The transfer of money from Serbia abroad by non-residents is possible, but in practice it often requires obtaining a tax clearance certificate from the Serbian Tax Administration. Banks typically require proof of the origin of funds and confirmation that all tax obligations in Serbia have been settled before approving an international transfer.

If you wish to transfer money from Serbia abroad as a non-resident, you will generally need to obtain a tax clearance certificate confirming that all tax liabilities in the Republic of Serbia have been fulfilled.

Non-resident individuals often come into possession of funds in Serbia through various legal transactions, most commonly through inheritance, the sale of real estate, or other financial transactions. Although they are the lawful owners of these funds, they frequently face practical questions about how to transfer money from Serbia abroad.

The most common obstacle arises when the bank requires the non-resident to submit a tax clearance certificate issued by the Serbian Tax Administration as a condition for transferring funds to a foreign bank account.

This requirement is not arbitrary. The obligation to obtain a tax clearance certificate stems from Serbian foreign exchange regulations, which govern payments and transfers between residents and non-residents.

Below we explain how the transfer of money from Serbia abroad works, what tax prerequisites exist, and which steps non-residents must take.

What Is a Transfer of Money from Serbia Abroad?

A transfer of money from Serbia abroad refers to the international transfer of funds from a bank account in Serbia to an account in another country. When non-residents are involved, banks often require a tax clearance certificate confirming that all tax obligations in Serbia have been settled.

Why Do Banks Require a Tax Clearance Certificate?

The tax clearance certificate serves as proof that the non-resident:

• has no outstanding tax liabilities in Serbia

• has paid all taxes related to the income in question

In practice, this means the state wishes to verify whether income generated in Serbia has been properly taxed before the funds are transferred abroad.

Without this certificate, banks will generally not process a transfer from a non-resident account.

First Step: Obtaining a Tax Identification Number (PIB)

Before applying for a tax clearance certificate, a non-resident must obtain a Serbian Tax Identification Number (PIB).

The PIB allows the Tax Administration to:

• register the individual in the tax system

• verify potential tax obligations

• monitor the tax status related to a particular income

Obtaining a PIB is generally a straightforward procedure that involves submitting an application to the competent branch of the Serbian Tax Administration.

Proving the Origin of Funds

One of the most important steps when transferring funds from Serbia abroad is proving the origin of the funds.

The required documentation depends on the legal basis on which the funds were obtained.

Inheritance

If the funds originate from inheritance, the following documents are usually required:

• final probate decision

• inheritance tax decision

• confirmation that the tax has been paid

More information can be found in our guide:

Inheritance in Serbia https://statt.rs/everything-you-need-to-know-about-inheritance/

Sale of Real Estate

If the funds originate from the sale of real estate, the Tax Administration will usually require:

• the sale and purchase agreement

• property transfer tax decision

• capital gains tax decision

• confirmation that taxes have been paid

• confirmation that property tax obligations have been settled

Additional information on legal aspects of real estate transactions can be found here:

Real Estate in Serbia – Legal Guide https://statt.rs/complete-real-estate-guide-for-serbia/

and

Real Estate Law – Practice Area https://statt.rs/practices/construction-legalisation-in-serbia/

Other Types of Income

Depending on the situation, additional documents may be required, such as:

• contracts

• court decisions

• tax decisions

• confirmations of tax payments

The Tax Administration may request additional documentation to verify that no outstanding tax liabilities exist.

Documentation Required by the Bank

In addition to tax documentation, banks typically require:

• the agreement on opening and maintaining the bank account

• confirmation of the account balance

• bank statements

• proof of the origin of funds

These documents are used when submitting the application for a tax clearance certificate.

Submitting the Application for a Tax Clearance Certificate

The application must be submitted to the branch of the Serbian Tax Administration that has jurisdiction over the location of the bank branch where the account is held.

The application is usually accompanied by:

• a copy of the passport

• confirmation of the PIB

• documentation on the origin of funds

• bank documentation

If the process is handled by a lawyer or other authorized representative, a power of attorney must also be submitted.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

In theory, the tax clearance certificate should be issued within a relatively short time. However, in practice the procedure may take longer due to tax verification and additional documentation requirements.

For this reason, it is important to prepare all documentation carefully before submitting the application.

Steps for Transferring Money from Serbia Abroad

For non-residents, the process typically includes:

1. obtaining a Serbian tax identification number (PIB)

2. opening a non-resident bank account in Serbia

3. collecting documentation proving the origin of funds

4. submitting an application for a tax clearance certificate

5. providing additional documentation if requested

6. obtaining the tax clearance certificate

7. submitting the certificate to the bank

8. executing the international transfer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a non-resident transfer money from Serbia abroad?

Yes. Serbian foreign exchange regulations allow transfers of funds between residents and non-residents. However, banks typically require a tax clearance certificate confirming that all tax obligations in Serbia have been settled.

Is a Serbian Tax Identification Number (PIB) mandatory?

Yes. A non-resident must obtain a PIB so that the Tax Administration can verify tax status and issue the tax clearance certificate necessary for transferring funds abroad.

How long does the transfer procedure take?

In practice, the procedure may take from several days to several weeks, depending on the type of income, the documentation provided, and the processing speed of the Tax Administration and the bank.

What documents are required to transfer money from Serbia abroad?

Banks usually require:

• a tax clearance certificate issued by the Serbian Tax Administration

• documentation proving the origin of funds

• bank account statements

• identification documents of the non-resident

Additional tax or legal documentation may also be required depending on the circumstances.

Legal Assistance for Transferring Money from Serbia Abroad

The transfer of money from Serbia abroad for non-residents often requires careful preparation of documentation and coordination with both the bank and the Tax Administration.

The procedure for obtaining a tax clearance certificate may involve communication between:

• the bank

• the Serbian Tax Administration

• local tax authorities

• other institutions

For this reason, professional legal support can be crucial for completing the process efficiently.

The law firm Stojković Attorneys (STATT) provides legal assistance to domestic and international clients in the areas of:

• international transfer of funds

• tax law

• foreign exchange regulations

• real estate and inheritance matters

More information on tax advisory services is available here: https://statt.rs/practices/tax-statements/

📍 Cara Dušana 55/3, Belgrade
📞 +381 11 328 19 14
✉ [email protected]

About the Author

Sofija Lekić

Associate | Stojković Attorneys

Sofija Lekić is an associate at the law firm Stojković Attorneys (STATT) in Belgrade. Her practice focuses on civil and commercial law, international legal matters, and legal issues related to foreign nationals, including immigration, residence, and citizenship in the Republic of Serbia.

She graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Belgrade with an average grade of 9.47, while also completing undergraduate studies in international relations at the Faculty of Political Sciences of the University of Belgrade. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in legal theory and philosophy of law.

Sofija began her professional career at the State Attorney’s Office of the Republic of Serbia, where she worked on cases involving the representation of Serbia before the European Court of Human Rights, participating in the preparation of legal submissions, analysis of judgments, and drafting action plans for the execution of Court decisions.

Within the team of Stojković Attorneys, she works on legal matters with an international dimension, particularly in the areas of:

• international transfers of funds

• immigration law and the legal status of foreigners

• labour law

• civil and commercial disputes

🔗 Author profile: https://statt.rs/people/sofija-lekic/