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Registering a Company in Serbia: 50 Essential FAQs for Successful Expansion

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Registering a Company in Serbia is one of the smartest moves for foreign businesses seeking access to skilled talent, low taxes, and a strategic European location.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction

  2. Why Register a Company in Serbia?

  3. Legal Forms of Companies in Serbia

  4. Step-by-Step Process of Registering a Company in Serbia

  5. 50 Essential FAQs About Registering a Company in Serbia

  6. Taxes and Incentives in Serbia

  7. Hiring and Employment Rules

  8. How ComplyHire Can Help

  9. Final Thoughts

Registering a company in Serbia – business setup and entity formation for foreign investors
Registering a company in Serbia made simple: fast, compliant, and tailored for international businesses.

Introduction

Registering a Company in Serbia has become a strategic decision for many foreign businesses aiming to expand in Europe. Serbia offers a competitive tax environment, a skilled multilingual workforce, and easy access to both EU and non-EU markets. For new investors, the registration process may seem complex, but this guide answers 50 essential FAQs to simplify your expansion journey.

Why Register a Company in Serbia?

Serbia is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for foreign entrepreneurs because of:

  • Low corporate tax: Flat 15%, among the lowest in Europe.

  • Skilled workforce: Engineers, IT specialists, and multilingual professionals at competitive salaries.

  • Government incentives: Grants, subsidies, and tax relief for foreign companies.

  • Strategic location: Borders multiple countries, providing access to over 100 million regional consumers.

 7 Reasons Serbia is Best for Company Formation

Legal Forms of Companies in Serbia

When registering a company in Serbia, foreign investors can choose from:

  • LLC (D.O.O.): Most popular for SMEs and startups.

  • Joint-stock company (A.D.): Ideal for larger corporations.

  • Branch office: Extension of a foreign parent company.

  • Representative office: For market research or non-commercial purposes.

 Serbian Business Registers Agency – APR

Step-by-Step Process of Registering a Company in Serbia

With a local partner like ComplyHire, the registration process can be completed in 5–7 business days:

  1. Choose a legal form.

  2. Prepare founding documents.

  3. Deposit share capital (minimum €1 for LLC).

  4. Register with APR.

  5. Open a Serbian bank account.

  6. Register for taxes, VAT, and employment.

Tip: Using ComplyHire ensures compliance, smooth paperwork, and faster approval.

50 Essential FAQs About Registering a Company in Serbia

General Questions

  1. Can foreigners register a company in Serbia?
    Yes, foreigners can fully own and operate companies in Serbia.

  2. What is the minimum share capital?
    For LLCs, it is just 100 RSD (~1 EUR).

  3. Which types of companies can be registered?
    LLC, joint-stock, branch office, or sole proprietorship.

  4. How long does registration take?
    Typically 5–7 working days with complete documentation.

  5. Do I need residency in Serbia?
    No, but a local representative is needed for certain administrative tasks.

  6. Is dual citizenship required?
    No, foreign nationals can own and manage a Serbian company without citizenship.

  7. Can one person register a company?
    Yes, a single-member LLC is common.

  8. How many shareholders can an LLC have?
    Up to 50.

  9. Are there restrictions on foreign ownership?
    No, Serbia allows 100% foreign ownership.

  10. Is it possible to acquire an existing company?
    Yes, acquisitions are allowed.

Legal & Compliance

  1. What documents are required for registration?
    Passport copies, company name, business address, shareholder details, and Articles of Association.

  2. Where is the company registered?
    At the Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA/APR).

  3. Is a Serbian lawyer required?
    Not mandatory, but recommended for smooth compliance.

  4. Is a company seal necessary?
    Yes, used for contracts and official documents.

  5. Do I need a local address?
    Yes, a registered office address is mandatory.

  6. Do foreign companies need a power of attorney?
    Yes, for some administrative tasks if managing remotely.

  7. Are bilingual contracts allowed?
    Yes, contracts can be in Serbian and English for clarity.

  8. Do I need special permits for regulated industries?
    Yes, finance, healthcare, and some sectors require licenses.

  9. Are there reporting obligations?
    Yes, annual financial statements must be filed with APR.

  10. Is online registration possible?
    Partially, some steps may require physical presence.

Taxes

  1. What is the corporate tax rate?
    Flat 15%, one of the lowest in Europe.

  2. Is VAT registration mandatory?
    Yes, for annual revenue exceeding 8 million RSD (~68,000 EUR).

  3. What are the VAT rates?
    Standard 20%, reduced 10%.

  4. Does Serbia offer R&D incentives?
    Yes, up to 80% deduction for qualifying projects.

  5. Does Serbia have double tax treaties?
    Yes, with over 60 countries.

  6. Are there IP-related tax benefits?
    Yes, the IP box regime offers 80% tax relief.

  7. Are local taxes high for small businesses?
    No, Serbia offers a favorable environment for SMEs.

  8. Are dividends taxed?
    Yes, usually at a reduced rate of 15%.

  9. Are withholding taxes applied to foreign payments?
    Yes, subject to applicable treaties.

  10. Can taxes be filed online?
    Yes, electronic filing is supported.

Banking & Finance

  1. Do I need a Serbian bank account?
    Yes, mandatory for operations.

  2. Can foreigners open a bank account?
    Yes, but physical presence is usually required.

  3. How long does it take to open an account?
    Typically 3–5 business days.

  4. Is there a minimum deposit?
    No, only share capital is required.

  5. Can multi-currency accounts be opened?
    Yes, in RSD, EUR, USD, and others.

  6. Are online banking services available?
    Yes, most banks provide digital banking.

  7. Can you use international payment providers?
    Yes, after compliance verification.

  8. Are corporate cards available for LLCs?
    Yes, depending on the bank.

  9. Is a local accountant mandatory?
    Yes, Serbian law requires certified accountants.

  10. Are financial statements audited?
    Large companies require audits; small LLCs may not.

Hiring & Employment

  1. Can I hire employees without a Serbian entity?
    Yes, through an Employer of Record (EOR).

  2. What are average salaries?
    ~900 EUR gross monthly; IT salaries higher.

  3. What are employer contributions?
    Approx. 16.65% of gross salary.

  4. What are employee contributions?
    Approx. 19.9% of gross salary.

  5. Minimum annual leave?
    20 days.

  6. Probation period length?
    Typically 3–6 months.

  7. Can remote teams be hired?
    Yes, with or without local entity via EOR.

  8. Is mandatory health insurance required?
    Yes, for all employees.

  9. Are work permits needed for foreigners?
    Yes, except for EOR arrangements.

  10. Can I scale my workforce quickly?
    Yes, Serbia’s labor market is flexible and cost-effective.

How ComplyHire Can Help

ComplyHire simplifies registering a company in Serbia with services including:

  • Full entity setup and registration

  • Payroll and HR management

  • Tax compliance and accounting

  • Banking and ongoing administration

Whether you choose EOR for fast entry or a full entity for long-term growth, ComplyHire ensures compliance and smooth operations.

Final Thoughts

Registering a company in Serbia provides access to low taxes, skilled professionals, and a strategic European location. By answering 50 essential FAQs, foreign companies can expand confidently and efficiently.

✅ Ready to expand? Contact ComplyHire today to handle your company formation in Serbia.

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