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Serbia residence permit through business
Set up a company, open bank accounts, and run your business in Serbia easily
- Cost: from EUR 3,500
- Processing time: from 2 months
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
About the program
You can obtain a Serbian residence permit through business with a minimum share capital of just 1 EUR. The residence permit is issued for 1–3 years with the right to extend, and the status applies to the spouse and children. A Serbian residence permit gives entrepreneurs access to banking services, property purchases, and business operations in a country that is a candidate for EU membership.
After 3 years of temporary residence, permanent residence becomes available, and after 6 years, citizenship can be applied for. The Serbian residence permit also allows visa-free travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a six-month period.
Advantages of obtaining a Serbian residence permit
Simple requirements
To get a residence permit, it is enough to register a company with a minimum share capital of 1 EUR and appoint yourself as director. No property purchase or large investments are required, making the status accessible to a wide range of applicants.
Fast processing
Temporary residence can be obtained within 2 months after submitting documents. Entrepreneurs can quickly start relocating and running their business. The procedure is fully transparent and predictable.
Access to European markets
Serbia is a strategic hub between Western and Eastern Europe. Companies benefit from preferential trade terms with the EU, opening opportunities for international business.
Favorable taxation
Corporate tax is 15%, personal income tax for sole proprietors is 10%, and a 20% withholding tax applies to dividends for non-residents. This reduces the financial burden for entrepreneurs.
Residence permit for family members
The main applicant can bring a spouse, children under 18, and in some cases parents. Family members receive the same rights, simplifying relocation.
Path to EU citizenship
After 3 years of residence, permanent residence is available, and after 6 years, Serbian citizenship can be applied for. Serbia is negotiating EU membership, creating opportunities for long-term integration into the EU.
Minimal presence requirement
To maintain status, it is enough to visit Serbia once a year. Business can be conducted remotely from anywhere in the world, ideal for those who value flexibility.
Asset protection and privacy
Serbia is not part of the automatic CRS exchange system, ensuring a high level of financial privacy. The country has a reliable banking system with strong commercial confidentiality.
Get a guide to obtaining a residence permit
- Step-by-step process for applicants
- Specific requirements and financial costs
- Ready-to-use strategy for obtaining a residence permit
- Updated 2025 program
Get a guide to obtaining a residence permit
Who is eligible for residency
Main applicant (entrepreneur)
- Valid passport with at least 3 months’ validity
- Company registration and appointment as director
- Signed employment contract with own company
Spouse/partner
- Marriage certificate with apostille
- Valid passport
- Medical insurance
Children
- Under 18 years old
- Birth certificate with apostille
- Medical insurance and certificates
Business partners
- Registered as company co-founders
- Share in the company’s capital
- Valid passport and medical insurance
Employees
- Official employment contract
- Work permit (unified permit)
Step-by-step plan for obtaining a residency
Step-by-step plan for obtaining a residency
Andris Kaushelis
General Manager
Immigration plan preparation
Mirsatori lawyers review your documents, determine the optimal business structure, and prepare a full residence permit strategy. To choose the best approach, specialists assess your goals and financial capabilities.
Get a consultationChoosing jurisdiction and company type
The Mirsatori team selects the business form — LLC (DOO) with a capital of EUR 1, sole proprietorship without capital, or a branch. They then choose the location based on tax benefits. Lawyers analyze regional specifics to minimize costs and provide guidance on capital requirements and licenses.
Get a consultationCompany registration
Mirsatori specialists submit documents to the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR), open a corporate account, help obtain a tax number (PIB), and handle translation and notarization of documents. Professional support at every stage ensures full legal compliance.
Get a consultationApplying for a unified permit
Lawyers submit your application for a unified residence and work permit through the government portal. Processing time is 15 days. The Mirsatori team prepares the complete document package, monitors the submission process, and tracks the application status.
Get a consultationObtaining the residence permit and banking services
You will receive your resident card within 30–45 days. Specialists assist with opening personal and corporate accounts in top Serbian banks and provide support for integration into the financial system.
Get a consultation
Get a Serbian residence permit through business
- Low requirements and fast processing
- Tax optimization
- Access to the European market
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Advantages of registering a business in Serbia
European jurisdiction without sanctions
Serbia maintains neutrality, allowing residents to carry out international transactions freely and access SWIFT. Registering a Serbian company is a smart choice for international business.
Low capital requirements
An LLC can be registered with a starting capital of just 100 dinars (EUR 1) without immediate payment. This is ideal for startups with a small budget.
