This article presents information about how to open a travel agency in Serbia and what the conditions to respect are. With the assistance of our specialists in company formation in Serbia, one can establish the business presence in the tourism sector, avoiding complexities linked to required business permits, documents, registration, and more.
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How can I set up a travel agency in Serbia?
The limited liability company in Serbia is the most popular business structure for nationals and foreigners who want to do business and open companies in this country, regardless of the chosen field. The following aspects are part of the registration process of a travel agency in Serbia, bearing in mind that the Serbian Ministry of Tourism grants the business licenses in this sense:
- choose a name for your travel agency;
- prepare the Articles of Association;
- choose the business address;
- appoint the board of managers;
- open a bank account and register the minimum share capital;
- register for tax purposes;
- apply for the necessary business licenses.
What other documents do I need for a travel agency in Serbia?
Besides the Articles of Association, the Tourism and Commerce Department in Serbia will request a suitable business plan with details about the feasibility of the project, the manager’s tourism experience, and information on whether the travel agency will act as an inbound or outbound tour operator.
Control and supervision of tour operators in Serbia
When you want to open a company in Serbia and operate in the tourism sector, you must take into account the control and supervision handled by the relevant authorities. Inspections can be carried out periodically to see if the tour operator complies with the business rules on the market. As such, tour operators can be fined for law breaches if irregularities are discovered. It is recommended to comply with the law and to be up to date with the modifications.
On the other hand, it is good to know that data management is important for a travel agency in Serbia. The registration of guests, electronic payments, residency, and other relevant information must be found among the data of a tour operator, as required by the legislation in force.
Do not forget that you can collaborate with our Serbian agents when you want to set up a travel agency in Serbia and you want to find out what the legal conditions for operation are. This way, you can ensure that the business is in order from a legal point of view in the case of periodic inspections.
What type of professional experience is required?
Opening a travel agency in Serbia also means having experience in the tourism sector for at least 3 years, as the law says. Whether you are a business shareholder or the manager of the tour operator in Serbia, this condition is mandatory. This guarantees that the travel agency in Serbia can offer proper tourism services to future clients.
An insurance policy is required for a travel agency in Serbia
As in any business, an insurance policy is recommended. This insurance can cover the business in case of financial risks like bankruptcy or insolvency, for example. On the other hand, tour operators should also maintain a deposit in a bank account for the same reasons. You can ask our Serbian agents for detailed information when you want to start a travel agency in Serbia.
Activities of a travel agency in Serbia
Outbound travel agencies can offer tourist packages for outside Serbia. As for the inbound tour operators, these provide tourist packages for internal routes. Moreover, a travel agency in Serbia can deal with plane tickets, provide accommodation options, and offer assistance for visa requirements. Foreigners and locals can easily perform the activities as tour operators in Serbia in complete respect of the Law on Tourism.
Can I hire Serbian workforce for the travel agency?
Most foreign investors in Serbia, deciding on company formation, take into consideration the available skilled workforce on the market. A travel agency in Serbia can operate in the main cities like Novi Sad, Belgrade, Nis, Pristina, Kragujevac, or Jagodina with local qualified personnel. For further assistance at the time of company incorporation in Serbia, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our team of specialists in company formation in Serbia.
About the tourism sector in Serbia
Here are some statistics about the tourism sector in Serbia to help you decide to set up a travel agency:
- According to the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia, an increase of approximately 12% in the foreign tourist arrivals in Serbia in 2024 was reported.
- Around 2.38 million foreign tourists traveled to Serbia in 2024.
- Domestic tourism increased by approximately 11% in 2024.
You can also opt for the services of our accountants in Serbia when opening a travel agency here. We recommend that you contact our Serbian specialists and find out details about how to set up a company in Serbia and what the requirements are that must be met.