An Expat's Guide to Living in Belgrade

Why Consider Living in Belgrade

Not sure if Belgrade is the home abroad for you? These are few things I've loved thus far about living here:

• Affordability: Enjoy a high quality of life without breaking the bank. From housing to dining out, Belgrade offers excellent value for money.
• Vibrant Culture: Immerse yourself in a city that never sleeps. Belgrade boasts a thriving music, arts, and nightlife scene.
• Friendly People: Serbians are known for their hospitality and warmth. You'll quickly feel at home. I certainly adapted quicker than I thought I would due to the kindness of locals!
• Strategic Location: Belgrade is well-connected to major European cities, making it an ideal base for exploring the continent.
• Safety: As a woman living alone, I feel safe being out and about in the city without danger of having my items stolen or being harassed. 

All year-round, Serbia has a lot to offer, from skiing in the winter to hiking in the summer. There's really no best time to visit Serbia in my opinion since there's so much to see and do. Just know that for winter sports you will need to travel far from Belgrade to places like Zlatibor. It's not like living in Sarajevo with the slopes practically at your doorstep.

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Basic Living in Belgrade Information

Let's dive into the nitty gritty of what you'll need to know about living in Belgrade before you decide to make the move.

Language

Serbian is the official and national language of Serbia. However, English is widely spoken, especially by anyone under the age of 50. Most restaurants in the cities have English menus and if not, there is usually someone on hand to help.

The biggest challenge most foreigners face in Serbia is that they use the Cyrillic alphabet so it can be difficult to even sound out words. Within the city, the Latin alphabet is used often but in small towns it might not be as present.

Of course, learning some Serbian phrases will undoubtedly enhance your experience and another plus- it will help when you travel to neighboring countries. This is because Serbian is also one of the three official languages of Bosnia and Herzegovina and co-official in Montenegro and Kosovo. 

Serbian is also incredibly similar to Bosnia, Croatian, Montenegrin, and slightly less so to Slovenia. If you plan on traveling around the Balkans, you'll be thankful for however much of the language you pick up while learning here.

The best way to learn a language is typically through immersion. But you can help speed up the process by practicing online. I recommend these platforms:

• Drops: Use the free version of this app for 5-minutes of vocab lessons a day. This is good for improving vocab but little else.
• Mondly: If you want to have a little bit more practice, this app is similar to Duolingo but has less silly prompts and more realistic phrases and sentences.
• Babbel: Babbel is similar to Mondly but also teaches cultural tidbits during the language lesson.
• iTalki: If you're more serious about learning to speak the language, this platform allows you to have 1:1 or group lessons with native teachers.

Climate

Serbia experiences a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and sunny, perfect for enjoying outdoor activities and exploring the city. Winters can be cold with occasional snowfall, creating a cozy atmosphere.

However, Serbian winters are far warmer than those of Western European countries. Unless you plan on engaging in winter sports, one thick, waterproof winter jacket will suffice for life in Belgrade!

Spring and autumn are my favorite times of year because they offer pleasant weather, ideal for hiking and photography.

Transportation Options in Belgrade

Although not a very big city on international standards, for the region Belgrade is sizeable. Luckily the public transport is good and gives you a variety of options to get from Point A to Point B:

• Bus: Belgrade has a large and extensive bus network that covers most of the city and its surrounding areas. Buses are generally affordable and run frequently.
• Tram: Trams are another popular mode of transportation in Belgrade, with several lines running through the city center and connecting to different neighborhoods. Buses and tram lines are shown on Google Maps or on the Beograd+ app (which is where you can buy rides).
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available throughout the city and offer a convenient way to travel, especially at night or for longer distances. You can download Yandex Go or Pink Taxi which works similarly to Uber.
• Bicycle: Belgrade is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes available.
• Walking: Compared to other places I've lived, Belgrade is a small city and is easily walkable if you have the physical capacity and time to enjoy being mobile on your feet.

You can also use public transport to get out of the city and explore more of Serbia. The intercity train isn't as extensive as other countries in Europe but it can get you to a few destinations. Flixbus is also a good option if you don't want to rent a car.

How to Move to Serbia

Job Opportunities

Belgrade has emerged as a thriving hub for both local and international businesses, offering a diverse range of job opportunities for expats.

The city's strategic location, growing economy, and skilled workforce have attracted numerous multinational companies and startups.

The vast majority of expats move to Serbia to pursue professional opportunities or open up businesses. Job opportunities for people who don’t speak Serbian will most likely be offered by companies under international corporations and establishments who wish to grow their global focus.

