The most reliable provider for opening a company in the West Balkans
Unija ETL – your partner for entering 6 markets: Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Montenegro.
We can help you every step of the way.
We offer a free 60-minute consultation!
20 years of experience in accounting and consulting
An international presence in 50+ countries
The highest quality of ISO standards
From a free consultation to starting a company in the Balkans
Start your entrepreneurial journey without worry.
Our team of experienced legal and tax advisors helps you from the initial idea to opening a company in the Western Balkans – fast, easy and without hidden costs.
The first step? A free consultation, where we explain everything you need to know.
What is the purpose of a free consultation?
A free consultation is a short, focused meeting with our experienced team. During this meeting, you will get clear next steps – from establishment to changes and closure – with unified support at every stage.
- Quick overview of needs and a clear roadmap
- Key local factors (taxes, procedures, regulations)
- Basic information on legal, tax, and accounting frameworks - clearly explained, with recommendations for a safe start.
How to set up a company in the Balkans
Setting up a company in the Balkans is a process that can be carried out quickly and efficiently, provided that local legislation and regulations are taken into account.
Choosing the legal structure for your company
The most common decision is a limited liability company (LLC), which requires a minimum share capital of €7,500. In this step, the ownership and management structures are formed, activities are determined, and the tax and liability consequences of the chosen form are reviewed.
Preparation and signing of founding documentation
The Articles of Association/Partnership Agreement, the resolution for the appointment of managing directors, the consent for a business adress owner, and powers of attorney are prepaired. The documents are signed and notarized or authenticated at a SPOT point (if the conditions are met), then the proposal for registering is submitted.
Opening a business bank account
A business bank account is opened (if needed, a temporary one to deposit the share capital for the LLC), the payment of share capital is arranged, signatories and rights are determined, and coordination with accounting is prepared for smooth financial operations.
Tax regulation (VAT identification)
For foreign founders and directors, a local tax number is obtained and registration in the tax register is carried out. Following a business model assessment or the fulfillment of conditions, VAT registration (voluntary or mandatory) is also completed to ensure that the company is compliant and operationally ready.
Why choose Unija ETL?
With the professional assistance and local support of Unija ETL, opening a company in the West Balkans is an excellent opportunity to enter one of this dynamic and growing market.
Proven reliability
20+ years of operation, numerous awards and thousands of clients, and a strong team – proof of stability and quality.
Proactive approach
Always one step ahead of challenges – we continuously monitor regulatory and market changes, and provide you with timely advice to ensure smooth business operations.
Fast response
We value your time. That is why we respond to emails within 24 hours and to calls within 2 hours – always available when you need us.
One-stop shop
More than 20 years of experience and expertise in accounting, payroll, consulting and IT solutions – all-in-one for comprehensive business support.
With our help, you are only four steps away from opening a company
From the first consultation to registration, we guide you through a clear timeline. We will prepare all the relevant documents, coordinate the procedures, and you will recieve your first invoice without any complications.
Choosing the legal structure for your company
The most common decision is a limited liability company (LLC), which requires a minimum share capital of €7,500. In this step, the ownership and management structures are formed, activities are determined, and the tax and liability consequences of the chosen form are reviewed.
1
Documentation
We prepare all the documents – from the deed of incorporation to registration forms for financial institutions. We also take care of powers of attorney, harmonizations, and translations if necessary. Documents can also be signed at a notary or at a SPOT point, and at the client’s request, we can arrange signing at a foreign notary and submission to the court register.
2
Company registration
Once the documentation is sorted, the next phase is registering your company. We handle all submissions and reconciliations on your behalf, making the process quick and hassle-free. The company is usually registered within three to seven business days, depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the institutions.
3
Document submission
After successful registration, you will receive all the documentation necessary to start your business. We take care of opening a business account, tax identification, and all the registrations so that the company is immediately ready to issue its first invoices and legally conduct business. Your company is now ready to operate.
4
Have you already booked a free consultation?
Together, we will define your needs and you will receive some useful advice. No obligation, quickly and in accordance with the law.
A FREE GUIDE
Starting a business abroad?
Reduce your risks with our guide.
We have prepared a free guide for you to start a business in Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, or Montenegro. This guide will take you through the key legal and tax requirements in the Western Balkan countries – in a transparent and understandable way.
In the guide, you will find:
- a clear comparison of company forms by country,
- a list of documents, fees and responsible institutions,
- tax frameworks and other tax information,
- red flags – what to look out for when registrating a company.
