Montenegro’s Tax Administration collected €1.37 billion in gross revenue during the first nine months of 2026, marking a 9.7% increase, or €121.1 million, compared with the same period a year earlier. Revenue also exceeded the government’s plan by €50.4 million, or about 4%, strengthening the fiscal position as preparations continue for the 2027 budget and a larger public-investment programme.
Value-added tax generated €469.6 million, representing an 8.1% year-on-year increase. Corporate income tax receipts reached €232 million, up 4%, while social-security contributions rose 10.2% to €333.1 million. The revenue performance reflects stronger nominal economic activity alongside improved tax collection. The results coincide with higher customs receipts, contributing to a relatively favourable overall revenue picture ahead of the final quarter of the year.
The stronger collection performance comes as the government prepares measures that could increase public spending, including wage reforms, higher capital expenditure and infrastructure investments linked to EU accession. Revenue exceeding the planned level provides additional room to accommodate some of these pressures, while recurring expenditure remains an area requiring control.
The Tax Administration figures represent gross receipts administered by the Tax Administration and should not be treated as total consolidated government revenue. They exclude revenue collected through customs and other public institutions. The 10.2% growth in social-security contributions is particularly significant as Montenegro considers further labour-tax changes under the proposed Euro Model. Any reduction in contribution rates intended to support higher net wages would affect one of the fastest-growing components of the current revenue base. The nine-month revenue result gives the government a stronger fiscal starting position, while leaving budget performance dependent on the continued resilience of consumption, employment and payroll-related revenues.
