Progress of Republic of Serbia on the World’s Bank Doing Business 2016 list November 20, 2015 In 2015, Serbia was on the 59th place on the World Bank’s Doing Business 2016 list, a jump of 32 positions compared to the last year list. Doing Business List ranks 189 countries, and compared to countries in the region Serbia has made by far the most progress, while the two countries have regressed – Albania and Montenegro. The greatest progress Serbia has made in the area of construction permits issuing and taxes. Obtaining construction permits is cheaper, and mandatory inspections of basic works have been introduced. Compared to the previous report in 2015 when Serbia was in 179th place, when it comes to issuing building permits, Serbia has made a progress to the 139th place. When it comes to taxes Serbia has jumped from 168th to 143rd place. Tax payments for companies are simpler, since the possibility of a unified tax and contributions payment was introduced, and become electronic. On the other hand the tax rate on property, and taxes for environmental protection have been increased. According to the starting a business criteria, Serbia is on the 65th place, according to time necessary for obtaining power ports on 63rd, an on 73rd place for the time necessary for the registration of property in the cadastre. Serbia’s jump by 32 places compared to the previous year is a great success and it has contributed to the formation of a Government of the Republic of Serbia joint group for future position improving in the Doing Business list.
