Representatives of the Privredna komora Crne Gore held a roundtable discussion in Podgorica on the implementation of the country’s updated Law on Foreigners, stressing that the legislation should act as an economic stimulus rather than a barrier to business activity. Business leaders and government officials agreed that how the law is applied will have direct implications for investment, employment and overall competitiveness of Montenegro’s economy.
At the event, Chamber Vice President Dragan Kujović argued that the law should be designed and implemented in a way that helps address Montenegro’s structural labour shortages, notably in sectors such as tourism but also in manufacturing and services. He said the economy is undergoing transformation in response to global labour and capital mobility trends, and the regulatory framework must be flexible, efficient and predictable to attract both foreign capital and skilled labour. According to Kujović, sending a clear message that Montenegro protects domestic interests while also competing globally for investment and talent is crucial for the country’s economic trajectory.
Government representatives at the roundtable explained that one of the aims of the updated law is to align Montenegro’s immigration rules more closely with European Union directive standards, particularly regarding the rule of law, migration and freedom of movement. They noted that the legislation also includes enhanced measures to address and prevent certain abuses in residence and work permit practices observed under previous rules.
In practice, some adjustments have already been made during a transitional phase to help businesses adapt, including postponing certain provisions until after the peak tourist season. Officials pointed out that, so far, the implementation of the new legislation has not resulted in rejection of valid applications and that authorities are attempting a more flexible approach in communication with the private sector.
Specific rules in the law cover categories such as temporary residence for seasonal workers — where requirements like formal educational proof have been relaxed — and residence based on property ownership, which now includes defined minimum values for qualifying real estate. These details reflect ongoing efforts to combine regulatory control with economic incentive mechanisms, in line with broader national goals of maintaining a competitive business environment while addressing practical labour market needs.
Chamber leadership emphasized that continued dialogue between government and business stakeholders is vital to ensure the law supports job creation, investor confidence and Montenegro’s integration into wider regional economic frameworks.
