New Draft Law on Foreigners in Montenegro – Important Change for Company Owners

The Government of Montenegro has published the draft of the new Law on Foreigners, which has passed the public consultation phase but has not yet entered into force. This document introduces potentially significant changes for foreign nationals who already operate or plan to operate businesses in Montenegro through their own companies.

WHAT IS CHANGING?

According to the draft law, stricter conditions are being introduced for the extension of temporary residence permits for foreign nationals in Montenegro:

• company owners with more than 51% ownership share,
• directors of their own companies.

Key novelty:

The extension of residence will only be possible if the company meets the following conditions:

• employs at least three full-time employees,
• at least one of these employees must be a Montenegrin citizen.

This means that simply registering a company will no longer be sufficient for legal residence. An active business structure, employees, and proof of real business activity will be required.

IS THE LAW ALREADY IN FORCE?

No.
The law has not yet been adopted and is still under consideration. During the legislative process, amendments, additions, or new public consultations may occur.

At this stage, there is no need to change your business operations until the official and final version of the law is published.

Our team will continue to monitor the process and keep you informed in a timely manner about all important updates.

You can review the draft text of the law on the website of the Government of Montenegro: www.gov.me/dokumenta