Banking & Finance
Who has the right to a basic account
The Central Bank of Montenegro says the basic payment account is intended for all consumers legally residing in Montenegro, and that every credit institution in Montenegro must offer it. The same right covers persons with no fixed address, asylum seekers, and people without a residence permit whose expulsion is impossible for legal or factual reasons.
Central Bank of Montenegro: Payment account with basic features
What the basic account includes
The central bank lists opening, operating and closing the account, cash deposits, cash withdrawals at a counter or an ATM, and payment transactions. These include direct debits, card payments (also online) and credit transfers and standing orders at the counter, via terminals and through electronic banking where the bank offers that service. An overdraft is not permitted on a basic account.
Central Bank of Montenegro: Payment account with basic features
Fees and complaints
Banks may charge reasonable fees for the basic account, but not more than for the same services on other payment accounts. Each bank must publish its basic-account fee schedule in its premises and on its website. The page also sets special conditions for consumers in listed vulnerable groups. If you think a bank has not followed the rules, you can complain to the bank first, then to the Central Bank of Montenegro or use alternative dispute resolution.
Central Bank of Montenegro: Payment account with basic features
Where the evidence stops
The central bank page covers the basic account for consumers legally residing in Montenegro. It does not say how a foreigner without legal residence can open an account, which bank accepts which residence status, which documents a bank asks for, or whether an account can be opened remotely. It gives no fee amounts in euros. Ask the bank for the account name, its current requirements and its fee schedule in writing.
Central Bank of Montenegro: Payment account with basic features
Questions before acting
Can a foreigner open a bank account in Montenegro?
The Central Bank of Montenegro page establishes a right to a basic account for consumers legally residing in Montenegro. It does not say what a non-resident must show or whether an account can be opened remotely, so ask the bank.
Does a basic account allow an overdraft?
No. The Central Bank of Montenegro says overdraft facilities are not permitted on a basic account.
How much does a basic account cost?
The central bank page gives no amount. Banks may charge reasonable fees, not higher than for the same services on other payment accounts, and must publish the fee schedule in their premises and on their website.
Corrections in this revision
The previous version included statements without sufficient direct support. This revision removes or corrects:
- Statements without direct official support: removed, or replaced with the official rule. Removed figures are not repeated on this page.
Review scope: legal and financial statements in this revised article. Recheck on a provider, professional, immigration or tax-rule change; reuse of dated figures requires a new check.
See recorded sources
- Central Bank of Montenegro: Payment account with basic features — Montenegro — national (central bank). Page read 6 Oct 2026; no publication or effective date printed on the page (footer shows 2026 CBCG)
These primary references have the jurisdiction, product and scope stated above. A source link is not proof of personalised eligibility.
Planning to move to Montenegro?
Explore recorded pathways and source links. This questionnaire does not determine eligibility or recommend a destination.
Get your free resultsVisa and WTE updates by email.
No fixed schedule is promised. Unsubscribe at any time.
About the author
António Mira is the founder of whereTOemigrate. For over a decade he has worked at the intersection of Portuguese real estate and overseas business, helping international clients navigate the cross-border decisions that come with relocating. He sits on the board of CCIAP (Portuguese-Arab Chamber of Commerce), the Portuguese-Saudi Business Council, and the Portugal-Hong Kong Business Association — always with one focus: enabling overseas business and human mobility into and out of Portugal.
How we verify our data · Editorial standards · About whereTOemigrate