Looking to expand your business into Europe affordably? The Serbia residence permit by company formation offers a strategic gateway to the continent at a fraction of the cost. This business-friendly program enables entrepreneurs and investors to establish a company and gain Serbia residency through company formation, opening doors to regional markets, tax benefits, and long-term growth opportunities in the heart of the Balkans.

In this guide you will learn about:

What is Serbia Residency Through Company Formation?

The Serbia residency by company formation program offers a streamlined pathway for foreign nationals to establish residency in the country while starting a business.

This program is particularly appealing for entrepreneurs and investors looking to tap into Serbia’s growing economy and strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

The Serbia residence permit by company formation program requires no minimum investment amount, making it accessible compared to many European countries. In addition, there are no restrictions on nationalities when it comes to eligible applicants.

Now, if you aren’t interested in forming a company in Serbia, don’t panic. The Serbia residency by investment program is another option, offering the same type of residency permit in exchange for a qualifying Serbian real estate investment.

Benefits of Serbia Residency Through Company Formation

Serbia residency through company formation has a range of benefits, including:

GCS-ICONS-10Strategic location

Positioned in the Balkans, Serbia offers access to both Western and Eastern European markets, making it a strategic hub for business operations.

GCS-ICONS-07 (1)Business expansion

Serbia offers the ideal environment for those looking to expand their business into the European market.

GCS-ICONS-35Business friendly environment

Serbia offers a fantastic business friendly environment for business owners, with reasonable taxes.

GCS-ICONS-12Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship

A Serbia residence permit by company formation offered through the program can go towards permanent residency and eventually a Serbian passport.

GCS-ICONS-38Business ownership

Investors gain full ownership and control over their Serbian business, enabling them to make strategic decisions and implement their entrepreneurial vision without external interference.

GCS-ICONS-01Tax benefits

Applicants who decide to relocate to Serbia can enjoy reasonable rates as a tax resident while living in the country, including income tax rates between 10%-15% and a 15% corporate tax rate.

GCS-ICONS-40Family inclusion

The residency program allows the main applicant to include their immediate family in the application and in some cases extended family.

GCS-ICONS-09No language requirement

To obtain and maintain residency in Serbia there are no requirements to speak the Serbian language. Still, learning the language is highly recommended if you are going to live in the country and start a business.

GCS-ICONS-19Simplified residency process

The process of obtaining residency through company formation is straightforward, with the potential for permanent residency after three years of temporary residence.

Types of Serbian Residency

Serbian honor guard raising the national flag with a cityscape of Belgrade in the background.There are two types of Serbia residence permits to know about when applying for Serbia residency through company formation. Initially, applicants will receive a temporary residency permit. This does not include permission to work. However, you can obtain a separate work visa if necessary and get a unified permit, allowing you to work and live in the country.

For approved temporary residence permit holders, staying in Serbia for at least half of the approved residency period plus one day is generally required. For example, if the Serbian temporary residence permit is valid for one year, the individual should ideally spend around 183 days in Serbia during that year to facilitate renewal.

After three years on the temporary residency visa, you can apply for permanent residency in Serbia. This is ideal for those who want to make the country their permanent home. Once you have spent a total of six years in Serbia (three with a temporary residence permit and another three with a permanent residence permit), you are eligible for Serbian citizenship and a Serbian passport.

Eligibility of Serbia Residency Through Company Formation

To qualify for Serbia residency through company formation, you must establish a legal entity and appoint yourself as its director or manager. There’s no minimum capital requirement, though certain guidelines are recommended.

One major advantage is that you don’t need to make a significant investment, simply forming a company and employing yourself is enough. You’ll need to sign an employment contract with your company to show that your source of income is in Serbia.

While Serbian law only grants temporary residence based on employment (not just company ownership), you can apply as an employee of any company, including your own.

If you’re setting up your own business, you can apply for a unified permit, which combines both a temporary Serbian residence permit and a work permit. Your dependents can also qualify under family reunification once you secure your residency, with no additional requirements.

