Includes information on acceptable business etiquette, dress, business cards, gifts, etc.
Last Published: 2/26/2018

Business managers in Serbia are familiar with western-style market economy philosophy, customs, and business practices.  Top management typically is designated by the title of Managing Director, a position denoting the key decision-maker.  Business relationships in Serbia are founded on trust with significant time and energy invested in developing relationships among the parties.  Serbian business people are quick to recognize opportunities and can just as suddenly move at an accelerated place.

Business dinners are a common practice.  While most meals in Serbia are meat-based (all kinds of meat), it is possible to eat vegetarian.  It is a common practice to toast with a shot of slivovitz (traditional Serbian plum brandy) or rakiya (fruit brandy) prior to the meal.  A toast is accompanied by saying ‘Zhiveli’, which means ‘good health’ and is similar to saying ‘Cheers’.  It is customary to look your counterparts in the eye when saying ‘Zhiveli.’

As is true in other European countries, summer holidays stretch throughout July and August and it often is difficult to reach company management during this period.  Likewise, it is difficult to conduct any business in Serbia during the first two to three weeks of January because of the Orthodox Christmas and New Year’s holidays.  Orthodox Easter also is a slow period for business (see the ‘Local Time, Business Hours, and Holidays’ section for a list at dates of all major holidays in Serbia).

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.