The Ultimate Guide to Business Setup in Serbia

How to open a company in one of Europe’s most entrepreneur-friendly country

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.

Where beautiful nature and guest - friendly people will drive your entrepreneurship to a whole new level

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:

Type	Local Name	Ideal For
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 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 with 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 about this in our new blog about R&D incentives in Republic of 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

Service	Approximate cost
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 (and Northbridge)

Serbia combines the security of a European business environment with the flexibility and affordability entrepreneurs need. At Northbridge Strategy, we provide a one-stop solution for foreign founders:

• 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.

Start Your Serbian Company Today

Opening a company in Serbia has never been easier. You can complete the entire process online, without traveling, and start operating within a few days.

Book your strategy call now

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.