Opening a bank account in Serbia

Updated 17.09.2026 · 2 min read

Opening an account starts with choosing a suitable bank and presenting a clear explanation of your funds. A personal account, a sole trader's account and a DOO's corporate account serve different purposes and require different preparation.

1. First, define what the account is for
2. Documents for an individual client
3. Additional requirements for businesses
4. How we organise support

• Everyday expenses, rent and receiving personal income.
• A sole trader's payments with clients and mandatory payments.
• Company dealings with employees, suppliers and foreign partners.
• A specific transaction: buying a home or making a large international transfer.

Tell the bank the actual countries, currencies and types of transactions you expect. Having a card for everyday purchases does not mean the bank will process every international payment.

The bank checks identity, address, residence status, tax residence and the purpose of the relationship. Preparation usually starts with a passport and proof of residence; the list is then adapted to the bank's requirements and your circumstances.

Immigration residence, residence for foreign-exchange purposes and tax residence are different concepts. Do not select “resident” on a bank form solely because you hold a residence permit card. If your status is unclear, clarify it before signing.

A corporate account requires registration details, information about representatives and owners, the ownership structure and a description of the business. A new business benefits from a clear transaction plan: who it has or intends to have contracts with, where the initial funds will come from and who will receive payments.

Where there is a foreign founder, review the ownership chain and beneficial-owner documents in advance. This reduces repeat requests during the bank's checks.

1. We define the purpose and select a bank for the planned transactions.
2. We check the documents and the explanation of the source of funds.
3. We arrange an appointment and help complete forms in a language you understand.
4. We handle the bank's requests and check access after the account is opened.

We show the cost of the bank package, international transactions and RICS support separately. The bank decides whether to open an account and process a particular transfer; promising access to every transaction in advance would be misleading.

We look beyond account opening to the first actual transaction. The banking product must suit your income, counterparties and documents.

We will review your starting position, set out the steps and prepare a cost estimate. You will receive a scope of services, indicative timing and a clear next step.

Information checked on 17 September 2026. Before applying, confirm the current fees and requirements for your category.

• Welcome to Serbia: resident and non-resident bank accounts
• Welcome to Serbia: corporate accounts