Moving to Serbia isn’t just about finding a new home—it’s about building a successful and fulfilling life. Whether you're looking to land a job, start a business, or work remotely, Serbia offers unique advantages that make it an excellent destination for career growth.

In this guide, we’ll explore how expats can build successful careers or businesses in Serbia, including:

✅ How to find high-paying jobs in Serbia as a foreigner
✅ Best industries for expat entrepreneurs & digital nomads
✅ Business setup requirements and investment opportunities
✅ Visa and work permit regulations for expats

By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap for professional success in Serbia.

Serbia’s job market is evolving, with growing demand for skilled professionals, remote workers, and freelancers. If you're looking for employment in Serbia, here’s what you need to know:

While Serbia’s job market is competitive, foreign professionals with specialized skills have an advantage. The most in-demand sectors for expats include:

• IT & Software Development – Serbia has a booming tech scene, with IT jobs offering salaries significantly higher than the national average. Companies like Nordeus, Seven Bridges, and Microsoft are major employers.
  
  
• Digital Marketing & Content Creation – Businesses in Serbia are expanding their online presence, creating opportunities for SEO experts, social media managers, and content writers.
  
  
• Engineering & Manufacturing – Serbia is a regional hub for automotive and industrial production, making engineers highly sought after.
  
  
• Finance & Accounting – With an increasing number of foreign-owned businesses, expat accountants and financial advisors are in demand.
  
  
• Teaching English & Other Languages – International schools and language institutes often hire native English speakers for high-paying teaching jobs.

Expats can use various platforms to find job openings:

📌 Job Portals – Popular websites like Poslovi Infostud, HelloWorld.rs, and LinkedIn regularly post job openings.

📌 Networking Events – Joining expat groups, startup meetups, and business chambers can help you find hidden opportunities.

📌 Recruitment Agencies – Consider working with agencies that specialize in international job placements in Serbia.

Non-EU citizens must obtain a work permit to be legally employed in Serbia. Your employer will typically sponsor your visa and help with paperwork. The process takes 4–6 weeks and requires:

✔ A signed employment contract
✔ Proof of professional qualifications
✔ A valid residence permit

Many expats choose to start their own businesses in Serbia due to its business-friendly tax policies and affordable operational costs. If you’re an entrepreneur, here’s what you need to know:

✅ Low Corporate Tax (15%) – One of the lowest in Europe

✅ Affordable Business Costs – Low rent and salaries make Serbia cost-effective

✅ Strategic Location – Serbia is a gateway to both the EU and non-EU markets

✅ Growing Startup Ecosystem – Belgrade and Novi Sad are tech and innovation hubs

🚀 IT & Software Development – Serbia’s tech talent pool makes it an ideal location for startups.

🚀 E-commerce & Dropshipping – Low costs allow online businesses to scale quickly.

🚀 Tourism & Hospitality – Serbia’s tourism sector is growing, making travel agencies and boutique hotels profitable.

🚀 Real Estate & Property Investment – Many expats invest in short-term rentals and commercial properties in Belgrade.

Starting a company in Serbia is fast and affordable. Here’s the process:

1️⃣ Choose a Business Type – The most common for expats is an LLC (D.O.O.), which requires a minimum capital of just 1 RSD (less than $1).

2️⃣ Register with the Business Registry (APR) – This takes 5–7 days and requires a local address.

3️⃣ Open a Business Bank Account – Necessary for financial transactions.

4️⃣ Obtain a VAT Number (if required) – Businesses earning over 8 million RSD (~€68,000) must register for VAT.

If you’re a freelancer or remote worker, Serbia is a top digital nomad destination thanks to:

🌍 Fast & Cheap Internet – One of the best in the Balkans

🌍 Low Cost of Living – Rent, food, and transport are much cheaper than in Western Europe

🌍 Vibrant Expat Community – Belgrade has a thriving coworking culture

Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Serbia

• Belgrade – Best for networking, events, and startup culture
  
  
• Novi Sad – Laid-back and artistic, with lower costs than Belgrade
  
  
• Niš – Affordable and fast-growing for remote workers

To live and work legally in Serbia, expats must apply for one of the following visas:

📌 Temporary Residence Permit – For employment, self-employment, or investment purposes.

📌 Business Visa – Ideal for entrepreneurs or foreign investors.

📌 Freelancer Visa (potential upcoming policy) – Serbia is considering a special visa for digital nomads.

TIP: If you start a company, you can sponsor your own residence permit as a business owner.

👨‍💻 Mark from the UK – Moved to Belgrade as a freelance software developer and now runs a successful IT consulting firm.

🏡 Anna from Germany – Bought property in Serbia and turned it into a thriving Airbnb rental business.

📈 David from the US – Transitioned from teaching English to launching a digital marketing agency serving international clients.

These stories prove that expats in Serbia are not just surviving—they are thriving!

If you’re looking for a low-cost, high-opportunity country where you can build a thriving career or business, Serbia is one of the best choices in Europe.

✅ Job seekers can find opportunities in IT, finance, and teaching.
✅ Entrepreneurs can start businesses with low taxes and operational costs.
✅ Freelancers and digital nomads enjoy Serbia’s affordability, connectivity, and coworking spaces.

💡 Want expert guidance on relocating to Serbia? Let Relocation Serbia help you navigate visas, business setup, and real estate investments.