Preparation for moving to Serbia begins with understanding the local bureaucratic nuances. An important point that simplifies the process for Russian citizens is that there is no need to apostille Russian documents. Serbia recognizes them without additional certification.
Moving to a new country always involves many questions: where to live, how much it costs, where it's quieter and better for children. Everyone who decides to emigrate has to go through this process, often more than once. Every move is a fresh start, involving house hunting, price comparisons, and doubts.
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.
The main advantage of Serbia for immigrants is the relatively simple legalization procedure at the initial stage. Unlike EU countries, there is no need to obtain a special Category D visa in advance and wait for months for a decision in a state of uncertainty.
Many people considering a move to Serbia face a dilemma: choose the dynamic Belgrade or the cozy Novi Sad? Making a decision is often difficult, even after watching numerous reviews. The only way to truly understand the difference is to live in the country and see everything with your own eyes.
Over the past three years, more than 150,000 Russian citizens have moved to Serbia, a country with a population of about 6.5 million. This influx has significantly impacted economic growth but has also triggered a sharp increase in prices, felt by both locals and newcomers.
The story of moving from Krasnodar to Montenegro in 2021, and then to Serbia in 2023, is often met with questions about the prestige of such a choice. There is a perception that Balkan countries are not top emigration destinations, unlike the USA, Germany, or Canada.
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.
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.