New Regulations for Real Estate Agencies and Agents in Montenegro – What’s Changing?

After a long period without clear and precise rules, the field of real estate brokerage and leasing in Montenegro has finally been more thoroughly regulated through new bylaws introduced in 2026.

These regulations introduce concrete standards and rules that directly affect the work of agencies, agents, and client security.

Below is an overview of the key changes and what they mean in practice.

A UNIFIED REGISTER OF BROKERS HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED

One of the most important changes is the establishment of a central, public, and electronic register of all brokers.

The register includes:

• data on registration and deletion from the register
• basic identification and business information about brokers
• records of licensed agents
• ownership and management structure
• imposed protective measures

Why is this important?

For the first time, clients can verify whether they are working with a registered and legitimate agency, significantly reducing the space for unprofessional intermediaries.

MINIMUM TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATION

The new regulation clearly defines where and under what conditions a broker may operate.

Work is permitted:

• in a business premises
• in an apartment used as a business space (provided it has a separate entrance)

It is mandatory to display a sign with the broker’s name.

Minimum required equipment includes:

• telephone and internet
• office furniture
• computer and printer
• device for electronic identification (biometric ID card reader)

This means that it is no longer possible to conduct business without basic technical and organizational conditions, thereby raising the level of professionalism in the market.

MANDATORY RECORD-KEEPING AND GREATER TRANSPARENCY

Record-keeping is now strictly defined and mandatory.

Records must include:

• brokerage agreements
• client and agent data
• property information
• transaction status
• sale price or rental amount
• brokerage fee and issued invoices

Obligations of brokers:

• entering and updating data within 8 days
• maintaining records in written form
• permanent storage of records

This regulation introduces significantly greater accountability and legal security for all parties involved.

PROFESSIONAL EXAM AS A REQUIREMENT

The profession of real estate agent is now formalized through a mandatory professional exam.

The exam is organized by a commission formed by the Chamber of Commerce and consists of a written and oral part.

The exam fee is 150€.

The exam program includes key areas such as: contractual relations, cadastre and property law, inheritance and family law, marketing, finance and taxation, and urban planning.