These are the most common career paths for working in Serbia:

• IT and Technology: Belgrade boasts a burgeoning tech scene with a strong focus on software development, IT consulting, and digital marketing. Numerous international tech companies have established their presence in the city, creating ample opportunities for skilled professionals.
• Finance and Business Services: The financial sector is another key driver of the Belgrade job market. Banks, insurance companies, and consulting firms are actively seeking experienced professionals.
• Creative Industries: Belgrade's vibrant cultural scene has given rise to a thriving creative industry. Opportunities exist in advertising, media, design, and the entertainment sector.
• Teaching at International Schools: With a growing expat community, a demand has arisen for international schools. There are a few in Belgrade and nearby Novi Sad so look out for teaching vacancies. 

I moved to Belgrade after receiving an offer to teach Psychology at an international school in the city.

Visa Options

Serbia does not have a specific work visa for people pursuing job opportunities or wanting to be digital nomads. Most foreign workers have to obtain a Visa D. This is a 180 day tourist visa which eventually converts to a Temporary Residence Permit. You can start the application for this online before arriving in Serbia.

My advice would be to check with the companies if they offer visa processing as part of the package as it can be complicated if you don’t speak Serbian.

My school processed my residency permit very quickly after my arrival with minimal stress from my side. 

If you're looking for countries in Europe that offer digital nomad visas, I'd skip over Serbia and consult this full list.

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Best Areas to Live in Belgrade

Belgrade offers a diverse range of neighborhoods to suit different preferences, budgets, and lifestyles. Here are some popular areas to consider:

For a Vibrant City Life:

• Stari Grad (Old Town): The heart of Belgrade, offering a rich history, bustling nightlife, and a wide range of restaurants and shops.
• Dorcol: Known for its bohemian atmosphere, trendy cafes, and boutique shops, Dorcol is a popular choice for young professionals.
• Savamala: A rapidly developing area with a creative vibe, featuring art galleries, trendy bars, and a youthful energy.

For a Quieter Lifestyle:

• Vracar: A residential area with a mix of old and new buildings, offering a peaceful environment while still being close to the city center.
• New Belgrade: A modern district with spacious apartments, green spaces, and good infrastructure, ideal for families.
• Zemun: A charming suburb with a historic center, offering a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to the Danube River.

Unless your accommodation is included along with your job contract, I wouldn't recommend signing a lease until you see the place in-person. I suggest getting a hotel for when you arrive and apartment hunting when you're actually here.

Sure you can take a look at what's on the market but it's best that you scope out the apartment and the area first.

📍Looking for a good place to land in Belgrade? I recommend staying in Stari Grad to be centrally located and around more English speakers as you settle in. These are good hotel options:

• Budget Stay: Skadarlija’s Night: This two-bedroom apartment is ideal for those on a budget yet still want access to a kitchen and more space than a hotel room can offer.
• Mid-Tier Stay: Belgrade Center Luxury Apartments: Crave the ability to relax on a big couch or a hot tub bath after your first few days at work? You'll love staying here.
• Luxury Stay: Dominic Smart & Luxury Suites: Prefer a nice hotel rather than an apartment? This centrally located spot will get you right in the heart of Belgrade so you can start settling in.

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Downsides of Living in Belgrade

Although I've so far loved living in Belgrade, everywhere in the world comes with a trade off or two. While there are plenty of pros to living here, these are some of the cons:

• Lack of diversity: Serbia can still feel very ethnically homogenous particularly when you leave the big cities. This may be disconcerting for people of color however, Serbian people are very warm and have never made me feel uncomfortable because of race.
• Limited grocery items: Unless you adapt completely to traditional Serbian food, it can prove difficult to find anything ‘foreign’ in Serbian stores. Even things like whole spices and fresh coriander are not easy to come by. You learn to make do without. 
• Difficult to order items: Due to exorbitant customs fees, it's often challenging to order items coming from outside Serbia. I would suggest stocking up on certain things when you travel.
• Public healthcare will be a struggle for anyone who doesn’t speak Serbian. I advise ensuring that any job offer includes private health insurance. There are many private healthcare facilities in Belgrade offering care of a very high standard (from my personal experience). 
• For passports from the Global South, Serbia has strict entry requirements which can make it difficult to do visa runs or when family members want to visit. However, Serbia accepts a variety of entry visas to facilitate a smoother entry into Serbia. It is far better to obtain a valid Schengen, UK and EU Member States' visa, or visa of the United States of America, than trying to get a Serbian tourist visa. The bonus is that you can use these to visit a few other Balkan countries too. 

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Will You Try Living in Belgrade?

Despite the challenges, Belgrade offers a unique and fulfilling expat experience. Offering a unique blend of affordability, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality makes it a compelling choice for expats.

The city's low cost of living allows residents to enjoy a high quality of life, while its rich history, thriving arts scene, and lively nightlife keep things exciting.

With friendly locals and a growing expat community, Belgrade fosters a welcoming atmosphere where it's easy to feel at home.