Open a Bank Account in Serbia

Bank accounts in Serbia serve for varied financial transactions, whether made in a company or by a natural person. The requirements for opening a bank account in Serbia might be complex for some persons, therefore, you can benefit from complete support in this matter if you talk to one of our company formation agents in Serbia. Our team can also tell you about the process of company formation in Serbia and related requirements.

 Quick Facts
Who can open a bank account in Serbia? Both residents and non-residents, whether natural persons or entities

 Formalities to open a bank account

– employment contract for natural persons,

– company documents for legal persons

Required documents 

– Articles of Association and Certificate of Incorporation for companies,

– copies of personal identification documents in case of natural persons

Types of bank accounts

– saving accounts,

– checking accounts,

– investment accounts,

– retirement accounts

 Debit or credit card issued with a bank account

Yes, depending on the financial purposes you have in Serbia.

 Cash deposit to open a bank account

Some banks might impose a cash deposit for natural persons' accounts

Fees to open a bank account in Serbia

Depending on the bank

Banking services offered (YES/NO)

Yes

Possibility to open a bank account online (YES/NO)

 Yes

Possibility to pay online the utility bills (YES/NO) Yes
Overseas money transfers accepted (YES/NO)

Yes

Formalities for student bank account

Proof of courses or letter from the university in Serbia

Loans option available (YES/NO)

Yes

 Offshore bank accounts

Yes, but subject to specific conditions

We provide support for opening a bank account in Serbia (YES/NO) Yes

How do I open a bank account for my company in Serbia in 2024?

First of all, it is important to know that opening a bank account in Serbia in 2024 is part of the registration and incorporation process of a company in Serbia. This is an important requirement that can be handled by one of our agents, as soon as you decide on the financial institution you wish to work with. Here are some simple steps to consider for opening a bank account in Serbia:

  1. First of all, you should verify the bank institutions and their offers for businesses in Serbia.
  2. If you cannot travel to Serbia, you can appoint one of our consultants with a power of attorney to help you open a bank account.
  3. Copies of the company’s main documents are solicited by the bank.
  4. Specific forms provided by the bank need to be completed.

All banks and financial institutions in Serbia are overseen and regulated by the National Bank of Serbia, in respect to the Banking Law. Those wanting to open a corporate bank account in 2024 in Serbia should solicit assistance and guidance from our team of company formation representatives in Serbia.

On the other hand, we invite foreign business owners to discover the services provided by our accountants in Serbia. Payroll, bookkeeping, audits, and annual financial statements are some of the important aspects to consider when having a business in this country.

A bank account for natural persons in Serbia

Foreign citizens in Serbia can easily open a bank account if they respect all the conditions imposed. First of all, foreigners in Serbia will have to provide information about their residency in this country, meaning that they must be registered with the local authorities. The bank will solicit personal information, such as nationality, and source of funds (if deposits will be made), and will provide a specific form as part of a bank account application.

Being a foreign entrepreneur and having a residence permit in Serbia can represent quite an advantage in front of local customers looking for confidence in the business field.  The same thing is available in the banking sector where loans can be easily accessed.

Information about the services provided will be presented at the time a person solicits a bank account in Serbia. There are no complex formalities for opening a bank account as a foreigner in Serbia, but if you would like to skip this process, you can address one of our specialists for support and guidance.

Having a residence permit in Serbia can help foreigners easily set up a bank account in this country. In most cases, the process is quite simplified. The same is available for company owners in Serbia.

Can I open a bank account from abroad?

Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Serbia without having to travel to this country. It is a simple process that starts online, on the bank’s official website. Some cases require your signature, but if it cannot be provided online, some financial institutions might oblige you to sign the documents in person. Nevertheless, support in this matter can be offered by our company formation agents in Serbia, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. They can also help you register a company in Serbia.

Being a foreign entrepreneur and having a residence permit in Serbia can represent quite an advantage in front of local customers looking for confidence in the business field.  The same thing is available in the banking sector where loans can be easily accessed.

Bank services in Serbia in 2024

All financial institutions in Serbia offer complete internet banking services to ease most of the financial transactions, for both companies and natural persons. Verifying the funds and the transactions can be made online, with the help of the platforms and applications provided by the bank.

