Montenegro work permit: employees, employers and directors

The official types of work permit

The Law on Foreigners provides three types of work permit, as described on the official EURAXESS Montenegro page:

Work permits are issued for a period from three months to one year and can be extended up to two more years, depending on the type. The Employment Bureau decides within 30 days of the request. The Government sets annual quotas, with a number of exemptions.

If you are hired by a Montenegrin employer

• The employer must be registered in Montenegro and files the request for you.
• You need an employment contract with that employer, a valid passport, health insurance and accommodation, and documents about your qualifications.
• The permit is tied to the employer: a new employer means a new application.
• The employer registers you with the Tax Administration, and payroll taxes and contributions are reported every month.

If you run your own company

A company director’s permit is, in practice, a combined residence and work permit: it lets you work in your own company. This is the route we prepare for you. It has its own conditions, and its renewal depends on the company paying its taxes. See the director’s residence permit.

For employers: registering your company and payroll

If you plan to hire foreign staff, the company has to exist first, have a legal address and keep payroll in order. We register the company and provide accounting and payroll. We prepare the documents for the work permit application; the scope of work is agreed with you in advance. The request itself is filed by the employer.

Last reviewed: 3 October 2026. Official source: EURAXESS Montenegro, work permit page. Rules and quotas change.