Company Formation in Montenegro 2026: Cost, Process and Timeline
What it costs to set up a company in Montenegro in 2026, the documents you need, how long registration takes and what you pay every month afterwards.
By Montestart · Published 19 September 2026 · Updated 19 September 2026 · 4 min read
Founders usually arrive with two questions: what does company formation in Montenegro really cost, and how long does it take before the company can invoice. In 2026 the honest answer is a fixed fee, a share capital of one euro and about a week of registry time. This guide walks through each step the way we run it for our clients.
What is a d.o.o. and why do most founders choose it?
A d.o.o. (društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću) is the Montenegrin limited liability company. It is the structure behind almost every foreign-owned business in the country because it combines limited liability, a symbolic minimum share capital of €1, one or more shareholders of any nationality and the right to appoint the founder as executive director. That last point matters: the director role is what supports the residence and work permit application after registration.
Other forms exist (the a.d. joint-stock company, branches of foreign companies and sole traders), but for consultants, traders, IT businesses, holding structures and small hospitality projects the d.o.o. is the practical default.
How much does it cost to set up a company in Montenegro in 2026?
Two cost groups exist: our service fee and the official costs that every founder pays regardless of who files.
| Cost item | Amount in 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Company Formation + Residence Permit package | €2,200 fixed | All-inclusive service fee, confirmed in writing |
| Minimum share capital | €1 | Deposited, not lost |
| Court and registry fees | About €10 to €60 | Depends on the filing route |
| Certified translations | About €15 to €25 per page | Passport, diploma, criminal record certificate |
| Notary certification of the founding act | About €50 to €150 | Depends on the number of founders |
| Registered office address | Included for 12 months | Provided by us |
There is no capital deposit requirement beyond the €1, no mandatory local partner and no obligation to rent premises. Our all-inclusive packages state the fee once and it does not change after the quote.
Which documents do you need for company registration?
The registry accepts a surprisingly short list, but each document must be correctly certified:
- A passport valid for at least six months
- Your highest diploma (primary school is the legal minimum)
- A criminal record certificate from your home country, apostilled
- Certified Montenegrin translations of the documents above
- The founding act and articles of association, which we draft
- An apostilled power of attorney if you register remotely
The apostille step is the one that delays most founders. Order the criminal record certificate first, because in many countries it takes two to three weeks to issue and apostille.
How does the registration process work step by step?
Day 0: consultation and checklist. We confirm the business activity codes, the company name and whether you will sign in person or by power of attorney. You receive a written checklist and quote.
Days 1 to 3: drafting and notary. We draft the founding act, book the notary and arrange the certified translations. If you are abroad, the apostilled power of attorney lets our team sign on your behalf.
Days 3 to 7: CRPS registration. The application is filed with the Central Registry of Business Entities. The registry issues the registration decision, the tax identification number and the statistical code. We order the company seal the same day.
Week 2: bank account and address. We open the corporate bank account, register the company address and, if needed, apply for VAT registration. From this point the company can invoice clients.
The whole process is described in our company formation service page, and the timeline holds as long as the document set is complete on day one.
What are the running costs after registration?
A Montenegrin company is inexpensive to maintain, but it is not free. Budget for the following:
- Accounting: monthly bookkeeping and VAT returns by a licensed accountant
- Director contributions: social and health contributions on the director's salary
- Corporate income tax: 9% on profit up to €100,000, 12% and 15% above that
- VAT: 21% standard rate, 7% reduced rate, registration mandatory above €30,000 turnover
- Registered address: included in the first year, renewable afterwards
We give every client a written monthly budget before registration, so the operating cost is known before the company exists.
Can the company be registered without travelling?
Yes. With an apostilled power of attorney our accountants sign the founding documents, file the registration and open the bank account. You travel to Montenegro later, when the residence permit biometrics are taken. Founders who plan to relocate quickly often do both trips in one: they arrive after registration, sign the lease, register the address and file the permit within the same week.
Company formation in Montenegro 2026: what to do first
Send us your passport copy, the country that will issue your criminal record certificate and a one-line description of the business. We reply with the exact document list for your country, the fixed price and a start date. The first consultation is free and you can reach us through the contact page or on WhatsApp at any hour.
Written by the Montestart team
Certified Montenegrin accountants and relocation consultants based in Podgorica since 2015. Every guide reflects the rules we apply for our own clients.