How and under what conditions to choose a company name in Montenegro?

Choosing a company name is one of the first—and most important—steps in starting a business. In addition to representing your company's identity in the market, the name must comply with the law and the rules of the Central Register of Business Entities (CRPS).

Below we explain everything you need to know to correctly and efficiently choose a company name in Montenegro.

WHAT DOES A COMPANY NAME REPRESENT?

The company name is the official name under which your business operates. It is used in all official documents, correspondence, invoices, and contracts, and represents the basic identity label of your business entity.

WHERE IS THE COMPANY NAME REGISTERED?

The company name must be registered with the Central Register of Business Entities (CRPS). Any changes to the name must also be reported to the CRPS.

MANDATORY ELEMENTS OF A COMPANY NAME

According to the Law on Business Organizations of Montenegro, a company name must include the legal form—depending on the type of business, this could be:

• DOO (Limited Liability Company)
• AD (Joint Stock Company)
• KD (Limited Partnership)
• OD (General Partnership)
• ENTREPRENEUR (for sole proprietors)

USE OF NAMES AND SYMBOLS IN THE COMPANY NAME

In certain cases, a company name may contain additional elements, but under specific conditions:

• The name "Montenegro" – is permitted
• Names of foreign countries or international organizations, as well as their symbols – permitted only with prior approval from the relevant authorities
• A physical person's name may be part of the company name only with written consent from all individuals bearing that name and surname

WHAT MUST A COMPANY NAME NOT CONTAIN?

The law explicitly prohibits the following:

• Offensive, indecent, or illegal words
• Names that are identical or similar to already registered companies, if they could cause confusion
• Transfer of a name to another company is not allowed, except in the case of a merger

ABBREVIATED NAME

A company may also have an abbreviated name, but it must still contain:

• The legal form (e.g., DOO)
• Part of the original name

Important: Branch offices may not use the abbreviated name.

HOW TO CHECK IF A NAME IS AVAILABLE?

Before deciding on a name, it is recommended to check availability on the official CRPS website: https://crps.me

However, the best practice is to additionally consult with a legal advisor at CRPS or an accountant—to avoid potential complications during registration.

Choosing the right company name is not just a matter of creativity—it’s a legal and strategic move that shapes your business identity. Complying with CRPS rules and the law will help you avoid complications and leave a professional impression in the market.

If you are unsure how to begin or want to ensure everything is done properly, feel free to contact our consulting team.