A lawyer in Montenegro. How to choose and protect your rights when purchasing real estate and other matters

For over 10 years, GoMonte has a team of legal professionals with extensive experience representing clients in various matters, from drafting documents and supporting real estate transactions in Montenegro to resolving conflicts and defending in court. In this article, we'll explain in detail what kind of assistance a lawyer in Montenegro can provide, why you should contact one, what key skills they should have, and how to find the best lawyer in Montenegro to protect your rights when purchasing real estate or in other matters.

A lawyer is a legal professional who has received a law degree, possesses a thorough knowledge of the country's laws, and is able to apply them in practice to resolve disputes and ensure compliance. Our specialists work in a wide range of fields, from courts and government agencies to private companies and law firms, providing consultations, drafting documents, negotiating, and representing clients.

How to choose a specialist and what to pay attention to

1. Look for a specialist with a narrow focus

For example, to purchase an apartment, you need a real estate and cadastral law professional, while to obtain a residence permit and open a company, you need a specialist in corporate and immigration law. Find out their experience in this area and how many similar cases they have successfully completed. The more relevant experience, the higher the chances of a favorable outcome.

2. Clarify their legal status and legitimacy (Attorney vs. Pravnik)

There are two main types of legal professionals in the country:

3. Discuss the financial terms

A clear understanding of the fee structure is the key to building trust and avoiding conflicts. There are three types of fee structure:

- Fixed fee

Preferred for standard procedures (residence permit applications, drafting standard contracts). Ask for a final, turnkey price, including all fees and notary costs.

- Hourly fee

Used for complex or lengthy litigation where it is impossible to accurately estimate the workload. Always clarify the rate and request a detailed report on the time spent.

- Performance fee

This is less common in Montenegro, but is sometimes used in commercial disputes. You can negotiate a percentage of the fee you will be required to pay only if you win.

4. Knowledge of the local language

This will eliminate translation errors in complex terms and allow you to fully control the process.

5. Reputation and Reviews

Look for reviews in local Russian-speaking communities or forums, but be critical of them. Recommendations from friends who have successfully resolved a similar issue are the most reliable.

A lawyer in Montenegro can help with the following:

1. Consultations and clarifications on legal issues for individuals and legal entities.
2. Document drafting: contracts, statements of claim, claims, and opinions.
3. Representation of clients in court on contentious matters, as well as before government agencies and in negotiations.
4. Legal support. Ensures compliance with legal norms in organizational activities and conflict resolution.

Professional legal consultations in Montenegro provide you with accurate information to help you make the right decisions and avoid mistakes without understanding the country's laws and regulations. Below, we'll explain in more detail the issues you can receive support on, whether you're an individual or a legal entity.

For individuals, this may include:

• Detailed explanations of the procedures for obtaining a temporary residence permit (boravak) on various grounds (employment, real estate ownership, business opening, family reunification). This includes assessing your chances, preparing the necessary documents, and step-by-step support.
• Consultations on real estate matters such as buying, selling, or renting a home or land may include clarification of land registry details, checking the property for encumbrances and risks, and tax obligations arising during transactions.
• Assistance with property inheritance, will drafting, and legal aspects of divorce proceedings, including property division and child custody determinations.

For legal entities:

• Starting and registering a business in Montenegro. A comprehensive explanation of all stages of company formation (DOO, AD, etc.), choosing the optimal legal form, capital structure, and tax system.
• Consultations on company management, interactions between founders, holding general meetings, mergers, acquisitions, and liquidations.
• Explanations on employment contracts, dismissal rules, and the rights and obligations of the parties under labor law.
• Drafting legal documents for both legal entities and individuals, representation and support before government agencies.

GoMonte's legal services in Montenegro:

• Real estate transactions
• Residence permits and immigration issues
• Company formation in Montenegro
• Bank account opening
• Customs clearance of goods and vehicles
• Real estate legalization
• Inheritance and family matters
• Preparation of contracts, powers of attorney, and consents
• Legal representation and debt collection

We will provide you with a highly specialized professional with extensive experience who speaks Russian, English, and Montenegrin.

Schedule a consultation: +382 67 322 888 (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram), Email: gomonte3000@gmail.com

Consulting a lawyer in Montenegro when purchasing real estate will help you avoid the following risks:

1. Discrepancy between the legal and actual status of the property

You may purchase a property that is not properly registered in the Cadastre, or has discrepancies between the actual area/plan and the data in official documents, or that was built illegally and lacks legalization. A legal representative will verify the legalization status of the property. If the legalization process is not completed, you will not be able to obtain full and clear ownership of it and risk fines.

2. Encumbrances and Liens

Purchasing an encumbered property means that you are acquiring someone else's debts or liens along with the apartment. The property may have a bank mortgage or a lien in favor of a third party. These encumbrances are transferred to the new owner after the transaction. The property may also be under arrest due to legal proceedings or belong to multiple owners who have not consented to the sale. A legal professional checks the title deed for all encumbrances and ensures that all liens are removed and the property is legally clear by the time the purchase and sale agreement (preliminary or final) is signed.

3. Financial Losses and Fraud

Organizing a secure payment system, monitoring payments, and verifying every clause of the agreement—all of this can be entrusted to those who understand the laws of the state and avoid fraudulent schemes and financial losses.

Real Estate Legal Services in Montenegro

GoMonte's professional team provides the following real estate legal services in Montenegro:

1. Comprehensive Property Due Diligence

Before signing any documents, a thorough due diligence of the property is essential. This is a key step that can help avoid risks and save tens of thousands of euros.

2. Cadastral Verification

We request a current land registry and verify that the property is registered, its area, and its status correspond to reality. We guarantee that the property is free of liens, mortgages, liens, or third-party rights. Buying an encumbered property is the most common risk for foreigners.

3. Legalization Status

Verification of all necessary construction permits and confirmation that the property is legalized in accordance with Montenegrin law.

4. Transaction Support

From the initial negotiations to receiving the keys, we oversee every step.

5. Drafting the contract

We tailor it to your needs, clearly outlining the payment terms, the timeframe for transferring ownership, and the deposit refund mechanism.

6. Working with a notary

Presence during the signing of documents with a notary.

7. Transfer of ownership

We submit all documents to the Cadastre to register your name as the new owner.

Legal support for obtaining a Montenegrin residence permit. Why it's important to seek assistance before submitting documents

An immigration lawyer in Montenegro can help you:

Avoid mistakes when collecting documents and choose the right basis for obtaining a residence permit (business opening, employment, family reunification, real estate ownership).

Provide court translations and notarizations, and have them notarized.

Help you properly register your place of residence and obtain a certificate of no criminal record, as well as a bank statement confirming proof of funds.

A lawyer will prepare the entire package in advance, avoiding delays associated with bureaucratic red tape. Their knowledge of procedures and contacts within government agencies ensures the fastest possible processing of your case.

Get a consultation on Montenegro's residence permit in Budva: +382 67 322 888 (Viber, WhatsApp, Telegram), Email: gomonte3000@gmail.com

Also read other articles on this topic:

Residence Permit in Montenegro in 2025. Migration Consultations and Legal Support

What you need to know when buying real estate