24 January 2019 - At today's session, the Government of Montenegro passed the Montenegro Economic Reform Programme 2019-2021, as the most important document in the economic dialogue with the European Union. The Economic Reform Programme is also a strategic document for medium-term macroeconomic and fiscal programming, which also contains the accompanying agenda of structural reforms necessary for reducing or eliminating obstacles to economic growth and strengthening competitiveness. Montenegro's strategic development goal defined by the programme is a sustainable and inclusive economic growth that will contribute to reducing the development gap about the EU average and increasing the quality of life of citizens. The programme is entirely consistent with the annual Budget Law and the Medium-Term Budget Framework, as well as the strategic development documents of Montenegro.

The Cabinet also passed the Agrobudget for 2019 amounting to 52.4 million EUR (31% more than last year).

Customs Tariff Regulation for 2019 was also approved, which specifies the level of customs rates for this year, in line with the dynamics established by the Law on the Confirmation of the Protocol on the Accession of Montenegro to the Marrakesh Agreement on the Establishment of the World Trade Organisation. The basic changes relate to the reduction of customs rates and changes in the nomenclature. Annex I of the Protocol on the Accession of Montenegro to the WTO for a certain number of products from the Customs Tariff (mainly agricultural products) defines the so-called "the ultimate upper boundary restriction," which represents the rate of duty to be applied by Montenegro up to a specific date on imports of those products. It is stipulated that the reduction of customs rates will be implemented annually in the same stages, starting from the date of accession of Montenegro to the WTO.

23 January 2019 - Foreign legal and natural persons have the right to establish a company in Montenegro under the same conditions as nationals. The most common forms of companies are: limited liability company (LLC) and joint stock company (JSC).

All regulations regarding the establishment, operation and taxation system are compliant with European standards with benefits for foreign investors. The deadline for registration with the Commercial Court is a maximum of 4 days, while other duties (statistics – company registration number, entry into the tax records, opening a current account, registration in customs records) are completed within a maximum of 3 days.

The process of establishing a limited liability company (LLC) is defined by the Law on Business Organizations (http://www.mipa.co.me/en/legislation/). When registering an LLC, it is necessary to download and submit the following to the Central Registry of Business Entities – CRBE (http://www.crps.me/):

1. Develop Articles of Incorporation of the company, download an example of articles of incorporation for a single-member company (if one founder founds the company);
2. Download an example of the Articles of Incorporation for a multi-member company (if several founders establish the company);
3. Draw up a Decision on the establishment of the company (if one founder establishes the company), download an example of the Decision on the Establishment;
4. Develop an incorporation agreement (if several founders establish the company), download an example of the incorporation agreement;
5. Pay €10 into the account of the Tax Administration, account number: 832-3161-26, payment purpose: registration of LLC. Payment slip example on the website of CRBE;
6. Step 4. Pay €12 into the account of the Official Gazette of MNE, account number: 520- 941100-57, payment purpose: registration of LLC. Payment slip example on the website of CRBE;
7. Certify the decision/agreement in 2 copies at the court, or by a notary;
8. Extract from the Central Depository Agency. When taking over the extract, it is needed to submit a copy of the identity card of the founder or a certified copy of the passport if the founder is a foreigner and a payment slip in the amount of €5.08 paid to the bank account of CDA: 510-8092-14, payment purpose: extract a fee. Payment slip example on the website of CRBE;
9. A copy of the identity card (if the founder is a Montenegrin national) or a certified copy of passport (if the founder is a foreign national). Certify at the court or by a notary;
10. Fill in the application of the company to start registration, download the registration form – PS 01; Tariff number – if the company wants to import and export products, when filling in the PS-01 form, it is necessary to mark the column numbered 15.4. Customs Register on the back page, for the company to be registered at the Customs Administration, on the occasion of which a tariff number is received;
11. If the company wants to apply for registration of taxpayers for value-added tax (VAT), the PR VAT – 1 form will be filled in and submitted together with other documents required for setting up a business;
12. If the company wants to apply for registration into the register of excise duty payers, the AKC – P form will be filled in and submitted together with other documents required for setting up a business;
13. Submit the collected and certified documents (Articles of Incorporation, certified decisions/agreements in 2 copies, CDA’s decision, copy of the ID or certified passport in 2 copies, payment slips and the application for registration, form pr pdv-1/akc-p) to the Central Registry of Tax Administration, Marka Miljanova 54, 81000 Podgorica, Tel: +382 (0) 20 230 858, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., working hours 08:30 – 12:00.

