Favorable taxes, mild climate, and comfortable living
9% — corporate profit tax
9–15% — progressive personal income tax scale
7% — reduced VAT rate
Residence permits for all family members and company employees
Apply now to get expert advice
Brief overview of the program
A company in Montenegro is a profitable tool for doing business in an EU candidate country with an attractive tax regime. Registering joint-stock companies (AD), limited liability companies (DOO), and entrepreneurial companies, as well as creating holding structures, allows you to benefit from low corporate tax rates, ease of doing business, obtaining Montenegro tax residency status, and access to the advantages of future EU membership.
Processing time 2 weeks
Foreign ownership 100%
Types of legal entities
Registering a company in Montenegro allows you to optimize your tax burden, gain access to the European market, and create an effective structure for asset management.
Limited Liability Company (DOO)
Suitable for small and medium-sized businesses, offering limited liability for members and flexible management.
Minimum share capital of just 1 euro for most types of activities
Allows 100% foreign ownership without local partners
Members’ liability is limited to their shares
Simple management and decision-making procedures
Can be registered with 1 to 50 members
Sole Proprietorship (SP)
An ideal solution for individual entrepreneurs due to minimal business costs and simplified reporting.
Simplified tax system with fixed payments
Minimal reporting and documentation requirements
Fast registration within 5 working days
No requirements for share capital
Ability to operate without hiring employees
Joint-Stock Company (Akcionarsko društvo)
Suitable for attracting investments or entering the stock market, offering maximum flexibility in capital structure.
Free transfer of shares between participants
Ability to raise capital through share issuance
Clear separation between management and ownership
Minimum share capital of EUR 25,000
Opportunity to list shares on the stock exchange
Branch office of a foreign company
An ideal solution for international companies seeking presence in the Montenegrin market without establishing a separate legal entity.
Representation of the parent company’s interests in Montenegro
No minimum share capital requirement
Limited scope of permitted activities
Simplified registration and liquidation procedures
Taxation applies only to activities conducted in Montenegro
How to ensure a successful company registration in Montenegro
Specific requirements and estimated costs
List of documents for company formation in Montenegro
Current business registration conditions for 2025
Fill out the form and get a detailed guide about the service from iWorld specialists
Support for businesses abroad
iWorld specialists provide incorporation services for legal entities and help choose the optimal organizational and legal form and structure for a business, taking into account local legislation and tax advantages.
iWorld lawyers organize the opening of corporate accounts with leading local and international banks in accordance with compliance and regulatory requirements.
The iWorld team develops tax planning strategies in accordance with local legislation, optimizes the tax burden, and ensures that all necessary reporting is carried out.
iWorld employees take full responsibility for accounting in accordance with local standards, preparing reports, and complying with audit requirements.
iWorld specialists organize corporate governance, support changes in the company's structure, and ensure that record keeping complies with regulatory requirements.
The iWorld team provides legal support for all aspects of business operations in compliance with local legislation, including labor law and commercial transactions.
Company registration process
SergeyGeneral Manager at iWorld
Consulting and planning
iWorld specialists conduct a detailed analysis of your business project, determine the optimal organizational and legal form and business development strategy in Montenegro, taking into account the specifics of local legislation.
Document preparation and name selection
iWorld lawyers help you prepare a complete set of documents for business registration, including founding documents, select several options for the company name, and check their availability in the Central Register.
Submission of documents to the Central Register
iWorld lawyers submit your documents to the Central Register of Business Entities of Montenegro, ensure compliance with all formal requirements, and accompany the registration process at all stages.
Obtaining registration documents
After successful submission of documents, you will receive a certificate of registration, an extract from the register, and your company's tax number, which entitles you to conduct commercial activities.
Opening bank accounts and obtaining a residence permit
iWorld lawyers accompany the process of opening corporate bank accounts and, if necessary, help you obtain a temporary residence permit for the founders and directors of the company.