Free trade zones
Agreements with the EU, EAEU, and Turkey give Serbian entrepreneurs duty-free access to markets with over 1 billion consumers. Obtaining a Serbian residence permit expands export opportunities.
Digital government services
Electronic business registration, e-invoicing, and online document submission minimize bureaucracy, making it easier to start and manage a company.
Skilled workforce
Serbia offers access to educated professionals with technical skills at average salaries of EUR 800–1200, reducing labor costs for businesses.
Strategic logistics
The country’s location at the Europe–Asia crossroads enables fast delivery across the continent and efficient supply chain management.
Government grants
Serbia provides grants of up to EUR 5,000 per employee and tax holidays of up to 10 years for major investors, creating opportunities for funding new projects.
Investment protection
Bilateral agreements with over 40 countries guarantee capital security and protect investments.
Get a personalized strategy for obtaining a Serbian residence permit through business registration
A Mirsatori specialist will prepare an individual residency plan tailored to your case:
- Optimal business structure in Serbia
- Choosing the right municipality for registration
- Instructions for setting up your corporate structure
- Obtaining a residence permit for 1–3 years with the option to extend
Get a personalized strategy for obtaining a Serbian residence permit through business registration
Types of companies and key features
Serbia offers a variety of business structures — from simple sole proprietorships to complex joint-stock companies — allowing for capital raising and limiting personal liability.
Sole proprietorship (Preduzetnik)
The simplest form of business for individuals. The entrepreneur acts on their own behalf and is fully personally liable for obligations.
- For small and medium-sized enterprises
- Minimal reporting requirements
- Quick registration process
- Limited financial risk
Limited liability company (DOO / Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću)
A popular choice for small and medium businesses. Members are liable only up to their contributions to the share capital.
- Simple management
- Protection of personal assets
- Tax and cost optimization
- Easy investment attraction
Joint-stock company (AD / Akcionarsko društvo)
Suitable for large companies or those planning significant investment or a stock market listing. Higher minimum share capital than a DOO, with a required board of directors and formal corporate procedures.
- Right to issue shares
- Unlimited number of shareholders
- Market prestige
- Limited liability for shareholders
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Company registration: comparative analysis
Category
Serbia
The UAE
Bahrain
Montenegro
Corporate tax
15%
0–9%
0%
9%
Dividend tax
up to 20%
0%
0%
15%
Personal income tax
10%
0%
0%
9–15%
Residency processing time
from 2 months
from 1 month
from 2 weeks
from 2 weeks
Residence permit for spouse and children
yes
yes
yes
yes
Company registration: alternative programs
Country
Cost
Processing time
Benefits
Montenegro
Cost
from EUR 2,000
Processing time
from 2 weeks
Benefits
Learn more
- Fast and easy registration process
- No need to live in the country
- Residency for family members
The UAE
Cost
from USD 6,600
Processing time
from 1 month
Benefits
Learn more
- 2-year residence permit with renewal option
- Residency for family members
- Fast processing
Bahrain
Cost
from USD 13,500
Processing time
from 2 weeks
Benefits
Learn more
- Fast and simple registration process
- Residence status for family members
- 0% corporate tax
FAQ
What is the minimum investment required to obtain a residence permit in Serbia through business?
There is no minimum investment requirement — you can register an LLC with a share capital of just EUR 1. The main expenses include a registration fee of around EUR 50 and legal service costs. The total amount depends on the company type and registration region.
Can I obtain residency in Serbia without speaking Serbian?
Yes. Knowledge of Serbian is not required for obtaining or renewing a residence permit. Documents can be submitted in English with translation, and basic English is often sufficient for communication with the authorities.
Do I have to run an active business?
Your company must remain active and maintain a corporate bank account. Minimal reporting and tax payments are required, and the authorities may request proof of genuine business activity.
How long do I need to stay in Serbia to keep my residence status?
You must visit Serbia at least once a year. To qualify for permanent residency, you must reside in the country for at least 183 days per year. Failure to meet the minimum stay requirement may result in the cancellation of your status.
What taxes do Serbian residents pay?
Corporate tax is 15%, personal income tax is 10%, and VAT is 20%. A progressive tax rate applies to annual income exceeding EUR 25,000. Small businesses may benefit from tax incentives.
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Schedule a meeting with our specialists, in-office or online, and receive a tailored case analysis, a clear cost estimate, and the best solution to achieve your goals.
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