Serbian Banking, Without the Branch Runaround
Foreigners can open personal and corporate accounts in Serbia — multi-currency, online, and now on SEPA. We choose the right bank, prepare the documents, book the appointment, and attend it with you, handling all the Serbian.
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Serbia?
Yes. Foreigners can open both personal and corporate bank accounts in Serbia. Banks offer multi-currency accounts in EUR, USD, GBP, CHF, and RSD, with online banking and international transfers. Deposits are insured up to €50,000 per bank. We arrange the appointment, prepare the documents, attend with you, and handle all Serbian-language communication with the bank.
Personal and corporate banking in Serbia
The requirements, process, and features differ significantly between personal and corporate accounts. Here's what each involves.
Personal Bank Account
A personal current account gives you the financial infrastructure for daily life — salary, rent, utilities, ATMs, and RSD plus foreign currency in one place. Required for anyone living and working in Serbia long-term.
- Multi-currency — EUR, USD, GBP, CHF, and RSD in one account
- Visa or Mastercard debit card, usable internationally
- Online and mobile banking in English at major banks
- International SWIFT transfers — send and receive globally
- Required for salary if employed in Serbia
- Useful for property purchase and rental payments
Corporate Bank Account
A corporate account is a legal requirement for every registered Serbian DOO — you cannot operate without one. It's used for all business transactions, payroll, tax, VAT filings, and invoicing, and is opened in the company's name after registration.
- Required for all registered Serbian DOOs — no exceptions
- Multi-currency business account — EUR, USD, RSD and others
- Online banking with multi-user admin controls
- International SWIFT and SEPA transfers
- Corporate debit and credit card options
- Statements accepted for tax and accounting purposes
Euro transfers now clear in one business day
Serbia joined the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), with banks reaching full operational readiness in 2026. Euro transfers to and from SEPA countries now process in about one business day at domestic-equivalent fees — replacing the slow, expensive correspondent-bank routing that used to make euro payments a bottleneck. For remote workers, investors, and businesses moving money across borders, this is the single biggest improvement to Serbian banking in years.
Serbian banks we work with
We hold relationships with the major Serbian banks most suitable for foreign clients. The right one depends on your nationality, account purpose, and needs — we advise on the best fit before your appointment.
Raiffeisen Bank Serbia
Austrian-owned. The strongest English-language support, an extensive online banking platform, and broad experience with international clients. Recommended for most foreign individuals and companies.
Banca Intesa Serbia
Italian-owned (Intesa Sanpaolo). A large branch network across Serbia and strong corporate banking — good for companies with Italian or EU connections.
OTP Bank Serbia
Hungarian-owned. A competitive fee structure for personal and corporate accounts — good for clients with Eastern-European business ties.
Komercijalna Banka
Serbian domestic bank with an extensive ATM and branch network nationwide — a good option for clients outside Belgrade and Novi Sad who need broader access.
Important: Serbian bank policies for non-residents change periodically — what's accepted at one bank today may change next month. We stay current on which banks are opening accounts for specific nationalities and what the current document requirements are, and advise on the best option for your situation before any appointment is booked.
What you need to open an account
Requirements differ between personal and corporate accounts. We provide a personalised checklist for your specific situation before any appointment — nothing is left to chance at the counter.
Personal account opening
- Valid passport — original, not a copy
- Serbian temporary or permanent residence permit, if you have one
- Proof of address — Serbian lease or utility bill (within 3 months), or a foreign address document if non-resident
- Proof of income or employment, where a bank requires it
- Tax identification number (PIB/JMBG), where applicable
- Completed bank application form — prepared by us in advance
Requirements vary by bank and nationality. We confirm the exact list before your appointment.
Corporate account opening
- APR company registration extract — dated within the last 3 months
- Founding documents — memorandum of association and articles
- Business activity description and expected turnover
- Passports of all directors and beneficial owners
- Proof of registered address — virtual office certificate or lease
- Company tax identification number (PIB)
- Director's personal bank reference, if requested
- AML questionnaire — completed with the bank's compliance team
Corporate opening involves an AML process — the bank asks about activities, transaction volumes, and source of funds. We prepare you for these questions beforehand.
What we do at every stage
Opening a Serbian account as a foreigner involves more than showing up with a passport. Here's exactly what we manage on your behalf.
Bank selection
We advise on the best bank for your nationality, residency status, account purpose, and current bank policies. Not all banks are equally accessible to all nationalities at a given time.
Document checklist
A personalised checklist before you prepare anything — so you arrive with exactly what the bank requires. No wasted trips over a missing document.
Appointment booking
We book the right branch with a relationship manager who handles international clients — not a front-desk teller unfamiliar with non-resident requirements.
Form preparation
All Serbian-language forms completed in advance by our team. You review and sign — you don't fill in Serbian forms at the counter under time pressure.
In-person attendance
We attend with you, handling all Serbian-language communication, translating explanations, and resolving any unexpected requirements on the spot.
Post-opening support
We set up online banking, help you understand your account documents (which are in Serbian), and stay available for follow-up once the account is active.
Deposit insurance in Serbia
Serbian bank deposits are protected by the Deposit Insurance Agency of Serbia (Agencija za osiguranje depozita), up to €50,000 per depositor per bank — in dinars or foreign currency. The scheme covers both personal and corporate accounts and operates similarly to EU deposit-guarantee schemes.
Covers personal accounts
Individual current, savings, and foreign-currency accounts held by private individuals — up to €50,000 per depositor per bank.
Covers corporate accounts
Company current accounts held by Serbian-registered entities are covered by the same scheme — up to €50,000 per company per bank.
RSD and foreign currency
Protection applies to accounts in both Serbian Dinars and foreign currencies — EUR, USD, GBP, and others are all covered.
Multiple banks, multiple cover
The limit is per bank. Holding accounts at two different Serbian banks gives you €100,000 of total deposit protection.
Note: on Serbia's accession to the European Union, the guaranteed amount is set to rise from €50,000 to €100,000 in line with EU rules. The current limit is €50,000.
Serbian banking — common questions
Ready to open your Serbian bank account?
Book a banking setup call. We'll confirm the right bank for your nationality, prepare your documents, and attend the appointment with you — start to active account.