Montenegro

Specific Information

Diplomats: Household goods are duty and tax free. Food and alcohol are also duty/tax free for diplomats, but a separate customs declaration must be issued for these items.

Foreign citizens (temporary import): Import is tax-free if the client provides a bank guarantee for the full period of stay, covering the determined amount of duties and taxes. Temporary import is allowed for a period of up to 2 years. The client must close the temporary import by exporting the same goods they imported when leaving the country. Food, alcohol, and all consumables are not permitted under temporary import. For smaller shipments, permanent import (with duties and taxes of roughly 30% of shipment value) may be preferable to the bank guarantee requirement.

Returning Montenegrin citizens: If the citizen worked abroad for more than 12 months (proven with a certificate from the Montenegrin Embassy or equivalent), import is duty and VAT free. Food products, alcohol, and consumables are not allowed in duty-free shipments.

Paintings and artwork: All paintings must be listed with title, author, technique, year, and dimensions. Color copies must be provided. Customs officers may require paintings to be valued by an expert from the National Museum if they consider the declared value to be underestimated. Items defined as antique (over 30 years old) must be clearly marked on the original packing list with photographs and descriptions.

Inventory valuation: Valued inventory lists for temporary imports are for customs purposes only. The value does not need to match the value used for insurance purposes. It is strictly advised not to enclose the insurance valuation list with the shipping documents. Declare conservative values for temporary imports.

Duties & Taxes

Montenegro is an EU candidate country and a member of the Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA). Tariffs range from zero to 30%, and trade policy is characterized by low customs duties and the absence of non-tariff trade barriers. Import duties are harmonized with EU legislation.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Importing a Used Personal Vehicle

Required Documents

• Copy of passport **For Diplomats**
• Duties and taxes exemption document (franchise) from the Montenegrin MFA **For Diplomats**
• Power of attorney for customs clearance **For Diplomats**
• Pro-forma invoice with declared vehicle value **For Diplomats**
• Registration card **For Diplomats**
• Certificate from the Ministry of Maritime and Traffic confirming homologation is not required **For Diplomats**
• Copy of passport **For Foreign Citizens (Temporary Import)**
• Temporary resident permit (must be valid for more than 3 months) **For Foreign Citizens (Temporary Import)**
• Power of attorney for customs clearance **For Foreign Citizens (Temporary Import)**
• Pro-forma invoice with declared vehicle value **For Foreign Citizens (Temporary Import)**
• Registration card **For Foreign Citizens (Temporary Import)**
• Certificate from the Ministry of Maritime and Traffic regarding homologation **For Foreign Citizens (Temporary Import)**
• Bank guarantee for the determined amount of duties and taxes **For Foreign Citizens (Temporary Import)**
• Copy of passport and personal ID card (with delivery address) **For Returning Montenegrin Citizens (Permanent Import)**
• Registration card **For Returning Montenegrin Citizens (Permanent Import)**
• Pro-forma invoice with declared vehicle value **For Returning Montenegrin Citizens (Permanent Import)**
• Power of attorney for customs clearance **For Returning Montenegrin Citizens (Permanent Import)**
• Homologation certificate and certificate of compliance with European technical standards **For Returning Montenegrin Citizens (Permanent Import)**

Specific Information

Diplomats: Vehicle import is tax-free with the MFA franchise.

Foreign citizens (temporary import): Vehicle import is tax-free on a temporary basis, but requires a bank guarantee. Temporary plates can only be obtained for 6 months. The vehicle engine must meet at least EUR III emission standards (certificate from the Montenegrin standardization institute required).

Returning Montenegrin citizens: Vehicle import is taxable. Duties and taxes are payable on the value of the vehicle and the cost of transport. Customs maintains its own price book of vehicle values; if the invoice shows a lower price, the customs book value will be applied. Import customs clearance takes 3 to 10 working days.

Vehicle data required (all categories): Type, model, chassis serial number, engine serial number, number of doors and seats, color, weight, engine size (cc), power of engine (kW), and fuel type.

Pets

• Veterinary certificate issued from the country of origin (not older than 3 months)
• Vaccination certificate
• Pet passport indicating all vaccinations (last rabies vaccination must have been administered at least 15 days before arrival and cannot be older than 6 months)
• Microchip (ISO standard)
• Import permit from the Ministry of Veterinary and Agriculture (SIV 2), obtained before the pet's arrival (takes approximately 30 days to obtain; valid for 3 months from date of issue)
• Quarantine permit issued by the Ministry of Veterinary and Agriculture

Import permit timeline: The permit from the Ministry of Veterinary and Agriculture takes approximately 30 days to process. This must be obtained before the pet arrives in Montenegro. Plan accordingly.

Duties: Customs duties and taxes are applicable on pet imports.

Quarantine: A quarantine permit is required. Confirm quarantine duration and conditions with the destination agent, as these may vary based on the pet's country of origin and vaccination status.

Common mistakes: Not applying for the import permit at least 30 days before arrival. Rabies vaccination older than 6 months or administered fewer than 15 days before arrival.