How foreigners can legally rent an apartment in Serbia: Rights, obligations and contracts (Guide for 2026)
📍 Guide for Foreign Nationals Who Wish to Rent an Apartment in Serbia Whether you're a digital nomad, a foreigner in a relationship with a Serbian citizen, employed by a Serbian company, or simply wish to spend an extended period in our country, this guide will help you avoid legal issues, residency registration problems, and contract complications.
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🏠 Can a foreigner legally rent an apartment in Serbia?
The answer is – yes, they canbut with adherence to certain rules. Foreign nationals in Serbia can rent properties on either a short-term (tourist) or long-term basis. However, the difference between tourist stay and temporary residence significantly impacts the procedure and the tenant's rights.
- Tourist Stay (up to 90 days): The possibility of renting an apartment "per day" (Airbnb, Booking, and similar platforms).
- Temporary Residence (work, family reunification, education): It is most common to rent an apartment for a longer period. You can find all the details about temporary residence at our blog..
📄 Rental Agreement – What Must It Include?
For long-term rental, especially if it is related to a residence or work permit, A rental agreement is a necessary document.To be legally valid, it is recommended that it be in writing and notarized.
Mandatory Elements of the Agreement:
- Names and addresses of the tenant and landlord
- Description of the property (location, floor, square footage)
- Rent amount and expenses
- Lease duration
- Utility payment obligations
- Right to register residence
- Clause on unilateral termination
🔐 Recommendation: Request the agreement in both Serbian and English, especially if you do not speak Serbian, and hire a real estate attorney.
📝 Residence Registration and White Card – Who is Responsible?
What Is a White Card?
„White card (registration of residence)," is the common term for the confirmation of a foreign national’s residence registration with the police. It is a legal obligation. if you stay for more than 24 hours at a single address in Serbia.
Who is required to register you for the white card?
- If you are staying in a hotel or hostel – the reception does this automatically.
- If you are a tenant of an apartment – the landlord is legally required to register you.
- If you have a notarized rental agreement – you can do this in person at the police station with the required documentation.
📌 Documents for White Card Registration:
- Tenant’s passport
- Rental agreement (notarized)
- Landlord’s ID card
- Registration form in two copies (available at the police station)
🕒 Deadline for registration: 24 hours from move-in
⚠️ Penalties for failure to register:
- From 5,000 to 500,000 RSD for the landlord
- From 5,000 to 150,000 RSD for the foreigner
💰 Does a Foreigner Pay Tax on Rental Income from Real Estate?
No, the tenant (foreign national) does not pay tax. – it is the landlord’s (property owner’s) obligation.
🧾 Tax Obligations of the Landlord:
- Registration of the rental agreement with the Tax Administration
- Payment of tax on rental income
- Issuance of a tax payment certificate (can be used by the tenant for a residence permit)
💡 Tips Before Signing the Agreement
- ✅ Verify ownership – request the property ownership certificate from the cadastre.
- ✅ Insist on notarizing the agreement – especially for Ministry of Internal Affairs permits.
- ✅ Ask about residence registration – if the landlord refuses, unfortunately, you cannot stay in that apartment.
- ✅ Agree on all costs in writing – deposit, utilities, notice period.
- ✅ Consult an attorney – especially if you plan to stay long-term.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Renting an Apartment for Foreign Nationals (FAQ)
🔹 Can I rent an apartment if I don’t have a residence permit?
Yes, but only for a short stay (up to 90 days). For a longer stay, you must have a temporary residence permit or a visa.
🔹 Who is required to submit the residence registration (white card)?
By law – the property owner. In practice, you can also do it if you have a notarized agreement and the owner’s ID card.
🔹 Is notarizing the agreement mandatory?
It’s not mandatory, but it’s recommendedif you want to use the agreement for a residence permit.
🔹 Can I register a company at the address of a rented apartment?
Only with the owner's consent and a proper agreement for using the address for business purposes.
📞 Need help?
If you are a foreign national who wants to legally stay and rent an apartment in Serbia, we can assist you with:
- Legal check of the rental agreement
- Residence registration (white card)
- Preparing documents for residence and work permits
- Advice on tax status
👉 Contact us for consultations via the contact form or give us a call.
