Banking in Serbia
Serbia has a well-developed banking sector with 19 commercial banks as of 2026, including international names like Raiffeisen, UniCredit, and Erste Bank.
Opening a Bank Account
As a non-resident (tourist):
- Can open basic account with passport and "white paper" (registration document)
- Limited services: often no debit card or e-banking
- Transactions may need to be done in person
As a resident (with temporary residence):
- Full-service account with cards and e-banking
- Passport + residence permit required
- Proof of address
- Usually processed in 1-2 days
Account Options
Accounts can be opened in:
- Serbian Dinar (RSD) - local currency
- EUR, USD, or other foreign currencies
Major Banks for Expats
| Bank | Notes |
|---|---|
| Raiffeisen Bank | English support, good mobile app |
| UniCredit Bank | International presence |
| Banca Intesa | Largest bank in Serbia |
| Erste Bank | Good digital services |
| OTP Bank | Growing presence |
Key Features
SEPA membership: Serbia is joining SEPA from 2025, making EUR transfers within Europe cheaper and faster.
No CRS: Serbia is not part of the OECD Common Reporting Standard (CRS), meaning banks don't automatically share account information with foreign tax authorities.
Deposit protection: Up to €50,000 protected per depositor.
Costs and Fees
- Monthly maintenance: €1-5
- Debit card: Usually free with account
- International transfers: Can be costly (€15-30) - consider Wise for transfers
- ATM withdrawals: Free at own bank, €0.50-2 at others
For Digital Nomads
Many digital nomads use a combination of:
- Local Serbian account for daily expenses
- Wise or Revolut for receiving international payments and transfers
- International account (N26, etc.) for travel
Opening Process
- Visit bank branch with passport
- Bring proof of address (rental contract, utility bill)
- If resident, bring residence permit
- Fill out application forms
- Account usually active in 1-2 days
- Receive debit card within a week
Tips for Foreigners
- All major banks have English-speaking staff
- Power of attorney allows account opening without being present
- Compare fees between banks - they vary significantly
- Mobile banking apps are well-developed
- Keep some cash - card acceptance is good but not universal in smaller shops
Pro Tips
- •Residence permit unlocks full banking services including cards and e-banking
- •Serbia is joining SEPA in 2025 for easier EUR transfers
- •Consider Wise or Revolut for international payments
- •All major banks have English support
- •Serbia is not part of CRS (no automatic tax info exchange)
Have questions about banking in Serbia?