When people dream of a better life ทริป 4 เกาะ เกาะพีพี เรือสปีดโบ๊ท เต็มวัน, they often think of moving to the US, UK, Canada, or different European countries. Europe occupies a special place in this series: it has many fascinating destinations, each with its own tenor of life and benefits.
One European gem that deserves more attention is Serbia. It may not be as famous as other popular immigration destinations, but Serbia still has a lot to offer.
Nature and modern living
Serbia’s position in the center of Europe means you can enjoy a fantastic climate and easy access to the rest of the world. With around seven million residents, the country is a fairy-tale kingdom of lush landscapes, flowing rivers, and proudly towering mountains.
Thanks to a strong education system and a booming tourism industry, English is widely spoken here. Local healthcare is rather efficient, so residents can live without worrying about health issues.
Capital and economy
Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, has become one of Europe’s most exciting and modern cities. The Serbian government has launched several projects to improve Belgrade’s look and boost its economy.
The city’s business district is growing fast, with new apartment and office buildings being built to support the Serbian information and technology (IT) sector. It has grown a lot and is now one of Serbia’s biggest economic drivers.
Serbia has expanded its global trade beyond the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). The country has made free trade agreements with Kazakhstan, Turkey, and the European Free Trade Association (Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein). An additional perk for Serbia is Japan’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), as it guarantees lower duties on imports to Japan.
Taxes and incentives
The National Employment Service offers various incentives each year to attract skilled professionals. Right now, IT companies in Belgrade enjoy tax breaks, which makes Belgrade a great place for tech businesses.
For companies that don’t get these tax breaks, the corporate tax rate is 15%. Dividends are also taxed at 15%, and personal income taxes are quite low. People earning less than EUR 18,000 pay no tax, and those who earn between EUR 18,000 and EUR 53,000 are taxed at 10%. Only if your salary is above EUR 53,000 will you pay 15% in taxes.
In this jurisdiction, there are no wealth taxes, while inheritance and gift taxes are low (from 1.5% to 2.5%). Overall, Serbia’s tax system is right for you if you have lots of money and are looking to expand into Europe.
Culture and lifestyle
Both tourists and immigrants flock to Serbia because of its rich culture, deep history, delicious food, and beautiful nature. Whether you’re hiking in dense forests or enjoying the lively nightlife in its busy cities, Serbia has something for everyone. You are welcome to visit over fifty spa and health resorts for relaxation and four top-notch ski centers for exciting mountain adventures.
Belgrade and Novi Sad are the cultural centers of Serbia with many attractions. These cities have cozy cafes, fun sports events, and interesting galleries. They are a source of endless entertainment for locals and visitors alike.
The Serbian countryside is just as charming, with quiet villages that show traditional Serbian life. These settlements offer a peaceful escape from busy cities. Here, life goes on at a slower, more relaxed pace.
Schools and universities
Serbia has a long history of higher education that attracts students from all over the world. Founded in 1808, the University of Belgrade takes a special place in this tradition. Suffice it to say that it is ranked among the top 300 universities globally by the Shanghai University rankings.
Apart from universities, Serbia has lots of international primary and secondary schools, including British, French, and American ones. Compared to similar institutions in Western Europe, the tuition fees in Serbia are lower, but the education quality is just as high.
National healthcare
The National Health Insurance Fund (RFZO) is in charge of healthcare for everyone in Serbia, including citizens and permanent residents. In 2020, the EU gave EUR 250 million to build and improve 20 big hospitals across the country. Ranked thirty-third in the world, the Serbian healthcare system offers state-of-the-art facilities and excellent patient care. So, if you plan to live there permanently, you will hardly regret your choice.
RBI program
One of the best things about Serbia is its Residency by Investment (RBI) program, which makes it easy for foreign investors to become residents without the usual immigration problems.
The RBI program has two main options: you may either start a company or invest in real estate to qualify.
- Starting a Company in Serbia: This option is easy. Investors rent an apartment and apply to open a company. The rental agreement must be signed, and company documents translated into Serbian. You can do it all remotely, with no need to be in Serbia at first.
- Investing in Real Estate: To get residency via real estate, you must buy property in Serbia. Prices start at EUR 10,000 and may go up to millions, with no minimum investment required. The process usually takes one to two months and involves one or two visits to Serbia, each of which may last up to fourteen days.
Extra costs associated with real estate purchases include a 2.5% ownership transfer tax (usually paid by the seller, but it varies) and a real estate agent commission of up to 3%. A Serbian notary must be present when you sign the contract.
For both options, investors eventually apply for residency. For this purpose, you are required to open a bank account and deposit around EUR 1,500 as proof of sufficient funds. A company with a local director can open a bank account in about three to seven days. Depending on the applicant’s situation, extra documents may be necessary. Once they are submitted, the residency application process usually takes less than six weeks.
Make Serbia your home
Our best guess is that you might be interested not only in this beautiful country but also in becoming its resident. If so, you are in luck! Serbian residency is pretty affordable, with costs starting at just EUR 5,000. Care to learn more? Contact SerbiaWealth today for a free consultation!