Paušal taxation in Serbia is a simplified system with a fixed tax rate that does not depend on the entrepreneur's actual profit. This regime is considered the simplest and most convenient, especially for freelancers, IT specialists, and consultants working with foreign clients.
The Zdravstvena knjižica or kartica is Serbia's compulsory health insurance (OMS) policy, which provides access to public medical services. Obtaining this document is directly linked to having a residence permit (VNZh). It is impossible to apply for Serbian public health insurance without a residence permit.
The 'White Card' (Beli karton) is the official confirmation of a foreigner's registration at their place of residence in Serbia. It is essentially an equivalent of a temporary residence registration. Although the document is usually issued for an indefinite period, it must be re-registered each time you leave and re-enter the country, unless you have a residence permit (VNZh).
When choosing a bank in Serbia, it's important to understand the legal framework. According to Article 41 of the Law on Banks, financial institutions have the right to choose their clients and are not obligated to explain the reasons for refusing to open an account. Attempts to challenge such a decision are usually unsuccessful.
You can buy a car in Serbia even without a residence permit, but you won't be able to register it. Therefore, the key step before purchasing is obtaining a residence permit. It's important that the permit is issued for at least six months and is valid at the time of vehicle registration. A Serbian driver's license is not required for the registration process.
The Serbian government services portal is designed to simplify interactions between citizens, as well as foreigners residing in the country, and government organizations. It consolidates numerous services, enabling users to handle administrative and business matters online.
When applying for a residence permit (VNZH) in Serbia, having a medical insurance policy is a mandatory requirement. There are several major insurance companies on the market offering various service packages. The choice depends on whether you need the insurance solely for submitting documents or for actual medical care.
The procedure for changing the basis for a residence permit (boravak) in Serbia is not clearly described in the legislation, but in practice, it is possible and widely used. The main rule to follow is that a foreigner has 30 calendar days from the moment the previous basis is lost (e.g., from the date of dismissal or closure of a sole proprietorship) to find a new one.
For those planning to move to Serbia, there are many useful online resources, chief among them being specialized Telegram chats. They bring together people who are ready to share their experiences and help each other. The main mission of such communities is to make information about relocation open and accessible to everyone, thereby reducing the need for intermediary services.