The Parliament of Montenegro has adopted two important amendments to the laws that significantly improve the process of digitising legal procedures, especially in the work of notaries and the electronic certification of documentation within business entities. These amendments open the door to faster, simpler, and more secure procedures for establishing and registering companies, as well as for more efficient handling of notarial affairs.
Below is an overview of the key novelties from the two laws published in the “Official Gazette of Montenegro”, No. 141/25 of 03 December 2025.
1. Law on Amendments to the Law on Notaries
This law introduces a clearly defined obligation for notaries to possess and use:
- a qualified electronic signature
- a qualified electronic seal
The new Article 17a specifies that the notary uses these identification and security credentials at their own expense, in accordance with the law. This amendment represents an important step towards a complete transition to a digital environment in which notarial documents, certifications, and procedures become available in electronic form.
The law enters into force on the day of its publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Law on Amendments to the Law on Certification of Signatures, Manuscripts and Transcripts
The second amendment concerns the expansion of the framework for electronic certification of signatures and transcripts, particularly in business procedures. After Article 23, a new chapter and six articles are added, introducing a fully defined process for electronic certification in:
- the establishment and registration of a business entity
- the registration of a branch of a business entity
- the registration of a branch of a foreign company
- registration procedures for changes following establishment
What is new?
A notary may electronically certify:
- an electronic signature (EOP)
- an electronic transcript (EOPR)
provided that the notary first:
- establishes the identity of the person via video electronic identification,
- verifies the validity of the certificate for the electronic signature or seal,
- records the certification in the prescribed register.
Additionally, it introduces the obligation that every electronically certified document must contain an appropriate mark (EOP or EOPR), as well as a detailed confirmation of the performed certification.
Harmonisation of by-laws
By-laws adopted under the previous law must be harmonised within one month from the date this amendment enters into force.
The law applies from 01. January 2026.
With the adoption of these laws, Montenegro continues the modernisation and digitalisation of administrative and legal processes. Electronic certification of documents, the use of qualified electronic signatures and seals, and the improvement of procedures in the registration of business entities will significantly speed up business operations, increase security, and reduce costs.
These changes are expected to be particularly beneficial to legal entities, notaries, lawyers, as well as citizens who increasingly use digital services.
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