Serbia
Balkan hospitality, central European infrastructure, prices that belong to neither.
The honest take
Serbia has emerged as one of Europe's best-kept expat secrets, partly because it's not in the EU (no bureaucratic barriers to stay, no EU-level costs) and partly because Belgrade is a genuinely excellent city that charges you significantly less than it should for that level of culture, nightlife, and functionality. The visa situation is absurdly simple: most nationalities get 90 days without a visa, and converting to a temporary residence permit requires little more than a lease agreement and a police station visit. The internet is fast, the food is hearty and cheap, Novi Sad is a quieter alternative, and the Serbian tech sector has been growing steadily enough to create a real community of English-speaking professionals. No plans to join the EU soon, which is either a feature or a bug depending on your passport.
Cost of living
Estimates from Numbeo and community data. Actual costs vary by city, lifestyle, and how much you're willing to cook.
Practical details
Visa options
These are the main legal pathways. Requirements vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or a qualified immigration lawyer.
Curated resources
Vetted links — official sources, active communities, and useful tools. Spotted something missing? Use the ‘Improve this page’ button below.
Guides
How to actually choose your first country
The framework most people skip that separates those who move from those who keep researching. Spoiler: it's not about finding the perfect place.
Visa types for digital workers: the no-jargon guide
Tourist visa, digital nomad visa, freelancer visa, skilled worker visa — what they actually mean and which one is yours.
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