Starting a business in Serbia offers foreign entrepreneurs an attractive gateway to European and Balkan markets. With one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe at just 10%, a strategic geographic location, and a business-friendly regulatory environment, Serbia has become an increasingly popular destination for international business formation. However, navigating the Serbian company registration process, legal requirements, and language barriers can be challenging without local expertise.

Our company formation service handles the entire registration process from start to finish, ensuring your Serbian company is properly established, legally compliant, and ready for business operations. Whether you’re a sole entrepreneur, small business owner, or international corporation, we guide you through every step of forming your Serbian legal entity.

Why Register a Company in Serbia?

Serbia presents compelling advantages for foreign entrepreneurs and international businesses looking to establish a European presence without the high costs associated with Western European countries.

Low Corporate Tax Rate

Serbia maintains a flat corporate income tax rate of 10%, one of the lowest in Europe. This competitive rate applies to all businesses regardless of size or industry, making Serbia particularly attractive for profit-driven enterprises. Unlike many European countries with progressive tax systems reaching 25-30%, Serbia’s consistent low rate provides predictable tax planning and significant cost savings over time.

Strategic Geographic Location

Positioned at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe, Serbia offers access to both EU and non-EU markets. The country shares borders with eight neighbors including Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Kosovo. This central location provides logistical advantages for businesses serving regional markets, with major European cities accessible within a few hours by road or air.

EU Accession Candidate Status

As an official candidate for European Union membership, Serbia has been harmonizing its legal framework with EU standards and regulations. Businesses established now benefit from an evolving regulatory environment that increasingly aligns with EU directives, positioning companies for seamless transition when Serbia eventually joins the EU. This status also provides preferential trade agreements with EU member states.

Minimal Capital Requirements

The minimum share capital requirement for a Serbian limited liability company is just 100 RSD (approximately €1), making company formation accessible to entrepreneurs at all levels. This nominal requirement means you can establish a legitimate legal entity without tying up significant capital in registration deposits, unlike many European jurisdictions requiring thousands of euros in minimum capital.

No Nationality Restrictions

Foreign nationals from any country can establish and fully own Serbian companies without restrictions. There are no requirements for local shareholders or partners, no minimum local ownership percentages, and no nationality-based limitations. Whether you’re from the EU, UK, US, Russia, China, or anywhere else, you have equal rights to form and own a Serbian business entity.

English Language Proficiency

Over 40% of Serbia’s population speaks English, particularly among younger professionals and in major business centers like Belgrade. This relatively high English proficiency compared to other Eastern European countries makes day-to-day business operations easier for foreign owners. Major cities offer English-speaking legal, accounting, and business support services.

Growing Economy and Investment Incentives

Serbia offers various investment incentives including tax credits for fixed asset investments up to 80% of asset value, 10-year tax holidays for investments exceeding €7.5 million, and subsidies for job creation. The government actively encourages foreign investment through Serbia’s Development Agency, offering support programs specifically designed for international businesses.

Competitive Labor Costs

Serbia maintains labor costs significantly lower than most Central and Western European countries while offering a well-educated workforce. Average gross salaries range from €600-800 monthly, compared to €1,500-3,000 in neighboring EU countries. This cost advantage makes Serbia particularly attractive for businesses requiring local staff, customer service operations, or production facilities.

Types of Business Entities in Serbia

Serbian law recognizes several business entity types, each with distinct characteristics, requirements, and advantages. Understanding these options is essential for choosing the structure that best fits your business needs.

Limited Liability Company (D.O.O.) – Most Popular

Best For: Small to medium businesses, foreign investors, startups, e-commerce, service companies

Serbian Name: Društvo sa Ograničenom Odgovornošću (abbreviated as D.O.O.)

Key Characteristics:

Ownership Structure: The D.O.O. can have between 1 and 50 shareholders (called “members” in Serbian law). Single-member companies are permitted, making this ideal for solo entrepreneurs. Shareholders can be natural persons or legal entities from any country, with no restrictions on foreign ownership percentage.

Liability: Shareholders have limited liability restricted to their capital contributions. Personal assets of shareholders are protected from company debts and obligations. This protection makes the D.O.O. the safest structure for business owners who want to minimize personal financial risk.

Share Capital: Minimum required share capital is 100 RSD (approximately €1). This nominal amount can be paid in cash or in-kind contributions. Share capital determines ownership percentages, with each shareholder holding shares proportional to their contribution.

Management: The company must have at least one director who manages daily operations and represents the company legally. The director can be a shareholder or an external person, can be a foreign national or Serbian citizen, and doesn’t need to reside in Serbia. Additional directors can be appointed if desired. Major decisions require shareholder approval through the shareholders’ assembly.

Formation Timeline: 7-14 business days for standard cases with straightforward ownership structures.

