PIB for individuals in Serbia: how to get a personal tax number in 1-2 days

**TL;DR**
PIB (personal tax number) in Serbia is issued at the nearest Poreska uprava within 1-2 days. It is needed to open a bank account, rent long-term housing and pay taxes. A passport and proof of address (karton or ugovor) are sufficient.

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## What it is and why you need it

PIB - Poreski Identifikacioni Broj, the personal tax number of an individual. Without it banks will refuse in 90 % of cases, and landlords often require at least a one-year lease. The number is issued once and stays with you even if you leave the country.

According to the Serbian Port Administration (2023), about 70 % of new residents obtain a PIB within the first 3 months after moving. The process is standard, but there are a few nuances for foreigners.

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## Step-by-step

1. **Find the nearest Poreska uprava**
On the website [Poreska Uprava](https://www.poreska.gov.rs) under *Kontakt → Poreske uprave* choose a branch.
- Belgrade:
*Poreska uprava Beograd 1* - ul. Knezja Miloša 11 (center, near Kalemegdan)
*Poreska uprava Beograd 2* - ul. Milentija Popovića 5 (Novi Beograd)
- Other cities: search via the public services portal. For example, in Novi Sad the office is at *ul. Zmaj Jovana 10*.

2. **Check the schedule**
Regular hours are Mon-Fri 8:00-15:00 (sometimes until 16:00). Service for foreigners often requires an appointment:
- through the portal [eUprava](https://euprava.gov.rs) (you need an account on [eID.gov.rs](https://eid.gov.rs) or an electronic signature);
- by phone to the branch (contacts are on the Poreska uprava site).

3. **Gather the documents**
- Passport (original + copies of all pages).
- Proof of address:
*karton* (temporary registration - boravište, issued by the police) - 1-3 days,
*ugovor* (rental contract ≥ 1 year, notarized or with the landlord's stamp),
or a property deed.
- Completed application (the form can be downloaded from the [Poreska uprava website](https://www.poreska.gov.rs) in the *Obrazci* section or taken at the office).

4. **Submission**
Arrive at the appointed time (or during walk-in hours) at the window for foreigners (*šalter za strane državljane*). The officer will check the documents and give you a temporary confirmation (valid for 1 month).

5. **Receiving the PIB**
The number is usually issued the same day or the next day. You will receive it in:
- the temporary confirmation (until the plastic card arrives);
- an official letter (*Rešenje o dodele PIB-a*), which you can pick up in person or receive by mail.
A plastic PIB card (optional) is prepared in 2-4 weeks; you can request it when you submit the documents.

6. **Activation**
The PIB is immediately active for tax purposes. For banking operations a tax office extract may sometimes be required, but the card is not mandatory. If you plan to work, register with Poreska uprava as a taxpayer.

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## Documents

**Mandatory**
- Passport (original + copies).
- Proof of address (*karton*, *ugovor* or property deed).
- Completed application.

**Additional, if needed**
- Notarized translation of the passport.
- Power of attorney (when submitting through a representative, must be notarized).

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## Timeframes and costs

| Stage | Time | Cost |
|------|------|------|
| Obtaining *karton* (temporary registration) | 1-3 days | Free |
| Submitting documents at Poreska uprava | 0-1 day | Free |
| Issuing PIB | 1-2 days | Free |
| Plastic PIB card | 2-4 weeks | ~500 RSD (on request) |

*Seasonal peaks (January-February) may extend the timelines.*

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## Common mistakes

- **No proof of address** - without *karton* or *ugovor* the PIB cannot be issued. Even in a hotel ask the reception to arrange a temporary registration.
- **Incorrectly filled application** - make sure the name and surname are written in Latin exactly as on the passport.
- **Missing the foreigners' window** - some offices have separate windows for Serbs and foreigners; ask the administrator.
- **Waiting for the plastic card** - the PIB works without it; you can request the card later.
- **Ignoring tax obligations** - after receiving a PIB you become a taxpayer; check your duties on the [Poreska Uprava website](https://www.poreska.gov.rs).

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## FAQ

**Can I get a PIB without temporary registration (*boravište*)?**
No. Address proof is mandatory. If you stay in a hotel, ask the administration to issue a temporary registration.

**How much does the service cost?**
Obtaining the PIB is free. You only pay for the plastic card (~500 RSD).

**Can I submit documents by power of attorney?**
Yes, but the power of attorney must be notarized, and you need the passport of the person you represent.

**What if I lose my PIB?**
Go to any Poreska uprava with your passport - they will issue a duplicate decision (*Rešenje o dodele PIB-a*).

**Do I need to update the PIB when I change my passport?**
No, the number remains the same. Update only the tax office data if required.

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## Useful links
- [Official Poreska Uprava website](https://www.poreska.gov.rs) - forms, contacts
- [eUprava portal](https://euprava.gov.rs) - appointment scheduling
- [Temporary registration (*boravište*) guide](https://www.mup.gov.rs) - *Boravište* section
- [Tax obligations for foreigners](https://www.poreska.gov.rs) - *Za strane državljane* section