Start a Business in Serbia: Your Complete Residency Guide

09 Jul Start a Business in Serbia: Your Complete Residency Guide

Your First Crucial Decision: Choosing the Right Business Structure

This is your most important smart choice. That is because it impacts your taxes, your risk, and all the rules you must follow. Luckily, you have two great options in Serbia.

1. Preduzetnik (The Entrepreneur)

To begin, this structure is perfect for solo founders or freelancers. Its biggest benefit is the optional flat-rate tax system. With this, you get very low and predictable monthly payments. In addition, it requires very little paperwork. It’s the fastest path to residency. However, it does come with unlimited personal risk.

2. D.O.O. (The Limited Liability Company)

Alternatively, this is the main choice for businesses that want to grow. It is also great for startups that need investment. A D.O.O. protects your personal money from business debts. While it does require formal accounting, it is certainly the most secure option for building a serious company.

Feeling unsure which path is right for you? A mistake here can cost you time and money. For this reason, book a consultation with our team. We will help you select the fastest and best route for you.

The 5-Step Blueprint: From Company Registration to Residency

We manage this whole process for our clients. In short, we break it down into five clear phases.

Step 1: The Paperwork Phase – Documentation & Remote Setup

First, we prepare your legal foundation. This involves choosing a company name and also drafting the official Founding Act. The best part? You don’t even need to be in Serbia for this phase. For instance, you can give us a notarized Power of Attorney (POA). Using this, our team can act for you. Specifically, we can sign and submit all the needed documents. This service saves you critical time and travel costs.

Step 2: The Registration – Making it Official with the SBRA

Next, once the paperwork is in order, we submit it. We send it to the SBRA (Serbian Business Registers Agency). Then, in just a few business days, the SBRA issues your company’s key numbers. You will get your registration number (Matični Broj) and your tax ID (PIB). After that, your company is a legal entity, ready to operate.

Step 3: The Financial Foundation – Opening Bank Accounts

With your company registered, the next step is opening bank accounts. This usually requires a short trip to Belgrade. A corporate bank account for the business is required. In addition, you will also need a personal bank account for yourself. This is because you must prove you can support yourself. Therefore, you will need to deposit funds into your personal account. We recommend a deposit of at least €2,000.

Step 4: The Ground Game – Securing Your Addresses

To operate in Serbia, you need two addresses. Of course, we assist with both.

• Registered Business Address: First, your company must have an official address. We offer a flexible and low-cost virtual office service. This service meets all legal requirements.
• Registered Residential Address (The “White Card”): Secondly, this is a mandatory step. Upon your arrival, we guide you through the simple registration process. You must register your address with the local police within 24 hours.

Step 5: The Final Hurdle – The Unified Residence Permit Application

Finally, you are ready for the last step. As the company director, you will apply for the Unified Permit. In essence, this is your combined residence and work permit. We carefully prepare and submit this application for you. We use the government’s online portal and check every detail first. After approval, we then guide you through your final biometrics appointment.

Our Complete Guidance: How We Make This Process Seamless

This guide gives you the map. However, having an expert handle the journey is always easier. Our service is designed to be your single point of contact. In other words, we handle your entire business and residency setup.

From start to finish, we handle every detail:

• Strategic Advice: First, we help you choose the best business structure for your goals.
• Turnkey Company Registration: Next, we prepare all legal documents. Then, we register your company with the SBRA. Often, you don’t even need to be in Serbia.
• Banking Assistance: Also, we provide full support for opening your bank accounts smoothly.
• Virtual Office & Addresses: Moreover, we provide a professional registered business address.
• Residency Application Management: We also prepare, submit, and manage your unified permit application. We handle it until you receive your card.
• Ongoing Support: Finally, after you get your permit, we connect you with trusted accountants. They will help you keep your business thriving.

You can focus on your business vision. Meanwhile, we’ll handle the bureaucracy.

Contact us today for a comprehensive consultation. Together, let’s turn your Serbian dream into your reality.