Advantages:

• Limited personal liability protection for owners
• Minimal capital requirements make it accessible
• Flexible ownership and management structures
• Can be 100% foreign-owned
• Suitable for businesses of any size
• Most common and well-understood structure by banks, authorities, and business partners
• Straightforward registration process

Disadvantages:

• More administrative requirements than sole proprietorship
• Annual financial statements must be submitted
• Corporate governance formalities must be maintained
• Limited to 50 shareholders maximum

Our Recommendation: The D.O.O. is the best choice for over 90% of foreign entrepreneurs and small to medium businesses. Its combination of liability protection, minimal capital requirements, and operational flexibility makes it ideal for most commercial activities. We recommend this structure unless you have specific reasons requiring a different entity type.

Joint Stock Company (A.D.)

Best For: Large corporations, businesses planning to raise capital through public offerings, companies with many investors

Serbian Name: Akcionarsko Društvo (abbreviated as A.D.)

Two Subtypes:

Closed Joint Stock Company: Minimum share capital of €10,000, maximum 100 shareholders, shares are not freely transferable, suitable for medium-sized businesses with controlled ownership.

Open Joint Stock Company: Minimum share capital of €25,000, no limit on number of shareholders, shares can be publicly traded, required for businesses planning stock market listing.

Key Characteristics:

Ownership Structure: Ownership is divided into shares which can be traded subject to company articles and legal restrictions. Shareholders elect a board of directors to oversee management. More complex governance structure with mandatory supervisory boards for larger companies.

Liability: Shareholders have limited liability restricted to their share value. Company debts cannot reach personal assets of shareholders.

Management: Managed by a board of directors elected by shareholders, with an executive director or CEO handling daily operations. Larger A.D. companies require a supervisory board to oversee the board of directors.

Formation Timeline: 14-21 business days due to more complex documentation and higher capital requirements.

Advantages:

• Can raise capital through public share offerings
• Suitable for very large businesses
• Formal governance structure provides investor confidence
• Shares can be easily transferred or traded
• Unlimited number of shareholders possible (open A.D.)

Disadvantages:

• High minimum capital requirements (€10,000-€25,000)
• Complex governance and reporting requirements
• Higher formation and ongoing compliance costs
• More bureaucratic management structure
• Mandatory external audits
• Longer formation timeline

Our Recommendation: The A.D. structure is only appropriate for larger businesses with substantial capital and multiple investors, or companies planning eventual public listing. For most foreign entrepreneurs and SMEs, a D.O.O. provides all necessary benefits without the additional complexity and costs.

General Partnership (O.D.)

Best For: Professional service partnerships (lawyers, accountants, consultants)

Serbian Name: Ortačko Društvo (abbreviated as O.D.)

Key Characteristics:

Ownership Structure: Minimum two partners required, all partners actively participate in management, profits and losses shared among partners according to partnership agreement.

Liability: Unlimited liability – each partner is personally liable for all partnership debts and obligations. This means personal assets are at risk if the partnership cannot meet its obligations.

Share Capital: No minimum capital requirement.

Management: All partners participate in management unless partnership agreement specifies otherwise. Each partner can legally represent the partnership.

Formation Timeline: 7-10 business days.

Advantages:

• No minimum capital requirements
• Simple formation process
• Flexible management structure
• Lower administrative burden than corporations

Disadvantages:

• Unlimited personal liability is a major risk
• Each partner can bind the entire partnership
• Difficult to transfer ownership interest
• Partnership dissolves if a partner leaves
• Not suitable for foreign owners due to liability concerns

Our Recommendation: We rarely recommend general partnerships for foreign entrepreneurs due to unlimited liability exposure. The D.O.O. structure provides similar operational flexibility with crucial liability protection.

Limited Partnership (K.D.)

Best For: Investment structures with active and passive investors

Serbian Name: Komanditno Društvo (abbreviated as K.D.)

Key Characteristics:

Ownership Structure: Two types of partners: general partners with unlimited liability who manage the business, and limited partners with liability restricted to their capital contribution who are passive investors.

Liability: Mixed – general partners have unlimited personal liability while limited partners risk only their invested capital.

Management: Only general partners can manage the partnership and represent it legally. Limited partners cannot participate in management without losing their limited liability status.

Formation Timeline: 10-14 business days.

Advantages:

• Allows for passive investment with limited liability
• Active management by general partners
• Flexible profit distribution arrangements
• Can be useful for specific investment structures

Disadvantages:

• General partners face unlimited personal liability
• Complex structure compared to D.O.O.
• Limited partners cannot participate in management
• Not commonly used in Serbian business practice
• May face questions from banks and authorities due to uncommon structure

Our Recommendation: Limited partnerships serve specific niche purposes but are rarely the optimal choice for foreign entrepreneurs. A D.O.O. with different share classes can achieve similar objectives with better liability protection and broader acceptance.

Entrepreneur (Sole Proprietor)

Best For: Serbian residents only, very small businesses, freelancers

Serbian Name: Preduzetnik

Key Characteristics:

Ownership: Single individual owner, must be a natural person (not a legal entity), owner and business are legally the same.

Liability: Unlimited personal liability – the entrepreneur’s personal assets can be seized to satisfy business debts.

Capital: No capital requirements.

Formation Timeline: 3-5 business days.

