The decision to close a sole proprietorship (preduzetnik) in Serbia raises many questions, especially for foreign citizens. Understanding the key aspects of the process from the outset will help you plan your actions and avoid unpleasant surprises.
You can purchase a SIM card in Serbia without any documents. However, a foreign passport is required for its full activation and use. After purchase, it is recommended to visit the operator's office to link the card to your passport.
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 '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.
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.
Since 2024, Serbia has started issuing a new document for foreigners who have obtained a temporary residence permit (VNZh) — the ID card. This plastic card with a chip has replaced the previously used passport stickers (nalepnice). In its format and functionality, it is similar to the identity cards used by Serbian citizens.
When banking with Raiffeisen Bank in Serbia, it's important to be aware of the key terms and operational limits. These apply to cash deposits and withdrawals, as well as transfers between accounts.
When moving to Serbia from Russia or another country, many face the need to have their educational documents validated. This procedure is called nostrification, and it is the official recognition of foreign diplomas and certificates by Serbian state authorities.