ARTICLE · 14 SEPTEMBER 2026

Montenegro One Step Away From A New FDI Screening Regime

Karanovic & Partners o.a.d.

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Montenegro is preparing to introduce its first comprehensive foreign direct investment screening regime, modelled on EU frameworks. The proposed mechanism would require prior authorisation for non-EU investments in strategically sensitive sectors, marking a significant shift from the country's current minimal investment control framework.

MontenegroGovernment, Public Sector

Stefan Jankovic

Iva Pudar

Overview

On 30 July 2026, the Government of Montenegro adopted the Proposal for an Effective FDI Screening Mechanism (the “Proposal”), prepared by the Ministry of Economic Development (the “Ministry”). The Proposal is intended to form the basis for a new standalone law and implementing legislation that introduces an FDI screening regime modelled on, and broadly aligned with, the FDI screening frameworks established across the EU.

This would represent a significant change to Montenegro’s investment control framework. Montenegro currently has no comprehensive mechanism for screening foreign investments, apart from limited rules concerning investments in the arms and defence industry. The proposed regime would introduce a broader review mechanism focused on national security and public order.

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