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 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.

1. 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 (you need an account on eID.gov.rs or an electronic signature);
• by phone to the branch (contacts are on the Poreska uprava site).

1. 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 in the Obrazci section or taken at the office).

1. 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).

1. 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.

1. 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.

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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 - forms, contacts
• eUprava portal - appointment scheduling
• Temporary registration (boravište) guide - Boravište section
• Tax obligations for foreigners - Za strane državljane section