New Rules for Real Estate Agencies and Private Realtors in Montenegro
A detailed breakdown of the new rules for real estate agencies and private realtors in Montenegro in 2026. Exam requirements, office requirements, biometrics, and answers to frequently asked questions from buyers.
On March 25, 2026, the Ministry of Economic Development published a set of by-laws, which explain in detail and supplement the Law on Mediation in the Sale and Lease of Real Estate.
In this article, we take a detailed look at what requirements are now imposed on agencies, and why this is excellent news for those planning to buy, sell, or rent out real estate in Montenegro.
What is changing for buyers and sellers?
For the end consumer, the new regulations make the investment process as safe as possible:
100% transaction security: You work exclusively with certified professionals whose activities are legal, insured, and state-controlled.
Protection from fraud: Strict advertising rules eliminate the appearance of “fake” listings. Properties may be published only if there is a signed agreement with the owner.
Financial guarantees: Mandatory professional liability insurance for agencies has been introduced. In the event of an agent’s mistake, the client is protected by the insurance company.
New requirements for real estate agencies and private agents
For companies and agents planning to continue operating legally, the new regulations set strict standards. For agencies, this is required reading and a guide to action.
1. State professional exam (Stručni ispit)
Licensing for agents is becoming mandatory. The exam is administered by a special commission of the Montenegro Chamber of Commerce (5 members: two from the Ministry of Economic Development, three from the Chamber of Commerce).
Format and cost:
Cost: 150 euros (paid to the account of the Chamber of Commerce).
Written part (test): Lasts up to 1 hour. To be admitted to the oral stage, you must answer at least 75% of the questions correctly.
Oral part: Lasts up to 30 minutes. The commission asks one question from each of the four main areas.
Penalties: Using phones or cheat sheets is strictly prohibited — the candidate is immediately removed from the exam.
Retake: If a candidate fails 1-2 subjects on the oral exam, a retake is allowed (30 euros per subject) within 20 to 30 days.
Four exam areas:
Legal framework: The Mediation Law, contract law, property law, inheritance and family law, cadastre.
Management and marketing: Market analysis, advertising, property presentation, valuation, business negotiations.
2. Office requirements: mandatory sign and biometrics
The law prohibits working “in the shadows” or in unsuitable premises.
What should the premises be like?
An agency may operate in a designated commercial premises (poslovni prostor) or in an apartment converted to non-residential use. If it is an apartment, it must have a separate entrance from the building corridor, from the courtyard, or directly from the street.
Mandatory sign (Tabla):
A sign in a strictly regulated format must be displayed on the building:
Size: 45 x 25 cm.
Design: Dark background, capital letters.
Content: The coat of arms of Montenegro, the inscription “Crna Gora,” the agency name, and the registration address.
Office technical equipment:
Every agency must have: a telephone, internet, workstations for receiving clients, a computer, a printer, and the main new requirement — an electronic reader for biometric ID cards (čitač biometrijske lične karte) with a microchip. This device is now necessary for strict client identification and for protecting transactions from document forgery.
3. Public Register of Intermediaries (Registar posrednika)
A single, central, and fully open electronic database is being created. Anyone will be able to check an agency’s legality.
The Register will list:
The agency’s name, address, tax ID (PIB), and contacts (including website and email).
Information on employees who have passed the exam (at least one licensed agent must be employed full-time).
Information on founders and beneficial owners.
Important: Information about any fines imposed and bans on conducting business will also be public.
4. Strict record-keeping and document storage (Evidencija)
Agencies are required to keep a written log of all transactions and mediation agreements. Any changes must be entered into the log within 8 days.
Everything is recorded: client data, agent data, the exact location of the property (down to the cadastral parcel), area, transaction status, final price, and commission amount with the invoice number.
Retention periods:
The agency must keep the record log (evidencija) permanently (trajno), and contracts and accompanying documents — for at least 10 years.
FAQ
Can you sell or rent out an apartment yourself, without an agency?
Yes. The Mediation Law does not prohibit owners (private individuals) from independently looking for buyers or tenants for their personal property. The new rules apply specifically to commercial activities providing real estate services.
Why do you need a real estate agent at all?
It is possible to buy an apartment or house in Montenegro without an agency. However, in practice, an independent transaction is a complex process associated with high financial risks. Without an excellent knowledge of the Montenegrin language and local legal specifics, it is extremely difficult to verify the “cleanliness” of a property: to correctly read the List nepokretnosti, identify hidden encumbrances (tereti), unregistered debts, or problems with legalization of the building. In addition, the process requires drafting a proper contract, coordinating with a notary and a court translator, as well as safely organizing international payments.
A licensed real estate agent takes on all the bureaucracy, checks the documents, and protects your interests at every stage. In light of the new laws and mandatory professional liability insurance, transaction support by a certified agency is a guarantee that your investments are reliably protected from fraudulent schemes and fatal legal mistakes.
Where can a client check whether a real estate agent has a license?
All certified agencies are entered into the public electronic Register of Intermediaries (Registar posrednika), maintained by the Ministry of Economic Development of Montenegro. Any buyer can access the database and check the company’s registration number.
Is it mandatory to sign an agreement with an agency to view an apartment?
Yes. Under the new rules, an agency has no right to show properties or accept properties for advertising without an officially signed mediation agreement, which clearly sets out the rights, obligations of the parties, and the commission amount. All contracts are recorded in a special log.
What will happen to agencies that do not comply with the new rules?
The law provides for severe sanctions. Fines for operating without a license, working without proper office setup, or hiring uncertified employees reach thousands of euros, and information about violations will be published in the public Register. In extreme cases, the agency will lose its right to operate.
How will the new rules affect real estate prices in Montenegro?
The new rules themselves do not affect the price per square meter — prices are still dictated by supply and demand. However, the law eliminates hidden commissions and unfair competition, making the pricing of real estate services fully transparent.
