If you are considering the opportunity to relocate to Serbia, you should be interested in finding out about the largest cities in the country. Please read on to learn about the largest cities in Serbia in terms of their territories. Do note that some densely populated Serbian cities (such as Novi Sad, for example) are not on the list because they do not occupy large areas.
If you would like to relocate to Serbia, Q Wealth experts will be delighted to assist you in the matter. We would also gladly help you open a bank account in the country. Please send us an email or send a message to the following telephone numbers: +372 5 489 53 37 or +381 6911 12327 . We will get back to you shortly.
Serbia, like the Balkans in general, is a nation with charming towns with historic palaces, churches, and streets, recreational outdoor activities, and has become a place where many foreigners, especially digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and others, have come to call home. It’s a top destination for relocation due to the low labor costs, company formation processes available to foreigners (with support from experts, such as ours), low cost of living, and convenient location in Europe, with European infrastructure such as SEPA, while remaining outside of the EU and Schengen.
Since 2010, Serbia has been divided into regions at two levels: the upper level and the lower level. At the upper level, the country is divided into two parts: Serbia North (code RS1) and Serbia South (code RS2). At the lower level, the country is divided into the following five regions:
- Vojvodina.
- Belgrade Region.
- Šumadija and Western Serbia
- Southern and Eastern Serbia
- Autonomous Region of Kosovo and Metohija
Many countries, including the EU states, Great Britain, the USA, Australia, etc., recognize the independence of the Republic of Kosovo, located on what Serbia calls the territory of the Autonomous Region of Kosovo and Metohija. Some other countries, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan, consider it part of Serbia. Enter Kosovo with care to avoid refusals of entry to Kosovo itself or if entering Serbia from Kosovo.
1. Belgrade
The capital city of Belgrade is the largest city in Serbia in terms of both its area and its population and a major Balkan city, with a rich history. Belgrade consists of 17 communes, most of which are considered suburbs. The total area of Greater Belgrade is 3,224 square kilometers and almost 1.7 million people live there. The population density in the agglomeration is 515 people per 1 km². The population density in the city is 3,830 people/km². For a European capital, the figure is certainly low.
Belgrade is the busiest city, but you are not going to find the pace of life there too fast or the atmosphere too noisy. The population density in other Serbian cities is even lower, so this is a country for a tranquil lifestyle.
Belgrade is a desirable city to immigrate to due to the large number of firms and companies where you can find a job. If you would like to start a service or a trade company in Serbia, Belgrade would be a good choice too. The largest international airport in Serbia is located in Belgrade. There are direct flights from there to many destinations, including cities located on other continents.
2. Kraljevo
The second biggest city in Serbia is Kraljevo, located in the Raška district of Šumadija. The area of the city is 1,530 km², which is less than half of the greater Belgrade area. The population of Kraljevo is only 64,000 people.
Multistory buildings take up only a small portion of the city. A large number of private detached houses surround the high-rise quarters.
Even though there are places to see in Kraljevo (a palace and monasteries), there are no large enterprises there, and the city is not of particular interest to immigrants.
3. Zrenjanin
Zrenjanin is a small municipality, but local people prefer to refer to it as a ‘city’. The area is 1,327 km², and the population is about 140,000 people. The city sits 50 kilometers away from Novi Sad and 70 kilometers away from Belgrade.
Attractions in Zrenjanin:
- A beautiful old city center;
- Many parks;
- Large malls.
The city will suit digital nomads and those working in the manufacturing industry. There are a number of manufacturing enterprises in the area, so finding a job is not going to be a problem if you are a highly-qualified specialist. Renting a 50-square-meter apartment costs 300 euros on average in Zrenjanin.
4. Pirot
Pirot is the last city on highway Е-80 going to Bulgaria. The municipality is rather large, however, its area is 1,232 km². 58 thousand people live there. You will find very few multistory buildings in Pirot.
On the other hand, there is a fortress there built in the XIV century, a popular tourist attraction. Pirot is not popular with expats, though.
If you are planning to relocate to Serbia, you will need an account with a local bank. Our experts will be happy to give you a free consultation on opening a foreign bank account:
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5. Sombor
The city of Sombor is located in the northwestern part of Vojvodina near the Serbian-Croatian border. Its area, together with the suburbs, is 1,216 square kilometers. This is an ancient settlement founded in the XII century. Tourists interested in Serbia’s history frequently visit the place.
Sombor is famous for the following items and properties:
- Green gardens;
- Rich cultural life;
- Historic buildings of XVIII-XIX centuries;
- Sombor monastery.
Expats choose Sombor for the following main reasons:
- Advanced infrastructure;
- Affordable housing (apartments in old buildings);
- Lots of stores;
- Proximity to the Hungarian border.
6. Kneževac
Kneževac is a Serbian city located in the east, on the border with Bulgaria, 50 kilometers away from Niš. The population of the city is 18 thousand people, and the area is 1,202 km². The city is hardly interesting for immigrants due to the lack of good infrastructure required for a comfortable life.
