Establish a Subsidiary in Montenegro
Find out how foreign companies can establish a subsidiary in Montenegro, from share capital to management and registration. Contact our formation experts.

Below, our company formation specialists explain how foreign companies can set up subsidiaries in Montenegro. We can also assist with the procedure of registering a subsidiary in Montenegro.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Applicable legislation (home country/foreign country) | Montenegrin law (the subsidiary is a Montenegrin company) |
Best Used For | Trading activities, services, manufacturing |
Minimum share capital (YES/NO) | EUR 1 for a limited liability company (d.o.o.); EUR 25,000 for a joint stock company |
| Time frame for the incorporation (approx.) | Approx. 4 weeks |
| Management (Local/Foreign) | Local or foreign, at the discretion of the parent company |
| Legal representative required (YES/NO) | No |
| Local bank account (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Independence from the parent company | Fully independent entity |
| Liability of the parent company | Liable to the extent of the capital invested |
| Corporate tax rate | 9% to 15% (progressive) |
| Possibility of hiring local staff (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Legal entity (yes/no) | Yes, foreign companies can establish a subsidiary in Montenegro |
Company formation | The subsidiary must be registered and formed under Montenegrin laws |
Subsidiary registration | Must register with the Central Registry of Commercial Entities in Montenegro. |
| Name Reservation | The subsidiary’s name must be unique and reserved with the Central Registry |
| Corporate Governance | The subsidiary must comply with corporate governance regulations in Montenegro |
| Business licenses | Depending on the industry, the subsidiary may require specific licenses and permits |
| Standard VAT rate | 21% |
| Employment Laws | After establishing a subsidiary in Montenegro, the hiring and employment practices must adhere to Montenegrin labor laws |
| Double tax treaty access (yes/no) | Yes, Montenegro has about 45 such treaties |
| Audit requirement | A statutory audit is required only above the size thresholds of the accounting and audit laws (or for public-interest entities); annual financial statements are filed with the Tax Administration |
| Local representation | The subsidiary must have a local representative appointed to fulfill legal obligations |
Who can open a subsidiary in Montenegro?
The subsidiary is the business form available for local and foreign companies seeking to expand their operations in Montenegro.
Is remote subsidiary registration available in Montenegro?
Yes, through our specialized services, which start at EUR 1,000.
What are the most important features of a Montenegrin subsidiary?
The following:
- the subsidiary can have corporate shareholders only and can be owned by a single company;
- it is an independent business form from the parent company;
- it can carry out the same operations as the parent company, other activities, or a mix between the two;
- the subsidiary must obtain its own business licenses and have its own bank account in Montenegro;
- the subsidiary set up by a foreign company will be treated as a domestic business from a taxation point of view;
- because it is a local business, the subsidiary must respect the Montenegrin legislation;
- the subsidiary is subject to local licensing requirements when it comes to the operations it wants to complete here.
Our company registration agents in Montenegro can explain the requirements related to starting a subsidiary in this country.
The opening of a subsidiary in Montenegro is also explained in the scheme below:
What are the steps to register a subsidiary in Montenegro?
The following steps must be completed in order to register a subsidiary in Montenegro in 2026:
- the company name must be selected (the subsidiary can have a different name from the parent company);
- the incorporation documents must be drafted, notarized and filed with the Montenegro Trade Register;
- tax identification and VAT numbers must be obtained with the tax authorities in Montenegro;
- the licenses to operate must be obtained with the relevant authorities in the field in which the company will operate.
Also, the employees must be registered at the Health and Pension Fund and at the Tax Administration counter.
What are the documents required to open a subsidiary in Montenegro?
The following documents must be deposited at the Central Register:
- the address of the foreign company;
- the domain of activity;
- the name and legal form of the parent company;
- the company’s articles of association accompanied by a certified translation;
- a copy of the registration certificate;
- last balance sheet of the company;
- the name of the Montenegro residence which will represent the company in legal matters and in the relations with other legal entities.
Along with the above, the company must submit the notarized articles of association.
Are there specific conditions to open a subsidiary in Montenegro for EU companies? How about for non-EU enterprises?
No, the same conditions apply to companies from EU and non-EU states.
What legal form can a subsidiary in Montenegro take?
You can register it as a private limited liability company or as a stock corporation, depending on the size of your operations.
As a general note, the private limited liability company is preferred by most investors.
Is there a minimum capital I need to deposit to register a subsidiary in Montenegro?
Only EUR 1 if you decide on the private limited liability company. For a stock corporation, you need at least EUR 25,000.
Here is also a video on it:
Must a Montenegrin subsidiary bear the same name as the parent company?
No, this requirement applies to branch offices only.
How long does it take to open a subsidiary in Montenegro?
Approximately one week.
What are the main advantages of setting up a subsidiary in Montenegro?
The following are some significant benefits of setting up a subsidiary in Montenegro:
- Availability of new markets for goods and services;
- Expansion of brand recognition;
- Establish trade relations;
- Tax benefits;
- Diversification of risks;
- Knowledge of the region, access to advanced technology, and a competent labor force;
- More affordable production and manufacturing;
- A component of a global investment and business expansion plan;
- With a subsidiary in Montenegro, you can sign a lease agreement in 1 week.
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We invite you to contact our experts in company registration in Montenegro if you intend to open a subsidiary in this country.
German and Russian investors interested in company formation in Montenegro, can contact our partners: Firmengründung in Montenegro and Региситрация компаний Черногорье.
Vladimir Radonjic, Lawyer · 2 October 2026