When submitting documents, a certificate will be issued including the number of the decision, to be presented together with an identification document upon the collecting the certificate of registration, seven days from the date of filing the application.

After obtaining the company registration certificate, it is necessary to do the following:

1. make a seal;
2. open a bank account;
3. register workers at the Tax Administration.

The incorporation agreement states the founding stake (which may be in cash, goods and rights), as well as the percentage ratio of the founders in the management and distribution of profits. The founding stake for the establishment of an LLC is at least €1.00.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro

23 January 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković held the regular meeting with the heads of the Tax Administration, Customs Administration and the Administration for Inspection Affairs of Montenegro. The total tax debt was reduced by around 140 million EUR. 

The meeting noted excellent results in the field of economic policy, consolidation of public finances and collection of revenues. Director of the Tax Administration Miomir M. Mugoša highlighted that 117 million EUR more were collected in 2018 than in 2017. Director of the Customs Administration Vladan Joković said that this body collected 80 million EUR more in 2018 than in 2017, while Director of Administration for Inspection Affairs of Montenegro Alija Košuta emphasised that they carried out over 57 thousand inspections last year and issued nearly 15 thousand misdemeanor orders worth 5.1 million EUR. 

PM Marković stressed that in the coming period, there should be a comprehensive and continuous activity of inspections, police, and prosecutors to prevent the grey economy more efficiently. 

"Fighting the grey economy is an important support for achieving our basic priority, which is the continuation of dynamic economic growth, development, job creation and an increase in living standards," the Prime Minister said. 

He added that a particular focus would be placed on the areas where the illegal activity is the greatest, such as tourism, construction, and the labour market. 

Activities on combating the grey economy will be supported by legislative interventions as well as by strengthening institutional capacities such as the establishment of the Tax Police in the Tax Administration and the budget inspection within the Ministry of Finance.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Milutin Simović and Zoran Pažin, Ministers of Finance, Economy and Tourism Darko Radunović, Dragica Sekulić and Pavle Radulović, as well as Director of the Police Directorate Veselin Veljović and High State Prosecutor Miloš Šoškić.

22 January 2019 - Danilovgrad is already a huge construction site. And the President of this Municipality, Zorica Kovačević, says it is going to be even more so. She announced numerous projects worth millions – from the construction of apartments for the citizens who mostly need it, 10-million EUR worth investment of the “Voli Trade” Company which plans to open a mall in this town, opening of the lounge and a service of the MAN company, as well as the construction of the main drain and construction of the new and reconstruction of existing roads. She claims that they are continually reducing the unemployment and that numerous investors are planning to move their business to Danilovgrad and thus create new jobs.

She adds that the existing sewerage system will be reconstructed. Also, the new one will be built.

“Reconstruction of the road across Martinići was planned to be undertaken. Also, the Government’s capital projects, such as the reconstruction of the old road Danilovgrad-Podgorica, go in our favor. Preparation works for the reconstruction of four lanes of the road Podgorica-Danilovrgrad are in progress. This year we will finish the project for the reconstruction of the “old road” Danilovgrad-Markovina and the tender for the reconstruction of the regional road Danilovgrad-Glava Zete will be called too,” says Kovačević.

Better supply of electric energy will the thanks to the reconstruction of low and high-voltage network.

“By the end of February, the project for the construction of apartments for retired persons will have been finished. The price of one square meter will be from 300 to 350 EUR, and that is a very reasonable price. We have provided funds for the reconstruction and construction of pipes and their removal,” says the President of the Municipality of Danilovgrad.

She proudly announces the opening of MAN lounge and service, an investment worth more than 3 million EUR, where around 15 persons from Danilovgrad will be employed.

“The construction of the new fire fighting brigade service has started as well as the reconstruction of the premises of Red Cross. Next week, the construction for the auxiliary field of FC Istra will begin. The construction of 50 apartments for the Armed Forces of Montenegro has begun too. “Bemax” company will build new grinder plant, where people will be able to find a job,” says Kovačević.

