Serbia is an official candidate country for European Union membership. The country submitted its application in 2009 and received candidate status in 2012. Accession negotiations are structured around 35 chapters of the EU's acquis communautaire — the body of laws and regulations that candidate countries must align with before joining the Union.

The European Commission publishes annual progress reports on Serbia's accession process. These reports assess alignment in areas including rule of law, fundamental rights, economic governance, and sectoral policies. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement provides detailed information on the state of negotiations.

Serbia's representation at EU institutions

Serbia maintains a Mission to the European Union in Brussels, which coordinates relations with the European Parliament, the Council of the EU, and the European Commission. The Mission plays a central role in the accession process by liaising with EU institutions on an ongoing basis.

The EU Delegation to Serbia in Belgrade represents the European Union in Serbia and monitors the implementation of EU-funded programmes and the alignment of Serbian legislation with EU standards.

Brussels is home to a significant Serbian community, drawn by employment opportunities at EU institutions, international organisations, and multinational companies. The Belgian capital is also a natural base for Serbian diplomats and officials involved in the EU accession process.

The Embassy of Serbia in Belgium

The Embassy of Serbia in Brussels handles consular services for Serbian nationals living in Belgium and Luxembourg. Services include passport renewals, civil status documentation, and notarial services.

Renting a home in Brussels

For Serbian expatriates arriving in Belgium, finding accommodation in Brussels requires navigating Belgian rental law. One of the first practical questions is the rental guarantee — Belgian law requires tenants to deposit a security amount with their landlord or bank, typically equivalent to two months' rent in Brussels and Wallonia, and three months in Flanders.

Rather than blocking this capital in a bank account, an online rental guarantee service allows expatriates to obtain the required guarantee without immobilising their savings — a practical solution widely used by newcomers to Belgium.

Registering in Belgium

• Register at your local municipality (commune) within 8 working days of arrival.
• Apply for a residence permit (Annexe 8 or electronic foreigners card).
• Open a Belgian bank account — required for rental domiciliation and salary payments.
• Enrol in a Belgian health insurance fund (mutualité/ziekenfonds).
• Serbian driving licences must be exchanged for a Belgian one within 185 days.

Serbian citizens and EU nationals can travel between Belgium and Serbia without a visa for stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Serbia is not yet a member of the Schengen Area, so separate border checks apply at Serbian entry points.

The main entry points for travellers from Belgium are Belgrade Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG), with direct flights operated by major carriers, and overland routes via Hungary or Croatia. The Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides up-to-date entry requirements.

Key facts for visitors

• Currency: Serbian Dinar (RSD). Euro is widely accepted in tourist areas but not legally required.
• EU nationals can enter Serbia with a valid national identity card — passport not required.
• European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are not valid in Serbia — travel insurance is recommended.
• Serbia drives on the right. EU driving licences are valid in Serbia.