Special Permits and Licenses for Companies in Serbia

If you would like to start a company in Serbia, you will need to apply for a special license and permit before commencing activities. We invite you to explore this topic and learn about the key requirements to obtain this business license. We also invite you to seek legal representation from our Serbian lawyers throughout the process.

Quick Facts
Who needs a business license?	Any legal entity operating business in Serbia must register with the Serbian Business Registrations Agency (APR) and obtain specific licesing.
Definition of business license in Serbia	A business license is the official certification obtained from the APR, containing the additonal permits that authorize legal commercial activity.
Special permits required in Serbia	Certain activities (e.g. education, crypto services, pharmacy, real estate brokerage, security) require additional permits beyond APR registration.
Issuing authority	Licenses and permits are issued by various authorities: APR, National Bank of Serbia, ministries of Health, Justice, Labour, Education.
Import-export sector	Import/export services require permits from the Customs Authority.
Banking license	Banks and financial institutions must be licensed by the National Bank of Serbia.
Cross-border banking permit	Any cross-border banking or payment institution must receive authorization from the National Bank of Serbia.
Gambling license	Gambling operators must obtain a license from the regulator ministry or the Games of Chance Administration (GCA)
Restaurant licensing	Restaurants must secure health & safety permits and food and alcohol service license.
Restaurant safety compliance	Compliance with public health, fire safety, waste management, building codes and inspections is mandatory.
Construction permits	Building permits are required for construction projects and are mostly issued by the city/municipality (via the e-permit system); the Ministry of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure or the AP Vojvodina authority issue them only for listed major facilities.
Licensing for liberal professions	Professions like law, medicine, accounting require licensing through specific Serbian perofessional chambers, like Bar or medical chambers.
Fast-track construction permits	There are no formal fast-track regulations in Serbia.
Music license (SOKOJ)	Music authors require permission from the local music rights organisation in Serbia (SOKOJ).
Legal assistance available (Yes/No)	Yes, our specialized company formation agents can assist with obtaining licenses and permits.

Who needs a business license/permit in Serbia?

Most local or foreign entrepreneurs/company owners who want to develop commercial activities in Serbia.

Who issues special licenses and permits in Serbia?

Serbian Business Registrations Agency – APR,
Ministry of Health,
Ministry of Labor,
Ministry of Tourism,
The National Bank of Serbia,
The Customs Authority for import & export activities in Serbia, etc.

What types of special licenses and permits are available in Serbia?

Business license – a license to operate after registering the company;
Trade license – needed to operate in the import-export business or retail sector;
Banking license – required to manage a bank or financial institution;
Investment fund permit – to operate an investment fund with a minimum capital;
Construction license;
Healthcare license – required by doctors, medical facilities, and pharmacies;
Private security license;
Transport license – for passenger or freight transport;
IP licenses – used for patent, trademark, and copyright licenses.

IMPORTANT:

foreign lawyers who want to practice in Serbia need to register with the Serbian Bar Association;
the local Chamber of Healthcare Professionals issues the necessary licenses for doctors in Serbia;
accounting in Serbia does not always require formal education and/or licensing at the entry level, though some professional qualifications may be required for certain positions.

Below is an infographic with information about Serbian business licenses and permits:

What special licenses and permits can be issued in Serbia?

For:

cryptocurrency activities/ electronic money institutions,
investment companies,
financial intermediaries in Serbia,
payment services providers, etc.

Do I need a special license and permit to open a clinic in Serbia?

Yes. You will need to meet compliance standards when applying for a special license or permit in Serbia’s healthcare sector.

What documents are required for getting a special license and permit in Serbia?

the company’s Certificate of Incorporation,
Articles of Association,
business plan, in most cases,
documents highlighting technical requirements, etc.

How can I apply for a real estate brokerage permit/license in Serbia?

You will have to prove your qualifications in the field and hold a professional liability insurance policy, among other requests.

Is licensing in Serbia’s energy sector difficult?

No, but the sector is heavily regulated. Energy licenses are required for electricity generation, distribution, supply, and trading.

Are there any licensing precautions in Serbia?

it is recommended to avoid possible complexities as a foreigner applying for a special license & permit by closely working with a Serbian lawyer,
you will have to meet specific requirements and understand the business rules before applying for a license/permit in Serbia,
the application fees for special licenses and permits in Serbia have been updated for 2026.

In addition to assistance with obtaining a business license in Serbia, our specialists can offer advice in other areas. For example, we can help you with immigration to Serbia and with related procedures. Legal advice on obtaining residency in Serbia is also in question here. Those who already live in this country can ask for our help if they want to apply for Serbian citizenship. Feel free to contact our law firm in Serbia for any legal problem you encounter.