Guide
Taxation of Cryptocurrency for Individuals in Serbia
A guide to the rules for taxing cryptocurrency and digital assets for individuals in Serbia: when you pay tax, how much it is, and what reliefs exist. Biro Vision calculates your capital gain, organizes the documentation, and files the tax return on your behalf.
Under the Law on Digital Assets, digital assets include virtual currencies, that is, cryptocurrencies, and digital tokens. For individuals who hold or trade cryptocurrency, it is essential to understand when the obligation to pay tax arises. The essence is simple: as long as you merely hold the cryptocurrency, the state asks for nothing, but the moment you sell or exchange it and realize a profit, a capital gain arises that is taxed. This area is complex and changing, and many people who come to live in Serbia with a portfolio of cryptocurrencies do not know where to begin. Biro Vision is here to calculate your gain, organize the documentation of purchase prices, and file the tax return on time, so that you can be at ease and compliant with the regulations.
What you should know
- Individuals pay capital gains tax at a rate of 15% on the difference between the selling price and the documented purchase price of the cryptocurrency.
- Both selling cryptocurrency for dinars or euros and exchanging one cryptocurrency for another are taxable, while merely holding cryptocurrency is not taxed.
- Spending cryptocurrency to purchase goods is also considered a disposal, so it too is a taxable event.
- You must document the purchase value through the purchase price and statements from the exchange, because without evidence the entire selling value may be taxed.
- If you hold the cryptocurrency continuously for 10 or more years before selling, you are exempt from capital gains tax.
- A capital loss can be offset against a capital gain realized in the same calendar year, but it is not carried over to subsequent years.
- The return follows the self-assessment system and is filed within 120 days from the end of the quarter in which the gain or loss was realized.
| Event | Taxable? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Selling cryptocurrency for dinars or euros | Yes | The difference between the selling and purchase prices is taxed at a rate of 15%. |
| Exchanging one cryptocurrency for another | Yes | Crypto-to-crypto is treated as a disposal and is a taxable event. |
| Spending cryptocurrency to purchase goods | Yes | It is considered a disposal, so a taxable capital gain arises. |
| Merely holding cryptocurrency | No | Holding without selling or exchanging does not create a tax obligation. |
| Selling after 10 or more years of continuous holding | No | An exemption from capital gains tax is obtained. |
How we handle it
- 01 Gathering the records Together with you, we collect statements from exchanges, wallet data, transaction dates, and EUR/RSD values, so that we have a complete picture of your purchases and sales.
- 02 Determining the purchase value For each transaction we document the purchase price based on your statements. If you engage in mining, we include the costs of electricity and equipment in the purchase value.
- 03 Calculating the capital gain We calculate the difference between the selling and purchase prices for each taxable event, including sales for fiat and crypto-to-crypto exchanges, and apply the 15% rate.
- 04 Applying reliefs and offsetting losses We check whether you are entitled to the exemption after 10 years of holding or to the 50% reduction upon reinvestment, and we offset any losses against gains from the same year.
- 05 Filing the tax return We prepare and file the tax return under the self-assessment system within 120 days from the end of the quarter in which the gain was realized.
Frequently asked questions
Is exchanging one cryptocurrency for another taxable?
Yes. A crypto-to-crypto exchange is considered a disposal and is a taxable event, just like a sale for dinars or euros.
What is the tax rate for individuals?
The capital gains tax is 15% and is calculated on the difference between the selling price and the documented purchase price.
How do I prove the purchase price?
Through documentation such as the purchase price and statements from the exchange. Without evidence the entire selling value may be taxed, so orderly records are very important.
Is merely holding cryptocurrency taxed?
No. As long as you merely hold the cryptocurrency and do not sell or exchange it, there is no tax obligation.
What if I immediately reinvest the proceeds from the sale?
If you invest them into the share capital of a company or investment fund headquartered in Serbia within 90 days, the capital gains tax is reduced by 50%.
What is the deadline for filing the return?
The return is filed under the self-assessment system, within 120 days from the end of the quarter in which the gain or loss was realized.
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