Advantages:

• Simplest registration process
• Lowest formation costs
• Minimal ongoing compliance requirements
• Fast registration

Disadvantages:

• Full personal liability for business obligations
• Requires Serbian residency or work permit
• Not suitable for foreign nationals without residence
• Limited business credibility compared to companies
• Cannot have partners or shareholders
• Business dies with the owner

Our Recommendation: Sole proprietorship is generally not suitable for foreign nationals unless you already have Serbian residence. The unlimited liability risk makes it inappropriate for most business ventures. Foreign entrepreneurs should establish a D.O.O. instead, which provides liability protection with minimal additional cost or complexity.

Branch Office and Representative Office

Branch Office: A dependent business unit of a foreign company that can conduct full commercial activities in Serbia. The branch is not a separate legal entity – it’s an extension of the foreign parent company. The parent company bears full liability for the branch’s activities. Requires registration with the Serbian Business Registers Agency. Can issue invoices and conduct all business operations. Profits are subject to Serbian corporate tax. Suitable for foreign companies wanting permanent presence in Serbia without creating a separate entity.

Representative Office: A dependent unit that can only conduct preparatory and auxiliary activities like market research, promotion, and communication. Cannot engage in commercial activities or generate revenue directly. Simpler registration requirements than a branch. The parent company bears responsibility for the representative office. Primarily used for market exploration before committing to full operations. Limited operational scope makes this suitable only for companies in early exploration stages.

Our Recommendation: For most foreign businesses, establishing a Serbian D.O.O. is preferable to a branch or representative office. A D.O.O. provides operational independence, limits parent company liability, often faces better tax treatment, and creates a fully autonomous Serbian legal entity. Branch offices make sense only when you specifically want activities to remain part of the parent company’s legal structure.

Company Formation Requirements

Successfully registering a Serbian company requires specific documentation, information, and compliance with legal formalities. Understanding these requirements before beginning the process ensures smooth, efficient formation.

What You’ll Need to Provide

For Individual Shareholders/Founders:

Passport or ID: Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity (for non-Serbian citizens), or national ID card (for Serbian citizens). We need clear, high-resolution scans of the identification page.

Tax Identification Number: Tax ID or equivalent from your country of residence (e.g., TIN, SSN, UTR). Required for proper tax documentation and international reporting compliance.

Proof of Address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or government-issued document (dated within the last 3 months) showing your current residential address. This document must clearly show your name and address.

Signature Specimen: We’ll need to certify your signature for company documents. This can be done through notarization in your country or through a video verification process we provide.

For Corporate Shareholders (if a legal entity is a founder):

Certificate of Incorporation: Official company registration certificate from the corporate shareholder’s jurisdiction, apostilled or legalized for use in Serbia.

Articles of Association/Charter: Complete company charter, bylaws, or memorandum and articles of association of the corporate shareholder, apostilled or legalized.

Certificate of Good Standing: Recent certificate (issued within last 6 months) confirming the company is active and compliant in its home jurisdiction.

Register Extract: Official extract from the corporate shareholder’s national business register showing current directors, shareholders, and company status.

Board Resolution: Official resolution from the corporate shareholder’s board authorizing participation in the Serbian company formation and designating who will sign documents on behalf of the corporate shareholder.

Ultimate Beneficial Owners (UBO) Information: Identification documents and details of individuals who ultimately own or control 25% or more of the corporate shareholder. This is required for anti-money laundering compliance.

Note on Corporate Shareholders: Having a corporate shareholder adds complexity and extends the formation timeline to 14-21 business days due to additional document requirements and verification procedures. All corporate documents must be properly apostilled or legalized for use in Serbia, and translation into Serbian may be required.

Company Information to Decide

Company Name: Your desired company name must be unique and not similar to existing registered companies in Serbia. The name must include the legal form designation “D.O.O.” at the end (e.g., “TechSerbia D.O.O.”). We’ll check name availability before registration and suggest alternatives if your preferred name is unavailable. Company names can be in Serbian, English, or other Latin-alphabet languages.

Business Activities: Serbian companies must register specific business activities from the official classification system. You can register multiple activities – one will be designated as the primary activity, with others as secondary. We’ll help you identify the correct activity codes for your business. Common categories include trade, consulting, IT services, manufacturing, real estate, hospitality, and professional services. Registering broader activity categories gives you operational flexibility without requiring amendments later.

Registered Address: Every Serbian company must have a registered address in Serbia. This is your official legal address where government authorities and courts send correspondence. Options include using your actual office or business premises if you have them, our virtual office service (most common for foreign owners), or a residential address if you have one in Serbia. The registered address must be a physical location – P.O. boxes are not acceptable. If using our virtual office, we handle all mail forwarding and ensure you never miss important correspondence.

Share Capital Amount: While the legal minimum is 100 RSD (approximately €1), you can register any higher amount. The share capital must be deposited in a temporary bank account during formation, then transferred to your company bank account after registration completes. Most companies register with 100-1,000 RSD unless specific circumstances require higher capital. Some regulated industries or professional licenses require minimum capital amounts. We’ll advise if your business type requires higher minimum capital.

