Setting Up a Business in Serbia: Opportunities and Challenges for Expats

When it comes to moving to Serbia and establishing a new life, one of the biggest concerns for expats is finding job opportunities and exploring business ventures. According to a recent poll, securing a job and business opportunity topped the list of concerns, and for good reason. In this post, we’ll dive into what it takes to set up a business in Serbia, the challenges you might face, and the potential opportunities that await.

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The Current Business Landscape in Serbia

Serbia’s economy has undergone significant changes over the past few decades. While entrepreneurship wasn’t always a popular choice due to historical challenges, such as wars and sanctions, today, Serbia is seeing a rise in entrepreneurial activity, particularly among younger generations. If you are looking to start a business in Serbia, now is a great time to capitalize on these emerging trends.


Serbia’s Business Environment offers several advantages:


  • Strategic Location: Serbia sits at the crossroads of Eastern and Western Europe, providing access to a vast market.

  • Competitive Labor Costs: Labor is affordable compared to Western Europe, making it an attractive option for business owners.

  • Free Trade Agreements: Serbia has several trade agreements, allowing businesses to operate with minimal restrictions.

However, setting up a business in Serbia is not without its challenges, especially for those unfamiliar with the local bureaucratic system. Relocation support services in Serbia are essential for navigating the process of business registration, obtaining permits, and ensuring tax compliance.

The Challenges of Starting a Business in Serbia

As with any country, setting up a business in Serbia involves navigating legal and regulatory hurdles. The country has a complex bureaucracy, which can be overwhelming for newcomers. Without local expertise, it’s easy to encounter delays or miscommunication, especially when trying to deal with government officials who may not speak English.


Key challenges include:

  • Bureaucracy: Registering your business, getting the necessary permits, and staying on top of tax compliance can be a tedious and time-consuming process.

  • Language Barrier: Many government offices do not have English-speaking staff, making it challenging for non-Serbs to get the information they need.

  • Understanding the Local Business Culture: Serbia's business culture is unique, and understanding it is crucial for success.

This is where Serbia relocation experts and relocation companies in Serbia come in. By working with a local Serbia relocation consultant, you can streamline the process of setting up your business, ensuring everything is done correctly the first time around.

Popular Business Sectors in Serbia

Serbia offers several promising business sectors for expats to consider:

  • Tourism: With Serbia setting a record for tourism revenue in 2024, this sector is booming. Whether it's running a tour company, opening a hotel, or offering related services, the Serbia travel and moving guide can be a helpful resource for identifying opportunities in this fast-growing market.

  • IT and Digital Industries: Serbia is home to a highly skilled tech workforce, with young professionals excelling in IT, AI, and digital industries.

  • Agriculture: Serbia boasts fertile land and is one of the largest producers of raspberries in the world. Investing in agriculture or small-scale food production can be a profitable venture.

  • Manufacturing: Small-scale manufacturing is another sector seeing growth, with skilled labor available at competitive costs.

Benefits of Starting a Business in Serbia

Serbia provides an excellent environment for businesses looking to expand into Europe. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Location: Serbia's strategic position between East and West offers businesses easy access to both regions.

  • Low Tax Rates: For IT businesses, Serbia offers tax incentives, including rates as low as 3%.

  • Affordable Workforce: While finding workers can sometimes be a challenge, the labor market offers affordable options for skilled trades and manual labor.

For expats, Serbia relocation specialists can offer valuable advice and support in navigating the local business landscape, from setting up a business to understanding the legal framework.

Key Tips for Expats Looking to Start a Business in Serbia

  • Work with Local Experts: The key to success in Serbia’s business environment is local knowledge. By partnering with Serbia relocation assistance services, such as legal advisors and consultants, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure everything is set up correctly.

  • Utilize Co-Working Spaces: If you’re just starting out, co-working spaces are a great way to get your business off the ground without committing to a permanent office.

  • Networking is Crucial: In Serbia, it’s not just about what you know but who you know. Networking with other expats and local business owners is an excellent way to get your foot in the door.

  • Research Government Incentives: If you’re planning to set up a tech business or another sector eligible for incentives, make sure to take advantage of Serbia’s business-friendly policies.

    • Finding Job Opportunities in Serbia

    For those not interested in starting a business but looking for job opportunities, Serbia also offers several growing industries:

    • IT: The tech sector is booming, and skilled workers are in high demand.

    • Education: English teaching is a popular job for expats, and there’s always demand for qualified educators.

    • Construction: The construction industry is also expanding, especially in the face of Serbia’s ongoing infrastructure projects.

    Many expats looking to move to Serbia take advantage of expat relocation companies in Serbia that specialize in helping them find jobs in these growing sectors.

    Starting a business or finding a job in Serbia comes with its challenges, but with the right support, it is certainly achievable. Whether you are planning to move to Serbia for business or to find a job, there are plenty of opportunities available for those willing to put in the effort. With the help of Serbia relocation services, you can make the transition easier and start building the life and career you’ve always dreamed of in Serbia.


    For more information on how we can assist you with moving to Serbia, setting up your business, or finding job opportunities, be sure to check out our comprehensive Serbia relocation guide.

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