In recent years we have witnessed a great positive evolution of the Balkan countries both for the candidacy of many to join the European Union and for the consolidation of the investment policies of those already part of the Union.
A country of business opportunities.
Among the candidate countries for entry into the EU is Serbia, which, after the 1990s and the end of the armed tensions with NATO, made a complete change to its internal politics, applying itself to be one of the most European countries.
Thanks to the help of the World Bank and international investors, the Republic of Serbia has introduced many investments, mainly of an infrastructural nature, aimed at attracting investors from all over the world.
Today the country enjoys a powerful commercial link with China (Serbs do not need a visa to enter the country) and bilateral agreements that see it as the starting point of the new “Silk Road”.
However, it does not have maritime landings; Serbia can carry out shipping along the entire route of the Danube, which has allowed a significant expansion of the commercial river traffic.
The upgrading of its infrastructure also allowed the expansion of Belgrade Airport, now controlled by a French company, and crossing two major European motorway corridors.
Serbia, with its capital, where over 20% of the entire population of the nation lives, is today a fast-growing modern country.
Doing business in Serbia.
The country is 43rd in the Doing Business ranking (More than Italy!). It may not seem much, but it is a lot for a nation that ended war only twenty years ago.
Over the past years, the Serbian government and its Investment Agency have started many investments for the country, which include benefits and incentives for those who invest and export.
The country has joined the main free trade agreements like Switzerland and Norway.
In Serbia, it is relatively simple to set up a company that will enjoy a “flat” tax on income of 15%, dividends, interest and capital gains of 20%, and deductions on labour costs that are truly significant for employers.
VAT’s rate is 20%.
The government has also provided Free Trade Zones for promoting investments in the most depressed areas of the country and incentives in the manufacturing sectors and trade services.
Some activities require specific licenses to operate, but on the whole, a foreign company can operate through its own branch or affiliate without any problem.
Serbia has drawn up treaties and agreements with numerous states, including Italy, which, due to its geographical proximity, will increasingly play a fundamental role as a partner of the country, as, for example, it was for Albania.
Serbia today represents a new launching pad for foreign investments and for whoever wants to internationalise their business towards the East. It is also a starting point for the Eurasian area markets.
Leave a Reply