Europe / THE NORTHBRIDGE JOURNAL
Company Formation in Serbia — Step by Step
Northbridge · Published · 5 min read
How to open a company in one of Europe’s most entrepreneur-friendly countries
If you’re looking for a cost-efficient European base for your international business, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up a company in Serbia.
Serbia has quietly become one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for foreign entrepreneurs, freelancers, and online business owners. With its low taxes, strategic location, and business-friendly legislation, it offers everything modern founders need to build and scale their operations — while staying fully compliant within the European framework.
Why Serbia?
Serbia is not a member of the European Union, but it maintains free-trade agreements and open banking access across Europe. This unique position allows entrepreneurs to combine EU market access with non-EU tax flexibility — a perfect mix for digital nomads, consultants, and startups expanding globally.
Key advantages
- Corporate tax: 15% (flat rate).
- Personal income tax for entrepreneurs: 10% (fixed lump-sum or 20% for actual income).
- No tax on reinvested profits under R&D or innovation regimes.
- 100% foreign ownership allowed (no local partner required).
- Quick incorporation process — 3 to 5 business days.
- Remote setup possible via Power of Attorney (PoA).
- Low operational costs and professional workforce.
- SEPA-connected banking and international payment gateways.
Types of Companies You Can Register
Foreigners in Serbia can register several types of business entities. The two most popular are:
- Limited Liability Company (D.O.O.): Small to medium businesses, startups, holding companies.
- Entrepreneur (Preduzetnik): Freelancers, consultants, and digital nomads with low overhead.
D.O.O. (Limited Liability Company)
- Minimum capital: 100 RSD (less than 1 EUR).
- Liability limited to company assets.
- Can have one or more shareholders.
- Ideal for international invoicing and B2B operations.
Entrepreneur (Freelancer model)
- Simple registration, personal ownership.
- Flat-tax or real-income options.
- Perfect for IT consultants, designers, or e-commerce sellers.
Step-by-Step: How to Open a Company in Serbia
Step 1. Preparation
Gather personal and business details (passport, address, business name, and activity). Northbridge prepares your founding act, PoA, and registration forms.
Step 2. Signing of Power of Attorney (if remote)
You can authorize our legal team to register your company on your behalf — no need to travel. The PoA can be signed and apostilled in your home country.
Step 3. Registration at the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR)
Within 3–5 working days, your company will receive:
- Business registration number (MB).
- Tax ID (PIB).
- VAT number (if required).
Step 4. Bank Account Opening
We coordinate and advise our clients with some of the leading Serbian banks (Intesa, Raiffeisen, OTP, NLB, etc.) to open a multi-currency business account (EUR, USD, GBP, CHF). Online banking and SEPA transfers are fully available.
Step 5. Accounting and Compliance
After registration, your company is assigned to a certified accounting team. We handle all mandatory filings, payroll (if applicable), and VAT submissions.
Tax and Legal Advantages
Serbia offers one of the most competitive tax systems in Europe.
For companies (D.O.O.)
- Corporate tax: 15% (effective rate with R&D incentives as low as 3%).
- Dividend tax: 15%.
- R&D incentives: extensive deduction on innovation expenses. Read more in our article about R&D incentives in Serbia.
- Double tax treaties with 60+ countries.
For entrepreneurs (Preduzetnik)
- Flat tax regime: around €250–€350 per month total tax, depending on location.
- No need for complex bookkeeping.
- Perfect for small, service-based or online businesses.
Typical Costs and Maintenance
These are indicative prices, not a current quotation. Confirm the applicable fees before proceeding.
- Company registration (DOO / Serbian LLC): from €500.
- Entrepreneur registration: from €250.
- Monthly accounting (entrepreneur): from €150.
- Monthly accounting (DOO): from €250.
- Virtual office: from €50 / month.
- Payroll processing (per employee): from €5.
All Northbridge packages include document preparation, registration, accounting, tax filings, and optional banking support, making your entry into Serbia smooth and fully compliant.
Why Choose Serbia
Serbia combines the security of a European business environment with the flexibility and affordability entrepreneurs need. At Northbridge Strategy, we provide a one-stop consultation service for foreign founders regarding:
- Legal setup (D.O.O. or Entrepreneur).
- Power of Attorney registration (remote setup), as well as with personal visit and enrollment.
- Accounting and compliance.
- VAT and payroll management.
- Business banking support.
- Ongoing strategic advisory.
Our clients range from European e-commerce sellers to IT consultants, digital agencies, and startups looking for an efficient European base.
Get a free consultation with our dedicated team
Opening a company in Serbia has never been easier. Find out more on a free consultation call with some of our dedicated team members, who are experts in the area, with more than 20 years of experience in legal, tax and accounting matter in Republic of Serbia.
Final Thoughts
Serbia stands as one of the last true business gateways in Europe — offering a blend of low taxes, modern banking, digital accessibility, and international legitimacy.
Whether you’re scaling your startup, relocating as a digital nomad, or looking for an efficient European company base, Serbia delivers exceptional value and flexibility.
What does this mean for your business?
Talk through your circumstances and confirm current requirements before making your next move.
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