Serbia's innovative digital nomad visa opens up exciting opportunities for remote workers seeking a vibrant and cost-effective destination. With its welcoming atmosphere and stunning landscapes, Serbia beckons digital nomads to experience a unique blend of work and exploration.
Is there digital nomad visa in Serbia?
While Serbia currently lacks a dedicated digital nomad visa program, it does provide an alternative solution through a one-year temporary residence permit, catering to the needs of digital nomads seeking an extended stay in the country.
Why choose Serbia for digital nomad visa in Serbia?
Serbia provides favorable conditions for individuals looking to work remotely or manage their businesses from abroad. Alongside affordable expenses for rent, transportation, and food, the country offers additional advantages:
- Serbia boasts an internet speed of approximately 69 Mbps, securing its position at 55th in the global rankings.
- Belgrade, the capital, is a favored destination among digital nomads due to its conducive environment for remote work.
- There are options to rent workspace for around USD 12 per day, further enhancing the appeal for those seeking an optimal work setup.
Digital nomad visa in Serbia: types
Serbia offers various visa options for remote-working individuals:
- Type B Visa (Transit Visa): Intended for those passing through Serbia, this visa is valid for six months, allowing a stay of up to five days per travel.
- Type C Visa (Short Stay Visa): Non-nationals can utilize this visa for tourism, work, or general purposes with multiple entries. However, the stay cannot exceed 90 days within a six-month period, and the visa may be valid for up to twelve months.
- Type D Visa (Long Stay Visa): Also known as the temporary residence visa, this is suitable for stays exceeding 90 days but limited to 180 days. For prolonged stays, a work permit is required.
- The Sole Proprietorship Visa: Tailored for those wishing to establish and register businesses in Serbia, this visa entails creating a Serbian business account and obtaining the White Card from the police station within 48 hours of arrival.
Digital nomad visa in Serbia: requirements
Eligibility hinges primarily on your monthly income, requiring a minimum of $3,500 earned monthly over the past six months. The necessary documents for applying for the digital nomad visa in Serbia include:
- Visa application form
- Copy of valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- Two passport-sized photographs
- Statement outlining your purpose for visiting and the intended duration of your stay in Serbia
- Landlord's ID
- Bank letter with an official stamp, verifying the required funds in your account
- Proof of residency
- Documentation confirming your past income
- Invitation letter from a relevant Serbian company or authority
- Visa fee payment
- Evidence of your qualifications for the proposed activities
- Proof of your right to conduct business or engage in the intended activity in any business environment
- Documentation confirming the availability of tools or equipment for your intended activities.
Average costs for Serbian digital nomad visa
Individuals applying for a Temporary Residence Permit in Serbia will incur a total cost of around $640 (610 EUR). This includes a visa fee of approximately $110 (110 EUR) and a deposit of roughly $521 (500 EUR) in a Serbian bank account.
For the Sole Proprietorship Visa, the registration fee is approximately $16 (15 EUR), along with the necessity to open a Serbian bank account and deposit around $270 (260 EUR). Additionally, applicants will pay a visa application fee of $173 (160 EUR) and a Serbian National Employment Service fee of $116 (110 EUR). The cumulative total for the Sole Proprietorship Visa is approximately $575 (545 EUR).
For the Sole Proprietorship Visa, the registration fee is approximately $16 (15 EUR), along with the necessity to open a Serbian bank account and deposit around $270 (260 EUR). Additionally, applicants will pay a visa application fee of $173 (160 EUR) and a Serbian National Employment Service fee of $116 (110 EUR). The cumulative total for the Sole Proprietorship Visa is approximately $575 (545 EUR).
Digital nomad visa in Serbia: processing time
The processing time for Serbia's digital nomad visa is a minimum of 30 days, requiring applicants to initiate the process at least three months before their intended travel date. Travel documents or passports must have a validity of 90 days from the departure date from Serbia.
The deadline for issuing the visa is 15 days after the complete application submission, but an extension of an additional 30 days is possible with a valid reason.
The deadline for issuing the visa is 15 days after the complete application submission, but an extension of an additional 30 days is possible with a valid reason.
What if I’m not eligible for Serbia digital nomad visa as a digital nomad?
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria for the Serbia digital nomad visa, exploring alternative visa options becomes crucial. Consider looking into other visa categories, such as tourist visas, work visas, or temporary residence permits, based on the nature and duration of your intended stay. Consulting with immigration authorities or seeking guidance from legal professionals can provide valuable insights into alternative avenues that align with your specific circumstances and goals.
Digital nomad visa in Serbia on Reddit
Olaf from Paris says: "Digital nomad taxes generally follow this pattern: As a non-resident, you typically won't be liable for local income taxes in the country you're visiting. However, if you obtain a residence visa, you may be required to file and potentially pay taxes. Additionally, being a US citizen means you're obligated to file US tax returns, though you may not owe if you've paid more taxes elsewhere. It's essential to be aware of visa restrictions, as some tourist visas may prohibit work, even for a foreign company. Many digital nomads operate in accordance with the spirit of the law, avoiding any conflicts with local regulations, though practices can vary by country."
