Our website uses  cookies for statistical purposes.

Our Articles

Obtaining a Financial License in Serbia

Obtaining a Financial License in Serbia

To obtain a financial license in Serbia and launch a business here, you need to be formally registered with the appropriate authority. However, specific activities require additional approval due to their unique nature. Financial licenses in Serbia are issued by relevant institutions following a submitted application.

If you are planning to set up a company in Serbia and obtain this kind of licenses, follow the detailed guide below created by our specialized company formation professionals in Serbia.

Main business fields which need financial licenses in Serbia

There are various business activities which require a financial license in Serbia in order to be legally operated here. The most important are:

  • insurance activities;
  • cryptocurrency service provision;
  • real estate business;
  • investment funds and venture capital funds;
  • payment institutions;
  • broker-dealer activities;

For more details about the business field you are planning to operate in and the requirements for obtaining a financial license, find assistance from our company incorporation specialists in Serbia.

Who issues financial licenses in Serbia?

The authorities responsible to issue financial licenses in Serbia depend on the specific field that the business operates activities in.

Insurance agents and brokers should obtain a license from the National Bank of Serbia. The same is for the cryptocurrency companies. Likewise, prospective bankruptcy managers need a license, while public bailiffs must secure a permit from the Ministry of Justice.

Our specialized company formation agents are at your disposal with support in collaborating with the specific authorities to obtain a financial license in Serbia.

Categories and requirements for financial licenses in Serbia

As mentioned, depending on the business field one is planning to operate after opening a company in Serbia, there are certain categories of financial licenses in Serbia and special requirements for each of them. Find below the most demanded ones:

  • Financial licenses for real estate brokerage: the law requires legal entities engaged in real estate brokerage to register in the Agent Register, with the competent minister making a decision within 30 days. To qualify for obtaining a financial license in Serbia, entities must meet certain conditions including: having suitable business premises, an insurance contract, and at least one professionally competent employee, fact which is validated through a professional exam.
  • Financial licenses for investment funds: management companies and portfolio managers must obtain a financial license in Serbia from the competent Commission to conduct organization and management activities and make investment decisions. They must meet minimum organizational and financial standards, with a capital requirement of at least 125,000 EUR.
  • Licenses for payment institutions: to offer payment services, companies must request a license from the National Bank of Serbia, supported by documentation detailing their organizational structure and a capital of 20,000 EUR to 125,000 EUR.
  • Financial licenses for cryptocurrency services: the Law on Digital Assets mandates that providers must obtain a permit to offer services related to digital assets, commonly referred to as a crypto license, from the National Bank of Serbia and the Securities Commission before commencing operations. A legal entity must secure a minimum capital ranging from 20,000 EUR to 125,000 EUR based on the services offered.

Considering that company incorporation in Serbia might seem difficult at first, the procedures are easy to follow with the assistance from our specialized attorneys. Furthermore, if you need support regarding the financial aspects and requirements for any of the company types above, our accountants in Serbia are at your disposal with support in financial structure, tax regulations and more.

Statistical data on business in Serbia

As Serbia is considered an advantageous country to operate business in because of its friendly environment in this sector, official data shows some impressive numbers:

  • In 2024, there are 243,233 businesses based and registered in Serbia. These companies represent a share of 0.2% of the total sales that businesses registered in EU have generated;
  • In the services field, there are 127,024 companies registered in Serbia, occupying the first place as a type of business which activates in this country.
  • The second most popular business type in Serbia is the wholesale trade sector with a number of 28,774 companies registered.

For information and support regarding the financial licenses in Serbia and details about the business field in this country, do not hesitate to contact us.