Company Formation in Montenegro — Foreign Investor Guide
Complete legal guide for establishing a company (D.O.O.) in Montenegro: 9% corporate tax, EU candidate status, required documents and step-by-step process.
Company Formation in Montenegro
Montenegro offers one of Europe's most attractive tax regimes combined with EU candidate country status, making it a strategic base for businesses seeking access to European markets. NextEra Legal provides legal advisory for company formation in Montenegro.
Why Form a Company in Montenegro?
Montenegro's appeal for foreign investors includes: a flat 9% corporate income tax (one of the lowest in Europe), a 15% personal income tax, the Euro as official currency (without being an EU member), a growing tourism and real estate sector, and active EU accession negotiations that align the legal framework with EU standards.
D.O.O. — Montenegrin LLC (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću)
The D.O.O. is the most common company structure for foreign investors in Montenegro. Key features:
Minimum shareholders: 1 (individual or legal entity)
Minimum capital: €1 (no meaningful capital requirement)
Liability: Limited to capital contribution
Corporate income tax: 9% flat rate
Dividend tax: 15% withholding tax
VAT: 21% standard rate; 7% reduced rate
Registration time: 3–7 business days at the Central Registry of Business Entities (CRPS)
Registration Process
1. Company name search and reservation
2. Drafting of memorandum and articles of association
3. Notarization of founding documents
4. Registration with the CRPS (Central Registry of Business Entities)
5. Tax identification number issuance
6. Bank account opening
7. VAT registration (if applicable; threshold: €30,000 annual turnover)
Required Documents (Foreign Investors)
Valid passport (notarized copy, apostilled)
Criminal record certificate (apostilled, translated into Montenegrin)
Articles of association (notarized)
Proof of business address in Montenegro
Power of attorney if submitting through a representative
Investment Incentives
Montenegro offers investment incentive regimes for strategic investments exceeding €500,000 in specific sectors, including tourism, energy, technology and infrastructure. Special economic zones are also available with additional tax and customs benefits.