Ownership Structure: Specify the ownership percentages for each shareholder. For single-shareholder companies, ownership is obviously 100%. For multiple shareholders, decide how shares will be divided (e.g., 60%-40%, 50%-50%, 33%-33%-34%). Share percentages determine voting rights and profit distribution unless your articles of association specify otherwise.

Director(s): Designate who will serve as the company director(s). This can be one of the shareholders, multiple shareholders, or external person(s). Directors can be foreign nationals – Serbian citizenship is not required. The director legally represents the company, signs contracts, opens bank accounts, and manages daily operations. You can appoint multiple directors with joint or independent signing authority as needed.

Additional Decisions

Fiscal Year: Decide whether your fiscal year will follow the calendar year (January 1 – December 31) or use a different 12-month period. Calendar year is standard and recommended unless you have specific reasons for a different fiscal year.

Profit Distribution: Determine how and when profits can be distributed to shareholders. Standard arrangement is distribution proportional to ownership percentages, but your articles of association can specify different arrangements if shareholders agree.

Special Provisions: If you need special provisions in your articles of association – such as restrictions on share transfers, special voting rights, different share classes, or specific management arrangements – we’ll draft these provisions. Most companies use standard articles, but customization is available when needed.

Company Formation Process

Our structured, efficient process ensures your Serbian company is properly formed with minimal hassle. We handle all complexity while keeping you informed at every stage.

Step 1: Initial Consultation (Day 1)

Duration: 30-60 minutes

We begin with a comprehensive consultation to understand your business goals, structure, and specific needs. During this consultation, we discuss your intended business activities to recommend appropriate activity codes, review ownership structure to determine the best approach, explain the different entity types and recommend the optimal structure for your situation, and discuss timeline expectations and any urgent requirements. This consultation can be conducted via video call, phone, or email depending on your preference and location. We ask detailed questions to ensure we fully understand your situation and can provide tailored recommendations.

At the end of the consultation, you’ll receive a clear explanation of the recommended entity structure, complete list of documents and information we’ll need from you, transparent pricing breakdown with no hidden fees, and realistic timeline for completing your company formation.

Step 2: Document Collection and Preparation (Days 2-4)

Duration: 2-3 days

After the consultation, we provide you with a detailed checklist of required documents and information. You send us the necessary identification documents, proof of address, and corporate documents (if applicable). We review everything you provide to ensure completeness and correctness, and request any additional documentation if needed. For corporate shareholders, we arrange apostille or legalization of foreign corporate documents, and translate documents into Serbian where required.

While you’re gathering documents, we simultaneously check company name availability in the Serbian Business Register, reserve your approved company name for registration, prepare draft articles of association for your review, and draft all other formation documents including shareholder resolutions.

We send you draft documents for review and approval. You can request changes or clarifications to any provisions. Once you approve the documents, we finalize everything for submission.

Step 3: Document Notarization and Signatures (Days 4-6)

Duration: 1-2 days

Serbian company formation requires notarized signatures on certain documents, particularly the articles of association. We offer flexible options to accommodate foreign founders:

Option A – Power of Attorney (Most Common for Foreign Founders): You provide us with a notarized power of attorney authorizing us to sign formation documents on your behalf. This power of attorney must be notarized in your country and apostilled for use in Serbia. We provide you with the exact power of attorney text required. Once we receive your apostilled power of attorney, we can sign and notarize all formation documents in Serbia on your behalf. This is the fastest and most cost-effective method for foreign founders.

Option B – Remote Notarization via Video: For founders from certain countries, we can arrange remote video notarization. You join a video call with a Serbian notary, show your identification, and electronically sign documents. This process requires scheduling and costs more than power of attorney but avoids needing to visit Serbia.

Option C – In-Person Signing in Serbia: If you’re visiting Serbia, you can sign documents in person at our office with a Serbian notary present. We coordinate the notary appointment at your convenience. This method is fastest if you’re already in Serbia but requires international travel for most foreign founders.

We arrange for professional notarization of all required documents and prepare everything for submission to the Serbian Business Registers Agency.

Step 4: Registration with Serbian Business Registers Agency (Days 7-10)

Duration: 3-5 business days

Serbian company registration is conducted entirely electronically through the Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA) online system. We submit your complete registration application electronically including all notarized formation documents, identification documents for shareholders and directors, proof of registered address, and all required registration forms.

The SBRA reviews your application to verify all documentation is complete and correct, confirm the company name is available and properly formatted, ensure all required information has been provided, and validate that all formalities have been fulfilled. The agency has a legal deadline of 5 business days to approve or reject applications. In practice, straightforward applications are often approved within 2-3 business days.

Upon approval, the SBRA issues your official Certificate of Registration containing your company registration number (MB), tax identification number (PIB), and full company details. Your company now legally exists and is registered in the official Serbian Business Register. We receive your company documents electronically and forward them to you immediately.

