Expert Legal Service for Company Registration in Montenegro

The Limited Liability Company (D.O.O.): Accessible and Popular

The D.O.O. (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću) is the equivalent of a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Montenegro and the most popular form among foreign businesses, ranging from freelancers to tech startups.

1. Low Entry Barrier: You can establish this entity with a symbolic minimum share capital of just 1 EUR;
2. Asset Protection: As the name suggests, your personal liability is strictly limited to your contribution to the company;
3. Simple Management: It requires at least one shareholder and one executive director (who can be the same person).

The Joint-Stock Company (A.D.): For Large-Scale Ambitions

If your vision involves raising public capital or managing large-scale infrastructure, the Joint-Stock Company (Akcionarsko društvo) is the appropriate structure. However, this “heavy-duty ship” requires a more significant investment, with a minimum founding capital of 25,000 EUR.

A joint-stock company in Montenegro requires at least 1 director and 1 shareholder, and has to appoint an auditor.

Step 1: Reserving Your Unique Identity

Your first task is to choose and reserve a unique business name through the Central Registry of Business Entities (CRPS) (2). Does your chosen name reflect your brand while complying with local regulations?

We assist in verifying the name’s availability early to avoid delays at the final hurdle (typically, we ask for 3 company names to ensure that at least one will go through in the register).

Step 2: Assembling the Required Dossier

Meticulous documentation is the bedrock of a smooth registration. LegalBison will help you gather in proper form:

1. Articles of Association (the company’s constitution);
2. Passport copies for all shareholders and directors (notarized or apostilled where necessary);
3. Proof of a registered address in Montenegro, this can be a physical office or a virtual office for those starting remotely;
4. Registration of a local office (entirely ensured by LegalBison’s assistance).

Step 3: Formalizing Your Presence at the CRPS

All documents are submitted to the Central Registry of Business Entities (CRPS). Once processed, your company is granted its legal personality and a unique Tax Identification Number (PIB).

Naturally, with LegalBison’s support, we take care of the whole process on your behalf to ensure its smooth execution.

Digital Modernization: E-Signatures and Official E-mails

Under the newest legislative updates for 2025/2026, Montenegro has embraced the digital age. Traditional company stamps (pečat) are no longer mandatory, and every new entity must register an official e-mail address to facilitate electronic communication with state authorities.

Securing Your Corporate Bank Account in Montenegro

While the incorporation process can be conducted entirely remotely, opening a domestic corporate bank account in a brick and mortar bank may require the physical presence of the executive director.

Major institutions such as CKB, NLB, and Erste Bank dominate the landscape, offering modern mobile banking platforms and other high range services of European banks.

Depending on your business activity and target markets, other options may be on the table. LegalBison works with a global network of banking institutions and payment services providers. We will assist in finding the right financial solution to make your business work.

Montenegro Fiscal Landscape: Understanding Taxes and Compliance

Incorporation in Montenegro comes very close to offshore company registration on the topic of taxes. It boasts one of the lowest rates in Europe, and one of the most comprehensive and business enabling system among global non-offshore countries.

Montenegro’s tax system is designed to not be a burden for small companies in their debuts and in their scaling process. The Corporate Income Tax (CIT) follows a progressive model:

1. 9% for profits up to 100,000 EUR;
2. 12% for the bracket between 100,000 EUR and 1,500,000 EUR;
3. 15% for any profits exceeding 1,500,000 EUR.

After completing the company registration procedure in Montenegro, businesses must register for tax purposes. This is a mandatory step to ensure compliance with local tax regulations and to benefit from the available tax advantages.

As those are brackets, this means for example that a company making a profit of 2,000,000 EUR will pay 9% on its first 100,000 EUR (9,000 EUR), 12% on the following 1,400,000 EUR (168,000 EUR) and 15% on the remaining 500,000 EUR (75,000 EUR). This gives a total tax to pay of 252,000 EUR, equating a 12,6% effective tax rate on this fiscal year’s profits. This remains a very low rate, in comparison to the vast majority of other “onshore” jurisdictions.

If your annual revenue exceeds the legal threshold (currently 30,000 EUR), you must also register for Value-Added Tax (VAT), which stands at a standard 21%. VAT registration is mandatory only for companies engaged in trading activities from the outset. LegalBison can assist in securing a VAT number.

Expanding Your Horizon: Residency for Investors

Did you know that registering a company in Montenegro is one of the most reliable ways to secure European residency?

As a CEO or company owner, you are eligible for a temporary residence permit, renewable annually. After five years of temporary residency, you may apply for permanent status, potentially leading to a Montenegrin passport after ten years.