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.

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.
Serbia is home to over 4,000 tech startups that have raised over $1.3 billion in funding.
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Major hubs: Belgrade and Novi Sad.
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There's a high demand for IT professionals, as well as support services like:
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Digital marketing
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UX/UI design
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Sales development
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Startup consulting
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Pro tip: Many Serbian startups lack international marketing expertise—if you're strong in sales or scaling globally, there's massive opportunity here
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Serbia is seeing record-breaking tourism growth and outpaced much of Europe in 2023.
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Expo 2027 in Belgrade is expected to supercharge this trend.
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Great sectors include:
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Eco-tourism and glamping
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Boutique hotels
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Wine and spa retreats
Region Highlights Zlatibor & Kopaonik Mountain escapes & ski tourism Vrnjačka Banja Wellness tourism Fruška Gora Wine region & nature retreats
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The Serbian government supports solar, wind, and hydro projects through subsidies and tax incentives.
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Great for:
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Retirees or digital nomads setting up off-grid homes
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Entrepreneurs skilled in green tech installation
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Companies offering energy audits or efficiency upgrades
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The e-commerce market in Serbia is growing fast, though still underdeveloped.
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TEMU is the local favorite, but there’s room for Amazon-style experiences.
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Serbia’s location in the Balkans offers strong logistics advantages to Eastern and Western Europe.
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Ideal for:
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Dropshipping businesses
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Fulfillment and warehousing services
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Product sourcing or white-labeling from Serbia
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Huge demand from:
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Expats seeking international schools (only 1 in Novi Sad!)
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Locals wanting English and tech training
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Business ideas include:
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International schools at more affordable price points (current fees ~€10,000/year per child)
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EdTech platforms for global learning
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Vocational training in trades or digital skills
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Rapid growth in:
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Gyms, boutique fitness studios
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Health food and supplement shops
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Retreats that combine wellness + tourism
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Great opportunity for:
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Nutritionists
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Fitness coaches
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Yoga/wellness retreat founders
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Ideal areas: Tourist-friendly regions like Vrnjačka Banja, Fruška Gora, or even Belgrade/Novi Sad for expat clients.
High demand for:
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General contractors
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Renovators
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Plumbers, electricians, masons
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Serbia lacks cookie-cutter homebuilders—most projects are custom.
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Many of our clients at Relocation Serbia are buying property and need reliable crews.
Why Serbia over Canada or U.S.?
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Corporate tax in Serbia is 15% flat, versus 30–40%+ in North America.
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Access to government grants when employing skilled workers.
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This is an underserved and near-empty market.
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Expats need:
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Cleaners, landscapers, repair services
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House check-ins while abroad
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Office cleaning or upkeep
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Even some city-paid building managers in Serbia neglect responsibilities—there’s room for serious competition.
Tax Type | Rate |
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Corporate tax | 15% |
VAT (PDV) | 20% |
Withholding tax | 20% |
Dividend tax | 15% |
Personal income | Progressive (10–20%) |
At Relocation Serbia, we offer full-service support for foreigners who want to launch a business in Serbia, including:
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Legal business formation (entrepreneur or LLC)
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Tax planning for U.S. citizens and others without dual tax treaties
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Market entry advice
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Connections to local professionals in your industry
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Residency and work permit assistance
📩 Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
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Belgrade: Capital, best for tech/startups, tourism, and services
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Novi Sad: Quieter but growing, good for education, tourism, and expat services
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Rural towns: Great for eco-tourism, glamping, wellness retreats, or off-grid energy