Step 5: Tax Registration and Legal Formalities (Days 11-12)

Duration: 1-2 days

After receiving your company registration certificate, we complete additional legal formalities. We register your company with the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund (PIO), register with the Health Insurance Fund, obtain your official company stamp (required in Serbia for signing documents), and register your director as the authorized signatory. These registrations are typically completed within 1-2 business days and are included in our service.

Step 6: Bank Account Opening Preparation (Days 13-14)

Duration: 1-2 days

With your company officially registered, we prepare for bank account opening. We organize all company documents required by banks, prepare certified copies of registration certificates, compile shareholder and director documentation, and prepare business activity descriptions and bank-specific forms. If you’re using our banking assistance service, we schedule appointments with your chosen bank and coordinate the entire account opening process. If handling banking yourself, we provide you with all necessary documents and guidance on bank requirements.

Note: Bank account opening is a separate process that takes an additional 7-14 days after company registration. See our Banking Services page for detailed information about opening your company bank account.

Step 7: Company Document Delivery (Day 14-15)

Duration: 1 day

Once everything is complete, we deliver your full company package including original Certificate of Registration, company articles of association, company stamp, tax registration documents, shareholder certificates, director appointment documents, and company registration number (MB) and tax number (PIB). Documents can be delivered electronically (PDF scans), via international courier (DHL, FedEx), or picked up in person at our office if you’re in Serbia. We also provide you with a comprehensive guide to next steps including bank account opening, obtaining necessary business licenses, registering for VAT if applicable, and other operational requirements.

Total Timeline

Standard Formation (Individual Shareholders): 10-15 business days from initial consultation to complete company documents.

Complex Formation (Corporate Shareholders): 15-21 business days due to additional documentation and verification requirements.

Expedited Formation: In urgent situations, we can sometimes accelerate the process to 7-10 days by prioritizing document preparation and working with expedited notary services. Contact us to discuss expedited options and associated fees.

After Formation: Next Steps

Registering your company is just the beginning. To operate successfully in Serbia, you’ll need to complete several additional steps.

Open a Business Bank Account

A Serbian business bank account is essential for conducting business operations. Companies must have a local bank account to receive payments, pay suppliers, process payroll, and comply with tax obligations. We strongly recommend opening your bank account immediately after company registration. See our Banking Services page for comprehensive information about bank account opening, recommended banks, and our banking assistance service.

Set Up Accounting and Bookkeeping

All Serbian companies must maintain proper accounting records and submit regular financial reports. Even if your company has no activity, you must file monthly and annual reports with tax authorities. We offer comprehensive accounting services specifically designed for foreign-owned companies. Our accounting service includes monthly bookkeeping, preparation and submission of all tax filings, annual financial statements, VAT registration and reporting if applicable, and payroll processing if you hire employees. See our Accounting & Tax Services page for detailed information.

Obtain Business Licenses or Permits

Certain business activities require specific licenses or permits beyond basic company registration. Common licensed activities include financial services, healthcare services, food production and catering, construction, professional services (law, accounting), transportation, education, and real estate brokerage. We’ll advise you during formation if your business activities require additional licenses and can assist with the application process.

Register for VAT (if applicable)

Serbian companies must register for Value Added Tax (VAT) if annual turnover exceeds 8,000,000 RSD (approximately €68,000). Companies can also voluntarily register for VAT before reaching this threshold if desired. VAT registration allows you to deduct input VAT and is often necessary for B2B business relationships. The standard VAT rate in Serbia is 20%, with reduced rates of 10% for certain goods and services.

Set Up Payroll Systems (if hiring employees)

If you plan to hire employees in Serbia, you’ll need to register as an employer, set up payroll systems, register employees with social security funds, and comply with Serbian employment law. Our HR and accounting services can handle all employment-related compliance.

Establish Presence (Virtual Office or Physical Office)

While your registered address is established during formation, consider whether you need additional presence. Options include our virtual office service with mail handling and call answering, serviced office space with meeting room access, or traditional office lease for permanent premises. See our Virtual Office Services page for affordable presence solutions.

Open International Payment Systems

For e-commerce or international businesses, consider setting up payment gateways, merchant accounts, PayPal business account, Stripe or similar payment processors, and international money transfer solutions. Serbian banks offer these services, though integration may require our assistance for smooth setup.

Pricing and Fees

Our transparent pricing ensures you understand all costs involved in Serbian company formation. No hidden fees, no surprises.

Our Service Fees

Standard D.O.O. Formation (Individual Shareholders): €600

This comprehensive service includes initial consultation and business structure advice, company name availability check and reservation, preparation of articles of association and all formation documents, notarization of all required documents (via power of attorney method), electronic submission to Serbian Business Registers Agency, all communication with government authorities in Serbian, tax registration with all required authorities, obtaining official company stamp, director registration, complete company document package, and 30 days of post-formation support for questions.

Complex D.O.O. Formation (Corporate Shareholders): €900-1,200

Additional complexity fee applies when one or more shareholders are legal entities rather than individuals. This includes everything in standard formation plus verification and processing of corporate shareholder documents, coordination of apostille/legalization services for foreign corporate documents, translation of corporate documents into Serbian, preparation of UBO (Ultimate Beneficial Owner) documentation, additional compliance procedures required for corporate ownership structures, and extended coordination time for corporate approvals and signatures.

