Buying real estate in Serbia as a foreigner

Can foreigners buy property?

Foreign individuals and companies may acquire ownership of real estate in Serbia subject to reciprocity — if Serbian citizens can acquire property in the buyer’s country under similar conditions. For most investors this is not an obstacle, but it must be checked for the specific country.

Agricultural land

Acquisition of agricultural land by foreign individuals is restricted and subject to strict statutory conditions. Investors who need agricultural land should obtain advice on the available structures, such as long-term lease, before committing to a transaction.

Buying through a Serbian company

A company registered in Serbia — even if wholly foreign-owned — is a domestic legal entity and acquires real estate under the same rules as other Serbian companies. This is often the preferred structure for commercial investments.

Contract and registration

Real estate sale contracts are concluded as notarised documents (solemnisation by a public notary), and the notary submits them to the cadastre for registration. Before signing, the buyer should check the cadastre extract, mortgages and other encumbrances, building and occupancy permits and outstanding obligations.

Taxes and costs

The property transfer tax is payable by the seller by law, but the parties may agree that the buyer pays it. Notary fees and registration fees also apply. New-build sales may be subject to VAT instead. The total cost should be calculated before the price is agreed.

Legal basis: Law on Fundamentals of Property Relations; Law on Real Estate Transfer; Law on Public Notaries; Law on Property Taxes. Author: Attorney Slaviša Cincarević, member of the Belgrade Bar Association. Last reviewed: 29 October 2026.

This guide provides general information on Serbian law and is not legal advice for a specific case.