Does Serbia have a residency through company formation program?

Yes, Serbia offers a residency route through company formation. By setting up a business in the country, foreign nationals can apply for a temporary residence permit. This is one of the most popular options for entrepreneurs who want to live in Serbia and, with the appropriate work authorization, work there as well. With continuous renewals, this pathway can also lead to long-term residency and eventual citizenship.

What are the requirements for Serbia residency through company formation?

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.

How do I get a residence permit in Serbia by opening a business?

You can obtain a residence permit in Serbia by forming a company, registering it with the Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA), and applying for residency through the Ministry of Interior. This route is widely used by entrepreneurs and digital nomads.

What are the steps to get a residence permit in Serbia by starting a company?

To apply, you must first register a company, open a corporate bank account, and secure a place to live in Serbia. After completing these steps, you can submit your temporary residence permit application, providing proof of sufficient funds and a business plan. The process typically takes around 30 days and usually requires at least two trips to Serbia.

How much investment is needed for Serbia residency through company formation?

There is no minimum investment requirement to obtain Serbia residency through company formation. You can establish a company with a small amount of capital, and there is no obligation to invest in Serbia beyond covering basic business setup and operational costs. However, you must demonstrate that your company is active and that you have a stable source of income.

Can a foreigner own a company in Serbia and get residency?

Yes, a foreigner can own a company in Serbia and use it to apply for a temporary residence permit. This involves forming a company or registering as an entrepreneur, which allows you to apply for a permit, often including work authorization. It is a practical option for legally relocating to Serbia.

What are the benefits of obtaining a residence permit through company formation in Serbia?

Getting a residence permit in Serbia through company formation offers several advantages. These include access to the European market, a low corporate tax rate (15%), and a fast processing time of around 30 days. You can also include family members in your application, there is no minimum capital requirement, and it provides a pathway to permanent residency and potential citizenship after 6 years.

How long does it take to get Serbia residency through company formation?

After forming your company and submitting your residency application, it typically takes 30 days to receive a temporary residence permit. The process includes company registration, submitting the application, and visiting the police to provide biometric data.

Can family members be included in Serbia residency when forming a company?

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

What documents are required for a residence permit application via company formation in Serbia?

You will need a valid passport, photos, and proof of your company’s registration. Additional documents include a completed application form, a Serbian bank statement showing sufficient funds (at least €1,000), and a Serbian health insurance policy. You will also need proof of a valid Serbian address and payment of the administrative fee.

How long is the residence permit valid if obtained through company formation in Serbia?

As of November 2025, the validity period for temporary residence permits has been increased from up to one year to up to three years.

Can the residence permit be renewed if the company remains active in Serbia?

Yes, the residence permit can be renewed if the company remains active in Serbia. As long as your business continues to operate and you maintain your status as the owner or employee of the company, you can renew your temporary residence permit.

Are there any fees involved in obtaining a residence permit through company formation in Serbia?

Company registration fee: Approximately RSD 5,000 (around €43) Virtual office (if applicable): Around €70 Notarization costs: Varies Translation costs: Varies Accounting costs: Starting from €50 per month Government fee for residence permit issuance: €220

What is the difference between a temporary residence permit and a permanent residence permit in Serbia?

A temporary residence permit allows you to stay in Serbia for a limited period, usually up to three years. A permanent residence permit, on the other hand, grants the right to live in Serbia indefinitely.

Is a Serbia residence permit suitable for long-term business planning?

Yes, a Serbia residence permit is ideal for long-term business operations and expansion into European markets due to Serbia’s investor-friendly environment and low cost of living.

Can I apply for Serbian residency without speaking the language?

Yes, Serbian language skills are not required for obtaining either a temporary residence permit or permanent residency, although basic knowledge may help with integration.

Serbia Residence Permit by Company Formation 2025 Guide

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?
Benefits of Serbia residency through company formation
Types of Serbia residency
Eligibility of Serbia residency through company formation
Serbia residency through company formation requirements
Serbia residency through company formation document requirements
How to apply for Serbia residency through company formation: step-by-step process
Serbia residency through company formation processing time
Serbia company formation cost

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.

Read Our
Serbia Residency by Investment Guide

9 Benefits of Serbia Residency Through Company Formation

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

Strategic location: Positioned in the Balkans, Serbia offers access to both Western and Eastern European markets, making it a strategic hub for business operations.
Business expansion: Serbia offers the ideal environment for those looking to expand their business into the European market.
Business friendly environment: Serbia offers a fantastic business friendly environment for business owners, with reasonable taxes (15% corporate tax rate).
Pathway 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. The GCS Global Passport Index 2025 has ranked the Serbian passport 67 out of 198.
Business 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.
Tax 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%.
Family inclusion: The residency program allows the main applicant to include their immediate family in the application and in some cases extended family.
No 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.
Simplified 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

There are two key types of Serbian residence permits to understand when applying for Serbia residency through company formation.

Temporary residence permit:

This is the first permit issued to applicants. It does not automatically grant the right to work, but you can apply for a separate work visa or obtain a unified permit that allows both living and working in Serbia.

Holders of a temporary residence permit are generally expected to spend at least half of the permit’s validity period plus one day in the country. For example, if your permit is valid for one year, you should ideally spend around 183 days in Serbia to support a smooth renewal.

Permanent residence permit:

After three years of holding temporary residency, you can apply for permanent residency — a suitable option for individuals planning to make Serbia their long-term home.

Once you have lived in Serbia for a total of six years (three years on temporary residency and three years on permanent residency), you may become eligible to apply 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

Serbia temporary residence by company formation 2025 requirements 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

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 Serbia immigration lawyer 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.

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