What is CRS?
The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) is the OECD system under which banks report the financial accounts of foreign tax residents to their own tax authority, which then automatically sends that data to the account holder's country of residence each year. More than 100 jurisdictions exchange information under CRS, including all EU member states.
Where Serbia stands
According to the OECD's AEOI status of commitments (last updated December 2025), Serbia is among the jurisdictions that have not yet set a date for their first automatic exchanges under CRS. In practice, Serbian banks do not currently send annual CRS reports about foreign account holders to other countries.
What it does not mean
- It is not a tax haven. Serbia has a normal tax system, double tax treaties and exchange of information on request.
- FATCA applies. Serbia has an intergovernmental agreement with the United States, so US persons are reported to the IRS.
- Banks do full due diligence. Identity, beneficial ownership, source of funds and AML checks are standard.
- You still declare your income. Your tax obligations follow your tax residency, wherever your bank is.
Why entrepreneurs choose Serbia
- Location. Borders Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Croatia; 1–3 hours' flight to most European capitals.
- Not EU, but close to it. Its own tax rules and banking system, with an EU-aligned legal framework as a candidate country.
- Trade access. Free trade agreements with the EU, EFTA, CEFTA, the Eurasian Economic Union, Turkey, the UK and China.
- Costs. 15% corporate tax, lower salaries and rents than Western Europe, and a highly skilled IT workforce.
- Time zone. CET, the same as Berlin, Vienna and Milan.
International rules change. We check Serbia's current CRS status and your personal reporting position before you open accounts. Source: OECD, Automatic Exchange of Information, status of commitments (December 2025).