The Katastar nepokretnosti (Real Estate Cadastre) is Serbia's authoritative property rights register, maintained by the Republički geodetski zavod (RGZ — Republic Geodetic Authority). It records ownership, mortgages, easements, building permits, court orders, and all other rights and encumbrances affecting every parcel of land and building in Serbia.
Unlike some countries where cadastre (physical data) and land registry (legal rights) are separate databases, Serbia's Katastar nepokretnosti combines both functions in a single system. The list nepokretnosti (property extract) from RGZ therefore contains both the physical description (area, boundaries, building details) and the legal status (owner, mortgage, encumbrances) in one document.
The list nepokretnosti can be obtained online through the RGZ e-services portal (eKatastar). A free informational copy (kopija lista nepokretnosti) is available to any member of the public. A certified official copy (overen prepis lista nepokretnosti) can be ordered for a small fee and is required for notarial transactions, bank mortgages, and court proceedings.
When a notary solemnises a Serbian property purchase contract, the deed is transmitted electronically to RGZ for registration. The RGZ processes the registration and updates the Katastar. The buyer is not formally the owner until RGZ completes registration, though their claim is protected from the moment of submission. Registration typically takes five to ten business days.
Serbia has been digitalising its Katastar system under EU-aligned reforms, and most urban properties are now fully digitised. Some rural and peripheral areas still have incomplete or outdated cadastral records — buyers of rural land should commission a licensed surveyor (geodeta) to confirm boundaries and ensure the cadastral record accurately reflects the physical property.
Key Facts
| Maintained by | Republički geodetski zavod (RGZ) |
|---|---|
| Combines | Physical cadastre data and legal property rights in one system |
| Key document | List nepokretnosti — shows owner, area, encumbrances, court orders |
| Online access | RGZ eKatastar portal — free informational copies available |
| Registration time | 5–10 business days after notarial deed submission |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a zabeležba in the Serbian Katastar?
A zabeležba (notation) is an entry in the Katastar that notes a fact or right of lesser strength than full ownership — for example, a pending court dispute (spora), a pre-emption right (pravo preče kupovine), a conditional ownership claim, or an administrative restriction. Always check the zabeležba column before purchasing.
How do I find the cadastral number for a property?
The cadastral parcel number (broj katastarske parcele) and municipality code (katastarska opština) appear on the seller's list nepokretnosti. If the seller cannot provide this, you can look up the address on the RGZ geoportal (geosrbija.rs) to locate the parcel and its number on the cadastral map.
Can I register a preliminary contract in the Katastar?
Yes. A notarially solemnised preliminary contract (predugovor) can be entered as a zabeležba in the Katastar, protecting the buyer's interest against subsequent transactions. This is particularly useful when there is a gap between signing the preliminary contract and completing the full notarial deed.