Free zones are fenced and marked part of the Republic of Serbia’s territory where activities are carried out with many business benefits. Free zones represent highly developed centers of technology, telecommunications, modern infrastructure, industry, and logistic support.
Free trade zones in numbers
Currently, there are 15 free trade zones in Serbia where 204 companies are operating, employing more than 35.000 workers. With EUR 5 billion in 2018, free zones are one of the best places to set up business activities.
With more than EUR 3 billion in investments since 2008, producers in free trade zones account for 13,5% of total Serbian export.
Free zone benefits
FISCAL BENEFITS
- VAT exemption on the entry of goods into the free zone, as well as on transport and other services which are directly associated with that entry of goods
- Exemption from payment of VAT on the trade of goods and services in the free zone
- Exemption from payment of VAT on the trade of goods between the users of two free zones
- Users of free zones who perform production activities in the zone are exempted from paying VAT on energy consumption
Exemption from payment of customs duties and other import duties for goods intended for carrying out activities and construction of facilities in the free zone (raw materials, equipment, construction materials)
Financial benefits such as the free movement of capital, profits, and dividends
Simple and fast customs procedures each zone has a Customs Administration Office
Local Government Incentives – exemption from certain local fees and taxes as well as subsidies for setting up a free trade zone
Doing business in the zone
- Exports of goods and services from the zone and imports of goods and services into the zone shall be unrestricted and shall not be subject to quantitative restrictions
- Goods imported or exported from a free zone are treated as customs goods
- Control of goods is carried out by customs authority, and the zone users are obliged to ensure the implementation of customs control as well as to keep proper records of goods
- Goods from the free zones which are released for the free circulation on the territory of the Republic of Serbia shall be subject to payment of customs duties and other import duties
Setting up free trade zones
Zone founder is a local self-government body, company, i.e. entrepreneur who adopted the decision or concluded a contract with another founder on establishing a zone
The zone area shall be established when the Government grants Approval. The rights of the zone founder, company for zone management and zone user, laid down by the Law on Free Zones, may not be diminished by any other law or regulation. The company for the zone management shall submit the application to the Government through the Ministry of Finance to obtain approval for establishing the zone area.
Services we provide
Podrška razvoju can conduct an analysis of current free trade zones and pare your business with the best companies for your supply chain. Every free trade zone is specific and has a focus on certain industries. We will provide analysis of current free trade zones, looking into benefits for your planned business model as well as the possibility of setting up a new free trade zone.
Furthermore, our expertise in finding subsidies can help finance various stages of your business. The Serbian government has a vide system of subsidizing employing new workers, tax relief and custom benefits. Most important are subsidies that can be achieved for buying construction land, construction of new premises, purchasing equipment and transfer of know-how.
Contact us
If you are looking at possibilities for your business growth in Serbia, we can advise you on market trends and conduct researches that will enable making successful decisions. After developing the Plan of possibilities for financing and subsidizing investment, we will have legal experts follow every stage in setting up your investment. Also, our team of experts will handle all of your applications for both national and the EU funding we decide is best for covering initial investment as well as enabling business growth in the future.
For inquiries, feel free to write at info@podrskarazvoju.com or call us at phone or Viber at +381.64.45.44.065
