Moving alone or with family
We consider your budget, neighbourhood, school and work commute, family and pets. Before the deposit, we clarify whether residence can be registered and the move-in conditions.
RICS CONSULTING
PROPERTY IN SERBIA
Renting in Serbia
with clear terms
We help you choose a home or business premises, and check the documents, lease, deposit and move-in terms.
We communicate in English and provide support in Serbian.
10 yearsof our experts’ experience
2000+client cases
across all service areas
across all service areas
The scope and price of our services are fixed in the contract
Where we begin
What kind of property are you looking for?
We help find an apartment for your lifestyle or premises for your business needs. Before you pay a deposit, we check the owner, refund terms and move-in expenses. We agree residence registration, pets, repairs and notice periods. You receive a clear lease and payment list, while we handle negotiations in Serbian.
Looking for business premises
We check whether the premises' designated use suits your activity, and review renovation, signage, service charges and use of the address for a sole proprietor or DOO.
You have already found a property
We can join at the lease stage: review disputed clauses, request the owner's documents and propose terms before signing.
Documents, timeframes and costs
Renting for your needs
Choose your situation: we show what to check, which documents to prepare and which costs to consider before paying.
Apartment found — checks before the deposit
You have chosen a home but do not want to sign an unclear lease or discover extra conditions after moving in. We check the documents and agree disputed terms with the owner.
Main documents
- Your passport, property listing link and draft lease.
- The owner's documents; if a representative acts for them, proof of authority.
- Recent utility bills, furniture and appliance inventory, and agreed move-in date.
Application process
- We check the property and landlord, and review the lease term, indexation and early departure procedure.
- We document the deposit amount and refund terms, repairs, pets and residence registration.
- We help document the handover: condition photos, contents, meter readings, keys and payments.
Timeframes
A straightforward review of a prepared lease starts from 1 working day after receiving the complete file. Negotiations and document amendments are agreed as separate stages.
RICS servicesFrom €100 for the agreed scope of support. We specify in advance whether negotiations and attendance at handover are included.
Other costsFirst rent payment, deposit and an agency fee where an agency is involved. Deposits often equal 1–2 months' rent; the specific amount and refund terms are set out in the lease.
Moving with family — search, move-in and address
You need a home ready for arrival: close to school, with a suitable commute and the ability to register every family member's residence. We arrange the search with specialist partners and review the chosen option.
Main documents
- Budget including utilities, neighbourhood, arrival date and desired lease term.
- Family composition, pets, and requirements for furnishings, parking, schools and transport.
- Passport details for the lease and residence registration.
Application process
- We prepare a search brief and arrange the agreed viewing format.
- We check the owner's willingness to arrange residence registration before booking.
- We agree the lease, key handover and registration steps after move-in.
Timeframes
The search depends on the budget and available options; we plan it around your arrival. The host must register a foreign national's stay within 24 hours of providing accommodation — we plan this step in advance.
RICS servicesFrom €100 for an agreed stage of support. Search, extra viewings and registration assistance are included in a personal quote.
Other costsBudget example, not an apartment offer: with rent of €600 and a deposit of 1–2 months' rent, these two move-in payments total €1,200–1,800. RICS services, agency fees and utilities are separate.
Office, shop or service premises
The premises must actually be suitable for your activity. We check designated use, address use, renovation and lease termination terms before you invest in fitting out.
Main documents
- Sole proprietor or DOO details, activity description and premises requirements.
- Draft lease, cadastral information, plan and available documents on the property's use.
- Renovation plan and requirements for power supply, ventilation, signage and customer visits.
Application process
- With relevant specialists, we check whether your activity is permitted at the address.
- We agree any necessary rent-free period, renovation, subletting, indexation and exit terms.
- We separate rent, service charges, utilities and applicable taxes.
Timeframes
First we check the premises' suitability and budget, then move to the lease and renovation. Dates depend on designated use, the owner's approvals and necessary permits.
RICS servicesFrom €100 for an agreed stage. Commercial leases, specialist checks and registration tasks are quoted according to scope.
Other costsRent, deposit, agency fees, conversion work and specialist checks. The quote clarifies whether rent includes taxes and who pays for maintaining the premises.
Practical help
What we check before the deposit and signature
Check the property and owner
We compare property and ownership details, check any representative's authority and request available documents and recent bills. If in-depth legal due diligence is needed, we involve a specialist lawyer.
Review payments and the deposit
We document rent, utility and service costs, and possible price changes. We separately agree permitted deposit deductions, refund arrangements and the notice period for leaving.
Negotiate terms in Serbian
We discuss residence registration, repairs, furniture, pets and early termination with the owner. We help put agreements in writing so they do not remain verbal promises.
Help take possession
We prepare an inventory, meter readings and a record of condition at handover. If no property has been selected, we arrange a search and viewings with specialist partners under an agreed brief.
Prepare the documents
What we need to start
You provide
- Passport; for a business lease, sole proprietor or DOO details.
- Address or listing link, draft lease and owner's contact details if a property has been selected.
- Budget, desired move-in date, occupants or description of business activity.
- Whether you need residence registration, a business address, repairs or conversion work.
We prepare and arrange
- We request documents on the property and the landlord's authority.
- We prepare lease comments and terms to negotiate.
- We prepare a list of move-in payments and recurring costs.
- We help document the agreed terms and property handover.
