Budva hospitality association opposes new foreign work permit rules

The non‑governmental Association of Hoteliers in Budva said it has reviewed a proposal adopted by the Government of Montenegro, at the Ministry of Interior’s suggestion, to introduce a single permit system for temporary residence and work of foreigners that would require prior consent from the Employment Agency of Montenegro. While the association supports the Ministry’s goals of combating the grey economy, strengthening control of foreign residence and work, and aligning with EU regulations, it argues that the added step would unduly burden employers who comply with the law.

The association notes that the Ministry’s own data show the problematic cases involve “over 1,000 foreigners, mainly Turkish citizens, without fiscalised traffic between January and November 2025,” and that these cases concern owners and executive directors rather than regular employees. Existing legislation already provides a special regime, including a €5,000 annual tax‑contribution proof for entrepreneurs and directors, denial of permits for employers repeatedly penalised for illegal employment, and fines ranging from €1,000 to €10,000 for legal entities. The association urges waiting for the effects of these mechanisms before adding a new administrative requirement.