Business bank account in Serbia
A company registered in Serbia opens its business account after registration with the Business Registers Agency. A company registered abroad can open a non-resident account at a Serbian bank. In both cases the bank checks the owners, the business and the source of funds, and makes its own decision.
Account for a foreign-owned Serbian company
Once the DOO is registered with the Business Registers Agency (APR), it opens a bank account to make and receive payments. The bank asks for the founding documents, the ownership structure and the passports of the director and the beneficial owners.
The bank also asks what the company does, who its expected partners are and what turnover it expects. A short, clear business description often makes the review easier.
- APR registration decision
- Founding act
- Ownership structure down to individuals
- Passports of the director and beneficial owners
- Description of the business, partners and expected turnover
Beneficial owners
A Serbian company must record its beneficial owners in the Central Register of Beneficial Owners within 15 days of its registration. The bank compares this record with the documents the company provides.
If the data do not match, the bank usually pauses the opening until the difference is explained. We check the record before the bank visit.
Non-resident account for a foreign company
A company registered abroad can open an account at a Serbian bank as a non-resident. The bank looks for a real business link with Serbia, a clear source of funds and a transparent ownership chain.
Foreign documents need an apostille or, for countries outside the Hague Convention, legalisation. They are then translated into Serbian by a Serbian court interpreter.
- Recent extract from the foreign register
- Articles of association
- Details of directors and shareholders
- Beneficial owner information
- Apostille or legalisation and certified translation
- Power of attorney for the representative
How we help
We prepare the document list for the bank in question, check translations and the beneficial owner record, and explain the structure and business to the bank. We arrange the appointment and attend the branch with you in your language.
The decision on the account is always made by the bank. Our task is to make the application complete and clear.
How we handle it
- First contactYou describe the company, its owners and the planned business in Serbia. We reply within 24 hours on working days.
- Written offerYou receive a written offer under the Attorney Tariff and a list of the documents needed.
- DocumentsWe check the registration, the beneficial owner record, apostilles and translations.
- Bank appointmentWe submit the documents and business description to the bank and book a visit for the director.
- Bank decisionThe bank carries out its review and decides. We follow the application and answer the bank's further questions.
What to send us
- APR registration decision or recent extract from the foreign register
- Founding act or articles of association
- Ownership structure down to individuals
- Passports of the director and beneficial owners
- Description of the business, partners and expected turnover
- Evidence of the source of funds
- Apostille or legalisation and court interpreter translation for foreign documents
- Power of attorney
Frequently asked questions
Can a foreign-owned company open a bank account in Serbia?
Yes. A foreign-owned DOO opens its account after APR registration, like any Serbian company. Banks review foreign owners and the source of funds in more detail.
Does the director have to visit the bank in person?
Banks usually ask the legal representative to come to the branch for identification. We prepare everything in advance so that one visit is usually enough.
What is the Central Register of Beneficial Owners?
It is a public register of the individuals who own or control a company. A company registered in Serbia must record its beneficial owners within 15 days of registration.
Can a foreign company have an account in a Serbian bank?
Yes, as a non-resident account. The bank asks for the company documents with apostille and translation and assesses the business link with Serbia.
Why does the bank ask about my business and partners?
Under the Serbian anti-money laundering law, the bank must understand what the client does and where the money comes from. A clear description reduces follow-up questions.
Do company documents from abroad need an apostille?
As a rule yes, or legalisation for countries outside the Hague Convention. Some countries have agreements with Serbia that waive this, and we check this for your country.
How long does it take to open a business account?
It depends on the bank, the ownership structure and how complete the documents are. The timing is not in our hands, but a complete application usually shortens the review.
Talk to a lawyer
Describe your case in a few sentences. We reply within 24 hours on working days and tell you whether and how we can help.
- srdjan@bogiceviclaw.com
- +381 65 678 4991
- Viber
- +381 63 104 9891