Buying an apartment in Serbia as a foreigner — steps, costs and taxes

Foreigners can buy an apartment or house in Serbia on terms similar to local buyers. The process is short and predictable once you know the order of steps — here is an overview from choosing a property to registering ownership.

Can a foreigner buy property in Serbia?

Yes. A foreign individual can acquire an apartment, house or commercial space subject to reciprocity — Serbian citizens must be able to buy property in the buyer's country. For citizens of most European countries this is not an obstacle. Agricultural land is subject to special restrictions.

Steps to buy

1. Choose and check. We check the title deed in the cadastre (owner, size, registered encumbrances such as a mortgage) and whether the apartment is registered. For new builds — the building and occupancy permits.
2. Pre-contract and deposit. Once buyer and seller agree, a pre-contract is often signed and a deposit paid (typically around 10% of the price).
3. Contract at a public notary. A property sale contract must be certified by a public notary. A foreign buyer brings a passport; if you do not speak Serbian, a court interpreter translates the contract.
4. Payment. The price is paid through a bank as set out in the contract. The bank may ask for proof of the origin of funds.
5. Registration. After certification the notary sends the contract to the cadastre, and ownership is registered in the buyer's name.

Costs and taxes

• Property transfer tax — 2.5% of the price. By law the seller pays it, but the contract can make it the buyer's cost — check this before signing.
• New build bought from the developer: VAT is included in the price instead of transfer tax.
• Public notary — official tariff depending on the price, plus a court interpreter if needed.
• Agency — the commission is agreed in advance, most often in the 2–3% range.
• Property tax — the owner pays it yearly to the local municipality.

Residence in Serbia

Owning property in Serbia can be one of the grounds for a foreigner's temporary residence. Check the exact conditions and documents with the Ministry of Interior (MUP) before applying.

How we help

Ivory Group tracks owner listings 24/7, so we see new apartments first — often before the portals. We check the documents, arrange viewings (including video viewings for buyers abroad), negotiate and take you to the notary. Median prices by area are on Belgrade property prices and Novi Sad property prices.

As of October 2026. This guide is for information only and is not legal or tax advice — check the details with a lawyer or notary before you sign.