7. Ivanjica
The city of Ivanjica is located approximately at the same latitude as Kneževac, but in the west of the country. The area of the municipality is 1,090 km². You should visit Ivanjica to walk through the nature reserve there and hike to Mount Golija. This is referred to as the most beautiful mountain peak in Serbia.
8. Negotin
The city of Negotin in the Region of Vojvodina has an attractive geographical location. It sits close to the borders with Bulgaria and Romania. Therefore, it’s a nice place for travelers and for those business people who trade with Bulgarian and Romanian partners.
The area of Negotin is 1,090 km² and the population is 17 thousand people.
9. Zaječar
Zaječar sits 40 kilometers to the south of Negotin. The area of the city is 1,068 km² and the population is 62 thousand people. It is 8 kilometers from Zaječar to the Bulgarian border.
Last year, Aptiv Company opened a factory there. The Company manufactures various car parts. This has caused a great inflow of workers to the area and a reduction in the number of vacant apartments for rent. Anyway, the rental prices remain affordable at approximately 200 euros per month.
A foreign national can qualify for legal residence in Serbia by establishing a company in the country. Please check out some of our offers related to company registration in Serbia:
10. Senica
The city of Senica is located close to Mount Golija and Ivanjica. It sits only 20 kilometers away from the Montenegrin border. The area of Senica is 1,059 km². This is a remote province with mountainous terrain, which makes it rather unattractive for immigrants.
Ironically, the areas of the two Serbian cities where most expats live are smaller. Subotica has an area of 1,008 km², and Novi Sad is even smaller – only 699 km². At the same time, Novi Sad is the second largest Serbian city as far as its population is concerned: 400 thousand people live there. The city offers a wide choice of residential accommodation,s both in historic and newly erected buildings. Belgrade and Novi Sad should probably be the first two cities to consider if you are planning to relocate to Serbia.
Please write to in**@***********rt.com and request a consultation on acquiring legal residence in Serbia and opening a company or a bank account there.
Why consider moving to Serbia in the first place?
Think of Serbia as Europe’s best-kept secret. You’ll find a low cost of living compared to Western Europe, vibrant cultural life in cities like Belgrade and Novi Sad, and a strategic location that makes weekend trips to Vienna, Budapest, or Sofia surprisingly easy. For professionals, entrepreneurs, and remote workers, Serbia offers a unique blend of affordability, lifestyle, and opportunity.
Which Serbian cities attract the most newcomers?
Belgrade tops the list—it’s the country’s capital and beating heart, with nonstop energy, cafés on every corner, and a thriving tech scene. Novi Sad, known for its universities and the EXIT music festival, offers a slightly more relaxed, artsy atmosphere. Niš, one of Europe’s oldest cities, charms newcomers with its history, food culture, and lower living costs. Each city has its own flavor, so it’s worth thinking carefully about which pace of life fits you best.
What’s the visa situation like for moving to Serbia?
Citizens of many countries can enter Serbia visa-free for short stays, usually up to 90 days. If you plan to stay longer, work, or set up a business, you’ll need to look into temporary residence permits. These can be granted for reasons like employment, self-employment, studying, family reunification, or even owning property in Serbia. The process isn’t as daunting as it sounds if you know the steps—and that’s where expert guidance makes all the difference. Contact us to learn more!
How easy is it to get residency in Serbia?
Compared to other European destinations, it is relatively straightforward. Many expats are pleasantly surprised by the flexibility Serbia offers. Property ownership, company registration, or employment can all form the basis for residency. The key is gathering the right documents and applying correctly, because one small mistake can set you back weeks. Working with a local specialist ensures the process runs smoothly.
Is Serbia a good option for remote workers and digital nomads?
Absolutely. With fast, reliable internet and plenty of co-working spaces in Belgrade and Novi Sad, Serbia is steadily gaining a reputation among remote workers. The cost of living is significantly lower than in many EU cities, so your income stretches further. Add to that the lively café culture, welcoming locals, and central location, and it’s easy to see why digital nomads are planting roots here.
How does the cost of living compare to Western Europe?
In short: much lower. Rent, dining out, and daily expenses are often a fraction of what you’d pay in London, Paris, or Berlin. A spacious apartment in the center of Belgrade might cost the same as a tiny studio elsewhere in Europe. Of course, salaries in Serbia are lower too—but if you’re bringing income from abroad, you’ll find your quality of life goes up dramatically.
Do people speak English in Serbia?
Yes, particularly in the cities and among younger generations. While Serbian is the official language, many locals speak English well enough for everyday communication. Still, picking up some Serbian phrases goes a long way—it shows respect and helps you connect more deeply with the culture. Additionally, when it comes to company formation, bank account opening, and other official processes, documentation will typically need to be translated into Serbian, but this is where professional assistance, such as from our team, can come in.
Is Serbia a safe place to live?
Yes. Serbia consistently ranks as one of the safer countries in the Balkans. Like anywhere, you’ll want to use common sense in crowded places, but violent crime rates are low, and many expats report feeling comfortable walking the streets at night.
26 July 2023 