In the case of companies, specific banks in Serbia are involved in different financial programs to sustain young entrepreneurs and startups in this country. Withdrawal limits, financial advice, investment fund support, and asset management are among the bank products and services that can be offered. Foreign and local entrepreneurs can benefit from a wide range of banking services in 2024, tailored to their business needs. If you need guidance in this matter, do not hesitate to talk to us.

Most banks in Serbia provide a wide range of business accounts and personalized offers. Among these, one can open savings accounts, and current accounts. Knowing the financial objectives and activities, it is quite easy to choose the right type of corporate bank account.

You can opt for power of attorney in case of opening a bank account for your company. Thus, the presence of one of the directors is not necessary in this case. We suggest you get in touch with us for more about this topic and also about how to set up a company in Serbia.

FAQ about bank accounts in Serbia

There are several questions that our specialists can answer before opening a bank account in Serbia. It is highly recommended to inform yourself first of all and to discover exactly the services you need in this regard. Here are some important questions:

Are multi-currency bank accounts accepted in Serbia?

Yes, there are quite a few financial institutions of this kind that offer clients transactions in several currencies. You should solicit information about the bank offers and the type of services provided to be able to open the desired account.

Is there a limit to the transactions you can make with a bank account in Serbia?

There is no fixed number of financial transactions imposed by banks in Serbia. Practically, it can be said that you can make any desired transactions, depending on the selected currency.

Is the SWIFT payment system implemented in Serbia?

Yes, SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is the system that allows interbank transactions regardless of country. This system was invented in Belgium and implemented internationally, including in Serbia.

Do Serbian banks receive payments from offshore jurisdictions?

There are no banking restrictions regarding payments from offshore jurisdictions. The bank officer can provide you with more information in this regard.

Is authorization from a citizen in Serbia required to open a bank account as a foreigner?

Foreigners can easily open a bank account in Serbia, without the need for prior authorization. The consent of any entity, natural person, or representative is not required in this endeavor.

Is it possible to open a bank account in USD in Serbia?

Yes, the legislation is permissive, and foreigners or Serbian citizens who want to open a bank account in dollars can do so, as long as they request this service at the chosen banking unit.

Do foreign customers receive support in English for opening a bank account in Serbia?

Yes, all banks with branches in Serbia offer support in English. The online services offered can also be set in this language without too much difficulty.

Can a bank transfer be made from a bank account in Serbia to a foreign one?

Yes, anyone who wants to transfer money from a bank in Serbia to one abroad can do so easily. Transactions are subject to the SWIFT system.

How much does it cost to maintain a bank account in Serbia?

Normally, the fee for bank account maintenance varies between 5 and 10 euros, but everything depends on the bank and particular policies. You should first look into bank fees before opening an account.

What documents are needed to open a corporate bank account in Serbia?

The company’s documents, namely the Certificate of Registration, as well as the recipient’s identification documents are required for opening a corporate bank account in Serbia. Standard forms provided by banks with various information must also be completed.

Can minors open a bank account in Serbia?

Yes, in Serbia the opening of a bank account is also allowed by minors, but starting with the age of 16. You can discuss more with our specialists to see clearly what the requirements are in this endeavor.

What can be done with the online platform of the chosen bank in Serbia?

The banks’ online platforms offer multiple possibilities. You can access and check the money in the account, make various payments, send money, deposit certain amounts of money, and transfer abroad. If the platform allows, you can set money limits so as not to exceed a certain amount to spend per day.

Making investments in Serbia

Serbia is a great business destination for international entrepreneurs looking for profits in this part of Europe, in a constant and valued environment. The business opportunities are huge in this country, in sectors like manufacturing, automotive, tourism, FMCG, or IT & communication. Foreign investors normally analyze a market before making investments, and the following facts and figures can simplify the investment decision in Serbia:

  • Approximately USD 53 million was the total FDI stock registered in Serbia in 2022.
  • Greenfield investments continue to develop and attract investors. Around 44 projects were registered in 2021.
  • 70% of the foreign investments in Serbia come from EU countries.

If you need help with opening a bank account in Serbia, feel free to contact us. Our company formation agents in Serbia can also help you start a company in Serbia.

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