Digital nomads in Serbia are primarily IT professionals who spend an average of two and a half months in the country, typically between April and October. They are drawn to Serbia for its excellent food, friendly locals who speak English fluently, stable internet connections, and affordable living costs. Belgrade, in particular, boasts numerous coworking spaces and cafes that cater to remote work, along with regular events that bring together digital professionals.
Decline in Belgrade’s appeal on Nomadlista
However, the situation has changed significantly. Belgrade has fallen from 19th place in August 2023 to 318th place in February 2025, with a score of just 2.63 out of 5 on Nomadlista. The main reasons for this decline include air pollution, smoking in enclosed spaces, and attitudes toward women and the LGBTQ+ community. An additional challenge is that Serbia’s legal framework does not recognize digital nomads as a distinct category, limiting their stay to 90 days without clear regulations on taxes and healthcare.
In contrast, neighboring Croatia has already implemented regulations for digital nomads, offering them extended stays with well-defined rules regarding taxes and healthcare. This approach highlights that attracting digital nomads requires a comprehensive strategy at the state level.
Active communities of digital nomads in Serbia
Despite these challenges, several communities in Serbia are actively working to attract digital professionals. The BelgradeGets.digital portal, launched by Nova Iskra, SHARE Foundation, and Startit, promotes Belgrade as a digital nomad hub by providing practical information on accommodation, workspaces, and networking with the local IT community. The portal covers everything from local food options to cultural events.
One standout project is Mokrin House, a coworking and coliving space located in a picturesque village in Vojvodina, near Kikinda. This unique project can accommodate up to 40 people and offers modern workspaces, seminars, workshops, and a variety of activities, such as wine tastings, cocktail workshops, yoga, and archery. The project also includes six buildings and an agricultural farm located just 400 meters from the main property.
Niš is also positioning itself as an attractive destination for digital nomads. The first Niš Nomad Weekend, held in August, coincided with the popular Nišville Jazz Festival. The event attracted tech entrepreneurs and digital nomads from around the world to the Science and Technology Park. Niš offers excellent coworking spaces, good air connectivity, and a rich cultural life, making it a promising location for foreign IT professionals.
Rural Serbia: A new opportunity for digital nomads
As major cities like Lisbon, Barcelona, and Berlin become oversaturated, with increasing tensions between locals and digital nomads, many tech professionals are turning to rural areas. Villages in Spain and Italy, struggling with depopulation, have become particularly popular.
Serbia, with its diverse nature, rich tradition, and hospitable population, has great potential to develop similar initiatives. One successful example is Croatia’s “Digital Nomad Valley” in Zadar. Serbia could follow suit by investing in infrastructure and implementing effective marketing strategies to connect local communities with digital nomads, offering new opportunities for both.
