Montenegro household debt reaches 2.66 billion euros

Total household debt in Montenegro reached 2.66 billion euros as of August 31, 2026, marking a 15 percent increase of 358 million euros over a one-year period. According to data from the Central Bank of Montenegro, the debt includes bank loans, leasing, overdrafts, and credit cards.

Non-purpose cash loans have reached 1.2 billion euros, accounting for 45 percent of total household credit. Residents of Podgorica represent a significant portion of this debt, owing 1.16 billion euros, which constitutes approximately 43.83 percent of the national total.

Economists have expressed concern regarding the nature of this borrowing. While some use installments to manage costs, others rely on debt to cover basic living necessities due to declining purchasing power. Jovan Rabrenović from the Institute of Economic Sciences noted that using credit to meet elementary life needs indicates a weakening standard of living for certain segments of the population.