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.
Starting a property search in Serbia requires thorough preparation. First and foremost, you need to clearly define the goals and objectives of your upcoming purchase. This will help you create a set of requirements, which will significantly simplify the subsequent steps.
Almost two and a half years have passed since emigration. This period allows for drawing some conclusions and sharing impressions. The goal of leaving had been maturing for a long time, and the main reason was a rejection of the social order in the country of origin.
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 story of buying a house in Serbia often begins with browsing online listings. This is how an attractive option was found in the city of Zrenjanin: a U-shaped, Mexican-style house with an enclosed courtyard, which looked almost perfect in the photos. The price of €25,000 seemed more than tempting.
After a year of living in Belgrade, the city map takes on new meanings. Special marks appear on it—so-called 'Russian spots.' These are establishments with Russian roots: from coffee shops and bars to beauty salons and barbershops, of which there turned out to be a surprising number in the city.
Budget planning is the first step when moving to Serbia. The cost of living here is considered moderate by European standards, however, the main expenses are concentrated in the capital, Belgrade. Housing rent is the most significant expense, especially in the central districts of the city.
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.
In Serbia, there are several dozen different grounds for obtaining a residence permit. However, among them is one option that, despite its apparent simplicity, is the most unpromising for those aiming for long-term residency in the country — a residence permit based on study.