Company Formation in Serbia
We help register a DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću, limited liability company) in Serbia: we determine a suitable structure, prepare formation documents, and submit an electronic application to APR (Agencija za privredne registre, the Serbian Business Registers Agency). If required, we also assist with opening a corporate account.
Excellent – 4.6 out of 5
Serbia company registration packages
Standard
Registration time: from 7 days
For clients with an established business structure and clearly defined roles for members, the director, and beneficial owners.
The package includes:
document preparation and company registration;
payment of the state registration fee;
company administrative support for one year;
registration agent services;
original corporate documents.
Professional
Registration time: from 7 days
For companies that want management arrangements in place from the outset.
The package includes:
document preparation and company registration;
payment of the state registration fee;
company administrative support for one year;
original corporate documents;
professional director / manager services for one year.
Premium
Registration time: from 7 days
For clients whose priority is a bank account and completing Know Your Customer (KYC) checks.
The package includes:
document preparation and company registration;
payment of the state registration fee;
company administrative support for one year;
original corporate documents;
assistance opening a corporate bank account;
document preparation and assistance with bank KYC checks.
Advantages and disadvantages of registering a company in Serbia
Foreign ownership and management
Members of a DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću, limited liability company) may be foreign individuals or legal entities, and the director may be a foreign national.
Minimal DOO capital requirements
For a standard DOO, the law sets minimum share capital at RSD 100, less than EUR 1. Special requirements apply in regulated sectors.
Electronic registration process
The application is submitted online. With a properly executed power of attorney and a complete document package, an authorised representative handles all key steps, allowing the company to be formed without a personal visit to Serbia.
A straightforward limited liability structure
Partners’ roles and powers in a DOO are defined in the formation documents from the outset. This helps avoid ambiguity and reduces the risk of disputes as the business grows. Serbian banks and counterparties are also familiar with this structure.
Bank due diligence may be more complex than registration
Obtaining registration approval is easier than securing bank approval. The bank checks owners and beneficial owners, the source of funds, counterparties, payment countries, and expected turnover. If the business model is vague or the company’s connection with Serbia is unclear, due diligence may take longer or result in rejection.
Accounting and reporting are mandatory
Having no revenue does not remove these obligations. The company must keep accounts, file annual financial statements, and submit tax returns where required.
DOO — the main legal form for foreign entrepreneurs in Serbia
A DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću) is a limited liability company. Members do not risk their personal assets, as the company’s liability is limited to its assets. Exceptions apply only in circumstances specifically prescribed by law, such as proven abuse.
This form suits IT, consulting, trading, manufacturing, and online businesses in Serbia.
Other business forms in Serbia
| Form | Description |
|---|---|
Preduzetnik (sole trader) | An individual registers business activities without forming a separate legal entity and is personally liable for obligations. |
AD (Akcionarsko društvo, joint-stock company) | Capital is divided into shares, with a more complex corporate governance system. |
OD (Ortačko društvo, general partnership) | Has at least two partners with unlimited joint and several liability. |
KD (Komanditno društvo, limited partnership) | One or more general partners have unlimited joint and several liability for partnership obligations, while one or more limited partners are liable up to their contributions. |
Ogranak (branch) | A division of a foreign legal entity without separate legal personality. |
Preduzetnik (sole trader)
An individual registers business activities without forming a separate legal entity and is personally liable for obligations.
AD (Akcionarsko društvo, joint-stock company)
Capital is divided into shares, with a more complex corporate governance system.
OD (Ortačko društvo, general partnership)
Has at least two partners with unlimited joint and several liability.
KD (Komanditno društvo, limited partnership)
One or more general partners have unlimited joint and several liability for partnership obligations, while one or more limited partners are liable up to their contributions.
Ogranak (branch)
A division of a foreign legal entity without separate legal personality.
We specialise in DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću, limited liability company) registration. If you need another business form, contact us: we will advise whether it suits your project and what work is required.
Requirements for company registration in Serbia
Company name
The full name is written in Serbian, in Cyrillic or Latin script, and must match character for character in the formation document and application. Foreign words and symbols are permitted within legal limits. The name must not mislead about the company’s legal form or principal activity.
