What It Was Before

The Law on Spatial Planning and Construction (before 2025) allowed construction to begin based on a notification of construction works instead of a full permit. This simplified procedures and reduced administrative burden for developers.
Many powers related to permits and planning were centralized — a significant part of the tasks was handled at the state (ministerial) level and through central authorities.
Some types of permits, technical inspections, and acceptance procedures were abolished, replaced, or transferred to the municipal level.

What Has Changed Now — New Rules

Since March 2025, the new Law on Construction of Buildings came into force, replacing the previous legislation.

Key changes:

• Reintroduction of the building permit as a mandatory document for starting construction.
  
• Decentralization of permitting — permits for projects up to 3,000 m² can be issued by municipalities, while larger projects, projects of special importance, or tourist facilities require approval from state authorities.
  
• Simplified procedures for individual houses — fewer requirements for documentation and process.
  
• Standards and qualifications — licensing of professionals (designers, supervisors, inspectors), stricter requirements for projects (revised plans, reports, approvals with architects, insurance).
  
• Deadlines and accountability — the law sets clear timelines for issuing permits and completing construction; responsibility and penalties for non-compliance are strengthened.
  

Main Challenges and Risks of the New Rules

• Increased bureaucracy. With the mandatory permit, instead of a simple notification, developers must now prepare full documentation, undergo approvals, and possibly wait longer for decisions. This increases both time and costs.
  
• Uneven municipal capacity. Since municipalities now issue permits for projects up to 3,000 m², not all of them may be ready — lack of staff, infrastructure, or clear procedural knowledge could cause delays or inconsistent decisions.
  
• Legal uncertainty. Not all by-laws and regulations have been adopted yet, creating gaps in how certain provisions should be applied.
  

Key Points to Pay Attention To

Land documentation
– Ensure the land is registered in the cadastre and that its designation matches the spatial plan. Special attention should be paid to having access to the plot — a state road.

Urban planning documentation
– Check whether a detailed urban plan (DUP / PUP) exists for the area; without it, a permit may not be issued.

Project documentation
– Must be prepared by a licensed designer (architect), including the full package of documents in line with the new requirements.

Determine the level of permit authority
– Up to 3,000 m² — apply to the municipality.
– Over 3,000 m² or for tourist/strategic projects — apply to the Ministry of Urbanism.

Timeline
– Expect longer timelines compared to the previous notification-based system. Plan extra time into the construction schedule.

The new procedure for obtaining permits in Montenegro makes the construction process more transparent but also more bureaucratic and time-consuming. It is essential to check the plot in advance, prepare a compliant project, and collect the full documentation package to avoid delays and unnecessary expenses.

Adriatic Point Construction provides project support and assistance with all required documentation — from verifying the land plot to obtaining a building permit. We help clients navigate the process quickly, legally, and with minimal risk.