How to Open a Serbian Company Remotely (2026): The Non-Resident Process
You do not have to fly to Belgrade to incorporate in Serbia. A non-resident can open a Serbian company remotely, either by signing electronically with a qualified e-signature (eID) or by giving someone a notarised power of attorney to file on their behalf. This guide walks through the remote process step by step, with realistic timelines.
Two ways to sign remotely
Everything in Serbia is registered with the APR (Serbian Business Registers Agency). The filing itself is electronic; the question is how you sign:
- Qualified e-signature (eID). If you can obtain a Serbian qualified electronic signature, you can sign and file the formation documents yourself, fully online. Cleanest option, but getting the eID as a non-resident can take an extra step.
- Notarised power of attorney (PoA). If you cannot get an eID, you sign a power of attorney in front of a notary in your country, have it apostilled/legalised, and your representative files with the APR for you. This is the most common route for non-residents.
Most foreign founders use the power of attorney route — it avoids the eID hurdle entirely.
The remote formation process, step by step
- Pick the form and the basics. Decide between a d.o.o. (LLC, limited liability, no income cap) and a preduzetnik (sole trader, often on the flat-rate paušal). Choose the company name, the activity code and the registered office address.
- Sort the registered address. The company needs an address in Serbia. If you have none, use a registered-address / virtual office service.
- Prepare documents. For a d.o.o.: the articles of association/founding act and the APR filings. Foreign-language documents (and your passport) are filed with a certified Serbian translation.
- Sign — eID or PoA. Either sign electronically yourself, or sign a notarised, apostilled power of attorney so a representative can file for you.
- File with the APR and pay the fee. Electronic d.o.o. formation is orientationally ~4,900 RSD; a preduzetnik is ~1,600 RSD (verify the current APR price list).
- Receive your decision, company number and PIB. The APR issues the registration decision and your PIB (tax ID).
- Open a bank account and start accounting. A d.o.o. needs double-entry bookkeeping from day one.
Timeline
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Preparing documents + translations | a few days (depends on your paperwork) |
| Notarising/apostilling the PoA abroad | depends on your country |
| APR registration once filed | usually 1–3 business days |
| Bank account opening | varies by bank |
The APR registration step itself is fast — usually one to three business days once the signed paperwork is complete. The slow parts are almost always on your side: getting documents translated, and notarising/apostilling the power of attorney in your home country. Start those early.
What about the bank?
The one part that is not always fully remote is the bank account. Banks run their own KYC and some want to meet the beneficial owner. Policies differ between banks, so we recommend confirming requirements before you assume a 100% remote account opening. Formation with the APR, however, is genuinely doable from abroad.
d.o.o. or preduzetnik for a remote founder?
If you are a solo IT contractor invoicing foreign clients, a preduzetnik on the paušal is the simplest and cheapest — but mind the independence test, covered in Serbia for IT freelancers. If you want limited liability, partners or no income cap, a d.o.o. is the better fit. Either can be set up remotely. See our full company formation in Serbia page.
Honest note: near-EU, not EU
Opening a company remotely in Serbia gives you a low-cost base next to the EU — not EU single-market access or an EU VAT number. Serbia is non-EU. For many remote founders that is exactly the right, low-cost setup; just go in with clear expectations.
FAQ
Can a non-resident open a Serbian company without visiting? Yes, the APR formation can be done remotely via a notarised power of attorney or a Serbian eID. The bank step may have its own in-person requirements.
How long does registration take? The APR step is usually 1–3 business days once signed documents are filed. Translations and notarisation abroad add the most time.
Do I need a Serbian eID? No — a notarised, apostilled power of attorney lets a representative file for you instead.
What documents do I need translated? Typically your passport and any foreign-language documents, into Serbian, by a certified court translator.
Want this handled end to end, in English? See company formation in Serbia and our accounting services, or contact us for an honest, orientational quote.