To understand how to heat a home in Serbia, it's first worth looking into the local climate's specifics. The winter in Subotica is quite mild. For example, in December, the weather can be rainy, with an outdoor air temperature of around +6°C. There are no Siberian frosts with temperatures of -20°C or -30°C here.
The beginning of life in Serbia, specifically in the city of Novi Sad, was a period of adaptation. The first two months were spent getting to know the country and the city, without processing any documents, to understand whether it was worth staying here long-term.
The 'White Card' (Beli karton) is the official confirmation of a foreigner's registration at their place of residence in Serbia. It is essentially an equivalent of a temporary residence registration. Although the document is usually issued for an indefinite period, it must be re-registered each time you leave and re-enter the country, unless you have a residence permit (VNZh).
For those planning to move to Serbia, there are many useful online resources, chief among them being specialized Telegram chats. They bring together people who are ready to share their experiences and help each other. The main mission of such communities is to make information about relocation open and accessible to everyone, thereby reducing the need for intermediary services.
Since 2024, Serbia has started issuing a new document for foreigners who have obtained a temporary residence permit (VNZh) — the ID card. This plastic card with a chip has replaced the previously used passport stickers (nalepnice). In its format and functionality, it is similar to the identity cards used by Serbian citizens.
Preparing to move to Serbia starts with the right approach to gathering belongings and documents. The main advice is to bring a minimum of personal items, as almost everything you need can be purchased locally. This will save you energy and money during the move.
The main requirement for applying for permanent residency (PMŽ) in Serbia is three years of continuous residence in the country based on a temporary residence permit (VNJ). It is important to understand that this period starts from the date of the very first temporary residence permit application, which can only be found in the 'uverenje o boravku' document.
For those planning to move or who have already obtained a residence permit in Serbia, it's important to understand the document called "Uverenje o boravku". Essentially, it is an official certificate that confirms your registered address in the country. It serves as an equivalent of residence registration and replaces the "white card" for foreign citizens who have received a residence permit, formally certifying your resident status at a specific address.
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.