A.D. (Joint Stock Company) Formation: €1,500-2,000

Higher fee reflects the increased complexity and capital requirements of joint stock companies. Includes all standard formation services plus additional documentation requirements, more complex articles of association with corporate governance provisions, coordination of minimum capital deposit (€10,000-€25,000), and longer processing timeline.

Branch Office Registration: €700-900

Registration of a Serbian branch of a foreign parent company. Includes document preparation, parent company document processing, notarization and submission, and all required registrations.

Representative Office Registration: €500-700

Simpler registration for representative offices with limited activities. Includes basic registration services and parent company coordination.

Government Fees (Paid to Serbian Authorities)

In addition to our service fee, you must pay official government registration fees directly to Serbian authorities:

Company Registration Fee: Approximately €50-80 (varies slightly based on company type and number of activities registered).

Notary Fees: Approximately €30-60 for notarization of formation documents.

Official Gazette Publication: Approximately €20-30 (required for A.D. companies, optional for D.O.O.).

Company Stamp: Approximately €20-30 for your official company stamp.

Total Government Fees: Approximately €120-200 for standard D.O.O. formation.

These fees are paid directly to authorities or through us on your behalf. We’ll provide exact amounts once we know your specific company structure and requirements.

Additional Costs (If Applicable)

Apostille Services: If you need documents apostilled in your home country, costs vary by jurisdiction (typically €20-100 per document). We can recommend apostille service providers in your country or arrange through international partners.

Translation Services: If corporate documents need translation into Serbian, costs are approximately €20-40 per page depending on document complexity.

Expedited Processing: Rush service available for urgent situations, with additional fee of €200-400 depending on timeline requirements.

Virtual Office Address: If you don’t have a physical address in Serbia and need to use our virtual office service, this costs €39/month or €399/year. See our Virtual Office Services page for details.

Power of Attorney Notarization: You’ll need to notarize the power of attorney document in your home country, costing typically €30-100 depending on your location.

Bundled Service Discounts

Save money by bundling company formation with our other essential services:

Company Formation + Banking Assistance: €750 (save €50)

Company Formation + First Year Accounting: €1,400 (save €200)

Company Formation + Banking + Accounting: €1,900 (save €300)

Complete Business Setup Package: €2,100 includes company formation, banking assistance, first year accounting, virtual office for 12 months, and 6 months of priority support. This comprehensive package saves you over €500 compared to purchasing services separately.

What’s NOT Included

To maintain complete transparency, the following are not included in our formation fees:

• Bank account opening (covered under separate banking service)
• Share capital deposit amount (you deposit this in the temporary bank account)
• Ongoing accounting and tax compliance after formation
• Business licenses or permits for regulated activities
• Travel costs if you choose to visit Serbia for in-person signing
• Apostille or notary fees in your home country
• Virtual office service (separate monthly/annual fee)

Can I Form a Company Remotely?

Yes! Over 90% of our foreign clients complete the entire company formation process remotely without ever visiting Serbia.

Remote Formation Process

The Serbian company registration system is fully electronic, making remote formation straightforward. Here’s how it works:

Step 1 – Consultation: We conduct your initial consultation via video call, phone, or email.

Step 2 – Document Provision: You send us required documents via email (scanned copies). No need to send original documents unless specifically required.

Step 3 – Power of Attorney: You have a power of attorney document notarized in your home country authorizing us to handle formation on your behalf. This document must be apostilled for use in Serbia. We provide the exact template and instructions for your local notary.

Step 4 – We Handle Everything: Using your power of attorney, we sign and notarize all formation documents in Serbia, submit the registration application electronically, handle all communication with authorities, and complete all post-registration formalities.

Step 5 – Receive Your Company: We send you electronic copies of all company documents immediately upon registration completion. Original documents can be sent via international courier or held at our office until your first visit to Serbia.

Advantages of Remote Formation

• No travel costs or time away from your business
• Form your Serbian company from anywhere in the world
• Same timeline and process as in-person formation
• Cost-effective for entrepreneurs who don’t plan to visit Serbia immediately
• Convenient and efficient – everything handled via email and video calls

In-Person Formation

If you prefer to visit Serbia for the formation process or if you’re already in the country:

• We can arrange in-person meetings at our office in Belgrade
• You can sign documents directly with our notary present
• Opportunity to visit banks, view potential office spaces, and explore Serbia
• Slightly faster timeline as no power of attorney is needed
• We can coordinate your visit with bank account opening appointments

For clients visiting Serbia, we offer airport pickup, hotel recommendations near our office, guided tour of business districts, bank introductions and account opening assistance, and networking introductions to other business owners and professionals.

Our Recommendation

Remote formation is practical and efficient for most foreign entrepreneurs. Save your travel for after your company is operational when you can combine business with exploring your new market. However, if you’re planning to visit Serbia anyway for market research or business development, coordinating your visit with company formation can be efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I form a Serbian company if I’m not a Serbian citizen?

