Montenegro – a Tax Haven in Europe

Montenegro, known as ‘The Jewel of the Adriatic’ has become one of the most friendly places for business in Europe. It is now a decade ago since the semi-autonomous region of Montenegro, declared its independence and went on to become a sovereign state.

Old Town Budva in Montenegro

Much of Montenegro’s allure comes from its shining mix of colors: aquamarine waters, green pine-forested mountains, blazing blue skies and white pebble beaches.

Montenegro was featured in the glamorous James Bond film “Casino Royale.”

Sveti Stefan near the town of Budva in Montenegro. Image courtesy of Travel the World, Wiki Commons.

Porto Montenegro – sometimes called the Monte Carlo of the Adriatic – has upgraded this tiny Balkan state from a favorite destination of average Russian and Serbian tourists to a mecca for some of the world’s wealthiest people.

However, Montenegro has also attracted a lot of attention for another reason: it is one of the easiest places to do business in Europe. Starting a company in Montenegro takes a little more than a week and requires no paid-up capital. To form a Montenegro corporation, you must follow six procedures, most of which are simple. The only documents you have to submit to the government are the articles of incorporation, corporate statutes, and list of directors.

There is no such thing as anonymous ownership of a company in Montenegro, as you have to disclose your name, any former names, and your citizenship. However, if you’re looking for a solid company to do regional business, Montenegro is hard to beat. Being a director of company could even qualify you for Montenegrin residency with a little bit of cash.

There are several other steps to form a company here, but the total cost to be paid locally in Montenegro is one of the most affordable set ups for a corporation.

Montenegro offers global entrepreneurs a low-tax haven where they can pay a little tax and gain access to a network of treaties.

While countries like Monaco have become less attractive as holding vehicles for patents or royalties, a Montenegrin corporation is suitable for a number of business activities.

In addition, Montenegro has some of the lowest tax rates in Europe and even the world. Corporate taxes in Montenegro are a flat 9%. While royalties and capital gains are also subject to the 9% rate, there are no surtaxes or minimum taxes for companies doing business in Montenegro. There are also no stamp duties, although real property is subject to a 3% tax payable by the buyer at transfer.

Resident individuals in the country pay a maximum 15% tax on salary earnings (9% to about $1,000 per month, 15% on the balance).

Montenegro also offers relief from taxes on foreign source income under an extensive network of tax treaties, although the United Kingdom and most countries in Europe dominate the list, along with China, Korea, India, and Malaysia, and some African countries. The United States, Canada, and Australia are not on the list.

Montenegro Airlines flies to the capital of Podgorica and to the Adriatic Sea airport of Tivat from European cities including Paris, Rome, Budapest, Zurich, Moscow, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Ljubljana. JAT Airways, the Serbian national airline, flies to Belgrade from most European capitals, and has several flights a day from Belgrade to Podgorica and Tivat. A return ticket for a 45-minute flight from Belgrade costs USD 125.

Contact us if you want to set up a Montenegro company.

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