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Company Registration in Serbia — Overview for Entrepreneurs

Important: The materials on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. For specific actions and document preparation, it is recommended to contact licensed lawyers in Serbia.

Why Proper Company Registration in Serbia is Needed

Even if you plan a small business or launch online projects, mistakes at the start can lead to fines, account blocking, or problems with partners and government agencies.

Understanding the main stages of registration helps:

reduce risks for the company;
accelerate work with banks and partners;
plan growth and business scaling.

Main Company Forms in Serbia

DOO (Limited Liability Company)

DOO is a popular form for small and medium businesses, including companies with partners.

  • Suitable for companies with one or more founders;
  • Limited liability protects personal assets;
  • Useful for scalable business.

Preduzetnik (Individual Entrepreneur)

Suitable for individual entrepreneurs and freelancers.

  • Simpler and faster to register;
  • Personal liability of the entrepreneur;
  • Suitable for small turnover and limited number of employees.

Special Forms for Foreigners

Foreign citizens can open DOO or Preduzetnik. This often requires:

  • obtaining a residence permit;
  • appointing a resident director;
  • preparing documents in accordance with Serbian legislation.

Company Registration Steps (informational)

1

Document Preparation

  • Founding documents;
  • Company name selection;
  • Legal address;
  • Data on founders and directors.
2

Filing with Registry

  • State Company Registry (APR);
  • Document review and processing;
  • Obtaining identification number (PIB).
3

Bank Account Opening and Tax Registration

  • Bank account for the company;
  • Registration with tax inspection;
  • Possible VAT registration if working with taxes is planned.
4

Additional Licenses and Permits

Depending on the type of activity, special permits and licenses may be required.

Practical Tips for Entrepreneurs

Look for a lawyer with experience working with companies and business;
Clearly distinguish roles: accountant handles reporting, lawyer handles documents and contracts;
Check document correctness before filing;
Plan registration in advance, especially before starting commercial activities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can a foreigner open a company in Serbia?
Foreign citizens can register DOO or Preduzetnik, but usually requires: Residence permit or work permit; Appointment of a resident director; Document preparation in accordance with local legislation.
How long does company registration take in Serbia?
On average, registration takes 5–15 business days if all documents are properly prepared. Complex structures with multiple founders or foreigners may take longer.
Do I need to hire a lawyer for company registration?
Having a lawyer is not mandatory, but: reduces the risk of errors in documents; speeds up the registration process; helps properly distribute areas of responsibility between accountant and lawyer.
Which company forms are best suited for small business?
DOO (LLC) — for companies with partners, hiring employees, scalable business; Preduzetnik — individual entrepreneurs, freelancers, small projects.
Can I start activities before company registration?
No. Any commercial activity before official registration is considered illegal and may result in fines.
What documents are needed for company registration?
Main documents: Founding documents; Legal address; Data on founders and directors; For foreign citizens — work permit/residence permit.
What mistakes do entrepreneurs most often make during registration?
Incorrectly prepared founding documents; Lack of necessary licenses or permits; Errors in tax registration; Mixing roles of accountant and lawyer.
How to find a lawyer or expert for company registration?
Check experience working with entrepreneurs and business; Clarify specialization (DOO, Preduzetnik, licenses, tax issues); Use trusted platforms to find specialists.
What additional permits may be needed for business?
Permits depend on the type of activity: licenses for trade, restaurants, or other services; Permits for foreign employees if there is a team from abroad; Special permits for certain types of activities.
What to do if the company structure is complex or there are foreign partners?
Plan registration in advance; Use services of licensed lawyers and accountants; Check documents for compliance with legislation.

Lawyers and Experts for Company Registration

Below are specialists and agencies that can help with company registration:

The platform helps find an expert and establish direct contact, not being a party to the contract.

Law Office Kosta D. Lazic

Contact

Zunic Law Belgrade

Contact

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