Yes, absolutely. Serbian law allows foreign nationals from any country to form and fully own companies in Serbia. There are no restrictions based on citizenship or nationality. You can be a sole owner or partner with other foreign or Serbian shareholders. This openness to foreign ownership is one of the key advantages of doing business in Serbia.

Do I need to live in Serbia to own a Serbian company?

No, you don’t need to reside in Serbia. Foreign company owners can live anywhere in the world and manage their Serbian company remotely. You don’t need Serbian residence, a Serbian visa, or Serbian citizenship. You can visit Serbia as needed for business purposes on a tourist visa or visa-free travel (depending on your nationality).

However, if you plan to live in Serbia while managing your business, owning a Serbian company can be part of your pathway to Serbian temporary residence. See information about residence permits through company ownership for details.

Does the company director need to be Serbian?

No. The company director can be a foreign national from any country and doesn’t need to reside in Serbia. The director can be one of the shareholders or an external person you appoint. The director manages the company’s daily operations and legally represents the company, but can do so remotely from anywhere in the world.

How long does company formation really take?

Standard formation with individual shareholders typically takes 10-15 business days from initial consultation to complete company documents. Complex formation with corporate shareholders takes 15-21 business days. The Serbian Business Registers Agency legally must respond to applications within 5 business days, and usually approves straightforward applications in 2-3 days. Most of the timeline involves document preparation, notarization, and post-registration formalities rather than waiting for government approval.

What if my desired company name is already taken?

We check name availability before starting the registration process. If your preferred name is unavailable or too similar to an existing registered company, we’ll suggest alternative names or variations. You can also provide us with several name options ranked by preference, and we’ll register using the first available option. Serbian company names must be unique but can be in English or other languages, not only Serbian.

Can I register multiple business activities?

Yes, you can and should register all activities your company might engage in. There’s no significant cost difference for registering multiple activities. You designate one as your primary activity and register others as secondary activities. Registering broad activities during formation gives you operational flexibility without needing to amend your registration later. We’ll help you identify all relevant activity codes for your business plans.

What happens if I want to change something after registration?

Most company details can be changed after registration through official amendment procedures. Common changes include adding or removing business activities, changing the registered address, amending ownership structure or share percentages, appointing new directors, and changing the company name. Amendments require submitting updated documents to the Business Registers Agency and typically take 5-10 business days to process. We charge €200-400 for handling amendments depending on complexity.

Do I need to deposit the share capital before or after registration?

The share capital must be deposited during the registration process. Here’s the typical sequence: we open a temporary bank account in your company name (which is being formed), you deposit the share capital amount into this temporary account, the bank issues a certificate confirming the deposit, we submit this certificate as part of your registration application, after registration completes, the temporary account converts to your regular company bank account or you can transfer funds to a different bank account.

Since the minimum capital requirement is just 100 RSD (approximately €1), this deposit requirement is nominal for most companies.

Will I need to visit Serbia at any point?

You don’t need to visit Serbia for company formation – the entire process can be completed remotely. However, you may want to visit Serbia for bank account opening (some banks require at least one in-person visit, though others allow remote account opening), obtaining your digital signature certificate if needed for electronic document signing, or exploring your market, meeting potential partners, and developing your business presence.

Many of our clients successfully operate Serbian companies for years without visiting the country, managing everything remotely with our support.

What ongoing compliance requirements will my company have?

Serbian companies must fulfill several ongoing obligations including monthly tax returns and payment of required taxes, annual financial statements submitted to the Business Registers Agency and tax authority, maintenance of proper accounting records, annual confirmation of company data with the Business Register, and compliance with employment regulations if you have employees.

Our accounting service handles all of these compliance requirements so you never need to worry about missing deadlines or filing requirements. See our Accounting & Tax Services page for comprehensive information.

Can my Serbian company do business internationally?

Yes, Serbian companies can freely conduct international business. You can provide services to clients anywhere in the world, import and export goods, receive payments from foreign customers, and pay foreign suppliers. Serbia’s strategic location and trade agreements facilitate international business. Your Serbian company can invoice customers in the EU, UK, US, and globally without restrictions.

What about tax residency and personal tax obligations?

Your Serbian company is a Serbian tax resident and pays corporate income tax in Serbia at 10% on profits. This is separate from your personal tax situation. As an individual, your personal tax residency depends on where you physically reside and your nationality’s tax laws, not on where your company is registered.

Forming a Serbian company doesn’t automatically make you a Serbian tax resident. You remain subject to personal income tax in your country of residence. If you draw salary or dividends from your Serbian company, you’ll need to report this income according to your personal tax residency rules. We recommend consulting a tax advisor in your country of residence about your personal tax obligations.

Can I get Serbian residence through company ownership?

Yes, owning and actively managing a Serbian company can support an application for Serbian temporary residence permit. The process involves forming your Serbian company, opening a business bank account, registering the company address, demonstrating active business operations, and then applying for a temporary residence permit on the basis of company ownership and business activities.

