If you are an international student planning to study in Serbia, opening a bank account and transferring money correctly is a key step for a smooth start. Tuition fees are usually set in euros and paid according to each university’s method (which may be in dinars at the exchange rate on the day of payment), so the amount is often converted from euros (EUR) to dinars at that day’s rate. This guide explains how to open a bank account in Serbia as a foreigner and how to transfer money safely, with a focus on the costs and procedures required in 2026.

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Steps to open a bank account in Serbia as a foreigner

International students can open a bank account in Serbia easily, provided they have the required documents and follow the official procedures. You do not need permanent residence, but you do need a valid passport and a temporary residence permit.

• Choose a bank operating in Serbia, such as Banca Intesa, OTP Banka Srbija, UniCredit Bank Srbija or Raiffeisen.
• Bring your valid passport and a copy of your Temporary Residence Permit.
• The bank may ask for an initial deposit or an account-opening fee, depending on its policy.
• You may be asked to show a monthly income (such as a scholarship or family support), although some banks do not require it.
• You may be asked to sign an account contract and activate electronic services (online banking and apps).

Procedures differ slightly between banks, so we recommend contacting the main branches in your city, such as Belgrade or Novi Sad, in advance to confirm the exact requirements.

Sending money to Serbia: the best methods

To send money from your country to Serbia, choose a method that keeps costs low and makes sure the money arrives on time, especially before tuition deadlines in 2026.

• International bank transfers (SWIFT): the safest and most transparent method. Used to send euros (EUR) directly to a bank account in Serbia. Fees depend on the bank, but typically range from €10 to €30 per transfer.
• Online transfer platforms (such as Wise or Revolut): they offer better exchange rates than traditional banks and much lower fees. You can convert euros to Serbian dinars through these platforms, then withdraw cash at a bank branch in Serbia or use a card linked to the account.
• Money transfer companies (such as Western Union): fast but relatively expensive. Suitable for emergencies, but not ideal for paying tuition.

Important: many universities set tuition in euros but collect it in Serbian dinars (RSD), converting the amount from euros (EUR) at the exchange rate on the day of payment. Check which currency and method your university uses. Do not wait until the last moment to transfer money, because exchange-rate swings can change the final amount.

Paying in Serbian dinars: how the cost is calculated

In Serbia, tuition is paid at the exchange rate on the day of payment, not at a fixed rate agreed in advance. This means you pay in Serbian dinars, but the amount is calculated from the euro price at the exchange rate on the date of the transfer.

For example: if the tuition fee is €2,500 and the exchange rate on the payment day is about 117 dinars per euro, the amount due is about 292,500 dinars (2,500 × 117).

For an accurate exchange rate, you can rely on the National Bank of Serbia, which updates exchange rates daily.

Type of transfer	Approximate fees	Transfer time	Notes
SWIFT transfer from a bank	€10–30	1–3 working days	Best for large payments
Wise (TransferWise)	Varies by provider (check the provider’s current fee calculator)	1–2 days	Better exchange rates
Western Union	Varies by provider (check the provider’s current fee calculator)	Instant	Suitable for emergencies

Getting the most from your bank account in Serbia

Once your account is open, you can use it for several practical purposes during your stay in Serbia:

• Receiving scholarships or financial support from your family.
• Paying rent, electricity bills, internet and phone.
• Getting a credit or debit card linked to the account.
• Transfers between accounts within Serbia usually have low fees.

Bank cards are very common in Serbia and are accepted in most shops, on public transport and in restaurants. Banks also offer complete online banking services, which makes it easy to manage your daily budget.

Staying in the country: registering your temporary residence permit

Opening a bank account is useful for paying fees and receiving money, and you may be asked to show proof of means of subsistence. A bank account is not a mandatory requirement for a residence permit, but it is helpful.

For more information on residence procedures, see our guide to the temporary residence permit in Serbia.

Resident and non-resident accounts: what changes after one year

According to the Serbian government’s Welcome to Serbia portal, foreign citizens in their first year in Serbia are treated as non-residents under the Law on Foreign Exchange Operations, while those who stay more than one year on a residence permit acquire resident status. Banks can open dinar and foreign-currency accounts for non-residents.

To open a non-resident account, you submit a request to the bank together with a valid identity document (a passport or other valid photo document) and a document showing your place of temporary or permanent residence during the last year. The bank can open a current account for everyday payments, a deposit account, or another account with a specified purpose. After one year of stay, you must tell the bank about your change of status so that it can close the non-resident account and open a resident one. In addition, a client with legal residence in Serbia who has no payment account can ask for a payment account with basic services.

Frequently asked questions

Can I open a bank account in Serbia without permanent residence?

Yes, international students can open a bank account in Serbia even with a temporary residence permit. You need a valid passport and a copy of your residence permit.

What is the best way to send money to Serbia at a good exchange rate?

The best way is to use platforms such as Wise or Revolut, which offer competitive exchange rates and lower fees than traditional bank transfers.

Are foreign credit cards accepted in Serbia?

Yes, most international credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted in shops, restaurants and hotels. However, it is better to use a card linked to a local bank account to avoid conversion fees.

Can I pay tuition in US dollars?

Each university sets its own payment currency and method, and fees are usually announced in euros. In that case, the amount is converted into Serbian dinars at the exchange rate on the day of payment.

What is the average euro to Serbian dinar exchange rate in 2026?

The exchange rate changes daily. You can follow updates on Serbian dinar – Wikipedia or from the National Bank of Serbia.

Opening a bank account and transferring money in Serbia as an international student is not complicated if you follow the right steps. Thanks to modern banks and online banking, it is easy to manage your daily budget and pay in Serbian dinars at the exchange rate on the day of payment. Open your account early, use reliable transfer platforms to keep costs down, and keep records of all transfers to make checks easier. For more on costs and tuition, see the cost of studying in Serbia, and especially tuition fees in Serbia for exact details by subject.

Official sources

• National Bank of Serbia
• Serbian dinar – Wikipedia