As she says, they are working hard on reducing unemployment.

Source: Cafe del Montenegro

21 January 2019 - Culture Trip, a global tech startup that inspires people to explore the world’s culture and creativity, has recently posted an article on the list of “Overlooked European Countries Not Enough People Visit” and listed Montenegro as a stunning tourist destination!

Montenegro's sparkling coastline seems to be drawing visitors more than ever since the tiny, picturesque island of Sveti Stefan was turned into a luxury hotel. This glamorous holiday destination appears to have become a hit with tourists from all over the world.

As explained by the Culture Trip journalist India Irving, tourists nowadays search for destinations that offer fewer crowds and less expensive flights. According to her guide, by visiting a country that isn’t as popular as, for example, France or Italy, you get an opportunity to “discover a place you haven’t already seen a million photos of”.

“Of course these destinations will be busy because this is still Europe after all,” Culture Club explains, but the “unpopular” destinations have their unique charms. The article suggests the most pristine beaches, amazing sceneries, majestic islands, dreamy villages, breath-taking castles and places known for hospitality and generosity. The list offers some picturesque locations that you need to plan your trip to ASAP!

Taking into consideration the luxurious resorts, seaside retreats and mountain getaways that make the small country a stunning place for a holiday, India Irving recommends that this year, you skip Croatia and head to Montenegro. “Its old towns will bring you back to another time, and its nightlife will be fun too, without sending you home needing another vacation. The sea is stunning, the people friendly, and the food healthy and delicious!”

Aside from Montenegro, the List of “11 Overlooked European Countries Not Enough People Visit” includes Austria, Cyprus, Faroe Islands, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, Northern Ireland, Norway, Poland and Romania.

22 January 2019 - On January 22, Ambassador of Great Britain to Montenegro, Her Excellency Ms Alison Camp met with the Mayor of Herceg Novi Stevan Katić and his associates.

The focus of the first official discourse between Katić and Camp were the potentials for the development of Herceg Novi, the vision of local government, current and planned projects, the relationship between local and state authorities, and current investments in the field of tourism.

The Ambassador pointed out that Herceg Novi is a city of significant potentials, which development should be carefully planned. In this regard, the representatives of the Municipality informed Her Excellency about the adoption of the Spatial Plan of the Municipality, as well as about the activities and difficulties in that area.

During the meeting, Ambassador Camp explained that her communication with British tour operators led to the conclusion of what obstacles British citizens who want to visit Herceg Novi have to overcome - crowds at the Montenegrin border with Croatia and registration of residence. Bearing in mind that the majority of tourists from Great Britain arrive at Herceg Novi from the Dubrovnik Airport, Camp and Katić agreed that it is necessary to resolve the issue of summer crowds at the border with Croatia, to which the Embassy will strive to draw attention.

President Katić said that British tourists annually have between 15.000 and 20.000 overnight stays in Herceg Novi and hope that this number will increase in the coming years. During the meeting, he particularly focused on the opening of new luxury hotels and marinas in the territory of Herceg-Novi Municipality. These projects, which positively affect the reputation of Herceg Novi, make the city a more attractive destination for citizens of Great Britain.

President Katić introduced the Ambassador to the rich social and cultural life of Herceg Novi and invited Her Excellency to visit Herceg Novi during February and March and be the guest of the city during the 50th Mimosa Festival.

22 January 2019 - It is in the interest of the citizens of Herceg Novi that the “Dr. Simo Milošević” Institute and the Meljine hospital retain the focus on health tourism and improve their activities, said the President of the municipality, Stevan Katić, at a meeting with British Ambassador Alison Camp.

On January 22, Ambassador of Great Britain to Montenegro, Her Excellency Ms Alison Camp met with the Mayor of Herceg Novi Stevan Katić and his associates.

The focus of the first official discourse between Katić and Camp were the potentials for the development of Herceg Novi, the vision of local government, current and planned projects, the relationship between local and state authorities, and the issue of privatisation of the Institute “Dr. Simo Milošević” in Igalo and Meljine Hospital.