Name availability is checked through APR’s register search (Agencija za privredne registre, the Serbian Business Registers Agency). Prepare two or three options: the registrar considers both identical names and the risk of confusion.
Company structure
Founders and members
A DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću, limited liability company) may have one or more members, including foreign individuals and companies. They act as founders during formation and become members with specified ownership interests after registration. No local partner is needed.
Director
The company must have at least one director. A standard DOO does not require the director to be a Serbian citizen or resident.
Company secretary
A standard DOO does not require a company secretary. Maintaining corporate archives, minutes, and a compliance calendar may be outsourced to a consultant if necessary under a separate agreement.
Beneficial owner
In Serbia, a beneficial owner is an individual who directly or indirectly owns 25% or more of the shares, voting rights, or other rights. In other words, the individual exercises dominant influence over the business and decision-making.
If the actual beneficial owner cannot be identified after all necessary checks, a member of the governing body or the organisation’s official representative is treated as the beneficial owner.
Register of beneficial owners (UBOs)
Beneficial ownership information for Serbian companies is entered in the Central Register maintained by the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR). The relevant law took effect on 1 October 2025. Existing companies had to bring their information into compliance by 1 December 2025.
All steps in registering a Serbian limited liability company are completed online through APR using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). If the founder applies personally, they enter beneficial ownership information and attach supporting documents. A representative submits the application using their own QES and attaches an electronic power of attorney signed by the founder. Separately, within 30 days of formation, the director must register the ultimate beneficial owner in the Central Register of Beneficial Owners, also using a QES.
Foreign documents are translated by a court-certified translator. An apostille is required only where the document type calls for one. For a foreign beneficial owner, uploading a copy of a valid passport is generally sufficient without translation or certification. However, if the document uses a language uncommon in Serbia, the examiner may request a translation of key pages, so clarify this in advance.
The company must confirm the accuracy of beneficial ownership information annually. This is done online through the APR portal. The company has a 30-day window to log in and confirm with one click that the information is unchanged or make corrections and upload new documents.
Business activities
Company registration in Serbia requires stating a predominant business activity. The company may also conduct other lawful activities, provided all sector-specific requirements are met.
An activity code in the registry does not replace a licence or special permit. Where legally required, these must be obtained separately.
Company seal
Companies in Serbia are no longer required to have a seal. A signature, including an electronic signature, is sufficient for registration and banking.
Registered address and economic substance
The company needs a registered address in Serbia where government authorities can send official correspondence.
If you plan to open an account, register for tax, obtain licences, hire staff, or establish a warehouse or production facility, an address alone is insufficient: an actual office, contracts, operational activity, and evidence of a genuine business connection with Serbia will be needed.
Company contributions and ownership interests
Contributions may be monetary or non-monetary and are expressed in Serbian dinars (RSD).
Ownership in a DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću, limited liability company) is represented by membership interests. Ownership percentages, members’ rights, and transfer rules are agreed in advance.
Procedure for company registration in Serbia
1. Analysing the business model and structure, checking the name, and defining corporate parameters
We determine members, the director, ownership interests, the principal activity, client countries, and planned payments. We check whether a licence or special permit is required.
The client provides a description of the business, owners, counterparties, expected turnover, and banking needs.
We check the name against APR’s registry, select an address, and determine capital, ownership interests, management arrangements, and the director’s powers. If there are several members, we specify decision-making and interest-transfer procedures separately.
The client provides two or three proposed names and confirmation of the agreed structure.
2. Preparing documents, powers of attorney, and translations
We draft the formation documents: a decision on formation for a single member or an agreement for several members. We prepare the power of attorney and documents for each member.
For foreign documents, we establish in advance whether an apostille and certified translation are needed and who will convert paper originals into an acceptable electronic form.
3. Arranging electronic filing with the Business Registers Agency, obtaining registration, and checking corporate details
We submit an electronic application to establish the DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću, limited liability company).
In most cases, the founder does not need to visit Serbia, provided documents and authority are correctly documented. Details depend on the membership composition, so the filing route is tailored individually.
