The unified procedure — one system, every step
Obtaining permits for energy facilities in Serbia is carried out through the unified procedure system — an electronic platform through which applications for location conditions, building permit, work notification and, finally, occupancy permit are all filed in one place. The system's purpose is to spare investors from visiting every institution separately, but the documentation still has to be technically and legally sound for the application to go through without delay — this is where most hold-ups occur.
Location conditions
The first step is checking whether the planning documents for the chosen site actually allow for an energy facility, and obtaining the location conditions that define the technical and urban-planning parameters for the further design process.
Energy permit
For solar power plants and wind farms of 1 MW installed capacity or more, the energy permit is a mandatory condition for issuing the building permit. It is issued by the competent ministry, by decision, within 30 days of a duly filed application, provided the criteria prescribed by the Energy Act are met. Smaller facilities generally do not require an energy permit.
Building and occupancy permit
After obtaining location conditions and, where applicable, the energy permit, the next steps are preparing the main project and technical review, followed by the building permit application. Once construction is complete, a technical inspection committee determines whether the facility is fit for use, after which the occupancy permit is issued — a prerequisite for grid connection and legal operation of the plant.
Simplified procedure for smaller rooftop systems
For smaller solar systems on single-family homes, the procedure is significantly simplified — in most cases a standard building permit is not required, only a work notification to the competent authority. Even so, basic technical documentation is still needed as the basis for safe installation and later grid connection.
Additional studies for larger facilities
Depending on the size and location of the facility, the documentation may also include specific studies — occupational safety, fire protection, or environmental impact assessment. We prepare these studies in cooperation with the relevant specialists, as part of the complete project documentation.
Who this service is for
- Investors who need complete documentation "from site to occupancy permit".
- Owners of commercial facilities building a larger-capacity plant who must complete the full procedure.
- Households who only need basic documentation for a work notification.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a building permit for rooftop solar panels on a house?
For smaller rooftop systems on single-family homes, the procedure is generally simplified and does not require a standard building permit, only a work notification. Larger systems and standalone power plants go through the full procedure.
What is the unified procedure?
The unified procedure is an electronic system through which all steps are carried out in one place — from location conditions, through the building permit, to the work notification and occupancy permit.
Who issues the energy permit?
The energy permit for solar power plants and wind farms of 1 MW capacity or more is issued by the competent ministry, within 30 days of a duly filed application.