The Ambassador pointed out that Herceg Novi is a city of significant potentials, which development should be carefully planned. In this regard, the representatives of the Municipality informed Her Excellency about the adoption of the Spatial Plan of the Municipality, as well as about the activities and difficulties in that area.

Ambassador Camp expressed her interest in the issue of privatisation of the Institute "Dr. Simo Milosevic" in Igalo and the status of the Meljine hospital, and emphasised that she is following these processes with great care.

Katić stressed that it is in the interest of the citizens of Herceg Novi that these institutions retain their focus on health tourism and improve their activities.

The Institute for physical medicine, rehabilitation and rheumatology “Dr. Simo Milošević” in Igalo, Herceg Novi is the largest and most important multidisciplinary health and recreational centre in Montenegro and in the region, with a majority stake owned by the State of Montenegro. The Institute is a pioneer of the modern physical and preventive medicine, rehabilitation, thalassotherapy and wellness, and it has become one of the leading international centres for rehabilitation of children, adults and seniors. It is located on the attractive coastal region of Montenegro, famous for springs of mineral water and healing mud, warm, crystal clear sea and lush vegetation full of healing herbs.

21 January 2019 - An Unprecedented list of priority infrastructure projects, supplemented by projects in the field of digital infrastructure, was approved at the last session of the Government of Montenegro. Among the priority projects worth hundreds of millions of euros, several are linked to Herceg Novi. As reported by Montenegrin daily newspapers “Dnevne novine”, “the implementation of these projects requires either the completion of planned or project documentation or solving possible property-legal issues”.

The most valuable project is the construction of the coastal “version” of the Adriatic-Ionian highway along the Montenegrin coast. This project will include seven segments, i.e. the development of bypasses in coastal municipalities within the country. The bypass around Herceg Novi, i.e. the section from the border on Debeli brijeg to Bijela, should be 17 kilometres long (8 kilometres of the bypass and 9 kilometres of Herceg Novi-Bijela road). The estimated construction value is 193,2 million EUR. According to the Methodology for the selection and prioritization of infrastructure projects, the project is rated with a score of 2C, which means that the project either has flaws in spatial planning documents or unresolved property-legal issues.

The construction of a bridge over the Bay of Kotor, with viaducts and access roads, was estimated at 67,9 million EUR.

The "Verige" Bridge is planned at the site of Cape St. Nedjelja/Cape Opatovo and is an integral part of the highway along the Montenegrin Coast. The total length of the bridge amounts to 981 metres, of which the span between the main supports is 450 metres. The main bridge structure will be built as a "Cable Stayed System". The length of the access roads to the bridge from both sides amounts to totally 1800 m. A 200 metres long viaduct is planned on the access road towards Tivat. The construction of the "Verige" Bridge will make the road from Tivat to Herceg Novi considerably shorter, improve the traffic conditions and the complete tourist offer of Montenegro.

This project is assessed by Methodology as 1b, which means that it is a project for which the preparation of technical documentation is in progress, which precedes the tender procedure, i.e. a project that lacks certain final consents/permits.

Within the framework of the Waste Management projects, the estimated value of construction of the Sanitary Landfill Duboki do was projected at 7.4 million EUR.

21 January 2019 - Montenegro and Albania should join forces to make the best of common potentials in many areas such as water management, tourism and agriculture, Prime Minister of Montenegro Duško Marković and President of Albania Ilir Meta agreed at the meeting that took place in Podgorica.

"The economic prospects of the two countries are serious, and the two governments should do everything to use them," said Prime Minister Marković, adding that bilateral political relations are at a very high level.

The Prime Minister noted the remarkable economic growth achieved during the Government's mandate and said that it is committed to improving the quality of life of citizens.

He pointed out the special development potentials of the north of the country, adding that the Government is committed to implementing infrastructure projects, including the road from Podgorica via Dinoša to Cijevna Zatrijebačka, worth 11 million EUR, which is of particular importance for the residents of Plav and Gusinje.

Both sides emphasised the importance of promoting rights and contribution of minority communities that strengthen and enhance the partnership and friendship between Montenegro and Albania.

