Montenegro isn't yet part of our established network of local contacts. We assess every project case by case, though, and can bring in a trusted local partner (lawyer, accountant) if needed to create and direct your structure.
These timelines assume a complete file (ID documents, supporting evidence, governance decisions made): an incomplete file is the single most common cause of delay, ahead of the administrative timelines themselves. Once the file is genuinely complete, expect generally About 1 week for the legal process itself.
Minimum share capital: €1.
Gathering ID documents, mandate, governance decisions and choice of bank — the essential groundwork for the legal timelines below to actually start running.
The founding decision or agreement must be certified either at court or before a notary (2 copies).
A certified passport copy must be attached to the file if the founder is a foreign national.
Maximum legal timeframe for registration once the file is complete.
Registration with the statistical register, the tax authority, and opening the bank account, within 3 additional days maximum.
On top of the legal timelines above, allow one week of banking margin: KYC checks, extra documentation or a branch appointment can extend account opening, particularly for a non-resident director.
| Taux | ||
|---|---|---|
| Standard rate | 21% | |
| Reduced rates | 15% | catering, accommodation |
| Reduced rates | 7% | basic food products |
Progressive scale favouring SMEs, with a reduced floor rate for the smallest businesses (to confirm depending on profit level).
To reside and work in Montenegro as a director, a residence and work permit process is required, with a job offer from the employer to be attached to the application.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation, the bank and the relevant authority. We confirm the precise timeline with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Opening the bank account, which happens after obtaining the registration certificate, is the step where presence can be useful depending on the bank chosen.
A few days to 1 week, with account opening following directly after the registration certificate is obtained.
Minimum share capital: €1.
Every director or shareholder must be declared as an Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) in the national register — a requirement stemming from EU anti-money-laundering directives (or equivalent standards outside the EU). Bank scrutiny is heightened in two situations common among international clients: when a shareholder or director is a US citizen or US tax resident (FATCA then imposes extra reporting obligations on the bank, which can slow down or complicate account opening); and when a shareholder is based in an African country rated higher-risk by the FATF (extra proof of the origin of funds, longer KYC validation times). We anticipate this with you from the initial assessment if your structure involves such profiles.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Commercial lease and registering the establishment with the Central Registry of Business Entities (CRPS).
A fiscal till is mandatory for recording retail sales.
Indicative, non-exhaustive list of examples of solutions present on the local market — availability and terms change quickly; we help you select the best-suited offer during the assessment of your project.
To exhibit or sell equipment at a trade fair, the ATA carnet allows temporary import of goods — professional equipment, samples, stand fittings — without advancing customs duties or import VAT, provided they are re-exported within the allotted period (generally 12 months, sometimes 6 months for fair equipment). The carnet is issued by the chamber of commerce in the country of departure and recognised across the international network of ATA Convention countries, a network that covers Montenegro.
To import goods from a non-EU country (China, the US, etc.), an EORI number is essential for any customs procedure. Customs duties depend on the tariff code (combined nomenclature) and the product's origin; import VAT is then due at the rate applicable in the destination country, generally recoverable if the business is VAT-registered. Depending on trade agreements in force, some products benefit from reduced or zero duties on presentation of a certificate of origin. The competent authority for these procedures is Montenegro Customs Administration.
As Montenegro is not an EU/EEA member, consumer-protection rules (right of withdrawal, price display, warranties) fall under national law and can differ significantly from the harmonised European framework. We check this point with you based on your on-site sales activity.
Information provided for guidance (July 2026), subject to change depending on local regulation. We confirm the applicable detail with you during the initial assessment of your project.
Describe your project and timeline, and we'll quickly tell you whether we can act directly in Montenegro or point you to a trusted local partner.
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