Is your company planning to outsource or expand operations to Montenegro? This Balkan nation has plenty of potential for international business, but 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 foreign nationals in Montenegro, the Montenegrin government issues three different types of work permits:
- Personal work permits: This permit can be issued to foreign nationals who reside in Montenegro. It may be issued for up to one year, and the holder of a personal work permit has free access to the labor market during the time when the permit is valid.
- Employment permits: Employment permits are issued to foreign nationals upon the request of an employer in Montenegro.
- Work permits: A work permit is issued for seasonal employment, training, contractual work, and other business purposes that are limited to a short period of time.
To simplify the application process, we recommend obtaining employment permits for any foreign nationals who plan to work for your company in Montenegro.
Requirements to Obtain Montenegro Work Visas
To apply for a Montenegrin employment permit, foreign nationals 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
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
Before applying for an employment permit, foreign nationals will need to obtain a residence permit to live in Montenegro. To get this permit, 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 issue a residence permit on the grounds of a work permit. It’s important to note that applicants will need to obtain a work permit in order for their residence permit to be valid.
For individuals who do not need a visa to enter Montenegro, the employer in Montenegro is responsible for initiating the employment permit request. Foreign nationals who do need a visa will need to apply for a permit at the embassy in their country of residence. Either way, 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 one month for a Montenegrin work permit to be issued, so it’s recommended that foreign 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 foreign nationals from other countries outside of Europe. That said, Montenegro is a candidate for accession to the EU, and these requirements are subject to change in the future.
Partner With G-P
As your company expands operations to Montenegro and beyond, you’ll want to have a team of global experts on your side. As your trusted global PEO, G-P will take on the risks of your expansion and provide the support you need to stay compliant in Montenegro from day one. To learn more about the advantages of our Global Expansion solution, contact us today.