Explore this article for information about how to open a branch in Serbia. Our local agents can provide guidance to international investors interested in setting up this type of entity in Serbia.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation | For foreign countries |
Best used for | – banking, – insurance, – financial activities |
Minimum share capital | No |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | Around 5 weeks |
| Management | Local for non-EU companies |
| Legal representative required | Yes |
| Local bank account | Yes |
| Independence from the parent company | Dependent on the parent company |
| Liability of the parent company | Full liability on the branch office's debt and obligations |
| Corporate tax rate | 15% |
| Possibility of hiring local staff | Yes |
Table of Contents
What are the main features of branches in Serbia?
- they are not separate legal entities, meaning debts and obligations of branches in Serbia are assumed by the parent company.
- branches in Serbia do not have a separate legal personality,
- must develop the same operations as the parent company,
- a branch is fully controlled and supervised by a foreign company,
- branches are levied on incomes generated in Serbia.
Who approves branches in Serbia?
Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA) and various ministries, depending on the type of activities.
At which institution is a branch registered in Serbia?
SBRA, which is the Trade Register in Serbia.
What are the conditions to set up a branch in Serbia in 2026?
These are the main requirements:
- appointing a representative agent (regardless of nationality),
- opening a corporate bank account in Serbia,
- filling an application form with SBRA,
- register for taxation and obtain the Tax Identification Number (PIB or TIN),
- obtain the required business license in Serbia,
- apply for the company seal.
What is the minimum share capital for a branch in Serbia?
None.
Please explore this infographic with details on branches in Serbia:
What are the documents required to open a branch in Serbia?
- Articles and Memorandum of Association,
- a declaration stating the foreign company wants to set up a branch in Serbia,
- an apostilled or legalized extract from the home country’s Trade Register showing the foreign company registration,
- the list of the company’s management board’s members and supervisory board’s members, etc.,
- a notarized statement of responsibility from the authorized agent of the foreign company accepting liability for all branch duties.
IMPORTANT! Company documents must be translated into Serbian before presentation at the SBRA.
Are there any other conditions imposed on opening branches in Serbia?
Yes, other requirements are to register with the Employment Organization Funds in Serbia. A legalized & translated Power of Attorney is also solicited for a branch formation in Serbia.
Is it necessary to reserve the business name for a branch in Serbia?
Absolutely. Branches in Serbia must operate under unique names that can be verified first and then reserved with the Trade Register.
Here is a video presentation on this topic, mentioning that you can contact us if you want to open a company in Serbia, including a branch:
Can a corporate bank account for a branch in Serbia be opened online?
It is recommended to go to a local bank office to open an account in Serbia. Usually, the company representative takes care of these tasks, with a Power of Attorney on behalf of the company owners.
Can a branch be registered electronically?
Sure, with the Serbian Business Registers Agency’s official platform, where our clients can be guided.
What is the taxation of branches in Serbia?
- 15% corporate tax on profit in Serbia,
- 20% withholding tax (WHT) on dividends, interest, and royalties, unless double tax treaties exist and provide tax relief.
What are the obligations of branches in Serbia?
- the branch established in Serbia is managed by a representative invested with the power of attorney by a company in a foreign country;
- the approval from the foreign company must be received before major decisions are taken;
- the branch cannot acquire shares in another company without the consent of the parent company;
- the branch must register yearly the balance sheet and the statement of losses and profits of the foreign company at the Business Register Agency.
What are the advantages of branches in Serbia?
- some of the withholding taxes on interests, royalties, and dividends may be avoided, and the corporate taxes can be exempted or refunded through the double taxation treatiessigned by Serbia;
- there is no required minimum share capital;
- fast incorporation;
- low operative costs, etc.
Is a branch in Serbia considered a permanent establishment?
Yes.
Is a branch in Serbia obliged to be registered for social security obligations?
Yes, branches in Serbia must be registered with the social security obligations before starting the activities. This is the Central Register of Compulsory Social Security, or CROSO, in Serbia.
Set up a branch in Serbia today, helped by our company formation agents. Contact us for complete details and assistance throughout the incorporation process.