Montenegro has increased incentives for international film and television productions, offering refunds of up to 35% of eligible local spending as it seeks to attract foreign production projects and related services revenue. The revised framework provides a basic refund of 30% of qualifying production costs excluding VAT, with an additional 5% available for productions carried out in less-developed municipalities. Productions must spend at least €100,000 in Montenegro to qualify. New regulations adopted in 2026 are also intended to simplify procedures, clarify documentation requirements and strengthen monitoring of approved projects.
Production spending extends across the economy
The economic impact of international productions can extend beyond film companies. Large projects can generate spending on hotels, restaurants, transport, vehicle rental, construction, equipment, locations, security and local professional services.
This gives Montenegro an opportunity to attract foreign spending beyond the peak summer tourism season. The country also offers coastal locations, historic towns, mountains, lakes and urban settings within relatively short distances, allowing productions to use different types of scenery without moving crews across widely separated regions.
Incentives support local production capacity
Financial incentives are one of several factors considered by international producers, alongside administrative procedures, skilled crews, equipment, studio infrastructure and the reliability of reimbursement programmes. The increased rebate improves Montenegro’s incentive framework, while the wider economic effect depends on the proportion of production budgets retained within the country.
A stronger domestic supplier base could enable foreign productions to source more crews, equipment and post-production services locally rather than importing those capabilities. The Film Centre of Montenegro already requires productions seeking incentives to demonstrate the use of local production capacity, crew and talent through a cultural test.
Film production as a services export
Foreign production companies can bring external budgets into Montenegro while purchasing accommodation, labour, logistics and professional services from local providers. Internationally distributed films and television series can also increase the visibility of Montenegrin locations after production has ended, creating a secondary tourism effect. Montenegro has increased efforts to promote itself as an international filming destination, while government discussions with markets including India have included efforts to attract larger foreign productions. The revised 30%-35% incentive structure is intended to support the development of international production activity and increase spending by foreign projects with Montenegrin companies and workers.
