Establishing a Branch and Corporate Account in Serbia to Optimize International Business

Embarking on a strategic journey to optimize international business involves navigating various challenges, such as understanding diverse legal requirements, complying with intricate regulatory frameworks, and establishing effective financial transfer channels across borders. Learn what opportunities existing in Serbia can become a game-changer. 

Registering a branch of your business in Serbia and then using our experts’ assistance to open either a resident or a non-resident bank account in the shortest possible time allows you to successfully overcome two common challenges faced by offshore businesses:

• Meeting Substance Requirements: Offshore entities often struggle to fulfill the substance requirements, encompassing elements such as a legal address, physical office, Tax Identification Number (TIN), employees, and a corporate account. 
• Gaining Access to Commercial Banking Tools: Securing guaranteed access to commercial banking tools and services is crucial for international offshore businesses.

With over a decade of international experience, our professional services are tailored to assist offshore businesses in navigating the complexities of global commerce.

Onshore Strengths Enhancing Offshore Advantages

In the realm where onshore strengths seamlessly blend with offshore advantages and the Western business landscape welcomes the Eastern horizon, establishing a branch of a foreign company in Serbia presents a unique opportunity. Here are the key reasons substantiating this proposition:

• Legal Structure: Registering a branch in Serbia, under the Law on Companies, doesn’t establish a separate legal entity. It engages in legal transactions on behalf of the offshore parent company, retaining liability for all branch-related obligations.
• Operational Seamlessness: Opening a business branch in Serbia allows the headquarters to continue regular operations without amending incorporation documents. No changes are required in ownership structures, shareholders, or management configurations.

Banking Adaptability: Although a branch in Serbia cannot operate through a foreign bank account, it faces no obstacles in setting up a non-resident bank account in Serbia under the offshore parent entity’s name. The branch utilizes but does not own the parent company’s assets, enabling formal operations for different business lines in Serbia.

• Identity and Recognition: The branch shares the same trade name as the parent company and can adopt a distinct local name for promotional purposes. It acquires a Tax Identification Number (TIN) in Serbia and has a separate legal address.
• Residency and Taxation: Any foreign entity’s branch in Serbia is considered a resident, maintaining independent accounting records and facing taxation solely on branch profits. Mandatory registration as a VAT taxpayer occurs when annual revenues exceed a set threshold, and Serbia’s extensive tax treaty network supports avoiding double taxation.
• Tax Efficiency: Asset transfers and payments from the head office to the branch are not taxable; they are treated as internal fund movements within the company. Thus, a foreign entity’s branch in Serbia becomes a strategic tool for internal treasury management.
• Simplified Closure: In case of closure, a branch in Serbia requires no liquidation procedures. Its assets remain the property of the offshore parent company.
• Neutral Diplomacy: Serbia’s neutral stance on contentious issues between East and West, coupled with its commitment to fostering cooperation, positions a branch of a foreign entity in Serbia as a gateway to diverse international markets, expanding global business reach.

Exploring Options: Europe vs. the Optimal Serbian Solution

When considering where to establish a branch/office and open its corporate account, the choice between European countries and Serbia presents distinct possibilities. While it is feasible to open in any European country, opting for Serbia proves to be more advantageous in terms of efforts, costs, terms, and benefits. Here are the reasons, why:

• Cost Efficiency: The expenses associated with opening and operating a branch and its account in any European country, encompassing fees for accounting services and office rent, are substantially higher than those incurred in Serbia.
• Tax Considerations: European taxes for companies are notably higher than the taxes applicable to your branch in Serbia.
• Neutral Business Climate: The country maintains a neutral foreign policy and ensures an absence of discrimination based on political reasons. Serbia actively cultivates a favorable business environment and refrains from imposing unnecessary restrictions on foreign business owners.
• Investor-Friendly Environment: Serbia openly welcomes and values the contributions of investors to the national economy. Properties of foreign High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) and international companies are secure here.

These advantages become accessible upon the establishment of a business branch in Serbia, emphasizing the critical role of opening a bank account in Serbia. Look here for more information about the incentives offered by Serbia. You can also schedule a free online session with our experts.

Documentation for Branch Registration

Navigating the paperwork is essential for a seamless registration process. The following documents are typically required:

• Apostilled copies of recent offshore company documents.
• Optional contract with a local director.
• Lease agreement for a Serbia office.
• Serbian Business Register Forms (supervised).
• Passport copies for all directors, shareholders, and UBOs.
• Legalized Limited Power of Attorney.
• Copy of the foreign company’s Resolution.
• Completed Consent for parent company liability.
• Document confirming the parent company’s foreign account (within 1 month). 

Concierge Services for Your Branch

Running a branch in a foreign country presents challenges in daily business tasks. Our Concierge Services cater to your needs, offering assistance in interactions with local authorities, handling communications, and ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. The annual fee is approximately €1,200 (€100 monthly). Choose from our three packages to enhance your business operations.

Annual Costs and Considerations

Understanding the annual costs of maintaining a branch presence in Serbia is crucial. These include fees for a registered address, bookkeeping/accounting services, and optional office space. Hiring local personnel enhances substance and business reputation.

Conclusion

The strategic move of registering a branch in Serbia and opening a corporate account addresses the challenges faced by offshore companies, offering a cost-effective, tax-efficient, and internationally viable solution. Our expertise and concierge services ensure a smooth process, allowing businesses to thrive in the evolving global landscape.

For personalized assistance and to explore the comprehensive benefits of establishing a branch and corporate account in Serbia, contact us for a free online session with our experts.