4. Post-registration steps
We enter or confirm beneficial ownership information, set up accounting and the tax calendar, and arrange VAT registration (Porez na dodatu vrednost, PDV), electronic invoicing, and other mandatory systems where necessary.
The exact service scope depends on actual business activities.
5. Opening a corporate account
If banking support is included, we select a bank suited to the business, assemble a due diligence file, help complete forms, and liaise with the bank.
The bank may require a personal visit by the director or owner; we discuss this in advance.
The client provides due diligence documents and information on the source of funds, counterparties, and expected turnover.
Documents required for company registration
Foreign legal entity as founder:
a current extract from the register in its country of residence, or equivalent evidence of the entity’s existence;
documents confirming the signatory’s authority;
a corporate resolution to establish the Serbian company, if required by the founder’s home-country law or constitution;
the ownership chain and documents establishing the ultimate beneficial owner;
certified Serbian translations, apostilles, or legalisation, as required.
Individual founder:
a valid passport or other acceptable identity document;
information about the ownership interest, contribution, and appointed director;
a power of attorney if a representative handles filing and other steps.
Where translation or certification is required, documents are submitted in a form suitable for electronic procedures.
Cost of company registration in Serbia
| Service | Price |
|---|---|
Company registration | from EUR 4,500 |
Professional service | EUR 3,000 |
Opening a corporate account | EUR 6,000 |
Annual legal maintenance | EUR 3,500 |
Courier delivery | EUR 350 |
What affects the final cost
The cost of forming a Serbian company depends on the level of support, company structure, and post-registration needs.
Discuss company registration in Serbia with an expert
Offshore Pro Group experts will help choose a suitable DOO structure, prepare APR registration documents, address tax and reporting requirements, and arrange assistance with opening a Serbian corporate account.
Get a consultationUliana Syva
Consultant in company registration, corporate structures, banking support, and international business matters.
1000+
completed projects
13+
years of experience
Taxes for companies in Serbia
15%
Corporate income tax
The standard corporate income tax rate is 15%. The tax base is determined under corporate tax rules, and related-party transactions are reviewed under transfer pricing rules.
20%
VAT / PDV
The standard value added tax rate (Porez na dodatu vrednost, PDV) is 20%. A reduced 10% rate applies to certain goods and services, including imports. These include:
fresh, chilled, and frozen fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, and eggs;
textbooks and teaching materials;
treatment and drainage of rainwater and wastewater;
cemetery management and funeral services.
VAT is not charged, in particular, on:
transactions in free zones and free customs warehouses;
supplies of goods under customs warehousing and inward processing;
repair or improvement services for movable property subsequently exported abroad.
Serbian VAT registration is mandatory if company turnover exceeds RSD 8,000,000 over any consecutive 12-month period. Once the threshold is exceeded, the application must be submitted by the fifth day of the following month.
Voluntary registration is also permitted before the threshold is reached, for example, to claim input VAT deductions or issue VAT invoices to customers.
20%
Withholding tax on payments to non-residents
When a company pays dividends, interest, royalties, and certain other income to a non-resident, the standard withholding tax rate is generally 20%.
A reduced double taxation treaty rate applies where the non-resident confirms residence in the treaty partner country and beneficial ownership of the income. This generally allows a reduction to 5–15%, depending on the income type and specific treaty.
15%
Dividends paid to an individual
An individual’s dividend income in Serbia is generally taxed at 15%.
Employees and the director
Payments to individuals create income tax and social contribution obligations.
Accounting, financial reporting and auditing
After registration, a DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću, limited liability company) has an ongoing compliance calendar. Having no revenue does not automatically remove accounting and reporting obligations.
Accounting
The company maintains accounting records and supporting documents, including contracts, invoices, bank statements, and expense records. Applicable standards depend on the entity’s category: International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), IFRS for Small and Medium-sized Entities, or national rules where expressly provided by law.
Financial year and annual reporting
The financial year generally follows the calendar year unless the company chooses another permitted period. Annual financial statements and the statistical report are submitted to APR (the Serbian Business Registers Agency) by 31 March of the following year through the financial reporting portal.
Corporate income tax return
The tax return and tax balance sheet are filed separately from financial statements, generally within 180 days after the end of the tax period.
