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View from Belgrade Fortress over the Danube River, Belgrade, Serbia

Serbia sits outside the EU and Schengen area, which means Brexit has no impact on UK citizens’ right to visit, live, or work in Serbia. British nationals enjoy the same visa-free access they always have, and the residency framework remains straightforward.

Can UK Citizens Enter Serbia Without a Visa?

Yes. UK passport holders can enter Serbia visa-free and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. Serbia is not part of the EU or Schengen area, so the UK’s departure from the EU has no effect on this arrangement. The visa-free access is governed by a bilateral agreement between the UK and Serbia that remains fully in force.

Why UK Citizens Are Moving to Serbia

Serbia offers a cost of living significantly lower than the UK. Average monthly expenses in Belgrade are roughly 50 to 60 percent lower than in London, and property prices are a fraction of comparable UK cities. The city has a growing international community, a lively food and nightlife scene, and a warm climate. For UK nationals looking to reduce their cost of living or stretch their income further, Serbia is an increasingly practical option.

Residency Options for UK Citizens in Serbia

The five grounds for temporary residence in Serbia are company formation, employment, property purchase, family reunification, and study. The most popular routes for UK nationals are:

  • Company formation — Register a Serbian d.o.o. and apply for residence as its director. Particularly suitable for remote workers and self-employed individuals.
  • Property purchase — Any residential property purchase qualifies. No minimum value applies.
  • Employment — Through a Serbian employer via the Unified Permit, which combines residence and work authorisation.

For full details on each pathway, see our guide to immigrating to Serbia.

Can You Keep Your British Passport?

The UK does not generally restrict dual citizenship. Most British nationals are free to apply for Serbian citizenship after meeting the residency requirements, without giving up their British passport. Serbia also permits dual citizenship in most cases.

UK Tax and Financial Considerations

If you become a non-resident of the UK for tax purposes, your UK tax obligations change significantly. HMRC applies the Statutory Residence Test to determine your status. You may still owe UK tax on UK-source income such as rental income or pension payments, but you would generally not pay UK income tax on earnings from Serbia. We recommend consulting a UK-qualified financial adviser before making the move. Our office handles the Serbian legal process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can UK citizens live in Serbia after Brexit?

Yes. Serbia is not part of the EU or Schengen area, so Brexit has no impact. The bilateral visa-free agreement between the UK and Serbia remains fully in force.

Do British nationals need a visa for Serbia?

No. UK passport holders can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No prior visa application is required.

Can UK citizens hold dual Serbian and British citizenship?

In most cases, yes. The UK does not generally restrict dual citizenship, and Serbia permits dual citizenship in most cases.

How much does it cost to live in Serbia compared to the UK?

Average monthly living costs in Belgrade are roughly 50 to 60 percent lower than in London. Housing, food, and transport are all significantly more affordable.

How long does it take to get Serbian residency as a UK citizen?

Processing typically takes 30 to 60 days from a complete application. The biometric residence card is ready within 10 working days of final approval.

Moving to Serbia from the UK?

We handle the full Serbian legal process remotely. Book a consultation and we will identify the right residency pathway for your situation.

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