Sequence and timeframes
From selecting a property to receiving the keys
Define the task and budget
We discuss the premises you need, your intended move-in date and whether you already have an option. We agree the specific work and support fee.
Check the selected option
We request documents and review the lease and expenses. Where needed, we involve partners for the search, viewings or specialist property checks.
Agree terms and documents
We discuss comments, the deposit, dates, repairs and registration with the owner. You receive a clear explanation of the terms before signing.
Support the handover
We help record the property's condition and payments. If residence or business address registration is needed, we include it as a separately agreed stage.
Prepared lease review from 1 day
An estimate for a straightforward review with a complete set of documents. Complex commercial leases and additional enquiries take longer.
Search and negotiation timelines vary
Timing depends on requirements, available options and the owner's response. We agree the search stages and feedback process in advance.
Residence registration within 24 hours
This is the host's deadline after providing accommodation to a foreign national. We agree with the owner in advance who will register the stay and how; a business address follows a separate procedure.
Reviewing a prepared lease and searching for premises take different amounts of time. We confirm our timeline after receiving the documents and the date by which you need the keys.
A clear scope of support
Rental support fees
Residential and commercial property rental in Serbia
from 100 €
for the agreed scope of rental support
Support starts from €100. Document review, negotiations, a search with partners and help at handover — we define the work around your task. The quote states which stages are included and which costs are separate.
Additional costs, if required
- Rent and deposit paid to the owner — the deposit often equals 1–2 months' rent, under the lease terms.
- Agency commission, if an agency participates in the search or transaction.
- Translations, notarial services and specialist checks, where needed.
- Residence registration, business address registration and other separate tasks.
Before work starts, you receive the scope and fee. Payments to the owner and third-party providers are shown separately. The agreed services' timelines and prices are recorded in the contract.
Before work begins
What to know before renting
Can I request only a lease review?
Yes. Send the draft lease and property details. We review payment, deposit, repair and termination terms, identify questions for the owner and help negotiate changes. You do not need to order a property search.
Can you help find an apartment before I arrive in Serbia?
Yes. We clarify your requirements and budget, arrange a search with specialist partners and agree how viewings will work. Before booking, we help check documents, payment terms and key handover. The remote work is included in the quote.
Can a rented address be used for a residence application?
We check the accommodation documents and the owner's willingness to participate in residence registration. A lease alone does not create an independent basis for a residence permit: if you need this service, we determine the basis and documents separately.
What should I check to protect my deposit?
The lease should clearly state the deposit amount, permitted deductions, and refund deadline and procedure. At move-in, record the property's condition, contents and meter readings. We help agree these terms and prepare a handover record.
How does renting an office or shop differ from renting an apartment?
For a business, designated use, requirements for your activity, rights to renovate and install signage, utility capacity and address use also matter. We check service charges, taxes and reinstatement obligations before signing too.
How much should I budget for moving in?
Besides the first rent payment, a deposit of 1–2 months' rent is usually required. Add any agency commission, agreed RICS support and utilities. We bring these amounts into one estimate before signing and record the deposit and refund terms in the lease.
Do you operate as an estate agency yourselves?
RICS coordinates support: documents, terms, communication and agreed stages. For property search, brokerage and specialist checks, we involve relevant partners where needed. Before starting, you will know who handles each task and how it is paid for.
Typical situations
How we approach your rental
Typical situations: we check both the premises and the terms under which you will live or run a business.
Typical situationAn apartment for a family moveYou need a home in a suitable neighbourhood, a clear lease and the owner's consent to the necessary residence address formalities.See the action plan
What we will do
- We clarify family composition, budget, timing and housing requirements
- We check ownership documents and address registration conditions
- We agree the deposit, utilities and apartment handover procedure
What you receiveAgreed rental terms, a clear lease and a move-in plan.
Get a plan for my task Typical situationPremises for an office or another businessYou like the premises, but need to know whether they suit your activity and who pays for renovation, maintenance and early departure.See the action plan
What we will do
- We check property documents and use for your intended purpose
- We review the lease term, deposit and additional costs
- We help agree work on the premises, handover and termination terms
What you receiveA list of checked terms and agreements before signing and making payments.
Get a plan for my task RICS in practice
Client case studies
Each case includes the task, the team's work and supporting material.
Stories: 3
Property-based residence
Preparing a property-based residence application and choosing an insurer
TaskPrepare a residence permit application based on property ownership and choose an insurance company.
Outcome described in the reviewAngelina praised the clear consultation, document support and time saved when choosing an insurer.
АнгелинаGoogle Maps review
Residence after relocation
Residence after an urgent move: documents, authorities and a bank
TaskApply for residence permits after an urgent move, without knowing Serbian or the local procedures.
Outcome described in the reviewIrina reported that the applicants received their residence cards about two months after moving.
Irina AndronovaGoogle Maps review
Residence and sole trader
Residence, sole trader registration and banking after relocation
TaskOrganise residence, business registration and banking services in a new country.
Outcome described in the reviewSergey reported receiving help with all these tasks and said the support significantly reduced the burden during relocation.
Сергей ОщепковGoogle Maps review
Next step
Get a plan and quote
for your circumstances
Tell us what premises you need, or send a link to a property you have selected. We will identify the checks, scope of support, indicative timeline and cost.
Personal planScope and price of servicesIn EnglishEstimated timeframes