In a significant move reflecting its reliance on foreign labor, Montenegro issued a total of 40,567 work and residence permits to foreign nationals in 2025. This data, sourced from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and published by the Employment Agency of Montenegro, highlights the diverse origins of foreign workers contributing to the Montenegrin economy.
The largest contingent of foreign workers came from Turkey, with 10,346 permits granted. Following closely were citizens from Serbia with 8,148 permits and Russia with 7,429. Other notable countries included Azerbaijan (2,513), Albania (2,098), Bosnia and Herzegovina (1,902), and Kosovo (1,543).
Among the total permits issued, 27,689 were regular work permits allocated under the established quota system for employment or seasonal work. This structured approach indicates Montenegro’s methodical strategy to meet labor market demands. Additionally, 12,878 permits were issued outside these quotas, with a significant portion—11,826—designated for foreigners appointed as company directors in local firms. This group has been identified as potentially vulnerable to misuse under previous regulations.
In response to concerns regarding exploitation within the immigration and labor systems, Montenegro has recently implemented reforms aimed at tightening permit requirements. These changes are part of broader amendments to the Law on Foreigners that will come into effect in early 2026. The new regulations link continued residence and work authorization for directors and business owners to actual business activity and tax contributions, mandating a minimum annual corporate tax payment of €5,000.
Of the permits issued under the approved annual quota for long-term employment, 25,536 were allocated for this purpose while 2,153 were designated for seasonal work. The majority of these workers found employment in sectors such as construction (6,920), accommodation and food services (6,805), and personal services (6,071). Smaller numbers were engaged in trade (1,676), information and communications (1,350), professional and technical services (1,257), among others.
Foreign directors received work permits across various industries: 4,262 in personal services, 1,943 in trade, and 1,043 in professional and technical services. Notable representations also included construction companies (978), IT and communications (776), hospitality (730), administrative services (572), and real estate (532). Fewer directors were permitted in education (101), healthcare (17), mining (5), and government-related activities (4).
Demographically speaking, the majority of foreign permit holders were male at 71.28%, while females comprised 28.72%. The most represented age groups were those aged 31-40 years (29.07%) and 41-50 years (23.7%). Notably, nearly 2,000 permits were issued to individuals over the age of 61.
Geographically, Podgorica hosted the highest concentration of foreign workers at 13,568 or 33.45%, followed by Budva with 10,318 or 25.43%. Other municipalities reported significantly lower figures.
The issuance of these permits underscores Montenegro’s ongoing dependence on foreign labor to mitigate domestic workforce shortages while emphasizing the necessity for regulatory reforms to ensure that work and residence permits are tied to genuine economic contributions.