Statutory audit
An audit is mandatory for medium-sized and large companies, public companies regardless of size, and other entities meeting the criteria under the audit law.
Electronic systems and ongoing accounting
Depending on transactions, companies use the electronic invoicing system (SEF), fiscalisation, payroll reporting, and industry registers.
Annual company maintenance in Serbia
Accounting and taxes
The accountant records transactions, prepares tax returns and VAT returns (Porez na dodatu vrednost, PDV) if the company is registered, calculates payroll, and closes the year based on actual business activities.
Financial reporting
Annual financial documents are filed with APR (the Serbian Business Registers Agency) within the prescribed deadlines. If the company meets statutory audit criteria, an auditor also reviews the statements.
Corporate changes
Changes to the director, registered address, membership, or business activity are reflected in corporate documents, and updated information is then filed with the registry.
Register of ultimate beneficial owners
Beneficial ownership information is updated when the ownership structure changes, and we confirm its accuracy in the register annually.
Banking and compliance
The bank periodically updates customer due diligence and may request documents concerning the entity’s activities, owners, and transactions.
Opening a corporate bank account in Serbia
We help Serbian companies open corporate accounts.
Our support includes:
a preliminary assessment of the entity’s structure, activities, and payment geography;
selecting a banking solution based on currencies, counterparties, and expected turnover;
preparing application forms and a clear business model description;
checking corporate documents and director and beneficial ownership information;
helping respond to additional bank requests and arranging a visit if needed.
What the bank generally checks:
company registration documents, address, and tax identification number;
details of the director, authorised signatories, and ultimate beneficial owners;
ownership structure and source of funds;
business model, counterparties, and payment countries;
expected turnover, currencies, and payment purposes.
The bank treats discrepancies between documents and application forms as grounds for further questions, so information must be consistent across all materials.
Shelf company in Serbia
We source shelf companies in Serbia and support the transaction. We review options available at the time of enquiry, conduct legal due diligence on the selected entity and document changes in ownership, directorship, and other corporate details.
Transferring the shelf company to the buyer. We assist with transferring membership interests, changing the director and representative, and updating beneficial ownership and other registry information. If activities or the registered address change, these steps are included in the transfer plan.
Banking arrangements for a shelf company. An existing or previously opened account does not mean the bank will continue providing services after the sale. It may conduct new due diligence on the new owner and director, change terms, or request additional documents.
Register a company in Serbia with Offshore Pro Group
Tell us about your business model, ownership composition, and planned activities. We will select a structure, prepare documents for APR (the Serbian Business Registers Agency), assess banking and corporate requirements and calculate support costs.
Frequently asked questions about company registration in Serbia
Yes, in most cases. A personal visit may be necessary when opening a bank account, depending on the bank’s rules.
- Analysis of the structure and business model.
- Name check and agreement on parameters, including address, ownership interests, and director.
- Preparation of documents, power of attorney, and translations.
- Electronic filing with APR.
- Post-registration checks and filing beneficial ownership information.
- Setting up accounting and reporting.
Foreign entrepreneurs most often choose IT and software development, consulting, trading, logistics, manufacturing, and online businesses.
Yes. A Serbian limited liability company (DOO) may have a single member. No local co-owner is required.
The cost depends on the structure, chosen package, and additional services.
Yes. The founder’s nationality does not prevent DOO registration. The main challenges may arise during bank compliance checks: banks examine the source of funds, counterparties, and payment countries in detail.
- For an individual: passport, information about the ownership interest, contribution, and director, and a power of attorney if required.
- For a legal entity: an extract from its home-country registry, evidence of the signatory’s authority, a corporate resolution if required, the ownership chain, and beneficial ownership information.
Foreign documents often require certified translation and an apostille.
Approximately seven days or more once the complete document package has been collected.
Yes. Even without transactions, a DOO must keep accounts, submit annual financial statements and tax returns where required, maintain a valid registered address, and confirm beneficial ownership information in the register annually.
Yes. This is a separate post-registration stage.
Yes. A company may provide grounds for residence and work authorisation. The competent authorities make the final decision, and requirements are assessed individually.
Generally, up to one year, renewable for an equivalent period.