5 September 2026
Establish a Subsidiary in Serbia
Investors can set up subsidiaries in Serbia and can be guided in this matter by our specialists in company incorporation.
If you are a representative of a foreign business seeking more details about how a subsidiary can be established in Serbia in 2026, we suggest you address your requests to our experts in company formation in Serbia. You may use our online services.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation (home country/foreign country) | Serbian Company Law |
Best used for | – financial services, – insurance, – IT, – media and communication |
Minimum share capital | Yes |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | Around 5 weeks |
| Management (local/foreign) | Local |
| Legal representative required | Yes |
| Local bank account | Yes |
| Independence from the parent company | Yes |
| Liability of the parent company | No, the subsidiary is liable for its debts and obligations |
| Corporate tax rate | 15% |
| Possibility of hiring local staff | Yes |
Is a subsidiary 100% foreign owned in Serbia?
Yes.
What are the characteristics of subsidiaries in Serbia?
- it is an extension of the parent company,
- can develop other activities than the ones of the foreign company,
- can own and manage various assets,
- are independent legal entities, etc.
What is the optimal business entity for a subsidiary in Serbia?
The limited liability company – DOO in Serbia.
Is there a minimum share capital needed for setting up a subsidiary in Serbia in 2026?
No.
Here is an infographic prepared by our specialists in subsidiary formation in Serbia:
Can I hire foreign staff when opening a subsidiary in Serbia?
Yes. You will have to consider the Labor Law in Serbia and register foreign employees with the local authorities.
What are the key conditions for opening a subsidiary in Serbia in 2026?
- present a declaration from the parent company stating the opening of a subsidiary in Serbia,
- check and reserve the business name,
- ensure a business address in Serbia,
- open a corporate bank account for your subsidiary in Serbia,
- register for VAT and social contributions,
- a company seal is optional (no longer mandatory since October 2018),
- register the employment contracts in compliance with the Employment Law,
- enrol in the Pension and Health Funds in Serbia with the authorities in charge, etc.
IMPORTANT: All documents must be notarized and submitted to the Business Registers Agency in Serbia, which is the institution that issues the certificate of incorporation as a subsidiary.
Please explore this video presentation with details about subsidiaries in Serbia:
Can I own real estate properties when opening a subsidiary in Serbia?
Yes.
Can I register a subsidiary in Serbia remotely?
Yes. Our Serbian agents can represent you via power of attorney.
What is the timeframe for opening a subsidiary in Serbia in 2026?
A few weeks.
Do you provide accounting services for subsidiaries in Serbia?
Absolutely. We can put you in contact with our accounting experts.
Are there any updates to consider when opening a subsidiary in Serbia in 2026?
- starting in 2026, holders of subsidiaries in Serbia must comply with new instructions on electronic delivery notes, in so-called business-to-government (B2G) transactions.
- preliminary VAT return deadline for companies/subsidiaries has been postponed to January 2027.
- mergers & acquisitions involving subsidiaries in Serbia remain subject to merger control by the Commission for Protection of Competition when the turnover thresholds are met.
- subsidiaries hiring foreign staff will have to comply with the single permit system & regulations in Serbia.
If you need more details about how to open a subsidiary of your company, you may contact our consultants in company registration in Serbia. We can tell you more about setting up a company in Serbia and related procedures.