Navigating VAT in Serbia

This guide provides an overview of VAT in Serbia, including applicable rates, registration requirements, compliance obligations, and filing deadlines. It is designed for businesses engaging in transactions within Serbia.

Last Updated: January 2026
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Serbia’s VAT is the largest single revenue source for its national budget.

Serbia at a glance.

Standard rate

20% VAT

Digital services VAT

Yes, at 20%

Mandate e-invoicing

Yes

Currency

Serbian Dinar (RSD)

Zero-rated items

Applies to exported goods, international transport, and services linked to aircraft and ships in international traffic

VAT format

Rs followed by 9 digits

Fiscal representation

Yes, required for non-resident businesses conducting VAT-related activities in Serbia

Reclaiming VAT in Serbia.

Foreign businesses that incur VAT on eligible expenses in Serbia may be able to reclaim it.

Who can reclaim?
Serbia applies the rule of reciprocity. This means Serbia allows VAT refunds for foreign businesses, but only if they are based in approved countries.
Eligible countries with full reciprocity include:
Eligible countries with limited reciprocity include:
Claimable expenses:
Entertainment
Non-reclaimable
Accommodation
10%
Food, drink & restaurant services
20%
Entertainment 1 2
Hiring means of transport
Non-reclaimable
Fuel
Non-reclaimable
Public Transport
10%
Taxis
10%
Entertainment 2 1
Admission to fairs & exhibitions
20%
Training courses & seminars
20%
Goods
20%
Inter-company charges
20%
Office expenses
20%
Marketing costs
Non-reclaimable
Professional fees & AP invoices
20%
Entertainment 4
VAT compliance in Serbia.

Doing business in Serbia? You’ll need to play by Serbia’s VAT rules.

Who needs to register?

Registration is only required for businesses above the threshold.

 
 
VAT registration in Serbia
VAT filing deadlines in Serbia

Monthly

15th day of the following month

Quarterly

15th day of the following month

VAT payment deadlines in Serbia

Monthly

15th day of the following month

Quarterly

15th day of the following month

Digital services in scope
Things to note

Serbia applies VAT on digital services based on the consumer’s location, and non-resident digital service providers must register for VAT.

e-invoicing in Serbia.
Summary of the mandate in this country

B2G mandate in place

Yes

B2B mandate in place

Yes

B2C mandate in place

No

Obligation status: B2B e-Invoicing

Historic

B2B e-Invoicing model

Central Clearance

Name of exchange infrastructure

Sistem e-Faktura (SEF)

Format(s) used

XML (based on UBL 2.1)

FAQs

The following expenses are generally claimable as part of a refund of VAT in Serbia: Vehicle expenses (including fuel and hire of means of transport) for car dealers and taxi drivers only; Public transport fares; Accommodation; Food, drink and restaurant services; Admission to fairs and exhibitions and other general business expenses (e.g., professional fees).

A refund of VAT in Serbia will generally be processed within 2 months from submission. This period may be extended if the Serbia VAT Authority requests additional information.

 

If VAT in Serbia has been incorrectly charged, the affected invoice would typically not be eligible for a refund of the VAT in Serbia. The entity would need to contact the supplier to have the incorrectly charged VAT in Serbia refunded. This is something that VAT IT will be able to assist with, as we can contact the supplier on your behalf and request that the incorrectly charged VAT in Serbia be refunded.

 
Nearby countries.

Explore indirect tax information in these countries:

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