Österreichisch-Serbisches Wirtschaftsforum

For Austrian companies

Market entry in Serbia

Serbia is not an EU member. That shapes customs clearance, the drafting of contracts and the conditions for investment — and at the same time opens up opportunities that were taken long ago in saturated markets.

Who it is for

Companies planning the step beyond the external border of the EU

For Austrian companies Serbia is geographically close and economically different. That closeness tempts them to treat the market like another EU neighbour — a mistake that regularly makes projects more expensive and slower than planned.

Serbia is a candidate for accession, but not a member of the European Union. Movement of goods, standards, residence law and employment law therefore follow their own rules. At the same time, the legal framework is gradually aligning with European standards in many areas — which means that today’s conditions need not be those of the day after tomorrow.

Those who allow for this will find a market with qualified specialists, competitive cost structures and a considerable need for modernisation in infrastructure, energy and industry.

Guide

What matters

The framing below comes from the practice of a bilateral business network. We add specific figures, deadlines, tax rates and procedural detail as soon as they have been verified, and keep them up to date.

01

Legal form and incorporation

Which company form suits which project, how a subsidiary is structured and what steps incorporation involves.

Available soon

  • Company forms at a glance
  • Minimum capital and time required to incorporate
  • Registration procedure and authorities
  • Power of representation and management
02

Taxes and levies

The tax burden is one of the most frequent reasons for miscalculation. What matters is not only the rates but also the procedures and the deadlines.

Available soon

  • Corporate income tax and VAT
  • Double taxation agreement Austria–Serbia
  • Non-wage labour costs
  • Tax incentives and free zones
03

Customs and movement of goods

As a market outside the EU, Serbia has its own customs rules and rules of origin. For goods moving in either direction this is the most important difference in practice.

Available soon

  • Customs clearance and documentation
  • Rules of origin and preferential agreements
  • Standards, labelling and certification
  • Logistics routes and border clearance
04

Labour market and skilled workers

The availability and the qualifications of skilled workers are a central argument for the location — with regional differences.

Available soon

  • Employment law and drafting of contracts
  • Pay levels by sector and region
  • Recognition of qualifications
  • Posting of workers and residence permits
05

Support schemes and investment incentives

Incentives at national and regional level are available for investments above a certain size.

Available soon

  • State investment support
  • Regional incentives
  • Free economic zones
  • Application routes and responsibilities
06

Institutional access

In Serbia, access to authorities, chambers and representative bodies is not automatic. Personal contact often replaces several steps of a procedure.

Available soon

  • Austrian representative authorities
  • Serbian Chamber of Commerce
  • Municipal contact points
  • Relevant industry associations

Der Leitfaden für Serbia wird gerade erstellt

We will add specific figures on tax rates, incorporation timelines, minimum capital, funding programmes and administrative procedures as soon as they have been verified. Until then, the association office is glad to help you in person.

Support

You do not have to do this on your own

Our sector leads know the usual obstacles from the day-to-day experience of our members. For specific plans, we put you in touch with companies that have already taken the same step.

Become part of the network

Whether you are entering a market, looking for partners or strengthening your position in both economies — it starts with a conversation.