Montenegro adopted a new Law on the Legalization of Illegal Constructions, which entered into force in August 2025.

The purpose of the law is to regulate the situation with unauthorized buildings, give citizens the opportunity to legalize their properties, and at the same time tighten control over new violations.

Key Changes Introduced by the New Law

Conditions and criteria
There are now clear technical, legal, and territorial requirements. For example:

• The building must be visible on the current ortho-photo map.
  
• It must be registered in the cadastre.
  
• It must have access from a public road, etc.
  

Payments / fees

• Payment can be made in installments for up to 30 years.
  
• A discount (around 20%) is available for one-time full payment.
  

Administrative division and responsibility

• Buildings up to 500 m² are legalized through municipalities.
  
• Larger buildings and those located in protected zones are legalized through a new state authority.
  
• Strict deadlines are introduced — buildings must be legalized within 2 years (with a possible extension up to 3 years).
  

⚠️ Important! An application for legalization, together with the required documents, must be submitted to the competent authority within 6 months from the date the law enters into force.

New control and sanctions

• The law establishes a “zero tolerance” policy for illegal construction after its entry into force.
  
• Satellite monitoring and automated control will compare cadastre data with satellite imagery.
  
• Newly built illegal structures will be demolished.
  

What Remains Important and What to Pay Attention To

• Not all objects can be legalized — buildings located in strictly protected areas, near national parks, or in zones with special planning restrictions may be excluded.
  
• Timely application is critical — legalization deadlines are strict. Failure to meet them can lead to sanctions, prohibition of use, or even demolition.
  
• Digital tools play a bigger role — ortho-photo maps, satellite images, and cadastral data are now essential parts of the control process.
  
• For owners of tourist facilities — there are now clear standards that must be followed if they wish to continue operations during the legalization process.
  

Why This Matters

• Transparency and legal security — property owners will gain official status and be able to lawfully use and dispose of their real estate.
  
• Protection of state and municipal interests — better control, fee collection, planned urban development, and environmental protection.
  
• Social fairness — simplified conditions and long-term installment payments help those who previously could not meet all requirements.
  
• Improved investment climate — reduced risk of buying illegal property and less legal uncertainty.
  

The new law gives property owners a real chance to legalize their homes and secure legal protection, while also introducing strict control and tight deadlines. Legalization makes the Montenegrin real estate market more transparent and safer.