The meeting also discussed the importance of peace and stability in the region, and in that context, the importance of the membership of both countries in NATO, emphasising the significance of European integration as well. Prime Minister Marković said that Montenegro supports Albania's EU bid, adding that country is willing to transfer knowledge and experience from its negotiation process.

21 January 2019 - Prime Minister Duško Marković said that 2018 was the year of demanding and progressive work of the Government and continuous progress of Montenegro, especially on the economic level, but also in the development of European integration, and he announced that the priorities of the Government this year would be the continuation of implementation of the obligations from the European agenda, more intense dynamics and comprehensive action against the informal economy. Prime Minister Marković participated in a special meeting of EU ambassadors and Head of the EU Delegation in Podgorica and emphasised that they are witnessing the continuous progress of Montenegro.

"In addition to demanding and hard work, all the more visible effects of progress towards the European Union and membership in NATO are contributing to the quality of stability, which creates the space for us to dedicate ourselves unhindered to what society needs for sustainable development. In the year behind us, definitely a significant achievement of the Government is its economic policy, which continued to deliver excellent results in all the most important parameters. The growth of the economy in 2018 is impressive and equals 4.5% in the first quarter, 4.9 in the second, and in the third, it was 5%. The gross income per capita has also grown. In the past year, the unemployed were almost 10,000 less than in 2017. The unemployment rate has decreased by 4 percent from 22.1 percent, at the end of 2017. The decrease in unemployment has contributed to an increase in overall economic activity, strong economic growth, which has led to the creation of new jobs, that is, an increase in the number of employees by close to 7,000 at the end of 2018 compared to the same period of 2017 or nearly 12,000 in relation to the end of 2016"- said the Prime Minister at a meeting with the ambassadors of the member states of the European Union. 

Prime Minister Marković emphasised that revenue collection in the past year was higher than almost 180 million EUR, that the budget deficit in 2018 was 3.5 percent compared to 5.7 percent in 2017, and that according to the data of the Central Bank Montenegro, the total inflow of foreign direct investments for the twelve months of 2017 amounted to 659 million EUR, and in the first 11 months last year, 747 million EUR. 

Addressing the ambassadors of the European Union, the Prime Minister outlined the breakdown of the boycott of parliament and the beginning of dialogue within the parliamentary working group on electoral legislation as an important fact in the political agenda of the last year. 

"I will repeat once again: dialogue can be conducted only in institutions, where only citizens' interests are promoted and democracy strengthened. In this year, the priorities of the Government are clear: primarily the continuation of obligations from the European agenda with an even more intense and better quality dynamics. Our goal is to open the only remaining chapter, Chapter 8 - Competition, meeting provisional benchmarks in Chapters 23 and 24 and reaching our internal readiness to close the chapters. We have already made progress in fulfilling obligations from the last benchmarks in six negotiating chapters," Prime Minister Marković said.

"Our goal is even more accelerated growth of the economy and creation of new jobs through the realization of capital investments, with foreign investments, further development of small and medium enterprises and improvement of business environment. To achieve this goal, the Government will launch a comprehensive action against the informal economy this year with normative interventions as well as strong and determined actions of tax authorities and law enforcement agencies. Certainly, we will continue to be active in the region in supporting neighbours and transferring our experiences from the integration processes. We will continue to justify the position we have in the process of joining the Union, within the region and as a member of NATO with our actions," the Prime Minister noted. 

Prime Minister Duško Marković thanked the ambassadors for their engagement and contribution to the development of Montenegro and congratulated Romania for taking over the presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

"We know that during the presidency, Romania will have difficult tasks ahead, issues of the EU's multi-annual budget, Brexit, migration ... so we appreciate that among the priorities IS the issue of enlargement as well. We are confident that they will successfully face these challenges. I want to thank Austria, during whose presidency we have opened a very important Chapter 27 - Environment and Climate Change. Cooperation with the Three, which, in addition to Romania, includes Finland and Croatia, is an additional opportunity for us in the coming period, because all three countries are our friends and partners who understand the Western Balkans and Montenegro, as well as the significance of the enlargement policy," the Prime Minister stated.

The meeting was also addressed by the Ambassador of Romania to Montenegro, Ferdinand Findi, who spoke about the priorities of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, as well as the head of the EU Delegation to Montenegro, Aivo Orav.