You can rely on our company registration agents in Montenegro if you need help in setting up a branch office in this country.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation (home country/foreign country) |
Foreign country
|
Best used for |
Financial activities (banking, insurance) |
| Minimum share capital (YES/NO) | NO |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | Approx. 4 weeks |
| Management (Local/Foreign) | Local or foreign (the parent company is not required to appoint a local director) |
| Legal representative required (YES/NO) | NO |
| Local bank account (YES/NO) | YES |
| Independence from the parent company | Fully dependent on the parent company |
| Liability of the parent company | Fully liable for the branch office' obligations |
| Corporate tax rate | 9% |
| Possibility of hiring local staff (YES/NO) | YES |
| Special requirements related to the trading name (YES/NO) | Yes, a branch must use the name of the parent company. |
Activities permitted | Highly regulated activities are permitted. |
Restrictions (if any) | Yes, a Montenegro branch cannot have other operations than the parent company’s. |
| Special licensing requirements (if any) | Possibly, depending on the sector it will operate in. |
| Local address required (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Authority to be registered with | Montenegrin Companies Registrar |
| Applicability of the corporate tax | The corporate tax is levied on the Montenegro-sourced income. |
| Employment registration requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, the branch must register as an employer and set up the payroll for this purpose. |
| Option to transfer employees from the headquarters (YES/NO) | Yes, the foreign business can transfer employees to its branch in Montenegro. |
| VAT registration requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, a branch must obtain a VAT number. |
| Incorporation services availability (YES/NO) | Yes, we can assist with the registration of a branch office in Montenegro. |
Table of Contents
What are the characteristics of a Montenegro branch?
Here they are:
- the branch office must bear the same as the parent company, meaning it must operate under the same trading name;
- not only foreign companies can set up branch offices in Montenegro, but local companies can too;
- the Montenegro branch office must complete the same activities as the parent company, compared to the subsidiary company;
- from a taxation point of view, the branch office will be treated as a resident company only for the activities undertaken in Montenegro.
When do I need to start the registration procedure for a branch in Montenegro?
A branch must be registered no longer than 30 days after the decision of establishment in the Central Registry of the Commercial Court of Montenegro.
What are the steps to register a Montenegrin branch?
The registration of a branch office in Montenegro in 2026 implies the same steps as when incorporating a domestic company. These steps imply:
- preparing the incorporation documents, which consist of drafting and notarizing the parent company’s and branch office’s statutory documents;
- paying the registration and publication fees with the Companies Register in Montenegro;
- filing the application form with the Trade Register in order to obtain the Tax Identification Number (TIN);
- applying for the company seal and registering with the tax authorities for social security purposes;
- obtaining the necessary licenses for operating with the relevant authorities in Montenegro.
You can also rely on our consultants if you want to open a Montenegro company.
We invite you to read about the steps for opening a branch in Montenegro in the infographic below:
What are the documents required to open a branch office in Montenegro?
The following:
- details about the name and the address of the branch, the performed activities, the name and type of business of the foreign company;
- an authenticated copy of the memorandum of association of the foreign company;
- the certificate of registration and an extract from the foreign register to prove the existence of the company in that country;
- the name and details of the foreign company’s representatives
- the name and details of the resident person of Montenegro authorized to act in the name of the branch;
- the balance sheet and the profit and loss statements of the foreign company.
IMPORTANT! The foreign documents brought by the parent company must be translated and certified or apostilled before filing them with the Trade Register in Montenegro.
What is the legal status of a branch office of a foreign company in Montenegro?
The branch office is an extension or satellite of the foreign company in Montenegro. It must carry out its operations under the legislation of the country where the parent enterprise is incorporated; however, it must also adhere to certain Montenegrin regulations.
Is it required for the Montenegrin to bear the same name as the parent company?
Yes, this is an important requirement to meet.
Does the branch office require a specific share capital?
No, there are no minimum or specific share capital requirements; however, the parent company must provide for sufficient capital to operate the Montenegrin branch.
Must the branch office have a local representative/manager?
Yes, the parent company must appoint at least one local resident director or representative to maintain the liaison with the Montenegrin authorities.
Foreign owners can also relocate here under the Montenegro citizenship by investment scheme.
Can I register a branch in Montenegro remotely?
Yes, by appointing a local representative. This is the case of ourcompany formation specialists in Montenegro who can handle the entire procedure with the Companies Register.
In this case, alongside the usual documents, a power of attorney for one of our agents will be required.
Here is also a short video version of our article:
What are the activities that can be completed by a branch office?
The Montenegrin branch can carry out any activities of the parent company.
Is a branch office required to undergo any licensing requirements before commencing its activities in Montenegro?
It depends on the operations to carry out. In regulated sectors, the parent company is required to apply for the necessary licenses in accordance with the Montenegrin regulations.
Is a local bank account a mandatory requirement for a Montenegrin branch?
Yes, the account is necessary for tax registration, payroll, and transactions.
How long does it take to register a branch office in Montenegro?
It can take about 2 weeks to open a branch in Montenegro in 2026.
If you want to form a shelf company in addition to opening a branch in Montenegro, get in touch with our company incorporation experts. They can help you acquire a shelf company, and also describe to you all the related details about the regulations of this specific company form.
For more details about the aspects of setting up a company or a branch office in Germany, our partners from CompanyFormationGermany.com are at your disposal.
Please contact our experts in company formation in Montenegro if you are interested in extending your business in this country. We will analyse your request, and we will find the best business solution according to your needs.