Montenegro economic and labor market trends

In 2025, Montenegro recorded a total enterprise turnover of 13.94 billion euros, a 9.6 percent increase from the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by the trade sector, which accounted for 46.4 percent of total turnover. Other contributing sectors included construction and manufacturing.

Data from 2025 also indicates a three year growth trend in female entrepreneurship. Women own or manage 28.33 percent of the 35,744 registered companies in the country, representing a 9.01 percent increase over 2024. However, female led businesses contribute only 17.67 percent of total revenue, indicating a concentration in micro and small enterprises, particularly within the trade sector.

By late 2026, Montenegro began facing a significant labor shortage, particularly in the tourism, hospitality, construction, and agriculture sectors. Despite a record low unemployment rate of 7.47 percent in August, employers reported increasing difficulty in finding qualified domestic staff.

To address these vacancies, authorities have issued over 34,000 residence and work permits to foreign nationals since the start of the year, a figure that exceeds the official annual quota of 28,988. Approximately 72 percent of these permits are concentrated in accommodation and food services, construction, and other service activities. Deficit occupations include seasonal roles such as waiters, cooks, and masons, as well as specialized positions like doctors, engineers, IT professionals, and science teachers. Officials from the Employment Agency suggest the shortage is driven by a mismatch between the educational system and market needs.