What is the main advantage of a company (d.o.o.) over a sole proprietorship for a work permit?

A limited liability company (d.o.o.) provides protection for your personal assets from business debts and is better suited for businesses planning to scale, hire employees, or seek investment. A sole proprietorship (preduzetnik) offers a simpler setup with potentially lower administrative overhead, making it ideal for freelancers and individual consultants.

Can I start the registration process before arriving in Serbia?

Yes, we can initiate the company or sole entrepreneur registration process on your behalf with a notarized Power of Attorney. This allows us to prepare the groundwork, but you will need to be physically present in Serbia to submit your personal temporary residence application.

What are the typical ongoing costs for a self-employed person in Serbia?

Ongoing costs include mandatory monthly taxes and social security contributions (which vary based on your business structure and income), accounting fees, and your personal living expenses such as accommodation and utilities. We provide a detailed cost projection tailored to your specific situation.

Can my family join me in Serbia if I get a self-employment permit?

Absolutely. Once you have successfully obtained your temporary residence and work permit, your close family members (such as a spouse and dependent children) are eligible to apply for temporary residence based on family reunification, allowing them to live with you in Serbia.

Unlock Serbia: Your Guide to Securing Residency Through Self-Employment

Serbia’s dynamic economy is increasingly a magnet for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and innovators from around the globe. If you're looking to establish your business in a thriving European market without being tied to a local employer, the self-employment pathway offers a direct route to securing both your work and residence permits.

This approach is rapidly gaining popularity, with over 50% of the 35,000+ work permits issued in recent years going to self-employed professionals. This guide outlines the two primary routes to achieving this: registering your own company or establishing yourself as a sole entrepreneur. We'll break down the process, costs, and key considerations for each, empowering you to choose the best path for your professional goals.

Pathway 1: Establishing a Limited Liability Company (d.o.o.)

Best for: Founders seeking a formal corporate structure, liability protection, and scalability for their business.

The Process at a Glance

Company Registration: We manage the entire electronic registration process, which is now mandatory online. Our team handles all digital submissions and prepares bilingual documentation (e.g., Serbian-English) for international clients.
Directorship & Employment: As the founder, you can also serve as the company director, with flexible options for employment status.
Essential Foundations: We assist in securing a registered office, opening a corporate bank account, and connecting you with trusted accountants—all crucial steps before applying for residency.
Residency & Work Permit Application: Once your company is established, we manage the parallel applications for your permits, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
Family Reunification: A successful application opens the door for your close family members to apply for residency and join you in Serbia.

Financial Overview

Your investment in this pathway includes one-time registration expenses and ongoing operational costs. Key post-registration expenses include mandatory social contributions for the director (approx. €200/month if not drawing a salary), accounting fees, and office rent. We provide a transparent breakdown of all anticipated costs.

Pathway 2: Registering as a Sole Entrepreneur (Preduzetnik)

A skilled construction worker on a construction site

Best for: Freelancers, consultants, and individual service providers seeking a simpler setup with lower administrative overhead.

The Process at a Glance

Simplified Registration: We guide you through a flexible registration process, available both online and in paper format, and help you gather all necessary information.
Tax Flexibility: This pathway offers a choice between a predictable flat-rate monthly tax (approx. €400/month, simplifying bookkeeping) or a system based on actual earnings, which requires an accountant.
Business Essentials: We assist with setting up your registered office, personal business bank account, and connecting you with an accountant if needed.
Residency & Work Permit Application: Once registered, we manage your permit applications based on your new status as a sole entrepreneur.
Family Reunification: Your family can apply to join you in Serbia once your permits are secured.

Financial Overview

This route involves registration fees and ongoing costs, primarily your monthly tax and social contributions. In addition, you will need to budget for living expenses, such as accommodation (a one-bedroom flat in Belgrade averages €500/month plus utilities) and other personal costs.

How SEECAP Transforms a Complex Process into a Clear Path

Navigating the legal and administrative landscape of a new country can be daunting. At SEECAP, we specialize in turning these complexities into a streamlined, manageable process. Our end-to-end service is designed to support you at every step.

Expert Guidance: We help you choose the right business structure and prepare all necessary documentation.
Full-Service Registration: We handle the entire registration for your company or sole proprietorship.
Permit Application Management: We manage the residence and work permit applications for you and your family, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
Essential Business Support: We connect you with our network of trusted partners for accounting, banking, and finding a registered office.
Relocation Assistance: We can help you source accommodation to ensure your move to Serbia is as smooth as possible.

Our expertise is focused on providing comprehensive support for business-based immigration. If you are ready to start your entrepreneurial journey in Serbia, contact us to learn how we can help.

We accept payments in RSD, USD, Euro, or RUB.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main advantage of a company (d.o.o.) over a sole proprietorship for a work permit?: A limited liability company (d.o.o.) provides protection for your personal assets from business debts and is better suited for businesses planning to scale, hire employees, or seek investment. A sole proprietorship (preduzetnik) offers a simpler setup with potentially lower administrative overhead, making it ideal for freelancers and individual consultants.
Can I start the registration process before arriving in Serbia?: Yes, we can initiate the company or sole entrepreneur registration process on your behalf with a notarized Power of Attorney. This allows us to prepare the groundwork, but you will need to be physically present in Serbia to submit your personal temporary residence application.
What are the typical ongoing costs for a self-employed person in Serbia?: Ongoing costs include mandatory monthly taxes and social security contributions (which vary based on your business structure and income), accounting fees, and your personal living expenses such as accommodation and utilities. We provide a detailed cost projection tailored to your specific situation.
Can my family join me in Serbia if I get a self-employment permit?: Absolutely. Once you have successfully obtained your temporary residence and work permit, your close family members (such as a spouse and dependent children) are eligible to apply for temporary residence based on family reunification, allowing them to live with you in Serbia.

Published 26/07/2023
Updated 01/07/2025