The Legal Process of Starting a Business in Serbia for Foreigners: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re considering relocating to Serbia and starting your own business, you're in the right place! Serbia is a rapidly growing market with a supportive environment for foreign investors, and it’s becoming an increasingly popular destination for expats. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the legal process of setting up a business in Serbia, including essential tips and resources, as well as how our Serbia relocation services can assist you every step of the way.

1. Understanding Serbia’s Business Environment
1. Understanding Serbia’s Business Environment
Serbia has been making significant strides in creating a business-friendly atmosphere, particularly for foreign entrepreneurs. With its strategic location in Southeast Europe, competitive costs, and favorable tax rates, Serbia is quickly becoming one of the top destinations for foreign investment in the region. Whether you’re looking to open a small startup or expand an international operation, understanding the legal landscape is crucial.
2. Choosing Your Business Structure
2. Choosing Your Business Structure
The first step in starting a business in Serbia is deciding on the right legal structure. Foreigners have several options, with the most common being:
- Limited Liability Company (LLC): The most popular choice for foreigners. It’s easy to establish and provides liability protection for owners.
- Joint Stock Company (JSC): A larger business model suitable for those planning to raise capital by issuing shares.
- Branch or Representative Office: If you're opening a branch of an existing foreign company, this option allows you to operate in Serbia without establishing a new legal entity.
Serbia relocation for families and newcomers can benefit from using professional relocation help, ensuring that their business setup is handled efficiently, allowing them to focus on settling into their new life.
3. Registering Your Business in Serbia
3. Registering Your Business in Serbia
To legally operate a business in Serbia, you'll need to go through several registration steps. Here’s an overview of the key requirements:
- Choose a Business Name: Your business name must be unique and comply with Serbian naming regulations.
- Register with the Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA): This is the central authority for business registration in Serbia.
- Obtain a Tax Identification Number (TIN): All businesses in Serbia must have a TIN for tax purposes.
- Register for VAT: If your business generates annual revenue above a certain threshold, you’ll need to register for VAT (Value Added Tax).
You can streamline this process by seeking moving assistance Serbia or Serbia relocation help from experienced professionals who understand the local system
4. Opening a Bank Account
4. Opening a Bank Account
Once you’ve registered your business, you’ll need to open a business bank account. Serbia has a number of international banks, and the process is relatively straightforward. Many banks offer services in English, making it easier for foreigners to manage their accounts.
For expats’ experiences in Serbia, the process may seem intimidating, but working with Serbia relocation experts or relocation support in Serbia can ensure that all paperwork is handled correctly.
5. Understanding Serbian Labor Laws
5. Understanding Serbian Labor Laws
Hiring employees in Serbia requires compliance with the country’s labor laws. Serbia has strong worker protections, including regulations around contracts, wages, and working conditions. It’s essential to familiarize yourself with these laws to avoid potential legal issues. You’ll also need to register your employees with the local tax office.
For Serbia relocation for families, understanding the local job market and labor laws will help you create a successful business while ensuring your family is well-supported in the transition.
6. Securing Office Space and Property
6. Securing Office Space and Property
Finding the right housing options in Serbia is essential, whether you’re setting up an office for your business or looking for a home for your family. Serbia relocation tours can be an excellent way to get a feel for the area before committing to a location.
Additionally, if you're interested in buying property in Serbia as a foreigner, it's important to understand the legalities surrounding property ownership. Our Serbia property guide can assist you in navigating the process of purchasing commercial real estate.
7. Navigating Serbia’s Residency Process
7. Navigating Serbia’s Residency Process
For many foreign entrepreneurs, securing residency is a vital step. Serbia
offers a variety of residency options, including temporary and permanent
residence permits. Expats looking to relocate to Serbia can benefit
from an updated Serbian residency guide, which will provide in-depth insights into the residency process and the requirements for establishing long-term residency.
8. Marketing Your Business
8. Marketing Your Business
As you start your business, you’ll need to think about marketing and reaching customers. Explore Serbia with a guide to familiarize yourself with the local market trends and consumer behavior. Our Serbia moving guide
can help you understand the logistics of starting a business in Serbia,
from hiring local talent to establishing your online presence.
will also help you manage everything from transportation to daily
tasks. Make sure your business adapts to local preferences and stays
ahead of the competition
9. Support Through the Process
9. Support Through the Process
Starting a business in a foreign country can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our Serbia relocation services offer relocation support in Serbia,
making your transition as smooth as possible. We provide comprehensive
guidance on the legal and practical aspects of moving to Serbia, from
business registration to settling into your new life.
Whether you’re planning a moving checklist for Serbia, need Serbia expat community connections, or require detailed advice on Serbia tourism packages, we have the expertise to support you.
Conclusion: Take the First Step Toward Your New Business in Serbia
Starting a business in Serbia offers exciting opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs, and with the right resources, the process can be straightforward and rewarding. Whether you're looking for moving to Serbia tips or need expert Serbia relocation assistance, we are here to help.
Ready to start your journey? Explore our Serbia relocation guide and take advantage of our Serbia relocation tours to ensure your business setup is smooth and successful.
Contact us today and let’s begin planning your move to Serbia!