Petar Mišković on common misconceptions when entering the Serbian market
At SrbHub Forum 2026, Petar Mišković, Managing Partner at MSK Partners, shared practical insights on what foreign companies should pay attention to when entering the Serbian market.
While Serbia offers a business-friendly environment, competitive operating costs, investment incentives and a strategic position between the EU and other international markets, successful market entry requires more than simply registering a company. It is important to take into account that Serbian legislation is largely harmonized with EU regulations, including complex foreign exchange rules and tax nuances that can significantly affect structuring decisions.
In the interview, Petar highlighted three points that are particularly important for foreign investors:
1. Company registration is only the final step – not the strategy
A common misconception is that entering Serbia begins with a quick company registration. In practice, the legal, tax and operational structure should be designed first.
Foreign investors should consider corporate structure, taxation, foreign exchange rules, funding flows, contractual setup and future operational needs before incorporation. Once the structure is clear, company registration becomes the final technical step. Without proper upfront structuring, businesses may face unnecessary complexity once operations begin.
2. Employee relocation and contractor models require careful planning
For foreign companies, especially in the IT and service sectors, relocating employees or engaging individuals through sole entrepreneur structures may create tax and compliance risks if not structured correctly.
Improper arrangements may lead to reclassification risks by the Serbian tax authorities, resulting in additional tax exposure and broader operational and reputational implications. This is particularly relevant in cross-border setups where employment models are used as a substitute for properly structured engagement frameworks.
3. Serbia offers opportunities beyond Belgrade
Many foreign investors initially focus on Belgrade, but Serbia’s investment potential is broader and more regionally diversified.
Central and southern Serbia offer specific advantages for manufacturing and production projects, including lower labour costs, access to workforce and targeted state incentive programmes. At the same time, Belgrade remains a highly developed business hub with strong multinational presence and higher cost structures.
In addition, Serbia offers a wide network of more than 60 double taxation treaties, as well as preferential regimes for R&D, intellectual property and large-scale investment projects creating 100+ jobs, making it an increasingly relevant jurisdiction for international structuring.
Serbia can serve not only as a local market, but also as a strategic hub for structuring regional operations and accessing wider European and international markets.
At MSK Partners, we support foreign companies, investors and founders in structuring their Serbian market entry from both a legal and business perspective – from initial planning and incorporation to operational setup, contracts, employment, regulatory matters and long-term growth.
👉 Watch the full interview:
Petar Mišković on common misconceptions when entering the Serbian market
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