Craftsmen Registry in Montenegro – new obligations and what it means for your business

Start of the Craftsmen Registry

From 2026, the Craftsmen Registry has officially started operating in Montenegro, introducing an additional level of regulation and record-keeping of craft activities.

All individuals performing a craft are obliged to submit an application for registration with the Chamber of Crafts of Montenegro within three months from the establishment of the registry. This represents an important step towards the formalization and better organization of the craft sector.

Who is considered a craftsman?

The legal framework precisely defines crafts through a list of simple and complex activities. This list covers a wide range of professions – from construction and technical occupations to traditional and service crafts.

Examples include:

• construction and installation works (plumbers, electricians, masons)
• production and technical activities (auto mechanics, locksmiths, CNC operators)
• service activities (hairdressers, cosmeticians, tailors)
• traditional crafts (blacksmiths, potters, watchmakers and others)

This classification enables clearer definition of activities and obligations of each craftsman.

Mandatory membership and membership fee

By registering in the Registry, craftsmen automatically become members of the Chamber of Crafts of Montenegro, which entails the obligation to pay a membership fee.

According to the applicable decision for 2026:

• The membership fee rate is 0.27%
• The base consists of:
  • gross salaries of employees (according to the IOPPD form)
  • or the income of entrepreneurs (according to the GPP-FL return)
• Payment is made upon submission of tax forms
• For supplementary activities, the membership fee is calculated only for the part related to the craft

This model allows for proportional burden in relation to the scope of business.

What does this mean for entrepreneurs and companies?

The introduction of the registry and mandatory records brings certain administrative obligations, but also long-term benefits for the market:

• greater transparency of business operations
• better regulation and protection of craft activities
• a clearer legal framework for work and development
• the possibility of improving standards and service quality

For craftsmen themselves, this means the need to align with new rules, but also an opportunity for stronger positioning in the market.

How to prepare?

In order for business operations to remain orderly and compliant with regulations, it is recommended to:

• register with the Craftsmen Registry in a timely manner
• check whether your activity falls under defined crafts
• regularly monitor the calculation and payment of membership fees
• keep proper records of income and employees

The introduction of the Craftsmen Registry represents an important step towards the modernization and regulation of this sector in Montenegro. Although it brings new obligations, it simultaneously creates a more stable and transparent business environment.

For all those engaged in craft activities, it is crucial to fulfill legal obligations on time and adapt business operations to the new rules.