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Life in Serbia

Opening a Bank Account in Serbia for Foreigners

How to open accounts at Banca Intesa, Raiffeisen, OTP and UniCredit

Opening a bank account in Serbia is necessary for receiving salary, paying rent, and daily transactions. Major banks like Banca Intesa, Raiffeisen, OTP, and UniCredit open accounts for foreign residents.

Non-residents can open accounts using their EBS number, while residents with JMBG enjoy the full range of banking services.

📋 Steps to Open an Account

  1. 1

    Obtain JMBG or EBS

    Get either your JMBG (residents) or EBS (non-residents) from the police.

  2. 2

    Select a Bank

    Choose Banca Intesa, Raiffeisen, OTP, or UniCredit based on fees and app quality.

  3. 3

    Visit Bank Branch

    Visit a branch during working hours with required documents.

  4. 4

    Sign Account Agreement

    Review and sign the customer agreement and choose RSD/EUR accounts.

  5. 5

    Receive Debit Card

    Order a Visa or Mastercard debit card for cashless payments.

  6. 6

    Setup Mobile Banking

    Install the bank's mobile app and set up 2FA authentication.

Required Documents

  • Original passport
  • JMBG or EBS number
  • Proof of address (white card or utility bill)
  • Proof of income or funds source

⚠️ Common Mistakes

  • Visiting without proof of address
  • Not asking for a EUR sub-account
  • Using a foreign phone number for mobile banking
  • Expecting to open online without in-person verification

💶 Fees

Account opening is free. Monthly maintenance is 0–300 RSD depending on the bank and package.

📖 Vocabulary

Рачун
Bank Account
Картица
Bank Card
Динар (RSD)
Serbian Dinar
Пренос / Трансфер
Transfer
Провизија
Bank Commission
Филијала
Bank Branch
Депозит
Deposit
Извод
Account Statement
Study this vocabulary with flashcards

FAQ

Can I open an account without JMBG?+

Yes, some banks accept EBS for non-resident accounts with limited services.

Are there accounts in EUR?+

Yes, all major banks offer RSD and EUR IBANs.

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