Top 8 Business Opportunities in Serbia for Foreigners in 2025

TL;DR:
Starting a business in Serbia is one of the easiest and most effective ways to gain temporary residence. But not every industry is ideal for foreigners. This guide breaks down the 8 most promising and underserved business opportunities in Serbia, based on boots-on-the-ground experience from Relocation Serbia. From tech to tourism, here’s where to invest and why.

 

Watch the full video!

Man questioning Canada's future next to Prime Minister Mark Carney with text overlay "Is Canada Cooked?" – political dissatisfaction among Canadians considering moving to Serbia
Why Start a Business in Serbia?

Serbia offers one of the most accessible residency pathways in Europe through business formation. Whether you register as an entrepreneur (preduzetnik) or an LLC (d.o.o.), you can apply for temporary residence and operate legally.

But here’s the catch: your business must be active and aligned with your skills. Authorities may require proof such as diplomas, work experience, or certifications to approve your business and renew your residency.

Top 8 Business Ideas in Serbia for 2025
Information Technology & Startups
  • Serbia is home to over 4,000 tech startups that have raised over $1.3 billion in funding.

  • Major hubs: Belgrade and Novi Sad.

  • There's a high demand for IT professionals, as well as support services like:

    • Digital marketing

    • UX/UI design

    • Sales development

    • Startup consulting

Pro tip: Many Serbian startups lack international marketing expertise—if you're strong in sales or scaling globally, there's massive opportunity here

Tourism & Hospitality
  • Serbia is seeing record-breaking tourism growth and outpaced much of Europe in 2023.

  • Expo 2027 in Belgrade is expected to supercharge this trend.

  • Great sectors include:

    • Eco-tourism and glamping

    • Boutique hotels

    • Wine and spa retreats

      Region          Highlights
      Zlatibor & Kopaonik      Mountain escapes & ski tourism
      Vrnjačka Banja      Wellness tourism
      Fruška Gora      Wine region & nature retreats
Renewable Energy & Sustainability
  • The Serbian government supports solar, wind, and hydro projects through subsidies and tax incentives.

  • Great for:

    • Retirees or digital nomads setting up off-grid homes

    • Entrepreneurs skilled in green tech installation

    • Companies offering energy audits or efficiency upgrades

E-commerce & Logistics
  • The e-commerce market in Serbia is growing fast, though still underdeveloped.

  • TEMU is the local favorite, but there’s room for Amazon-style experiences.

  • Serbia’s location in the Balkans offers strong logistics advantages to Eastern and Western Europe.

  • Ideal for:

    • Dropshipping businesses

    • Fulfillment and warehousing services

    • Product sourcing or white-labeling from Serbia

Education & Language Training
  • Huge demand from:

    • Expats seeking international schools (only 1 in Novi Sad!)

    • Locals wanting English and tech training

  • Business ideas include:

    • International schools at more affordable price points (current fees ~€10,000/year per child)

    • EdTech platforms for global learning

    • Vocational training in trades or digital skills

Health, Wellness & Fitness
  • Rapid growth in:

    • Gyms, boutique fitness studios

    • Health food and supplement shops

    • Retreats that combine wellness + tourism

  • Great opportunity for:

    • Nutritionists

    • Fitness coaches

    • Yoga/wellness retreat founders

Ideal areas: Tourist-friendly regions like Vrnjačka Banja, Fruška Gora, or even Belgrade/Novi Sad for expat clients.

Construction Services
  • High demand for:

    • General contractors

    • Renovators

    • Plumbers, electricians, masons

  • Serbia lacks cookie-cutter homebuilders—most projects are custom.

  • Many of our clients at Relocation Serbia are buying property and need reliable crews.

Why Serbia over Canada or U.S.?

  • Corporate tax in Serbia is 15% flat, versus 30–40%+ in North America.

  • Access to government grants when employing skilled workers.

Property Management
  • This is an underserved and near-empty market.

  • Expats need:

    • Cleaners, landscapers, repair services

    • House check-ins while abroad

    • Office cleaning or upkeep

  • Even some city-paid building managers in Serbia neglect responsibilities—there’s room for serious competition.

Tax Benefits for Foreign Business Owners
Tax Type Rate
Corporate tax                  15%
VAT (PDV) 20%
Withholding tax 20%
Dividend tax 15%
Personal income Progressive (10–20%)


You may also be eligible for R&D tax credits, startup incentives, or employment grants. Let us help you structure it right.
How Relocation Serbia Can Help

At Relocation Serbia, we offer full-service support for foreigners who want to launch a business in Serbia, including:

  • Legal business formation (entrepreneur or LLC)

  • Tax planning for U.S. citizens and others without dual tax treaties

  • Market entry advice

  • Connections to local professionals in your industry

  • Residency and work permit assistance

📩 Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.

Frequently asked questions
Can I open a business in Serbia with no Serbian partner?
Yes. 100% foreign ownership is allowed in both LLCs and sole proprietorships.
Can I run the business remotely?
Not if your goal is to gain Serbian residency. You must show active involvement.



Can I open a business just to get residency without actually working it?
No. Serbia is cracking down on inactive businesses. You must operate it, file taxes, and keep records. Otherwise, your residency renewal may be denied.
Do I need to keep the business active for residency renewal?
Yes. Serbian immigration may request invoices, tax receipts, and proof of operations. A dormant business can lead to denied residency renewals.
Do I need to speak Serbian to run a business?
No, but hiring a bilingual assistant or local consultant is highly recommended.
What cities are best to set up in?
  • Belgrade: Capital, best for tech/startups, tourism, and services

  • Novi Sad: Quieter but growing, good for education, tourism, and expat services

  • Rural towns: Great for eco-tourism, glamping, wellness retreats, or off-grid energy

Can I open any kind of business in Serbia as a foreigner?
No. Serbian law requires your business to reflect your background. You must show qualifications—via diplomas, references, or prior experience—that match the activity you're registering.

What documents are needed to start?
To start you will need your passport and proof of address and business plan. There are other items needed that we can discuss in our consultation and specific to your case.