Serbia is rapidly emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for foreign investors, including entrepreneurs from the UAE. Its strategic location between Central and Eastern Europe, competitive tax policies, affordable labor force, and growing economy make it an ideal choice for business expansion. For UAE-based investors, Serbia offers low-cost company formation, access to European markets, and opportunities for long-term growth.

At Al Tawkel Center UAE, we specialize in Serbia company setup services for UAE entrepreneurs and investors, handling everything from company registration and bank account setup to visa applications and legal compliance.

Whether you are looking to expand an existing UAE business or start a new venture in Europe, this guide will cover everything you need to know to successfully setup a company in Serbia.

Why Serbia is Attractive for Business Setup

Serbia offers multiple advantages that make it a compelling choice for UAE entrepreneurs:

1. Strategic Location

Located in Southeast Europe, Serbia serves as a gateway to the European Union, Russia, Turkey, and the Balkans. Its advanced road, rail, and air infrastructure make logistics easy for businesses looking to import, export, or trade across Europe.

2. Low Corporate Taxes

Serbia has one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe at 15%, significantly lower than many EU countries, which often range from 20% to 30%. This makes Serbia ideal for UAE investors seeking profitable and tax-efficient operations.

3. Double Taxation Agreements

Serbia has signed treaties with over 60 countries, including the UAE. These agreements help foreign investors avoid double taxation, making Serbia a tax-friendly jurisdiction for international businesses.

4. Skilled and Affordable Workforce

The Serbian workforce is highly educated, multilingual, and cost-effective, with average salaries ranging from €700 to €1,000 per month. For UAE entrepreneurs, this translates into lower operational costs compared to other European countries.

5. Government Incentives

The Serbian government provides various incentives for foreign investors, including grants, tax holidays, and support for strategic sectors like IT, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

6. Fast and Simple Registration

With professional assistance, company registration in Serbia can be completed in as little as 5–7 business days, allowing UAE investors to start operations quickly.

Types of Companies in Serbia

Understanding the available legal structures is critical for choosing the right company type for your business goals:

1. Limited Liability Company (LLC – DOO)

• Most popular structure for UAE investors.
• Minimum share capital: €1.
• Requires only one shareholder and one director (foreigners allowed).
• Suitable for small and medium businesses seeking low-cost setup.

2. Joint Stock Company (JSC – AD)

• Designed for larger corporations or businesses planning to list publicly.
• Minimum share capital: €25,000.
• Suitable for industries like finance, manufacturing, or trading companies.

3. Branch Office

• Acts as an extension of a foreign parent company.
• No separate legal entity: liability is tied to the parent company.
• Can conduct commercial operations under the parent company’s name.

4. Representative Office

• Cannot engage in commercial activities.
• Suitable for market research, networking, or promotional purposes.
• Ideal for UAE investors testing the Serbian market before full-scale operations.

Tip for UAE Entrepreneurs: Most investors prefer LLC (DOO) due to its low setup cost, simple procedures, and flexibility.

Step-by-Step Process to Setup a Company in Serbia

Setting up a company in Serbia involves a series of steps, which can be managed efficiently with professional assistance:

1. Decide the Company Structure

Choose whether to register for an LLC, JSC, Branch, or Representative Office based on your business goals and long-term expansion plans.

2. Reserve Company Name

Submit a unique company name to the Serbian Business Registers Agency (SBRA). Name approval typically takes 1–2 business days.

3. Prepare Required Documentation

Key documents include:

• Passport copies of shareholders and directors
• Proof of registered Serbian office address
• Memorandum of Association / Articles of Association
• Bank reference letter for corporate account setup

4. Open a Corporate Bank Account

Deposit the minimum share capital (LLC requires only €1). Banks may require in-person verification, but UAE investors can use representatives to simplify the process.

5. Register with SBRA

Submit all documents to the SBRA to obtain a company registration certificate.

6. Obtain Tax & VAT Numbers

Register your company with the Serbian Tax Authority for:

• Corporate Tax (15%)
• VAT (20%)
• Employee taxes (if applicable)

7. Employment Registration (If Hiring Staff)

If your company hires employees, register with the Central Registry of Compulsory Social Insurance (CROSO) for social security and health insurance contributions.

