Foreign entrepreneurs can benefit from our company formation services in Serbia. We invite you to explore this page for information about our services, types of companies, registration procedures, and much more. Do not hesitate to reach out to our Serbian agents for representation in company formation.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of companies | Limited liability company Joint-stock company General partnership Limited partnership Branches of foreign companies Sole proprietorship |
Minimum share capital for LTD Company | RSD 100 |
Minimum number of shareholders for Limited Company | 1 |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | 3 weeks |
| Corporate tax rate | 15% |
| Dividend tax rate | 15% |
| VAT rate | 20%, a reduced rate of 10% also applies to certain goods |
| Number of double taxation treaties (approx.) | 61 |
| Do you supply a registered address? | Yes |
| Local director required | No |
| Annual meeting required | Yes |
| Shelf company available | Yes |
| Electronic signature | Yes |
| Is accounting/annual return required? | Yes |
| Foreign-ownership allowed | Yes |
| Any tax exemptions available? | Corporate income tax exemptions for innovative companies |
| Tax incentives | Regional incentives |
| Regulatory body | Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA) |
Joint stock company requirements | – minimum one shareholder; – management board; – supervisory board; – minimum share capital of 25,500 EUR. |
General partnership requirements | Two or more partners jointly liable for company debts with no minimum capital requirement |
| Limited partnership requirements | Two or more partners, including at least one general partner and one limited partner |
| Branch office requirements | The branch office, unlike the parent company, lacks legal entity status. Essentially, this means the branch operates in the name and on behalf of the parent company. |
| Registration process | Submission of company documents and registration application to the SBRA |
| Name reservation | Company name must be unique and approved by the SBRA |
| Liability | LLC and JSC shareholders have limited liability, meaning their personal assets are protected, while GP partners have unlimited liability, exposing their personal assets to cover business debts. |
| Reporting requirements | Annual financial statements and tax returns must be filed with the Tax Administration. |
| Accounting standards | – International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS); – International Accounting Standards (IAS). |
| Employment regulations | Compliance with Serbian labor laws and regulations with the help of our Serbian lawyers |
| Business licenses | Specific licenses and permits may be required depending on the nature of business activities. Our attorneys in Serbia can guide you if your business operation need special permission in Serbia. |
| Intellectual property rights | Protection through registration with the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia (IPORS) |
| Exit strategies | – winding down; – dissolution of a company; – the sale of company shares, etc. |
| Notary public | Notarization of certain company documents may be required. |
What are the main company formation services you provide in Serbia?
Support in company formation in Serbia for:
- preparing the documents – Articles of Association, Memorandum of Association, power of attorney, digital certificates, etc.
- online application for company registration,
- representation and the local authorities,
- legal advice in various company formation matters,
- support in opening a bank account in Serbia, etc.
Are there any restrictions on foreigners doing business in Serbia?
No! Any foreign investor can set up companies in Serbia.
What types of companies are available in Serbia?
- Limited liability company,
- Joint stock company,
- General & limited partnership,
- Holding company,
- Branches,
- Subsidiaries, etc.
What is the most popular business structure available in Serbia?
The limited liability company or DOO in Serbia.
What is the minimum share capital for an LLC in Serbia?
RSD 100 or EUR 1.
Here is an infographic that explains the process of setting up a business in Serbia:
What are the conditions to start an LLC in Serbia?
- at least one shareholder can start an LLC, whether a natural person or a legal entity,
- must appoint at least one director regardless of nationality,
- must register a business office in Serbia, or purchase a virtual office,
- get the Qualified Electronic Certificate (QES) for online identification when registering the company,
- open a bank account in Serbia,
- register the business for tax payment in Serbia, etc.
NOTES:
- if the company founder is a legal entity, an Extract with an apostille stamp from the Serbian Trade Register will be solicited.
- in the case of natural persons opening a company in Serbia, the registration required the PDF format of the passport page.
- the power of attorney must be signed before a notary in the country of origin, with an apostille stamp, and then delivered to our firm.
Do you assist in getting a business license in Serbia?
Absolutely!
Are there any precautions when opening a firm in Serbia?
Company director/manager must travel to Serbia for the bank account opening proceedings. Our Serbian agents will also prepare the formalities.
Who can set up sole proprietorships in Serbia?
Any entrepreneur wanting to do business on his/her own.
Can you provide details about opening a branch or a subsidiary in Serbia?
Yes, you may read here and here.
Do you offer assistance in opening a liaison office in Serbia?
Yes, please read here about the formalities imposed.
Can foundations be settled in Serbia?
Yes, we have a dedicated article here.
Can I be helped in opening a startup in Serbia?
Sure! Find out information here.
What are the facilities provided through a virtual office package in Serbia?
Read information here.
Are there any company formation services I can receive in Serbia?
Yes, we can put you in contact with our Serbian accountants. We can also help with VAT registration in Serbia, as you can read here.
What are the costs for company formation services in Serbia?
- around EUR 1,500 for full services.
- around EUR 200 for document translations, legal services, directors’ digital certificates, etc.
- about EUR 150 for 3 months of virtual office, on request.
What is the time frame for setting up a company in Serbia?
Around 10 days.
International and local entrepreneurs can discuss further details about company incorporation in Serbia with our specialists. Please contact us here and ask for an evaluation of your case.