Are you considering launching a business in Southeast Europe? Serbia is quickly becoming a prime destination for entrepreneurs and foreign investors looking for affordable setup, low corporate taxes, and strategic access to both EU and non-EU markets. But what does it cost to open a company in Serbia — and what are actually the real benefits?

In this guide, we break down the real cost of company formation in Serbia, including fees, legal requirements, and hidden expenses — plus the key advantages of doing business in Serbia in 2025.

💸 Basic Costs of Opening a Company in Serbia

Whether you’re opening a small LLC (D.O.O.) or a holding company of the same type for regional operations, Serbia offers some of the most competitive company formation costs in Europe.

💳 Official Company Registration Fees and Payment Details

The official fee for registering a company with the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR) is:

• RSD 6,780 (≈ €58) for standard applications

• RSD 6,150 (≈ €52) for electronic registration (via APR portal)

These fees cover the registration of the legal entity and required documents, as regulated by the Serbian Company Law and the Law on the Procedure of Registration with the APR.

📤 How to Pay the Registration Fee

Payments must be made in advance to the official bank account of APR:

• Account Number (račun): 840-29770845-52

• Model: 97

• Reference Number (poziv na broj): You must generate it online using APR’s official tool:
  👉 Via this page

⚠️ Make sure to enter the generated reference number accurately in the payment slip. Payments without a valid reference may not be properly matched to your application.

Other fees include:

• Notary Fees: €50–€200 (for signatures and incorporation documents)

• Translation of documents: €50–€300 (depends on language and page count)

• Legal Support (optional but recommended): €250–€1,000

• Qualified Electronic Signature (mandatory):
  – ~€100 if the founder/director is physically present
  – ~€500 if obtained remotely via power of attorney

✅ You can register a company as a sole foreign owner. No local partner or director is required.

🔹 Virtual Office or Registered Address

• From €50/month, or approximately €600/year

This is mandatory if you don’t have physical office space in Serbia.

🔹 Corporate Bank Account Opening

• €0–€300, depending on the bank

Some banks require an in-person visit, others allow POA-based opening with a legal rep.

🔄 Ongoing Monthly & Annual Costs

Once the company is registered, you should factor in basic maintenance costs:

1 Accounting & Bookkeeping

• €150–€500/month, depending on complexity and VAT registration

2 Payroll Administration

• €15–€30 per employee/month

3 Office Rent (if needed)

• Coworking space: €100–€200/month

• Private office (central Belgrade): starting from €500/month and above

4 Taxes

• Corporate Income Tax: 15% flat

• VAT: 20% (mandatory above ~€70,000 annual revenue)

• Withholding Tax: 20% on payments to foreign entities (can be reduced via DTA)

📋 Additional APR Fees for Company Changes, Branches & Other Services

Beyond company formation, Serbia’s Business Registers Agency (APR) charges fees for various updates and corporate actions. Below are typical services foreign owners may need:

🔄 Company Data Changes

• Changing company details (name, address, director, etc.):
  ~€27 (RSD 3,230) or ~€25 (electronic)

• Multiple changes in one submission:
  +€13 per change (paper) or +€12 (electronic)

• Late submission penalty (after 15 days):
  ~€52 (RSD 6,260)

• Change of ownership/shareholder:
  +€3 per new member (~€3.15 electronic)

🏢 Branch Offices

• Registering a domestic branch:
  ~€27 (RSD 3,230) per branch

• Multiple branches or changes together:
  Add +€13 per extra branch/change

• Change or deletion of a branch:
  ~€27 (or €25 if submitted electronically)

💡 When submitted electronically, APR’s online system will calculate the fee automatically.

🧾 Corporate Documents & Certifications

• Publication of articles of association or statute:
  ~€27 (or €25 electronic)

• Simple document publication (e.g. report or statement):
  ~€7 (RSD 830) or ~€6 (electronic)

• Official extracts and certificates:
  ~€17 (paper), ~€15 (electronic)

• Name reservation or renewal:
  ~€14 (or €13 if done online)

📌 Tip for Foreign Owners

For full and accurate calculation of fees, including reference numbers, you can use the official APR generator:
👉 https://pretraga2.apr.gov.rs/GeneratorPozivaNaBroj/Home/

🧮 Example: Estimated Company Formation Budget

Here’s what a typical startup might expect to pay:

🧠 Tip: With legal support, most companies can be formed within 5–7 working days.

🌍 Advantages of Doing Business in Serbia

Serbia offers a unique combination of legal simplicity, tax benefits, and geographical advantage. Here are the top reasons investors choose Serbia:

• Low Corporate Tax (15%) – one of the lowest in Europe

• 100% Foreign Ownership Allowed – no local partner needed

• Strategic Location – gateway to EU, CEFTA, and EAEU markets

• Double Taxation Treaties – with over 60 countries

• Access to Skilled, Affordable Workforce

• Modernized Online Business Registry (APR)

• Eligibility for Residence Based on Ownership

• Startup-Friendly Environment – especially in tech and IT sectors

• Favorable Conditions for UAE, USA, UK, EU, Swiss, & Russian investors

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

🔹 Can I open a company in Serbia if I’m not a resident?

Yes. You don’t need to live in Serbia to own a company. However, you may need a local representative or POA.

🔹 How long does company registration take?

With complete documents and professional support, 5–7 business days on average.

🔹 Can I own 100% of the company as a foreigner?

Yes. There is no restriction on foreign ownership of Serbian companies.

🔹 Are there minimum capital requirements?

Yes. For a D.O.O. (LLC), the minimum founding capital is just 100 RSD (~€1).

🔹 Do I need a physical office?

No. A virtual registered office is sufficient for most businesses, unless otherwise required by law (e.g. licensed activities).

📞 Need Help Opening a Business in Serbia?

If you’re planning to set up a company in Serbia — whether for local trade, international holding, or to obtain residence — our legal team at STATT can assist with every step:

• Company registration

• Banking setup

• Electronic signature issuance

• Virtual office and address

• Tax and accounting guidance

• Residence permit applications

• Ongoing legal and corporate support

➡️ Contact us through our website, or call us at +381 11 328 19 14

🛈 Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For tailored assistance, consult a qualified legal advisor.