Navigating Serbian Business Landscape
- Vincent Deschamps

- Sep 11, 2024
- 2 min read
In the recent years, Serbia has drawn the attention of global businesses looking to penetrate the Balkan markets. Not only does it boast of strategic geographical location, but also a supportive regulatory environment. At Grannville Consulting, we carry in-depth understanding of the Serbian market and provide insightful consulting tailored to suit your business needs.

Understanding Serbian Business Law
The first hurdle to cross while establishing a business in a foreign land is understanding its business laws. The Serbian business landscape is governed by the Companies Act. This Act covers all types of businesses starting from Limited liability companies, Joint-stock companies, to Sole proprietorships. As the first step, you must identify the business type that suits your needs and understand the obligations associated with it.
Company Registration Process in Serbia
Serbia has significantly simplified business registration process. You need to submit a registration form along with the Articles of Association or the Partnership Agreement, proof of address, and bank receipt of depositing the minimum required capital. All these documents need to be submitted in Serbian, making local consultation like Grannville Consulting an invaluable resource during this process.

Key Local Regulations to Consider
After registration, operating in Serbia is subject to various local laws and regulations. One of them is Tax Laws. Both domestic and foreign businesses are liable to pay Corporate Income Tax at a rate of 15%. In addition, businesses must be mindful of Value Added Tax (VAT), Property Taxes, and local communal taxes for advertising and usage of city land.
Employment Laws
Employment in Serbia is governed by the Labour Law. This law provides a detailed framework around employment contracts, working hours, leave policies, termination rules, and so forth. Understanding this law is crucial to manage the human resources aspect of your business effectively.
Policy Benefits and Incentives
Serbia also provides numerous policies and incentives to attract foreign investments. This includes Free Trade Agreements with countries like Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Turkey. In addition, there are various grant schemes and tax incentives to encourage investments in designated "Development Areas".

The Role of Consulting Services
Understanding all these domestic laws and regulations could be a challenge. Companies like Grannville Consulting provide valuable support by ensuring that your methodologies align with local laws and practices, thus minimizing future legal or regulatory challenges.
In conclusion, while setting up a business in Serbia involves its fair share of challenges, the lucrative opportunities it presents makes it worthwhile. With comprehensive knowledge of local laws and regulations, and the right consulting support, businesses can successfully set up and operate in Serbia.
Warm Regards,
The Grannville Consulting Team




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