Registering a company in Serbia is a systematic process that involves choosing a company type, selecting a name, preparing documentation, and registering with the Serbian Business Registers Agency and Tax Administration of Serbia. By following this guide and using the resources provided, you should be well on your way to successfully establishing your business in Serbia. Ensure to adhere to the requirements and guidelines to facilitate a seamless registration process and a successful start for your company in this dynamic and emerging market.
Step 1: Choose your company type
The first step in registering a company in Serbia is deciding the type of company you wish to establish. The most common types are:
- Limited Liability Company (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću - DOO)
- Joint Stock Company (Akcioničko društvo - AD)
- Branch or representative office of a foreign company
Step 2: Choose a company name
Before registering your company, you'll need to choose a suitable name. The Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR) provides guidelines for acceptable names, which can be found at this link: https://www.apr.gov.rs
Step 3: Prepare the required documents
Next, prepare the necessary documentation for your chosen company type. The key documents are:
- Articles of Association (for DOO and AD)
- Application for Company Registration (for all types)
These forms can be downloaded from the APR's website: https://www.apr.gov.rs
Step 4: Identify company officers and shareholders
You will need to identify at least one director (for DOO and AD) or one representative (for Branch or representative office). Directors or representatives must be at least 18 years old. Shareholders can be individuals or corporate entities.
Step 5: Capital requirements
Serbia requires a minimum capital of RSD 100 for DOOs and RSD 3,000,000 for ADs. There is no minimum capital requirement for branches or representative offices of foreign companies.
Step 6: Register your company
Once your documents are ready, you can submit your application to the Serbian Business Registers Agency (APR). This can be done in person at their office or online via the following link: https://www.apr.gov.rs
The fees for registering a company are as follows:
- DOO: RSD 4,900 (approximately €40)
- AD: RSD 22,500 (approximately €190)
- Branch or representative office of a foreign company: RSD 9,900 (approximately €85)
Step 7: Register for taxes
After your company is registered, you must register for taxes with the Tax Administration of Serbia. This can be done in person at the local Tax Administration office or online via the following link: https://www.purs.gov.rs
Step 8: Obtain necessary permits and licenses
Depending on your business activities, you may need to obtain additional permits or licenses. Check with the relevant authorities and industry regulators for specific requirements.
Time-frame:
The entire registration process, from preparing documents to receiving your Certificate of Incorporation, can take anywhere from 5 to 15 days, depending on the complexity of your application.