Company Registration in Montenegro

Residence is required. Business bank account opening is available in Montenegro, but approval depends on bank compliance and KYC review. Banks usually request company documents, shareholder and director passports, proof of address, business activity description, source of funds, expected turnover, contracts or invoices, and explanation of business partners/countries of operation. For foreign-owned companies, banks may ask for additional substance, such as a local address, tax registration, accountant, business plan, website, contracts, or proof of real business activity. Remote opening may be difficult; personal visit or local representative support may be required depending on the bank.

Personal bank accounts may be available for residents and, in some cases, non-residents, subject to bank approval. Banks usually request a passport, proof of address, phone number, source of funds explanation, and sometimes proof of residence permit, employment, business ownership, or tax residency. Non-resident applications are reviewed more strictly, and the bank may request additional documents or refuse the account based on compliance policy. For better approval chances, local residence, Montenegro company ownership, or clear source of income is recommended.

No strict local substance requirements for standard company formation. A Montenegro company can usually be incorporated with foreign shareholders and foreign directors. Local director is generally not required. Physical office and local employees are not mandatory for basic incorporation, although a registered address is required and additional substance may be recommended for banking, tax residency, licensing, or international tax purposes.

Montenegro has a developed double tax treaty network with around 40+ active treaties. Treaties may reduce withholding tax on dividends, interest and royalties depending on the recipient country and ownership structure. Available treaty countries include many European jurisdictions and selected non-European countries. Final treaty benefits should be checked case by case.