Can a foreigner get a mortgage in Serbia?

Some banks offer loans to foreigners, but terms depend on the bank, citizenship, residence status, income, down payment, and buyer documentation.

What are the costs of buying?

Costs may include notary fees, possible transfer tax on absolute rights, agency commission if agreed, bank charges, translation costs, and court interpreter fees. The transfer tax is 2.5% when the transaction is not subject to VAT; the seller is legally liable, although the contract often stipulates that the buyer bears the cost.

Can a foreigner buy agricultural land?

As a rule, foreign individuals and legal entities cannot own agricultural land in Serbia unless otherwise provided by law. For each case, check current conditions, buyer citizenship, and land type.

How long does the purchase process take?

The process can take from a few weeks to several months, depending on documentation, reciprocity, payment method, translation, bank, and cadastre registration procedure.

Does buying an apartment automatically grant residence in Serbia?

No. Buying property does not automatically grant temporary or permanent residence. Residence is handled through a separate procedure before the competent authorities.

How a Foreigner Buys Property in Serbia

Buying3 min read

Last updated: 1 June 2026

Legal framework, documentation, and steps for foreigners buying an apartment or house in Serbia — reciprocity, notary, tax, translation, and cadastre registration.

In short

A foreigner can buy an apartment or residential building in Serbia if reciprocity exists between Serbia and the buyer's country of citizenship. The process usually includes a reciprocity check, certificate of title review, translation or court interpreter if needed, a contract before a public notary, and registration of ownership in the cadastre. Land and other property types may be subject to special restrictions.

Legal Framework

A foreign individual who does not conduct business in the Republic of Serbia may, subject to reciprocity, acquire ownership of an apartment and residential building on the same terms as Serbian citizens. For land, commercial premises, and other property types, rules may depend on the buyer's status, purpose of purchase, reciprocity, and special legal restrictions.

Reciprocity Check

Before purchase, check whether reciprocity for acquiring real estate exists between Serbia and the buyer's country of citizenship. The check may depend on the buyer's country and the type of property being purchased.

Steps to Purchase

Typical purchase process for a foreign buyer:

Reciprocity check between Serbia and the buyer's country
Property selection and ownership check in the certificate of title
Check for encumbrances, mortgage, annotations, and legal basis of ownership
Pre-contract and deposit if agreed
Document translation or court interpreter if required
Purchase agreement before a public notary
Determination of tax regime: VAT or transfer tax on absolute rights
Registration of ownership in the cadastre

Purchase Costs

Costs may include notary fees, document translation or court interpreter, agency commission if agreed, bank charges, and tax. The transfer tax on absolute rights is 2.5% when the transaction is not subject to VAT and no tax exemption applies. The seller is legally liable for the tax, but in practice the contract often stipulates that the buyer bears the cost.

Documentation for foreigners

Valid passport
Reciprocity check
Certificate of title / cadastre extract
Check for encumbrances, mortgage, and annotations
Pre-contract or purchase agreement
Notarized contract before a public notary
Court interpreter or document translation if required
Proof of payment of the purchase price

Frequently asked questions

LIVION Tim

Real estate agency, Serbia

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