In recent decades, Serbia has built a strong foundation for successful economic development and expanding trade relations. Serbia has positioned itself as a key player on the international trade scene through strategic agreements, increased market access, and numerous trade benefits. If you plan to relocate your business to Serbia, invest, or start a company, now is the right time to take advantage of everything the country offers.
Serbia has been a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) since 2006, enabling easier business operations with neighboring Balkan countries. CEFTA includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, and Kosovo. This agreement is not just a symbol of regional cooperation but also represents a significant economic breakthrough.
For entrepreneurs and foreign investors planning to open a company in Serbia, CEFTA offers favorable conditions for exporting goods and services to other member states without significant market barriers.
As a country striving for full EU membership, Serbia has signed a Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) with the European Union, which provides favorable conditions for investing in Serbia and access to the EU market without customs barriers for many products. This agreement not only opens doors to European markets but also allows for the harmonization of legislation with EU standards, creating a stable and predictable business environment.
If you are considering opening a business in Serbia, the SAA makes the country even more attractive to investors, thanks to better connectivity with EU markets.
Serbia became a beneficiary of the U.S. Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) in 2005, meaning that many Serbian products can be imported into the U.S. without tariffs. This benefit makes the U.S. market more accessible for Serbian goods, providing a great opportunity for investors planning to export from Serbia. In 2022, Serbia’s exports to the U.S. reached $541.48 million, reflecting growing economic cooperation.
Serbia has numerous bilateral trade agreements with countries around the world. In addition to the EU and the U.S., Serbia has trade deals with Russia, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and many others. This broad network of trade relations opens many opportunities for investment in Serbia and expanding business in global markets.
In 2023, Serbia also signed a Free Trade Agreement with China, which will take effect in 2024, opening new markets for Serbian products in China, one of the largest markets in the world.
Serbia, together with North Macedonia and Albania, is part of the Open Balkan initiative aimed at increasing trade, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and promoting EU integration. Implementing this initiative in 2023 has opened borders between member countries, enabling duty-free movement of goods and free entry for citizens.
This regional cooperation has created favorable conditions for relocating businesses to Serbia, providing quicker access to markets in neighboring countries without administrative barriers.
Serbia leverages all the advantages of free trade, both regionally and globally, to improve the competitiveness of its businesses. Trade agreements with key partners make Serbia attractive for business, company formation, and investment. These agreements also facilitate easier exports and favorable conditions for foreign investors, contributing to continuous economic growth and capital inflows.
Serbia is on track to become a key destination for investments, new businesses, and business relocations, thanks to favorable trade agreements and regional cooperation. If you plan to invest in Serbia or start your business, now is the right time to take advantage of everything the country offers.
Serbia will continue to play an important role in regional and global trade, with stable economic reforms, favorable taxes, and easily accessible markets. Let your investment become part of this prosperous business environment.
