affordable Cars and Cost of Living
For those planning to stay in Serbia for a long time, car prices are a pleasant bonus. Used European cars (German, French, Italian) cost one and a half to two times less than in Russia. For example, a 2008 Peugeot 207 can be bought in Serbia for 1,800 euros, while a similar model in Russia would cost around 4,277 euros.
The overall cost of living in Serbia is also a significant plus. Compared to other European and even Balkan countries, life here is more affordable. For a couple to live comfortably, including the costs of maintaining legal status (for example, by registering as a sole proprietor), about 2,000 euros a month is sufficient.
Such a budget provides a good standard of living, comparable to that in Moscow, but by European standards, these figures are very attractive. This allows you to enjoy all the country's advantages without overpaying.
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