Obtain a residence permit by registering a company
Starting a business in Montenegro can serve as a basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit for entrepreneurial activities. Registering a company and actively conducting business grants the right to a one-year residence status, which can be extended.Along with the primary applicant, the following can also obtain residence status:
Family members
Key employees
Business partners
Apply now to get expert advice
iWorld Service packages
Basic
EUR 2,000
Opening a company
Stamp issue
Filing documents for residence permit (fees at the MUP)
Montenegro sits at the crossroads of trade routes between Europe and Asia, with access to the Adriatic Sea and a well-developed transport infrastructure, providing easy entry to European and Balkan markets.
EU candidate country
As an official candidate for European Union membership, Montenegro offers tax residents the opportunity to access the EU single market and its full range of benefits.
Simplified business registration
The company registration process is fast and efficient — taking just 5–10 business days, with the option to submit documents remotely through authorized representatives.
Low tax burden
Montenegro offers one of the lowest corporate tax rates in Europe at 9% (for annual income up to EUR 100,000), along with preferential regimes for small businesses and startups.
Minimum capital requirements
A limited liability company can be registered with a share capital of only 1 euro, making business formation accessible for entrepreneurs of all budgets.
Residence permit eligibility
Registering a company and serving as its director grants the right to obtain a temporary residence permit in Montenegro, with the possibility of later applying for permanent residence.
No currency restrictions
Montenegro allows free currency conversion, with no restrictions on capital movement or international transactions, facilitating international business operations.
Developed banking system
The country boasts a stable banking sector with international financial institutions, ensuring reliable banking services and access to modern asset management tools.
Comparison of jurisdictions for company registration
Category
Montenegro
Serbia
The UAE
Bahrain
Minimum share capital
EUR 1
RSD 100
AED 0
BHD 0
VAT
21%
20%
5%
10%
100% foreign ownership
yes
yes
yes
yes
Audit
yes
yes
yes
yes
Corporate tax
9%
15%
0–9%
0%
Personal income tax
from 9%
from 10%
0%
0%
Dividend tax
15%
from 15%
0%
0%
Get a personalized estimate for the cost of registering a company in Montenegro
iWorld specialists will prepare a personalized estimate with terms, stages, deadlines, taking into account your situation and all necessary fees.
Alternative jurisdictions for growing your business
Detailed guide on how to pay taxes in Montenegro for non-residents. How to become a tax resident of Montenegro and optimize your taxation. Types of taxes, tax rates, double taxation and other nuances.
How to open a company and get a residence permit in Montenegro by business. Requirements, conditions and procedure for obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro by business for immigrants from different countries.
How to obtain Montenegro citizenship in 2025: legal ways through investment, descent, naturalization or marriage. Learn about the Montenegrin citizenship program, requirements, dual citizenship law, benefits and step-by-step application process.
What are the main legal forms available for business registration in Montenegro?
In Montenegro, you can register a limited liability company (DOO), a sole proprietorship for individual activity, a joint-stock company (AD), as well as a branch office of a foreign company for limited activities within the country.
What are the tax obligations for companies in Montenegro?
Companies in Montenegro pay a corporate tax of 9% on profits, VAT at 21% (with a reduced rate of 7% on certain goods), property tax ranging from 0.25% to 1% of the property value, and mandatory social security contributions on employee salaries.
How long does the full company registration process take?
Registration with the Central Registry takes 5–10 business days if the documents are properly prepared. The full process before starting operations — including opening a bank account, obtaining a tax number, and arranging a residence permit for the director — takes about 3–4 weeks.
Is physical presence of the founders required during company registration in Montenegro?
Company registration can be done remotely through a trusted representative, but physical presence is required for opening bank accounts, signing office lease agreements, and obtaining residence permits. The company director must be physically present to sign the employment contract.
What are the company’s obligations after registration?
The company must keep accounting records regardless of profit, file an annual tax return, update data in the Beneficial Owners Registry by March 31 each year, and the director must be officially employed with a residence permit obtained within 24 hours after registration.
Get expert advice — contact us today
You can schedule a consultation with a company specialist either in person at our office or online. During the consultation, you’ll receive a detailed case analysis, a service cost estimate, and personalized recommendations tailored to your goals.
