For many planning to move and obtain a residence permit in Serbia, choosing the right business structure is the first and most crucial step. The simplest and most popular option for sole proprietors is the Paušalac regime—a simplified flat-rate tax system, ideal for an easy start.
For entrepreneurs who have relocated to Serbia and conduct business here, the electronic signature (EDS) becomes an almost indispensable tool. It significantly reduces the need for in-person visits to government institutions, allowing most operations to be carried out online. This not only simplifies business operations but also makes daily life in the country easier.
Moving and adapting to life in Serbia inevitably involves a lot of paperwork. To simplify these processes and reduce visits to government institutions, ConsentID was created—a key digital tool available to both individuals and entrepreneurs (preduzetniks).
When applying for a residence permit in Serbia, many questions arise concerning registration, travel, and legal status. One of the most common is the necessity of obtaining a 'beli karton' (registration of stay).
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.
At first, comparing Serbia and Bulgaria didn't seem entirely appropriate, as there's a big difference between a temporary stay and living in one's own home. In Serbia, the status of a temporary guest who will soon depart creates one perception, while in Bulgaria, where I have a home, the feeling is completely different. Nevertheless, even a short visit is enough to form a distinct impression.
Moving to Serbia raises the important issue of legalizing your stay in the country. There are several ways to obtain a residence permit (ВНЖ), which differ in cost, requirements, and complexity. It's important to understand each of them to choose the most suitable one for yourself and your family.
In 2025, the key change in the process of obtaining Serbian citizenship for Russians was a new interpretation of existing legislation. The law itself has not changed, but it has begun to be 'read differently.' This has led to a de facto tightening of requirements for those applying for citizenship through the general naturalization procedure.