Double Tax Treaties in Serbia: Countries and Application

There are over 60 double tax treaties signed by Serbia with countries worldwide and this represents a major step in developing business relations on an international scale. It is mandatory to be aware of how double taxation can be avoided when opening a company in Serbia as a foreign entrepreneur. The company incorporation in Serbia is subject to less bureaucracy, and it can be guided by our Serbian team of specialists.

Quick Facts
Number of treaties signed by Serbia	Around 64
Types of incomes for which taxation applies	– dividends, – royalties, – capital gains, – interests, – pensions, and other categories of remuneration
How is the taxation made under a DTT signed by Serbia?	On the income generated in Serbia
Tax credit	Offered in the case the income is levied in Serbia and also in the foreign country from which the company is.
Withholding tax (WHT) for royalties, dividends, and interests	Ranging between 0% and 15% under the treaties (20% domestic rate)
Particular taxation	Reduced treaty rates, e.g. 0%/5%/10% on dividends under the UAE treaty; the Swiss treaty provides 5%/15% on dividends and 10% on interest and royalties.
What is “Special WHT rules”?	WTH of 25% or 20%, depending on the signed treaty
Provisions of DTT signed with Sweden	0% taxation for certain incomes
Provisions of DTT signed with Germany	No taxation imposed on loan interest
Are there any preferential tax systems agreed upon by Serbia?	Yes, with several countries worldwide
Available incentives implemented by Serbia	For specific categories of employees
Some of the taxes in Serbia	– 15% corporate income tax, – 20% VAT, – personal income tax ranging from 10% to 20%
Tax registration in Serbia	Can be done with the help of our local experts in taxation.
Tax period in Serbia	The calendar year
Why choose our Serbian agents	We offer assistance in terms of tax registration, compliance with the legislation, and many more.

What kind of services do you provide related to avoiding double taxation in Serbia?

Our team offers assistance to companies and foreign investors regarding double tax treaties in Serbia. The list of our services includes:

Evaluation of the applicability of a particular DTT for certain cross-border transactions;
Advice on how beneficial the DTT is, withholding taxes, and tax rates applicable;
Beneficial ownership advice;
Help with documents needed by the Serbian Tax Administration.

Which countries signed DTTs with Serbia?

Double tax treaties with around 64 states are in force, and here we mention the following: Armenia, Albania, Azerbaijan, Austria, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, China, Czech Republic, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Egypt, France, Finland, Greece, Germany, Guinea, Ghana, Georgia, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Ireland, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Libya, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malaysia, Macedonia, Moldova, Morocco, Malta, Montenegro, Norway, the Netherlands, North Korea, Poland, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Russia, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, the UAE, the UK, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, San Marino and Singapore (treaties with Ghana, Guinea, Palestine and Zimbabwe are signed but not yet in force).

How can I benefit from a DTT in Serbia in 2026?

When registering a company in Serbia as a foreigner, one should also consider if a tax treaty has been signed and how double taxation can be avoided. In this matter, entrepreneurs must know that there are two important ways of enjoying the benefits of a DTT:

The first is a tax credit available after the income has been taxed in Serbia, allowing the tax paid there to be credited against the tax due in the other country under the applicable double tax treaty
Secondly, there is the exemption approach, where some income can be exempted from taxes within a particular country since the treaty between the two countries gives taxing rights to another country.

Here is an infographic with essential information about the DTTs signed by Serbia:

How can companies verify whether a Serbian DTT is applicable in 2026?

Before making an international payment, companies should verify:

the contracting state;
the effective date of the agreement;
the types of income subject to the agreement;
the treaty provisions applicable;
any amendments to the agreement;
documentation for claiming treaty benefits.

Are there any withholding taxes for DTT signatory states in 2026?

Usually,the double tax treaties prevent the taxationof the incomes of a foreign company in the country of origin or in the country where it performs the business. The avoidance is made through exemption (when there is no tax paid in Serbia) or through credit (when the paid tax is deducted in the foreign country). Thedouble tax agreements between Serbia and the above-mentioned participant countries mention smaller withholding taxes imposed on: royalties, dividends, and interests, but there are situations in which such taxesare non-existent, being influenced by the amount of participation in the Serbian enterprises or subsidiaries.

Below is a video presentation with details about Serbia’s DTTs:

Does a company need to make proof of the taxes paid in other countries?

Yes, company owners in Serbia are obliged to demonstrate to the authorities that the taxes have been paid in the home country, especially if they own at least 25% of the shares in a business with origins in Malta, Austria, Libya, Ireland, Qatar, Estonia, or Spain. In such cases, the dividends are taxed at a 5% rate. As for countries like Egypt and Belgium, thewithholding tax is set at 10%. Belarus is subject to a withholding tax of 8%, but there are also exemptions for states like: Germany, Sweden, Finland, the Netherlands, and France. The countries which are part of the double taxation agreements with Serbia are subject to taxes on royalties not exceeding 10%.

Is the application of the DTT automatic for all foreign investors?

No. The fact that there is a double tax treaty does not mean that a lower tax rate automatically applies to all incomes/profits made between Serbia and a foreign country. Companies need to check:

If the recipient is a tax resident in the foreign country party to the treaty;
If the applicable treaty is still in force;
What kind of income it is;
If the recipient qualifies as the beneficial owner of the income;
If the documents confirming the residency are available at the moment of making the payment.

Please feel free to contact our team of agents in company formation in Serbia and solicit information about the avoidance of double taxation in Serbia.