Serbia Digital Nomad Visa & Remote Work

 

➡ WHAT ARE THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS?

➡ HOW LONG CAN YOU STAY?

A self-employment work permit in Serbia is valid for up to one year, matching the duration of a long-term D visa or temporary residence permit, and it can be extended.

➡ WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

➡ HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The Temporary Residence Permit cost around $640 (610 EUR).

➡ HOW MUCH WILL YOU PAY IN TAXES?

The tax rate stands at 15% for a Limited Liability Company (LLC) and 10% for a sole proprietor and personal income. Dividends are taxed at 20%.

Nomad Visa Serbia 2024

Serbia is currently developing a digital nomad visa program to cater to remote workers worldwide. Although the visa is not yet finalized, the country is quite welcoming to digital nomads. Prospective applicants need to demonstrate a monthly income of at least $3,500 to qualify for an extended stay. However, for those interested in a shorter visit of less than 90 days, there is no minimum income requirement, making it an attractive option for individuals exploring the possibility of living in Serbia.

Serbia’s landscape is notably marked by stunning green mountainous terrains, offering a picturesque setting for both living and working.

Types of Serbian Visas

Serbia offers several visa categories to suit different durations and purposes of stay:

• Transit Visa: For passing through Serbia en route to another destination.
• Short-stay Visa: Allows stays of up to 90 days.
• Long-stay Visa: Suitable for stays ranging from 91 to 180 days.
• Permanent Residency: Available for those who wish to settle in Serbia indefinitely.

Regardless of the type of visa, all foreigners must register at the local police station within 24 hours of their arrival in Serbia.

Residency for Longer Stays

Individuals planning to stay in Serbia for more than 90 days are required to apply for a temporary residency permit. This permit is initially valid for up to one year and can be renewed annually for as long as the individual chooses to remain in the country.

Requirements for Remote Workers and Entrepreneurs

Remote workers who wish to operate as entrepreneurs in Serbia must register their business and obtain a work permit. There are two main types of entrepreneurship registration: the flat rate entrepreneur and the business bookkeeping entrepreneur, each catering to different business needs and tax responsibilities.

Eligibility for the Digital Nomad Visa

The digital nomad visa for Serbia, still under consideration, mandates a monthly income of approximately $3,500 as its main eligibility criterion. This visa is available to applicants from any country, and their families or spouses can also apply under the same financial requirements. This inclusivity makes Serbia a potentially ideal location for digital nomads looking to explore new opportunities while enjoying the benefits of a culturally rich and scenic environment.

Guide to Applying for the Serbia Digital Nomad Visa

The Serbia Digital Nomad Visa allows international freelancers and remote workers the opportunity to live and work legally within Serbia. The visa process involves several steps and specific documentation, catering to both temporary residents and those aiming to establish a more permanent business presence.

Application Process

The Serbian National Employment Service is responsible for issuing all work permits, including those for self-employed individuals such as freelancers. To apply for a work permit, one must first register a firm with the Serbian Business Register Agency. This permit is essential for conducting business in Serbia and is valid for up to one year, mirroring the duration of a long-term D visa or a temporary residence permit, with options for renewal.

Steps to Obtain a Self-Employment Work Permit

1. Document Submission: Applicants need to provide the necessary documents, which can typically be submitted via email or in person.
2. Registration: Start by registering a business with the Serbian Business Register Agency.
3. Permit Application: Apply for the self-employment work permit by submitting the required paperwork.

Required Documents for the Digital Nomad Visa

• Visa Application Form: Download and complete the application form.
• Valid Passport: Provide a copy of your current passport.
• Insurance: Obtain insurance from a Serbian company or via recommended international providers.
• Passport-size Photos: Submit two recent photographs.
• Landlord Documentation: Include a copy of your landlord’s ID, rental agreement, and proof of property ownership.
• Bank Account Proof: Open a personal bank account in Serbia and deposit sufficient funds. A stamped bank letter must confirm the account status and balance.
• Proof of Residency: Also known as the “white card,” which is obtainable from the police station within 48 hours of arrival.
• Proof of Sufficient Income: Document showing income of at least $3,500 per month for the past six months.

Additional Requirements by Visa Type

• Temporary Resident Visa:
  • Deposit the equivalent of three months’ salary into a personal bank account (minimum 50,000-60,000 dinars).
  • Pay a visa application tax of 12,690 dinars.
• Sole Proprietorship Visa:
  • Deposit one month’s income into a business bank account (approximately 30,000 dinars).
  • Register the sole proprietorship online and with the tax authorities within 15 days.
  • Pay a registration tax of 1,550 RSD and a visa application tax of 18,575 dinars.

Costs Involved

• Temporary Residence Permit: The total cost is around $640, including a visa fee of $110 and a mandatory Serbian bank deposit of approximately $521.
• Sole Proprietorship Visa: This entails a registration fee of $16, an additional Serbian bank deposit of about $270, a visa application fee of $173, and a work permit fee of $116, totaling around $575.

Application Timeline

Serbia’s digital nomad visa requires careful planning due to its processing times. Applicants should initiate the visa application process at least three months prior to their intended date of travel. The processing itself takes a minimum of 30 days. It’s essential that your travel document or passport remains valid for at least 90 days beyond your departure date from Serbia.

Once your application is fully submitted, the decision on the visa issuance will generally be made within 15 days. However, this period can be extended by an additional 30 days if justified reasons are provided. Upon approval, applicants receive a visa sticker, which is to be placed on the first available page of the passport.

Taxation for Digital Nomads in Serbia

Understanding the tax obligations is crucial for digital nomads intending to work in Serbia:

• Limited Liability Companies (DOO): These entities cannot opt for flat rate taxation and are subject to different tax regulations compared to sole proprietors.
• Sole Proprietors: Those with annual turnovers below six million dinars (approximately $54,000) can benefit from a flat rate of taxation. Sole proprietors are not required to maintain detailed bookkeeping for profit calculations, though they may opt for the double-entry bookkeeping system to manage their finances more effectively.
• VAT Registration: Both LLCs and sole proprietors with annual revenues exceeding eight million dinars (around $72,000) must register for VAT. The standard VAT rate is 20%, with a reduced rate of 10% applicable in certain cases.
• Corporate and Personal Taxes: The corporate tax rate for an LLC is 15%, while sole proprietors are taxed at a rate of 10%. Dividend taxes vary depending on residency and the existence of tax treaties; non-residents from countries without a double taxation agreement with Serbia are taxed at 20%, while the rate can differ if such an agreement exists.
• Personal Income Tax: If a sole proprietor’s income from various sources exceeds 23,000 EUR in a year, a personal income tax of 10% is levied, increasing to 15% on any amount over 46,000 EUR.

Serbia as a Destination for Digital Nomads

Serbia offers an inviting atmosphere for digital nomads, with vibrant cities, excellent coworking spaces, and renowned cafes serving some of Europe’s best coffee. The country’s infrastructure supports a digital lifestyle with reliable and fast internet access.

While the digital nomad visa is still under development, Serbia remains open to business establishment and short-term stays up to three months without tax obligations. This flexibility allows digital workers to explore Serbia’s offerings and determine if it suits their lifestyle and work preferences.