Start here — your first week
Book an Airbnb or short-stay apartment for your first 1–2 weeks. Use that time to explore neighbourhoods and search for a longer-term place. This is the standard approach and it works well.
Trying to find an apartment before you arrive is possible but harder. Most good listings go within days, and landlords prefer to meet you in person before agreeing.
Where to find apartments
Facebook Groups (start here)
Search for "Belgrade Expat Housing", "Expats in Belgrade", and "Belgrade Housing & Apartments". These groups have English-language listings aimed specifically at foreigners. Often the fastest and easiest way to find something.
Halooglasi.com
Serbia's biggest classifieds site. Most Belgrade rental listings are here — but the site is in Serbian. Use Chrome's built-in translator. Search for "stan za izdavanje Beograd" (apartment for rent Belgrade).
4zida.rs
More modern platform with better search filters and map view. Also primarily Serbian but easier to navigate than Halooglasi.
Airbnb / short stays
Great for your first few weeks while you look for something permanent. Also good if you're not sure yet which neighbourhood you want to be in.
How much should you pay?
Rent is usually quoted and paid in euros, even though Serbia uses dinars. Typical prices in Belgrade:
- Studio or 1-room apartment in the city centre: €350–550/month
- 1-bedroom apartment, central: €450–700/month
- 2-bedroom apartment, central: €600–1,000/month
- Outside the city centre: subtract about 20–30%
In Novi Sad and Niš, prices are roughly 20–30% lower than Belgrade.
Before you sign anything
- Ask explicitly: "Will you register me for the White Card (prijava boravišta)?"
- Make sure the lease is in writing, even if it's just a simple document
- Confirm whether utilities (electricity, water, heating) are included or extra
- Check the internet speed — fibre connections are common and fast in Serbia
- Expect to pay 1–2 months deposit upfront
Which neighbourhood?
Belgrade is a city of distinct neighbourhoods. The most popular among expats:
- Dorćol — Old-town feel, cafés everywhere, very walkable. Slightly more expensive. Popular with creatives.
- Vračar — Central, residential, family-friendly. Good mix of cafés and local life. One of the most popular neighbourhoods overall.
- Savamala — The nightlife and art district. Young crowd, bars, galleries. Great for socialising.
- New Belgrade (Novi Beograd) — More modern, slightly cheaper, very convenient for shopping. Less "local" feel but highly practical.
- Zemun — Separate town feel, quieter, on the Danube. Cheaper rent. Good for families.
For a more detailed breakdown: See our Belgrade neighbourhood guide →
Common questions
Can I find furnished apartments?
Most apartments in Belgrade are rented furnished. Expect a bed, sofa, kitchen appliances, and basic furniture. Quality varies — viewing in person is important.
Do I need to speak Serbian to rent?
Not necessarily — especially if you use Facebook expat groups where landlords specifically seek foreign tenants. For Serbian-language listings, having a Serbian-speaking friend or a translator for the viewing helps.
Are there real estate agents?
Yes, but they add a fee (typically one month's rent). Most expats find apartments without agents through Facebook groups or direct listings.