More and more digital nomads are looking at Serbia as their next remote work base. With great connectivity to Europe, an affordable cost of living, and a strategic position between East and West, Serbia is becoming an increasingly attractive destination. But before you decide to settle here, it’s important to understand the legal requirements, tax implications, and the true cost of living.
Digital nomads are individuals who work entirely online, without being tied to a specific physical location. They represent a new generation of professionals who combine work and travel, using digital tools and technologies to create flexibility and mobility in their careers.
Digital nomads can be freelancers, entrepreneurs, remote employees, or business owners. The most common professions include IT, design, writing, marketing, and consulting. However, more and more nomads are emerging from other fields as well, such as customer service, call center support, and even the arts.
Unlike countries such as Croatia, Estonia, or Portugal, Serbia still does not have a special digital nomad visa. Although the topic is frequently discussed in public and there have been announcements about legislation, the legal framework has not yet been implemented.
However, this does not mean digital nomads cannot stay and work in Serbia — quite the opposite. Thanks to the visa-free regime, citizens of about 70 countries can stay in Serbia for up to 90 days within 180 days without a visa, usually based on bilateral agreements. Digital nomads most commonly use this option.
A tourist stay (up to 90 days without a visa) does not grant the legal right to work in Serbia. However, if you work exclusively for clients and companies abroad and do not earn income on the Serbian market, you are practically not violating the law.
If you do not work for clients in Serbia, you do not need a work permit, but If you work for Serbian clients from Serbia or receive payment from Serbian clients, your stay and work status must comply with applicable laws. In that case, it is necessary to consider applying for a unified permit for foreigners in Serbia to legally reside and earn income.
If you like living in Serbia and want to stay longer than 90 days, there are several options to legalize your stay. The most commonly used options are:
This permit allows foreigners to legally live and work in Serbia for up to 3 years, with the possibility of extension. It can be obtained based on:
For this reason, many digital nomads choose the option of opening a company in Serbia (e.g., DOO), which provides a legal basis for applying for the unified permit.
If you are a digital nomad who wants to legalize longer-term residence, one of the most efficient options is to establish your own company in Serbia. Through the process of founding a DOO, you can register your business and apply for a unified permit for foreigners based on self-employment
This option is becoming increasingly popular among digital professionals because it offers:
✅Full legality of residence and work
✅ Tax flexibility
✅ Possibility of obtaining a residence permit for up to 3 years
Living in Serbia does not automatically mean tax liability. However, if you stay in Serbia for more than 183 days within 12 months or have your center of vital and business interests in the country, you become a Serbian tax resident and are obliged to pay taxes on your worldwide income.
