Photo 1 - Company registration in Serbia

ABOUT SERBIA

Serbia is a country in South-Eastern Europe with rich potential for business creation. It’s strategic location at the intersection of trade routes between Eastern and Western Europe provides advantages for the development of international trade.

Serbia's economy is gradually modernizing, offering many opportunities for entrepreneurship. The country has diverse industries such as information technology, agriculture, manufacturing and tourism that attract foreign investors.

Serbia actively supports business development by creating a favorable climate for entrepreneurship. The government is implementing reforms to simplify bureaucratic procedures, support new businesses and stimulate innovative projects.

Science and technology centers in Serbia foster the development of new ideas and products, creating promising opportunities for startups and high-tech companies.

ADVANTAGES OF OPENING A BUSINESS IN SERBIA

The country is a candidate for EU membership, membership is planned for 2025
The country applies a policy of openness for foreign investments
Serbia is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which gives companies access to the markets of more than 160 countries
Income tax is 15%, which is lower than in many other European countries
In Serbia, there is no sales tax, no inheritance tax, and no gift tax
The possibility of obtaining a residence permit in Serbia based on business investment
Simplified procedure for opening a company - without visiting Serbia through a digital signature
Relocation of existing business to Serbia is possible

LEGISLATION

The creation, functioning and activities of Serbian companies are regulated by the following legal acts:

Companies Act;
Law on Foreign Investment;
Law on cooperatives;
Law on Free Zones.

TYPES OF COMPANIES

In Serbia, non-residents enjoy the same rights to create a business as citizens of the country. However, foreign investors are most often interested in such forms of companies as:

Limited Liability Company (DOO)
Joint-stock company (AAT)
Partnership (AD)
Sole Proprietorship
Company with additional liability (DOO with additional liability)

To open a small or medium-sized business in Serbia, a limited liability company is the most suitable. For large projects that require investment, it is worth considering a joint-stock company.

COMPANY REGISTRATION IN SERBIA: REQUIREMENTS

Limited Liability Company (DOO):

Share capital – minimum declared and paid capital of RSD 100 (or EUR 1). However, we recommend depositing at least EUR 50. It is paid immediately upon incorporation.
Shareholder – there are no residency and number requirements. Up to 50 participants are allowed. Both individuals and legal entities can act.
Director - appointed by the shareholders' meeting, can be both a natural person and a legal entity of any residency.
Secretary - as required by the company's charter.
Public information - all data about the company, it’s participants, owners, financial statements are entered into public registers.
Reporting - companies are required to prepare and submit a financial report, which is submitted twice a year: by July 30 and by February 28. An audit may also be required for large companies and holdings.
Office - mandatory presence on the territory of Serbia.

TAXATION

Serbia's tax system is one of the loyal in Europe. The main types of taxes paid in Serbia are:

The standard personal tax rate is 10%. However, there is a gradation depending on the amount of a person's annual income.

Tax for the self-employed - 10%.

Income tax for legal entities is 15%. Only the net profit of enterprises is subject to taxation. Capital gains are taxed separately at a rate that is also 15%.

A company that has invested in its funds in the amount of more than one billion Serbian dinars (about 8.5 million euros), or if such investment in its funds has been made by another person, and has additionally employed 100 new employees for an indefinite period, is exempt from paying corporate tax on profit for ten years, in proportion to the size of the specified investments.

VAT - 20%. VAT registration is required if the company has exceeded the turnover threshold of RSD 8 million per month (approximately EUR 68,000). VAT is calculated and paid monthly or quarterly and is payable only for goods and services supplied in Serbia and for the import of goods.

Tax on dividends is 15%. Dividends paid by a Serbian resident company to another Serbian company are not subject to taxation.

Social contributions amount are 36.05%, part of which is paid by the worker, part by the company.

CURRENCY CONTROL

Serbia does not apply strict currency control legislation, so legal entities can transfer and exchange currency freely.

AGREEMENTS FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBLE TAXATION

Jurisdiction ensures avoidance of double taxation in more than 60 countries, including Ukraine.

If you are interested in an offer to register a company in Serbia, please contact our lawyers for an individual analysis of your business and preparation of a commercial offer for opening a company in Serbia. The issue of buying a ready-made company is discussed individually.

The cost of registering a company in Serbia is determined specifically for each business and its features, so get the final price in the commercial offer immediately after all the details have been clarified by our lawyer.

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