After holding temporary residence for three years, you can apply for permanent residence. Serbian residence permits allow you to live in Serbia, travel within the region, and eventually apply for Serbian citizenship after meeting additional requirements. We can refer you to immigration specialists who handle residence permit applications.

What if my business fails or I want to close the company?

Serbian companies can be closed at any time through official liquidation procedures. The process involves settling all company debts and obligations, filing final tax returns, officially deregistering from the Business Register, and distributing remaining assets to shareholders. Liquidation typically takes 2-6 months depending on the company’s complexity and financial situation.

We can handle company liquidation procedures for €400-800 depending on complexity. Properly closing your company ensures you have no ongoing obligations and cleanly exit the Serbian business environment.

Why Choose Our Company Formation Service?

Forming a Serbian company without local expertise is challenging and risky. Here’s why foreign entrepreneurs choose our service:

We Specialize in Foreign-Owned Companies

We focus specifically on serving foreign entrepreneurs and international businesses establishing Serbian entities. We understand the unique challenges foreign owners face and have streamlined our process to address them. Over 95% of our company formation clients are foreign nationals, giving us unmatched experience with international formation requirements.

Transparent Fixed Pricing

We provide clear, upfront pricing with no hidden fees. You know exactly what you’ll pay before starting the process. Our quotes include all our service fees with separate disclosure of government fees. Many local service providers hide fees or add surprise charges during the process – we never do this.

English Language Service

All communication, documents, and explanations are provided in fluent English. You never need to struggle with Serbian language barriers or rely on machine translation. Our team includes native English speakers who understand Western business practices and can explain Serbian requirements in terms you understand.

Fast, Efficient Process

Our streamlined procedures and experience mean your company formation completes as quickly as legally possible. We’ve formed hundreds of companies and know exactly how to prepare documents correctly the first time, avoiding delays from application rejections or requests for corrections. Our average formation time of 10-15 days is faster than most local providers.

Comprehensive Support Beyond Formation

Company formation is just the beginning. We offer complete business support services including banking assistance, accounting and tax compliance, virtual office services, legal documentation and contracts, employment and payroll services, and ongoing business advisory support. As your local partner, we’re here for the long term, not just for formation.

Personal Service and Accessibility

You’ll work directly with experienced company formation specialists, not junior staff or automated systems. We’re available via email, phone, WhatsApp, and video call to answer questions and address concerns. Response times are typically within 24 hours, often much faster. You’re never left wondering about your formation status – we proactively communicate throughout the process.

Proven Track Record

We’ve successfully formed over 500 Serbian companies for foreign entrepreneurs from 50+ countries. Our clients include tech startups, e-commerce businesses, consulting firms, trading companies, real estate investors, and more. We have established relationships with Serbian banks, government agencies, and business service providers that facilitate smooth formation and operations.

Compliance and Quality

All our company formations are handled by qualified Serbian lawyers who ensure complete legal compliance. We maintain professional liability insurance protecting you from any errors or omissions. Documents are prepared to the highest professional standards. We guarantee that your company is properly formed and legally sound.

Ready to Form Your Serbian Company?

Starting your Serbian business journey begins with a simple conversation. We’ll explain everything you need to know, answer all your questions, and provide clear guidance on the best path forward for your specific situation.

Get Started Today

Free Initial Consultation: Schedule a free 30-minute consultation to discuss your business plans and company formation needs. No obligation, no pressure – just expert advice and honest answers.

Quick Quote: Get a detailed price quote for your specific formation requirements within 24 hours of inquiry.

Fast Formation: Once you’re ready to proceed, we can typically complete your Serbian company formation in 10-15 business days.

Contact Us

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +382 [your number]

WhatsApp: [if available]

Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00 CET

Or use our contact form to send us a message and we’ll respond within 24 hours.

What Happens Next?

1. You Contact Us: Send us an email, call, or use our contact form to introduce yourself and your company formation needs.
2. Initial Consultation: We schedule a consultation call to discuss your situation and provide personalized recommendations.
3. Receive Proposal: We send you a detailed proposal including recommended entity structure, complete document checklist, transparent pricing breakdown, and realistic timeline.
4. Document Collection: Once you approve the proposal, we send you detailed instructions for documents and begin the formation process.
5. Formation Completion: We handle everything and keep you informed throughout, delivering your complete company package within 10-15 business days.

Other Services for Your Serbian Business

We offer comprehensive business services to support your Serbian operations beyond company formation:

Banking Services: Expert assistance with opening your Serbian business bank account, including bank selection, document preparation, and application support. Learn more about our banking assistance.

Accounting & Tax Services: Monthly bookkeeping, tax compliance, financial reporting, and payroll services designed for foreign-owned companies. Learn more about our accounting services.

Virtual Office: Professional Serbian business address with mail handling, call answering, and meeting room access. Learn more about our virtual office services.

Legal Services: Contract preparation, legal documentation, compliance advice, and ongoing legal support for your Serbian business operations.

Visit our complete services page to explore all the ways we support international businesses in Serbia.

Join hundreds of successful foreign entrepreneurs who chose Serbia for their business. Contact us today to begin your Serbian company formation journey.