Whether you’re studying, working, or simply living in Serbia, having a local bank account is a convenient and practical way to manage your finances. Luckily, opening a bank account in Serbia is a straightforward process that can greatly simplify your financial life, especially if you are planning to stay for an extended period. Not only does it help you avoid international transaction fees, but it also makes handling everyday expenses much easier. It is also essential for receiving payments and paying bills, and some local services and employers prefer to deal with domestic bank accounts.
How to open a bank account in Serbia?
Although the procedure of opening a bank account may slightly vary depending on the bank, the necessary documents are generally the same.
When going to the bank, you need to bring the following documents:
- Your passport and ID card, which serve as proof of identity;
- Your Residence Certificate, which you will receive after you register your arrival in Serbia at the closest police station. For more information about this procedure, you can click here.
Some banks also require additional documents:
- Registration Status Certificate, which you can obtain from your faculty to confirm your registration status for the current academic year;
- Your Academic Transcript.
Additionally, the bank will provide an application form that needs to be filled out and you can always ask a bank employee for help if you require any additional assistance.
After submitting the request for opening a bank account, it will take a few days for the bank to approve the request. You will then be asked to return to the bank to sign some documents and collect a copy of your contracts. From that point on, your bank account is active, and you can use it for all common transactions, such as withdrawing money or receiving payments.
Opening a bank account remotely
Currently, non-residents cannot open a bank account in Serbia remotely and must visit the bank in person. This requirement ensures that all your documents are properly verified, and you receive personalized assistance during the account opening process.
Banking fees in Serbia
While opening a bank account in Serbia is usually free, many other services come with fees. For instance, banks typically charge a fee for issuing a debit card, and there may be monthly account maintenance fees that range from 2 to 10 euros, depending on the bank. Information about costs can be found in the terms and conditions and they vary depending on the bank, so it’s important to read them carefully.
Currencies available for bank accounts
Serbian banks offer various account types to cater to different needs. You can open accounts in different currencies, such as the Serbian dinar (RSD), Euro (EUR), US Dollar (USD), British Pound (GBP), Swiss Franc (CHF), and a few other currencies.
Major banks in Serbia
Serbia has several major banks that offer a wide range of services. Some of the prominent ones include:
- Unicredit Bank
- Banca Intesa
- Raiffeisen banka
- Erste Bank
- Addiko Bank
- Yettel Bank
- OTP Bank (In order to open a bank account in this bank, you have to schedule a meeting beforehand by calling the following number: 0800 23 23 22)
- ProCredit Bank
When choosing a bank, consider factors such as account maintenance fees, the availability of online banking services, the ease of accessing ATMs, and customer service quality. Each bank has its own advantages and special offers, so it’s worth doing some research before making a decision.
