Article source: PEKIC Law Office, Serbia

Serbia has steadily positioned itself as one of the most appealing business hubs in Southeast Europe. With competitive corporate taxes, access to key trade zones, a growing tech sector, and simplified administrative procedures, the country offers strong incentives for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to expand or open a new company. Whether you’re launching a startup, relocating part of your operations, or setting up an international branch, Serbia provides a stable and cost-effective environment.

This guide covers the most important information foreign founders need before registering a company in Serbia, including advantages, necessary documentation, banking, employment, and long-term residency opportunities.

Why Entrepreneurs Choose Serbia for Business Expansion

Attractive tax environment

Serbia maintains a corporate tax rate of 15%, placing it among the lowest in Europe. In addition, various sectors benefit from tax reductions, investment incentives, employment subsidies, and government-supported innovation programs.

Strategic trade access

Businesses registered in Serbia benefit from an impressive portfolio of free-trade agreements. This provides preferential export conditions to:

• European Union countries
• CEFTA region
• EFTA states
• Turkey
• The Eurasian Economic Union

For companies targeting wide international markets, Serbia offers a gateway to more than one billion consumers.

Skilled human resources

The Serbian workforce is widely recognized for its technical expertise. Fields such as IT, engineering, biotechnology, manufacturing, and design have seen strong growth, supported by competitive labor costs and high-quality education.

Cost-effective business operations

Compared to Western Europe, Serbia offers significantly lower expenses for rent, salaries, logistics, and utilities. This is one of the reasons tech firms, outsourcing agencies, and manufacturing companies continue to grow rapidly in cities like Belgrade, Novi Sad, and Niš.

Legal Business Structures Available to Foreigners

Foreign citizens have the right to establish and fully own companies in Serbia. While several legal structures are available, the most commonly chosen is the Limited Liability Company (LLC / DOO) due to its flexibility and minimal capital requirements.

LLC (DOO)

• Can be founded by one or more individuals or legal entities
• Requires symbolic founding capital (100 RSD ≈ 1 EUR)
• Provides limited liability protection
• Suitable for almost all business activities

Sole Proprietor

Often chosen by consultants, freelancers, and small service providers who prefer simplified accounting.

Branch Office

Ideal for foreign companies that want a local presence without forming a separate legal entity.

Representative Office

Used for non-commercial purposes such as market research or promotional activity.

Most foreign investors opt for an LLC because it allows quick registration, full operational capacity, and straightforward tax management.

Remote Registration: One of Serbia’s Greatest Advantages

A unique benefit of the Serbian system is the ability to register a company completely remotely, without needing to visit the country. A licensed legal representative can prepare and submit all documents, communicate with state institutions, and handle the entire process on your behalf.

A full overview of the procedure, documents, and legal requirements is available here: Company Registration in Serbia

This resource explains how foreigners can open a Serbian company efficiently and securely, even from abroad.

What Documents Are Required?

The standard documentation package for registering a company in Serbia includes:

• A valid passport of the founder(s)
• Preferred company name and main activity code
• Details about shareholders and directors
• Proof of a registered business address
• Documentation for tax registration
• Requirements for opening a corporate bank account

Your legal representative can draft all founding acts, prepare a power of attorney, submit forms to the Business Registers Agency (APR), and guide you through the final steps.

Registration Timeline and Process

Serbia’s administrative system is known for efficiency, and most companies become operational quickly:

1. Preparing documentation: 1–3 days
2. Submission to APR: typically 3–5 working days
3. Tax setup and banking: a few additional days depending on the bank

In most cases, the full process—from the first document to a ready-to-operate company—takes 7 to 10 business days.

Banking and Financial Operations

After registration, the next step is opening a corporate bank account. Serbian banks offer modern digital banking services, support for international transfers, and multi-currency accounts (EUR, USD, GBP, CHF). Some banks allow remote onboarding, while others require brief verification in person.

A qualified attorney can recommend banks known for faster processing and better conditions for foreign-owned companies.

Employment, Visas, and Work Permits

Your company in Serbia can hire both local and international staff. For foreign employees, the company may sponsor temporary residence permits and work permits. The process typically takes several weeks and is well structured, ensuring stable legal status for international workers.

Many entrepreneurs who relocate to Serbia highlight the country’s favorable lifestyle, reasonable living costs, and growing expat community, especially in Belgrade and Novi Sad.

Serbia as a Long-Term Business Base

Foreign investors often point to several key advantages that make Serbia an excellent long-term business location:

• Stable legal and economic environment
• Growing digital infrastructure and e-government services
• Strong startup and innovation scene
• Accessibility to major European markets
• Cost-effective operations compared to EU countries

This combination makes Serbia a powerful platform for international expansion, product development, and regional distribution.

How to Get Serbian Citizenship

Many entrepreneurs who start businesses in Serbia eventually explore the possibility of obtaining Serbian citizenship or long-term residency. Serbia offers several legal pathways based on business ownership, residency duration, marriage, ancestry, and other qualifying criteria.

A detailed and reliable guide explaining requirements, timelines, and the full citizenship procedure is available here: How to get Serbian citizenship

This resource covers how foreign nationals progress from temporary residence to permanent residency and ultimately obtain a Serbian passport.