8. Obtain Licenses (Industry-Specific)

Certain sectors such as construction, finance, IT, healthcare, and education may require additional government licenses or permits.

Timeline: With professional support, the full process can be completed in 1–2 weeks, allowing UAE investors to focus on operations rather than paperwork.

Cost of Company Formation in Serbia

Cost Component	Approximate Cost
Government Registration Fees	€50 – €100
Notary & Legal Fees	€100 – €300
Virtual Office / Registered Address	€500/year
Legal & Consultancy Fees	€800 – €1,500

 

Total Cost: Most LLC setups can be completed for €1,000–€2,500, excluding ongoing operational costs.

Taxes and Compliance

• Corporate Tax: 15% flat rate
• VAT: 20% standard, 10% reduced rate
• Personal Income Tax: 10–15%
• Dividend Tax: 15%

Compared to other European countries, Serbia’s tax system is highly attractive for UAE investors looking for efficient profit retention.

Can UAE Entrepreneurs Own 100% of a Company in Serbia?

Yes. Foreign investors can own 100% of shares in a Serbian company without requiring a local partner. UAE investors can also:

• Open corporate bank accounts
• Own property in Serbia
• Apply for a business visa and residence permit through the company

This makes Serbia an ideal destination for UAE entrepreneurs seeking full control and legal ownership.

Serbia vs UAE: Business Setup Comparison

Feature	Serbia	UAE
Corporate Tax	15%	0% in Free Zones, 9% Mainland
VAT	20%	5%
Ownership	100% foreign allowed	100% Free Zones, some mainland restrictions
Minimum Share Capital	€1 for LLC	AED 1,000+ depending on jurisdiction
Setup Time	5–7 working days	5–7 working days
Labor Costs	€700–€1,000/month	AED 4,000–7,000/month
Market Access	EU & Eastern Europe	Middle East, Africa, Asia

Summary for UAE Investors:

• Serbia: Best for entering European markets at low cost.
• UAE: Best for Middle East and Asia trade, tax-free benefits.
• Many investors combine both for maximum global reach.

Benefits for UAE Entrepreneurs Expanding to Serbia

• Affordable business setup with low share capital
• Full ownership rights with 100% foreign control
• Access to highly skilled, multilingual workforce
• Strategic location for trade and expansion in Europe
• Favorable taxation and double tax treaties with UAE
• Opportunities for residence permit and long-term relocation

Why Work with Al Tawkel Center UAE

At Al Tawkel Center UAE, we simplify Serbia company formation for UAE investors by offering:

• Complete company registration services
• Corporate bank account setup guidance
• Document preparation, notarization, and translation
• Tax & VAT registration support
• Assistance with business visa and residence permit applications
• Ongoing legal compliance and business advisory services

Contact us on WhatsApp to start your Serbia company setup today.

FAQs About Serbia Company Setup

1. How long does it take to register a company in Serbia?
   Typically 5–7 working days with complete documents.
2. Can I register a Serbian company without visiting the country?
   Yes, UAE investors can appoint a representative or use Al Tawkel Center UAE to handle registration.
3. What is the minimum capital required?
   An LLC requires only €1; other company types may require more.
4. Can company ownership lead to Serbian residency?
   Yes, business owners can apply for a business visa and residence permit.
5. Are there double taxation treaties with UAE?
   Yes, Serbia has a double taxation agreement with the UAE, ensuring profits aren’t taxed twice.
6. How does Serbia compare to UAE Free Zones for business setup?
   Serbia offers lower operational costs and access to European markets, while UAE provides tax-free benefits and strategic Middle East market access.

Conclusion

For UAE entrepreneurs, Serbia offers a cost-effective, strategic, and investor-friendly destination to expand your business into Europe. Its low taxes, fast company registration, full foreign ownership rights, and skilled workforce make it an ideal choice for long-term growth.

At Al Tawkel Center UAE, we provide end-to-end support for Serbia company setup, including legal, banking, tax, and visa assistance, so you can focus on growing your business.

Ready to setup your company in Serbia? Contact us today at +971 54 279 2978 or WhatsApp us here for a free consultation