Registering a company in BiH, Serbia and Croatia

You don't have to register a company on day one. Do it when you have your first customer, your first investor or a serious expense. Until then, work on your agreement and on proving that the idea works.

The most common choice: a d.o.o.

A limited liability company (d.o.o.) is the standard across the region. You're liable only for what you've put in, not with your personal assets. The partners are members of the company, and their shares are recorded in the business register.

• BiH: registration goes through the competent court in the Federation, or through APIF in Republika Srpska. The rules differ by entity and canton.
• Serbia: registration goes through the APR (Business Registers Agency), and part of the process can be done online.
• Croatia: a d.o.o., or a simple d.o.o. (j.d.o.o.) for lower starting capital; registration goes through a notary public or the e-Tvrtka system.

When a partner lives in another country

• A foreign citizen or resident can generally be a member of a d.o.o., but will need certified documents, often with an apostille and a translation.
• Power of attorney: a partner who lives abroad can authorize someone to represent them during registration. It's drawn up with a notary and certified for use in that country.
• Director: agree on who will be the director. The most practical option is the partner who lives in the country where the company is registered.
• Tax: ask an accountant how profit is taxed, and how payouts to a partner living in another country are taxed.

Sort these out before registering

• Which country are you registering in, and why (customers, tax, where the team is)?
• Company name: check that it's available in the register and that the domain is free.
• Who is the director, and who is just a member?
• Agreement between the members: equity, vesting, leaving (see the guide on equity).
• Accountant: find one before you register, not after.