About this video

• Video Title: СЕРБИЯ — Россия без запретов
• Channel: DEFTEX
• Speakers: Саша Дефтекс (Sasha Deftex)
• Duration: 00:09:53

Overview

This video provides a comprehensive guide for Russians considering a move to Serbia, particularly Belgrade. It covers practical aspects like obtaining legal status (visa runs, temporary residence permits), cost of living (rent, utilities), cultural differences, daily life, and economic opportunities. The speaker aims to present Serbia as a viable "backup airfield" for those seeking an alternative to restrictions in Russia, while also highlighting potential drawbacks.

Key takeaways

• Visa and Legal Status: Russians can enter Serbia visa-free for up to 30 days. To stay longer without a permanent residence permit (ВНЖ), a common method is "visa runs" by leaving and re-entering the country, though exceeding the 30-day limit can result in fines and deportation. Obtaining a ВНЖ is possible through various means, including a "visa of talents" (requiring higher education and experience), starting a business (with significant monthly taxes), or other schemes.
• Cost of Living and Housing: Rent in Belgrade has increased significantly, with a one-bedroom apartment costing €500-€800 and central locations €1500+ with good renovations. Utilities are a major expense, with combined bills for heating, electricity, water, and maintenance potentially reaching €400 for a 50 sq. meter apartment, especially due to high heating costs in winter.
• Culture and Lifestyle: Serbia, particularly Belgrade, is described as a mix of modern developments and a slower-paced lifestyle. Locals are generally friendly towards Russians, especially if an effort is made to speak Serbian. The pace of life is significantly slower than in Moscow, with a concept called "polako" (slowly) influencing daily interactions and service expectations.
• Economic Environment and Investment: Serbia is attracting significant foreign investment, with plans for major infrastructure development, including high-speed rail, metro construction, and new exhibition centers for Expo 2027. This growth is driving up prices but also offering hope for improved services in the future.
• Drawbacks: Significant issues include poor air quality in winter due to coal and wood heating, widespread smoking in public spaces, and the "polako" lifestyle which can be frustrating for those accustomed to fast-paced service. The political landscape is also noted as potentially unstable due to Serbia's EU candidacy and its balancing act with relations towards Russia.

Russians can legally stay in Serbia long-term through several methods:

• Visa Runs: Entering Serbia on a Russian passport allows for a visa-free stay of up to 30 days. To extend this, one can leave the country and re-enter, effectively "resetting" the 30-day period. However, exceeding the allowed duration without proper registration can lead to fines and deportation.
• Temporary Residence Permit (ВНЖ): This offers a more stable legal status. The primary pathways to obtain a ВНЖ include:
  • Visa of Talents: This requires a recognized higher education degree and confirmed work experience, often popular among IT professionals and bloggers.
  • Business: Establishing a company (IP or DOO) is an option, but it comes with significant monthly taxes (around €400), even if no income is generated.
  • Assisted Schemes: There are services that can help obtain a ВНЖ, often for a fee of €2,000 or more, but these carry risks if authorities suspect fictitious arrangements, potentially leading to deportation.
• Permanent Residence and Citizenship: After three years of residing with a ВНЖ, one can apply for permanent residence, which can eventually lead to citizenship. However, obtaining Serbian citizenship typically requires renouncing one's previous citizenship, meaning one must choose between being Serbian or Russian.