Are you looking to expand your business into Europe for a fraction of the cost? The Serbia residency through company formation program offers the ideal location for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to start a company or branch out their existing business into the business-friendly environment of Serbia.

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.

Read Our Serbia Residency by Investment Guide

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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-07Business expansion

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

GCS-ICONS-73Business 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 Icon HandshakeBusiness 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 Icon Contact UsNo 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

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, it is generally required to stay in Serbia for at least half of the approved residency period plus one day. 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 with the temporary residency visa, you can then 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 (3 with a temporary residence permit and another 3 with a permanent residence permit) you are eligible for Serbian citizenship and a Serbia 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

required documentsApplicants 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:

Step one

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

Step two

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

Step three

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).

Step four

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.

Step five

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.

Step six

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

Step seven

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

Step eight

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

Step nine

Gather required documents for residency application.

Step ten

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

Step eleven

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

Step twelve

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

Step thirteen

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. 

Frequently Ask Questions About: Serbia Residency Through Company Formation

Does Serbia have a residency through company formation program?

Yes, you can obtain a residence permit in Serbia by establishing a company, even without making a significant financial investment. Simply forming a legal entity and employing yourself within the company qualifies you for residency, as long as you meet the necessary requirements.

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 establish a legal entity in Serbia and appoint themselves as directors or managers.

How can I get a residence permit in Serbia by starting a company?

The basic steps for getting a residence permit by starting a company in Serbia include:

  • Registering a company
  • Appointing yourself as an employee
  • Prepare the required documents
  • Apply for a temporary residence permit
  • Obtain a work permit (if required)
  • Maintain your company’s legal status

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?

Absolutely! Obtaining residency by company formation in Serbia is designed specifically for foreigners to obtain residency in the country.

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

The benefits include:

  • Strategic location
  • Business expansion
  • Business friendly environment
  • Pathway to permanent residence status and citizenship
  • Business ownership
  • Tax benefits
  • Family inclusion
  • No language requirement
  • Simplified residency process

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

The processing time for residency applications in Serbia, 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.

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?

  • Founding agreement
  • Founding members data
  • Proof of identity
  • Registered address
  • Bank certificate
  • Tax identification numbers
  • Application form
  • Memorandum of association
  • Proof of business activity
  • Statistical codes

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

The validity period for temporary residence permits has been increased from 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?

Yes, fees include a company registration fee of approximately €43, virtual office cost (if applicable) of €70, and a government fee for the issuance of residence of €220.

Is there a pathway to Serbian citizenship through business-based residency?

Yes, once you have spent a total of six years in Serbia (3 with a temporary residence permit and another 3 with a permanent residence permit) you may be eligible for Serbian citizenship and a Serbia passport.