A practical guide to opening a bank account in Serbia: required documents, popular banks, account types, and tips for using online banking.
The information in this guide may be incomplete or outdated. Laws and regulations in Serbia may change. Before making important decisions, be sure to consult official sources or professionals.
Why You Need a Serbian Bank Account
If you plan to live and work in Serbia, a local bank account is one of the first things you will need. Without one, it is difficult to receive a salary, pay utility bills, or rent an apartment. Serbian banks offer services for foreign residents, and the process of opening an account is fairly straightforward.
Required Documents
To open a bank account in Serbia, you will need:
Valid passport — your original passport plus a copy of the main pages
Residence permit (boravak) — temporary or permanent residence approval
Proof of address — a rental agreement or a certificate of residence
Serbian tax ID (PIB) — a tax identification number issued by the local tax office
Completed application form — provided by the bank at the branch
Some banks may request additional documents, such as proof of employment or a bank statement from your home country. It is advisable to call the branch ahead of your visit to confirm the full list of requirements.
Popular Banks for Foreigners
There are many banks operating in Serbia, but the following are especially convenient for foreign clients:
Banca Intesa — the largest bank in Serbia with an extensive branch and ATM network. Website: bancaintesa.rs
Raiffeisen Bank — known for quality online banking and English-language support. Website: raiffeisenbank.rs
UniCredit Bank — offers good conditions for international transfers. Website: unicreditbank.rs
Current account in dinars (RSD) — the main account for everyday transactions, receiving your salary, and paying bills. The dinar is the official currency of Serbia.
Foreign currency account in euros (EUR) — useful for receiving transfers from abroad and saving money. Many banks allow you to open a multi-currency account.
Savings account — for holding funds with interest. Rates depend on the currency and the deposit term.
Most foreigners open a dinar current account along with an additional euro account. Currency exchange between accounts is usually available through online banking at the current rate.
Online Banking and Mobile Apps
All major Serbian banks offer online banking and mobile applications. With these tools, you can:
Check your balance and transaction history
Make domestic and international transfers
Pay utility bills and invoices
Exchange currency between your own accounts
Set up automatic recurring payments
App interfaces are typically available in both Serbian and English. When you register for online banking, the bank will either provide you with a hardware token or link access to your phone number.
ATMs and Cards
When you open an account, you will receive a debit card (Visa or Mastercard). Here are some useful tips:
ATMs belonging to your bank are free of charge for cash withdrawals
ATMs of other banks typically charge a fee of 50 to 200 dinars
Card payments are accepted at most shops, restaurants, and petrol stations
For online purchases on Serbian websites, a locally issued Serbian card is often required
Helpful Tips
Open your account as early as possible — some procedures such as renting an apartment or registering your address require bank details
Ask the bank employee to set up online banking and the mobile app right away during your visit
Save the bank's contact number and the address of your nearest branch
For large international transfers, confirm your bank's SWIFT code in advance
Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 08:00 to 17:00; some branches are also open on Saturday mornings