21 September 2026
Set up a Liaison Office in Serbia
Foreign investors can consider a representative office in Serbia. Our company formation agents in Serbia can provide support.
If you want to set up a liaison office in Serbia and need support, you may explore this article and also access our online services offered by our Serbian agents. We can guide you throughout the entire process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| The purpose of a liaison office in Serbia | Foreign companies can be represented in the local business community and market in Serbia. |
What activities can you undertake with a liaison office in Serbia? | – specific marketing campaigns for business promotion, – market, and competitor verification, – being a constant contact point between the parent company and clients in Serbia. |
Formalities for opening a representative office in Serbia | – preparing the Certificate of Incorporation of the parent company, – appointing a liaison officer, – opening a bank account in Serbia |
| Can a liaison office in Serbia have commercial activities? (YES/NO) | NO |
| Contracting potential clients and partners (YES/NO) | YES |
| Local agent required (YES/NO) | YES |
| Attributes of a liaison officer | – promoting the activities through a liaison office in Serbia, – sealing business contracts with future clients from the Serbian market, – maintaining solid communication with the parent company. |
| Bank account for a liaison office in Serbia | Necessary for the financial operations of the representative office in Serbia |
| Minimum deposit | None (no capital is required for a representative office) |
| The institution that authorizes the liaison office in Serbia | Serbian Trade Register |
| The costs of opening a representative office in Serbia | The parent company sustains the costs of opening a liaison office in Serbia. |
| Other formalities for opening a liaison office in Serbia | Specific application forms should be completed with information about the business activities. |
| Licensing requirements | Not required |
| Time frame for opening a liaison office in Serbia | A few days |
| Why choose our company formation agents in Serbia? | We offer: – support in registration with the local authorities, – assistance with the paperwork, – affordable costs. |
How is a liaison office known in Serbia?
Representative office or RO.
Where do I register a liaison office in Serbia?
At the Serbian Business Registers agency – SBRA.
Who can set up a representative office in Serbia?
Foreign business owners who want to test the Serbian market first.
Can a RO in Serbia develop commercial activities?
No.
Here is an infographic about liaison offices in Serbia:
What are the purposes of a liaison office in Serbia?
To:
- conduct marketing and advertising activities in Serbia,
- promote a foreign company’s operations/services,
- evaluate local investment opportunities,
- gather industry information,
- build new local partnerships,
- get in touch with potential business partners, etc.
IMPORTANT: Liaison offices in Serbia cannot engage in commercial activities, issue invoices, and generate profits.
What is the key status of a liaison office in Serbia?
A RO in Serbia will act as a communication channel between the local market and the foreign company.
What are the documents needed for opening a RO in Serbia?
- a decision issued by the parent company stating that a liaison office will be set up in Serbia,
- company extract/certificate from the firm’s home country,
- proof of existing bank account of the company in question,
- a declaration stating the parent company is fully financially responsible for all the obligations of the liaison office in Serbia,
- ID or passport of the RO’s representative, etc.
NOTE: All documents must be translated into Serbian before submission to SBRA. An apostille might also be needed.
You can watch the following video presentation with information about liaison offices in Serbia:
Is a tax ID needed for a liaison office in Serbia?
Yes. You need to obtain the TIN from the local tax office, even though a liaison office does not issue invoices or have financial operations.
Can local staff be hired?
Absolutely.
Is a liaison office the same thing as a branch in Serbia?
No, these are two different things:
- a liaison office can only develop marketing operations,
- a branch can carry out the same commercial activities as the parent company and generate profits.
Do I need a corporate stamp and a digital signature for a liaison office in Serbia?
A company stamp is no longer mandatory (abolished in 2018); a qualified electronic signature is needed for electronic filings.
Can I open a liaison office remotely in Serbia?
Yes, our Serbian agents can handle all the procedures via power of attorney. There is no need to travel to Serbia for this matter.
What is the timeframe for setting up a liaison office in Serbia?
About 2-4 weeks.
Would you like to explore more about how to open a liaison office in Serbia? Check our free case evaluation page and send your inquiries. You can also directly contact our specialists in company formation in Serbia and benefit from the personalized services we offer.