Explore Non-Resident Banking Options in Serbia
Opening a bank account in Serbia offers numerous benefits for non-residents. Serbia’s strategic location, bridging Western Europe and the Middle East, offers a unique advantage to those looking to establish financial roots in the region. The country’s banking sector is diverse, with banks from local, EU, Russian, American, Turkish, UAE, and Chinese origins. As of January 2026, there are 19 licensed commercial banks in Serbia, including well-known names such as Raiffeisen Bank, UniCredit Bank, Banca Intesa, Erste Bank, and OTP Bank. This wide array of banking options provides clients with competitive conditions and the ability to conduct transactions with nations like Russia and China, which might be restricted in other Western banking systems.
Bank Account Opening by Power of Attorney – No Travel to Serbia Required
Bank accounts in Serbia can be opened entirely on the basis of a duly executed Power of Attorney, without the client being required to travel to Serbia, obtain a white card, register residence, or otherwise establish a personal or business presence in the country.
The procedure is conducted remotely by our legal team in direct coordination with the selected Serbian bank and its compliance department. We prepare, submit, and manage all required documentation and communications, ensuring a structured and efficient process without the client’s physical involvement.
Once the account is opened, the client is provided with a fully operational multi-currency bank account, including EUR, USD, CHF, and other major currencies, together with full e-banking and mobile banking access. The account supports international incoming and outgoing transfers and offers functionality equivalent to that available to resident account holders.
This model is commonly used by international individuals and business owners who require compliant, reliable, and fully functional banking access in Serbia, without unnecessary administrative formalities or physical presence.
Serbia Is Not Part of the Common Reporting Standard (CRS Framework)
Serbia is not a participating jurisdiction under the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS). Accordingly, Serbian banks are not subject to the automatic exchange of financial account information with foreign tax authorities pursuant to the CRS regime.
In practical terms, information relating to bank accounts held in Serbia is disclosed solely on the basis of a legally valid and specific request, submitted through applicable international legal assistance channels. There is no routine or automatic reporting of account holders or account balances.
This regulatory framework provides a higher degree of banking confidentiality when compared to CRS-participating jurisdictions, while remaining fully aligned with Serbian anti-money-laundering, know-your-customer, and tax compliance obligations.
Why Serbia Appeals to International Account Holders
Serbia has emerged as a preferred jurisdiction for international banking due to its accommodating regulatory framework and competitive financial services. Unlike many other countries, Serbia allows non-residents, including digital nomads and foreign workers, to open bank accounts without stringent residency requirements. Whether for personal or corporate use, Serbian banks offer a comprehensive suite of services—from local RSD (dinar) accounts to multi-currency solutions and full-featured online banking services.
For businesses and individuals alike, the Serbian banking environment supports seamless financial operations both domestically and internationally. A robust legal infrastructure, favorable tax environment, and modern banking technologies further contribute to Serbia’s appeal for global clients.
Benefits of Opening a Bank Account in Serbia
Opening a Serbian bank account as a non-resident provides numerous strategic advantages:
- Global Banking Access: Perform international transactions, receive payments, and manage funds efficiently. Banks issue internationally accepted Visa and MasterCard debit cards.
- Eligibility for Individuals and Companies: Both natural persons and legal entities—such as companies, branches, and representative offices—can open accounts.
- Enhanced Privacy: Serbia does not participate in the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), providing a higher level of confidentiality than many other banking jurisdictions.
- Cost-Effective Operations: Lower fees and minimal red tape make Serbia a practical base for financial management within the European market.
- Multilingual Support: Many banks offer English-speaking representatives and customer service, facilitating communication for international clients.
- Digital Banking Infrastructure: Clients can manage their accounts remotely through secure mobile and online platforms.
Non-resident bank accounts in Serbia provide convenient access to the European market with lower fees and straightforward banking requirements, ideal for businesses and individuals alike. Serbian banking services for non-residents are particularly beneficial for managing both international and local transactions seamlessly. Many banks offer a multilingual customer service experience, making it easy for foreign clients to communicate and resolve issues. Furthermore, Serbia’s modern banking infrastructure is designed to support digital and mobile banking, enabling clients to handle their finances efficiently from anywhere in the world.
Opening a Bank Account in Serbia for Individuals
For non-resident clients, the opening of a bank account in Serbia is conducted through a structured legal procedure, rather than a standard retail banking process.
We open Serbian bank accounts exclusively on the basis of a duly executed Power of Attorney, acting on behalf of the client throughout the entire process. The client is not required to travel to Serbia, appear before the bank, or undertake any in-person formalities. All interactions with the bank, including compliance review, submission of documentation, and follow-up with the bank’s internal departments, are handled by our legal team.
Subject to the bank selected and the client’s profile, the account opening process is typically completed within a few business days from the submission of complete and compliant documentation.
Upon opening, the client is provided with a fully operational bank account, together with full access to e-banking and mobile banking platforms, enabling remote management of payments, international transfers, and account activity. The account offers functionality equivalent to that available to resident clients and is suitable for both personal and business use.
Opening a Bank Account in Serbia for Businesses
Foreign companies may open corporate bank accounts in Serbia through a structured and legally managed procedure, tailored to the company’s ownership structure and regulatory profile.
The process is conducted in close coordination with the selected bank and includes a full compliance review, covering corporate documentation, shareholder structure, and ultimate beneficial ownership, in line with Serbian and international AML and KYC standards. All required documentation is prepared, reviewed, and submitted by our legal team.
Corporate account opening can be completed entirely on the basis of a duly executed Power of Attorney, without the physical presence of directors, shareholders, or legal representatives in Serbia. The company is not required to establish local residence or maintain any prior operational presence in the country solely for banking purposes.
While the procedure is more detailed than that applicable to personal accounts, it is designed to ensure full regulatory compliance while remaining efficient. Subject to the bank selected and the completeness of documentation, corporate accounts can typically be opened within a few business days.
Necessary Documentation
Opening a bank account in Serbia for non-residents requires a specific set of documents, which may vary slightly between banks. Generally, you will need the following:
For Individuals:
- Valid passport or national ID.
- Proof of address (such as a utility bill or rental agreement).
- Completed bank application form.
- Power of attorney.
For Company Bank Accounts:
- Extract from the commercial register of the company;
- Valid passports of the company’s director(s);
- Valid passports of the ultimate beneficial owner(s);
- Completed bank application form.
- Power of Attorney.
Legal and Regulatory Framework
Serbia’s banking regulations ensure the legality and security of holding non-resident bank accounts. The country is a member of the Egmont Group and actively participates in international anti-money laundering efforts. Serbia has also entered into a bilateral treaty with the United States, recognizing FATCA regulations. These measures ensure that while Serbian banks offer privacy, they also comply with international standards for financial transparency and security.
Why Choose Serbia for Banking?
Serbia offers a robust and competitive banking environment for non-residents, with a variety of options tailored to the needs of individuals and businesses. The combination of strategic location, diverse banking options, and enhanced financial privacy makes Serbia an attractive destination for opening a non-resident bank account.
