For foreign founders & relocators
Serbia residence & work permit: the company-owner route
Since 1 February 2024 Serbia issues a single residence-and-work permit (jedinstvena dozvola). Owning or founding a Serbian company is a recognised basis for it — applied online, possible from abroad, for up to 3 years. We handle the company; you apply through the official portal.
- One single permit for residence + work (since 1 Feb 2024)
- Owning a Serbian company = a valid self-employment basis
- Applied electronically, possible from abroad
- Granted for up to 3 years
The honest split
- We do: form & run your Serbian company
- You do: apply via welcometoserbia.gov.rs
- A lawyer does: the immigration legal advice
What changed in 2024
One permit instead of two
Before, a foreigner needed a temporary residence permit and then a separate work permit. Since 1 February 2024, Serbia issues a single residence-and-work permit (jedinstvena dozvola) in one electronic procedure via the official portal welcometoserbia.gov.rs. It can be applied for from abroad and can be granted for up to three years, which makes Serbia far more practical for remote founders who want a base near the EU.
Your basis to apply
Owning a Serbian company is a valid ground
The single permit is granted on a defined legal basis. For founders, the relevant one is self-employment — and founding or owning a Serbian company is recognised as such a basis. Common grounds include:
- Self-employment — founding or owning a Serbian company (d.o.o.) or registering as a preduzetnik.
- Employment with a Serbian employer (a separate, common route).
- Other grounds set by law (study, family reunification, etc.).
How it ties to forming a company with us
1. We form the company
A Serbian d.o.o. (min. capital 100 RSD) or a preduzetnik, registered with the APR — remotely, in English. This becomes your basis for the permit.
2. We keep it compliant
Registered office, monthly accounting and filings — so the entity behind your application is genuine and in good standing, not a dormant shell.
3. You apply for the permit
You submit the single-permit application via welcometoserbia.gov.rs (a lawyer can assist). We provide the company documents you need.
Residence & work permit FAQ
What is the single residence-and-work permit (jedinstvena dozvola)?
Since 1 February 2024 Serbia issues a single permit that combines temporary residence and the right to work in one procedure, instead of two separate applications. It is applied for electronically through the official portal welcometoserbia.gov.rs, can be submitted from abroad, and can be granted for up to 3 years.
Can owning a Serbian company be a basis for the permit?
Yes. Founding or owning a Serbian company (for example a d.o.o.) — or registering as a preduzetnik — is recognised as a valid basis for temporary residence and work on the grounds of self-employment. In practice many foreign founders first register the company, then apply for the single permit on that basis. We set up and run the company; the permit application itself goes through the official portal and, where needed, an immigration lawyer.
Do you handle the immigration application for me?
No — and we are clear about that. We are accountants and a company-formation service, not immigration lawyers. We make sure the company side is correct (a properly registered d.o.o. or preduzetnik, a registered office, accounting in place) so that you have a clean basis to apply on. The permit application itself you submit via welcometoserbia.gov.rs, and for the legal specifics we recommend a licensed immigration lawyer.
Can I apply from outside Serbia?
According to the official portal, the single permit can be applied for electronically and from abroad. This is one reason the company-first route works well for remote founders: you can incorporate remotely, then start the permit process without first relocating. Exact document requirements and timelines are set by the Serbian authorities — always confirm on the official portal.
Is Serbia in the EU?
No. Serbia is not in the EU single market. It is a low-cost base bordering the EU, with double-tax treaties with many countries. A Serbian residence permit does not grant EU residence or Schengen rights — it is a Serbian permit.
What does the company side cost?
Forming a Serbian d.o.o. is cheap to start — the minimum share capital is just 100 RSD (≈ 1 €) and electronic APR registration fees are orientationally around 4.900 RSD. We then run the monthly accounting. See company formation for the full breakdown.
Want the company side handled first?
We form and run your Serbian company so you have a clean self-employment basis — then you apply for the single permit through the official portal.
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