Is your company planning to outsource or expand operations to Montenegro? You’ll need to put together a talented team of employees who are willing to relocate with you. You’ll also need to make sure they have the appropriate permits to live and work in Montenegro legally.
Types of work visas in Montenegro
To regulate the employment of nationals from other countries in Montenegro, the Montenegrin government may issue one of the 3 different types of residence and work permits available in the country:
- Temporary residence and work permit for the employment of a national from another country: This permit is issued to foreign nationals for a validity of up to 1 year.
- Seasonal employment of a national from another country: This permit is issued to foreign nationals for a definite period of time and to perform activities that are of a seasonal nature, where the need of the labor force is higher over a specific period.
- Work of a seconded employee: A seconded employee is a national from another country temporarily working in Montenegro, distinct from their usual country of employment. This permit specifically facilitates the transfer of personnel within an international business organization.
The best category to choose depends on the circumstances of each applicant.
Requirements to obtain Montenegro work visas
To apply for a Montenegrin employment permit, nationals from other countries should gather the following documents for submission:
- A valid passport
- Proof of health insurance
- A police background check from the applicant’s country of origin
- A police background check from Montenegro
- An employment offer from a company based in Montenegro
- Proof of the obtained education and qualification
- A medical certificate
In 2022, Montenegro relaxed work and residence permit requirements and no longer requires separate evidence, such as a bank statement or proof of salary issued by the employer, to prove that the applicant has the financial means to support themselves in Montenegro. An offer of employment is now considered valid proof and must state that the employer will pay at least the minimum wage.
Application process
As part of the first step of the process to obtain the work and residence permit, nationals from other countries will need to obtain a long-stay D-Visa. To get this visa, applicants should visit the Montenegrin embassy or consulate in their country of residence and provide all the necessary documents to support the application.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Montenegro will approve a long-stay D-Visa on the grounds of a work permit. Once the employment permit is approved and issued, the employee may travel to Montenegro and begin working.
All work permits are issued by the Employment Bureau of Montenegro. It typically takes about 1 month for a Montenegrin work permit to be issued, so it’s recommended that international employees begin the process well in advance of their planned departure date.
Other important considerations
Montenegro is not currently a member of the European Union (EU). Therefore, visa and work permit requirements apply to citizens of EU member states as well as nationals from other countries outside of Europe.
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