“The Serbian government has also moved ahead with an ambitious economic and structural reform agenda which will contribute to a more attractive business environment: restoring growth, improving competitiveness, and creating new jobs. The Serbian administration will be more efficient, Serbian citizens will have access to better public services, better education for their children, and better healthcare.” – Mr. Johannes Hahn, European Commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, Statement at the Serbian Parliament, 10 December 2015.
If you asked yourself why Serbia, then words of Mr. Johannes Hahn must be first when answering this question. Besides these kind words, there are also a few more essential things to take into consideration when talking on this subject.
Geographic location
Connecting the East and West, Serbia is often referred to as a gateway of Europe. Corridor VII – the River Danube and corridor X – the international highway and railroad, intersect on the Serbia territory, therefore providing excellent connection with Western Europe and the Middle East.
So, if you are looking for a location for your company and want to set your business operations close to European Union (EU), South East Europe (SEE) or the Middle East, Serbia is the perfect country for you.
Accessibility
There are two international airports in Serbia, one in Belgrade and one in Niš. Additionally, there are several international airports situated in a region that is close to Belgrade and especially Novi Sad, which is the second largest city in Serbia and the capital of the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina.
The airport in Budapest is only 2h 42 minutes from Novi Sad, Timisoara airport is 2h 41 minutes away from Novi Sad and Osijek airport is only 1h 45 min drive from Novi Sad.
Free Zones
Additionally, benefits for companies represent 14 free customs zones. Fiscal benefits like exemptions from any tax burden for FDI, VAT and specific local taxes, free of customs duties on import of goods, equipment and raw material used in exporting production and construction material for the building of infrastructure and financial benefits such as free cash flow are just a few of the many that 220 companies already use.
Access to Markets
If you are in a manufacturing business, Serbia can be especially interesting to you. Due to trading agreements, Serbian companies have access to a market of more than 1.1 billion Consumers that include the EU, the Russian Federation, the USA, Kazakhstan, Turkey, SEE, the European Free Trade Agreement members and Belarus. Also, the Serbian market is the second largest in SEE.
All of this represents an excellent opportunity for those who are considering starting a business or expanding your business to Europe. If you choose to register a company in Serbia, this will mean that you can apply for a temporary residence permit in Serbia.
On the other hand, if you want to move to Europe, but you are not sure which country to choose, we assure you that Serbia is the right choice for you. From rich cultural and historical heritage to low costs of living, Serbia is a place for people that are considering moving to Europe.
If you need any information or assistance regarding moving to Serbia and Europe, contact us today, and we will provide you with the right information.