Serbia Residency Through Company Formation Requirements

The general requirements for the program include:

  • Main applicant must be over 18 years old
  • A clean criminal record is mandatory
  • You must have valid health insurance: Applicants must present valid health insurance that covers the duration of their stay in Serbia.
  • Applicants must establish a legal entity in Serbia and appoint themselves as directors or managers.

Serbia Residency Through Company Formation Document Requirements

pexels anete lusina 4792285 scaled 1 e1696285765816 300x210

Applicants will need to provide the following documents for their application:

1. Founding agreement: Notarized agreement detailing the company structure, including:

  • Data on members (founders)
  • Company name and address in Serbia
  • Selected activity code of the business
  • Share capital details and individual shares of each member
  • Authorization for representative members or directors

2. Proof of identity: Passport copies or IDs of all founders and responsible persons.

3. Registered address: Proof of a registered business address in Serbia (lease agreement or property title).

4. Bank certificate: Certificate from a Serbian bank confirming the deposit of the initial capital (minimum RSD 100,000 for LLC).

5. Tax identification numbers: Each founder must obtain a Serbian tax identification number (PIB).

6. Application form: Complete the application form for registration, which must be submitted electronically through the Serbian Business Registers Agency eRegistration system.

7. Memorandum of association: This document outlines the company’s structure and must be notarized.

8. Proof of business activity: Depending on the business type, additional documentation may be required, such as a business plan for joint stock companies.

9. Statistical codes: Obtain statistical registration codes for your business activities from the Statistical Office of the Republic of Serbia.

How to Apply for Serbia Residency Through Company Formation: Step by Step Process

Here is the step-by-step process to obtain the Serbia residence permit by company formation:

01/

Step 1

Decide whether to form a limited liability company (LLC) or register as a sole proprietorship.

02/

Step 2

Decide your role in the company either as the director or shareholder of the company.

03/

Step 3

Draft the Founding Act, sign it and notarize it: This act can be drawn up in the form of a decision (if you are the sole founder) or a contract (if you are founding a company together with another founder).

04/

Step 4

Obtain a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) : Obtaining a qualified electronic signature is a necessary step for foreigners wishing to establish a Serbian company. It ensures compliance with legal requirements and facilitates the electronic registration process, providing a secure and efficient means of conducting business in the country.

05/

Step 5

Prepare and notarize the necessary documents for registration: The registration application, along with the necessary documentation, must be submitted electronically, and signed with your QES.

06/

Step 6

Submit registration application: Use your QES to electronically sign and submit the application to the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR).

07/

Step 7

Receive company registration: The registration process typically takes 5 working days. Once approved, you will receive a business registry extract.

08/

Step 8

Open a corporate bank account and deposit the basic capital of the company.

09/

Step 9

Gather required documents for residency application.

10/

Step 10

Submit residency application: Submit the residency application and required documents to the relevant authorities. Pay the government fee of approx. €220 for online submission.

11/

Step 11

Await approval and collect permit: The application process typically takes 2-4 weeks.

12/

Step 12

Passport stamp: Once approved, bring your passport to the police station to have the temporary residence sticker affixed.

13/

Step 13

Maintain company and renew permit annually.

Serbia Residency Through Company Formation Processing Time

The processing time for residency applications in Serbia, specifically for those applying through the company formation program, typically takes up to 30 days after submission. The company formation takes up to five business days after the submission to get the confirmation that the company has been established and registered.

Serbia Company Formation Cost

The costs for Serbia company formation can include:

Item
Cost
Company Registration Fee
Approximately €43
Virtual Office Cost (if applicable)
€70
Government fee for the issuance of residence
€220

There may be some additional costs, including notarization, translation, and accounting costs. Working with an immigration specialist can help move the process along, ensuring everything is in order and you know what you are liable for.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments.

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.

A dark blue background featuring abstract lines and curves in varying shades, creating a dynamic visual effect.

Add Your Heading Text Here