For those interested in the average costs associated with creating and maintaining a standard Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću (DOO) company in Montenegro, this overview offers up-to-date, clearly sourced information based exclusively on official and professional resources, as relevant in 2025. All amounts are provided in euros (EUR), with USD equivalents for international readers (EUR/USD exchange rate: 1.10).
Company Creation Costs in Montenegro – 2025
Establishing a standard DOO company in Montenegro remains a straightforward process, with manageable entry costs relative to most European jurisdictions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the typical costs involved in setting up a standard limited liability company (DOO):
| Item | Amount (EUR) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum capital requirement | €1 | $1.10 |
| Court registration fee | €10 | $11.00 |
| Publication in Official Gazette | €6 | $6.60 |
| Stamp duty | €2 | $2.20 |
| Notary fees (incl. founding act/document prep) |
€120 | $132.00 |
| Lawyer fees (avg. for standard DOO) |
€200 | $220.00 |
| Bank account opening fee | €31 | $34.10 |
| Total (average) | €370 | $407.00 |
The minimum share capital is notably symbolic (€1/$1.10), while notary and legal fees comprise the largest share of actual startup costs. This ease of entry remains attractive for new ventures or international investment vehicles.
Annual Maintenance Costs in Montenegro
Ongoing company maintenance costs in Montenegro are predictable and, depending on the scale of professional services required, generally lower than in Western Europe. The table below summarizes typical annual costs for a standard DOO as of 2025:
| Item | Annual Cost (EUR) | Annual Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Mandatory accounting services | €600 | $660 |
| Annual financial statement filing fee | €20 | $22 |
| Business license renewal (if applicable) |
€80 | $88 |
| Lawyer/consultant retainer (optional) |
€800 | $880 |
Depending on the level of optional legal support and specific licensing requirements, total annual maintenance typically ranges from €600–€1,500 ($660–$1,650). Accounting services are mandatory for full compliance, while other support or licensing costs depend on the nature of your business activities.
Summary Table: Average Company Costs at a Glance
| Type of Cost | EUR | USD |
|---|---|---|
| Company creation (one-off) | €370 | $407 |
| Annual maintenance (min) | €600 | $660 |
| Annual maintenance (max) | €1,500 | $1,650 |
Understanding the Breakdown: Key Points
- Registration and Setup: Court, notary, and legal fees form the bulk of initial costs. The minimum capital is nominal.
- Banking: Bank account setup fees are modest compared to most EU countries.
- Accounting: Ongoing bookkeeping is a non-negotiable cost (from €600/year), with other administrative costs generally predictable.
- Legal & Consulting: Regular legal consultancy is optional but common among foreign-owned businesses. This cost is variable.
Pro Tips for Managing Montenegro Company Costs
- Choose a local accountant with clear experience in DOO reporting to ensure smooth annual compliance and avoid any penalty risks.
- Minimize external legal retainer costs unless your company requires frequent contract work or regulatory guidance – for simple operations, administrative costs are very contained.
- Check your company’s specific licensing needs in advance, as sector-specific permits may influence the annual renewal fee beyond the base (€80/$88) noted above.
- Prepare the founding documentation and official registration forms in collaboration with a notary or licensed lawyer to avoid registration delays or repeated notary costs.
Trusted Official Resources
The data confirms Montenegro’s reputation for low regulatory and startup barriers relative to most of Europe. Startup costs are extremely competitive, with only modest ongoing compliance expenses for legally registered companies. For internationally minded professionals, transparency around one-off and annual costs is a key factor when comparing global jurisdictions for company establishment and maintenance.