Serbia is one of the most accessible countries in Europe for US citizens looking to relocate. Americans can enter visa-free, residency is achievable without a minimum investment, and the cost of living is a fraction of most US cities. The full process can be handled remotely.

Can US Citizens Enter Serbia Without a Visa?

Yes. US passport holders can enter Serbia visa-free and stay for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. No prior visa or permit is required for the initial entry. You can fly directly into Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport and begin your stay immediately.

Residency Options for US Citizens in Serbia

Serbian law provides five main grounds for temporary residence: company formation, employment, property purchase, family reunification, and study. The most common routes for Americans are:

• Company formation — Register a Serbian d.o.o. (LLC equivalent) and obtain residence as its director or founder. The standard route for remote workers, digital nomads, and entrepreneurs.
• Property purchase — Purchase any residential property in Serbia at any price. The purchase itself qualifies as grounds for residence.
• Employment — Through a Serbian employer via the Unified Permit, combining residence and work authorisation in a single biometric document.

Permits are issued for up to three years, renewable. After three continuous years you can apply for permanent residency, and after a further three years of permanent residency you become eligible for Serbian citizenship. See our complete guide to immigrating to Serbia for the full process.

Does the US Allow Dual Citizenship?

The United States does not formally prohibit dual citizenship. While the State Department does not actively encourage it, Americans routinely hold dual nationality without consequence. Obtaining Serbian citizenship does not require you to renounce your US citizenship, and the vast majority of Americans who naturalise in Serbia retain their US passport without issue.

US Tax Obligations When Living in Serbia

This is the most important consideration for Americans moving abroad. The United States taxes based on citizenship, not residency. Even after establishing legal residence in Serbia, you are still required to file US federal tax returns each year and report your worldwide income to the IRS.

Americans abroad may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) or the Foreign Tax Credit to reduce double taxation, but the filing obligation remains. FBAR (FinCEN 114) reporting is also required if your foreign financial accounts exceed USD 10,000 at any point during the year. We strongly recommend working with a US-qualified international tax advisor before relocating. Our office handles the Serbian legal process and can refer you to qualified international tax advisors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Americans live in Serbia without a visa?

Yes. US passport holders can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. To stay longer, you must apply for a temporary residence permit.

Do US citizens pay taxes if they move to Serbia?

Yes. The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. Americans in Serbia must still file US federal tax returns each year and may have FBAR reporting obligations.

Can Americans get a Serbian passport without losing their US citizenship?

In practice, yes. The US does not formally prohibit dual citizenship, and obtaining Serbian citizenship does not automatically result in loss of US citizenship. Most Americans who naturalise in Serbia retain their US passport.

What is the cost of living in Serbia for Americans?

Monthly expenses in Belgrade can be 50 to 70 percent lower than a comparable lifestyle in New York or San Francisco. Housing, food, healthcare, and transport are all significantly cheaper.

How do I start the process of moving from the US to Serbia?

Book a consultation with our office. We will identify the right residency pathway, prepare the required documentation, and manage the application with the Serbian Ministry of Interior. The full process is available remotely.

We handle the full Serbian legal process remotely. Book a consultation and we will identify the right residency pathway for your situation. No obligation.