What it is for
The PIO is Serbia's pension fund. Registering with it matters for two reasons: first, only after registration can you arrange state health insurance and obtain the insured person's card; second, it is at the PIO that your service record and contributions are recorded, which later affect your pension. In practice registration gives you a certificate known locally as 'obrazac MA': confirmation that the application for compulsory social insurance has been filed.
Who needs it and who does not
Without residence or permanent residence, registration is not possible. If you work under an employment contract with a Serbian company, the employer handles registration — ask them for the certificate, as it will not be issued to you directly. If you hold residence on the ground of property, talent or study and have neither a job with a Serbian company nor your own sole-trader business, registration is not required either. Registering yourself is needed by those registered as sole traders or working in the freelancer regime.
What to take with you
The set depends on your status. With residence as a sticker you usually take a copy of the work permit or ID card; when employed — your passport; freelancers take confirmation from the freelancers' portal that the tax return was received electronically. For a sole trader you need the APR document on opening the business — the decision itself, not an ordinary register extract; if the address changed or there were suspensions, the relevant decisions help too. A copy of the white card is often requested, while the residence confirmation is looked at and handed back.
Where to go
In Belgrade there are two addresses. For freelancers and residents of the central municipalities — Venizelosova 31, morning hours, Monday to Thursday. For those living in New Belgrade, Zemun and Surčin — Bulevar umetnosti 10, also Monday to Thursday. In Novi Sad — Žitni Trg 3, on Mondays and Wednesdays. The entrance at Venizelosova is not in the main building with columns: the right office is to the left, in a small building. If you are unsure, tell security that you need the confirmation of the filed social insurance application and they will point you to the right counter.
What to say and what you get
The phrase 'molim, treba mi obrazac MA' is enough. The documents are looked at and returned, and at the exit you receive the MA form, with which you then arrange insurance. If you change municipality you must update your details at the fund, and if you obtain permanent residence you must update the EBS number, otherwise it no longer matches the system.
What to do step by step
Check whether you need registration at all: no residence — impossible; employed under contract — the employer does it; residence based on property without your own business — not required. Gather the documents for your ground. Go to the right branch during reception hours, ideally in the morning. Say you need the MA form, show the documents and collect the confirmation. Then use it to arrange state insurance. And remember to return to the fund if your address or status changes.
Data checked on 11 October 2026: addresses, reception hours and document list per current data from Serbian PIO offices and community experience; confirm specific requirements at your own branch.