Fill out the form and you will recieve your free guide in your inbox.
Answers to all your questions in one place
Setting up a company in the Balkans is a process that can be carried out quickly and efficiently, provided that local legislation and regulations are taken into account.
Why do business in Slovenia?
- Strategic location at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe
- Member of the EU, Schengen, and Eurozone – easy access to EU markets
- Corporate income tax rate: 19% with R&D tax incentives
- Highly educated, multilingual, and tech-savvy workforce
- Modern infrastructure (Port of Koper, strong road/rail links)
- Transparent legal system and access to EU funding
Why do business in Croatia?
- Strategic location bridging Central Europe and the Balkans, with access to Adriatic Sea trade routes
- EU, Schengen, and Eurozone member – seamless trade and mobility across Europe
- Corporate income tax rate starting at 10% for small businesses, standard rate at 18%
- Skilled and multilingual workforce with strong education in engineering, IT, and tourism
- Developed infrastructure including major ports (e.g., Port of Rijeka), highways, and logistics centers
- Business-friendly incentives for foreign investors, especially in tech, tourism, and manufacturing
- Transparent legal and tax framework aligned with EU standards
Why do business in Serbia?
- Strategic location at the heart of the Balkans, offering access to both EU and non-EU markets
- Free Trade Agreements with the EU, EFTA, CEFTA, China, and Turkey – access to over 1 billion consumers
- Corporate income tax rate of 15% – among the lowest in the region
- Competitive labor costs combined with a well-educated, multilingual, and technically skilled workforce
- Robust government incentives for foreign investors, especially in manufacturing, IT, and shared services
- Special Economic Zones offering tax breaks and infrastructure support
- Ongoing infrastructure development, including highways, railways, and logistics hubs
- Fast and cost-effective company registration – set up is possible within a few days
Why do business in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
- Strategic geographic position at the crossroads of Central and Southeastern Europe
- Access to key regional markets through Free Trade Agreements (CEFTA, EFTA, Turkey, etc.)
- Competitive corporate income tax rate of 10% – among the lowest in Europe
- Low labor costs combined with a skilled and increasingly multilingual workforce
- Developing infrastructure, with key corridors connecting to EU markets (Corridor Vc highway)
- Investment incentives, including tax reliefs, customs exemptions, and support for strategic industries
- Industrial and free trade zones offering favorable conditions for foreign investors
- Stable currency (BAM) pegged to the euro, contributing to monetary stability
- Simple company registration process with flexible options for foreign ownership
Why do business in Montenegro?
- Strategic Adriatic location with easy access to the EU, Western Balkans, and Mediterranean markets
- Euro as official currency (EUR) despite not being an EU member – simplifies financial operations
- Corporate income tax rate: 9% to 15%, depending on income levels – highly competitive
- Favorable investment climate, especially in tourism, energy, real estate, and IT
- Business-friendly regulations and a fast company formation process
- Special Investment Programs, including incentives and residency options for foreign investors
- Growing infrastructure in the tourism, transport, and energy sectors
- Political and macroeconomic stability, with EU accession negotiations underway
- Open economy with a liberal trade regime – numerous free trade agreements in place
Why do business in North Macedonia?
- Central location in the Balkans, providing access to the EU and regional markets
- Corporate income tax: 10% flat rate – one of the lowest in Europe
- Free Trade Agreements with the EU, EFTA, CEFTA, Turkey, Ukraine, and others
- Skilled and cost-efficient workforce, especially in tech, manufacturing, and services
- Government support and incentives for foreign investors, including subsidies and tax breaks
- Technological Industrial Development Zones (TIDZs) offering tax holidays and infrastructure support
- Streamlined business registration – companies can be established in a few days
- Stable monetary policy with the Macedonian denar pegged to the euro
- Commitment to EU accession and regulatory alignment with EU standards
Are you interested in anything else?
If you have any questions for us, we are always at your disposal.
Our legal consulting experts will help you. Contact them using the contacts below:
What our clients say about Unija ETL
Setting up a company in the Balkans is a process that can be carried out quickly and efficiently, provided that local legislation and regulations are taken into account.
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In a free 60-minute session our experts will assess your needs, highlight key legal and tax points and give you a clear list of documents and a timeline. No obligation, fast and fully compliant with regulations.
- 60-minute one-on-one with our specialist
- Clear next steps, tailored to your business
- Practical advice on legal, tax and HR requirements
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