How to Obtain a PIB in Serbia in One Visit

How to Obtain a PIB in Serbia in One Visit

PIB (tax identification number) - a tax number without which you cannot open a bank account, purchase real estate, arrange work under an official contract, or register a business. With proper document preparation it can be obtained in a single visit to the tax administration.

What is a PIB and Why You Need It

It is a unique 13-digit number issued to natural and legal persons for tax accounting. PIB is free and permanent; it does not need renewal, but any change of personal data (e.g., surname) requires an update.

Where to Apply for a PIB

PIB is issued at any branch of the Poreska uprava (tax administration). For foreigners the most convenient locations are:

• Poreska uprava Beograd 1 - ul. Knezja Miloša 102, Beograd (central office, minimal queues)
• Poreska uprava Novi Beograd - ul. Omladinskih brigada 1, Beograd (for residents of New Belgrade)
• Poreska uprava Novi Sad - ul. Miloša Crnjanskog 1, Novi Sad (Vojvodina)
• Poreska uprava Niš - ul. Vožd Karađorđeva 1, Niš (south Serbia)

A full list of branches, their addresses and opening hours is available on the official website of the Poreska uprava. In the summer months (July-August) some branches operate on a reduced schedule, so it is advisable to check the timetable in advance.

Documents

Citizens of the EU/EEA

1. Valid foreign passport (with or without a visa, if an EU citizen).
2. Residence registration (boravak) - rental contract with a notarised landlord's signature, property deed, or a letter from the host.
3. Completed form PR-1 (Appendix 1).

Citizens of third countries (including Russians, Ukrainians, CIS citizens)

1. Valid foreign passport with a Serbian visa (category C) or a residence permit.
2. Residence registration (boravak) - the same options as for EU citizens.
3. Completed form PR-1.
4. Copy of the visa or residence permit as proof of legal stay.

Additional

• For children up to 14 years old a birth certificate and one parent's passport are required.
• All documents must be translated into Serbian and notarised. Translation can be done at any certified bureau, for example at the Translators Association of Serbia.

Filling Out Form PR-1

The form can be downloaded from the "Obrasci" section on the Poreska uprava website or taken at a branch. It is filled out as follows:

1. Personal data - name (in Latin and Cyrillic), date and place of birth, citizenship, address in Serbia.
2. Applicant type - "Fizičko lice" for natural persons, "Preduzetnik" for sole proprietors.
3. Purpose of obtaining PIB - indicate why the number is needed (e.g., "opening a bank account").
4. Signature - placed in the presence of an officer.

Example

Име и презиме: Ivan Petrov
Датум и место рођења: 15.05.1985, Москва
Држављанство: Русија
Адреса: Bulevar Zorana Đinđića 123, Novi Beograd
Тип пријаве: Физичко лице
Разлог пријаве: Отварање рачуна у банци

Procedure for Getting a PIB in One Visit

1. Arrival at the branch - take a ticket in the electronic queue (system "PozoviNext"). In some offices, for example Beograd 1, there is a separate desk for foreigners.
2. Document check - the officer will verify the passport, boravak and the PR-1 form.
3. Photographing - some branches take a digital photo for the tax card (neutral expression, no glasses or headwear).
4. Issuance of PIB - you receive a temporary PIB on paper and instructions. The permanent number will be mailed to your address within 7-14 days. At the Novi Beograd branch PIB is sometimes issued immediately on a plastic card.

Waiting time

• No queue - 30-45 minutes.
• With queue - 1.5-2 hours (peak hours).

What to Do After Receiving a PIB

1. Open a bank account - bring passport, PIB and address proof to any bank (Intesa, UniCredit, Raiffeisen). Some banks require income verification.
2. Arrange health insurance - at the Republican Fund of Health Insurance you need passport, PIB and residence proof.
3. Register a sole proprietorship or LLC - at the Registration Chamber submit form PR-2 (for sole proprietors) or the articles of association and a decision on the director (for LLCs).
4. File a tax return - if you earn income in Serbia, the return must be submitted by 31 March of the following year.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Lack of notarised translation - without a notarised translation, passport and boravak are not accepted. Go to a certified bureau (e.g., Jurtrans).
• Errors in form PR-1 - incorrect name, address or applicant type lead to rejection. Fill the form legibly, preferably print it from the official website.

Important: if your passport, visas or residence permit are expiring soon, renew them before submitting the application, otherwise the process may be delayed.