In Montenegro, about 100,000 applications have been filed to date. 62,5 applications for legalization of illegally constructed structures, however, only about six percent, said Nikola Ražnatović from the Directorate for the Legalisation of Unauthorised Objects.
Let us remind you that from August 1, 2025 in Montenegro started acting new law on the legalization of unauthorized objects. The document was adopted at the eighth session of the 28th convocation of the Assembly on July 31, 2025 and signed by the President on August 1. Its appearance was an important event for the real estate market, because now the rules for owning and transacting with housing will be strictly linked to the availability of permits.
What does the new law regulate?
The law establishes the procedure for legalizing unauthorized buildings, describes the legal consequences of obtaining permission and determines which objects can be legalized.
Today Notaries have suspended transactions with objects that have the status "nobody can afford it" (no permission). This is due to the new law on legalization coming into force. Now selling or renting out real estate without confirmed legalization documents becomes impossible.
Ražnatović noted that it is difficult to estimate the exact number of illegal properties in the country. From 2018 to July 2025, 62,495 applications, of which only 3,589 received a solution - which is approximately 6% from the total number.
He recalled that satellite images of the facilities had already been presented to the public, and a follow-up survey is planned for next year. The baseline image, captured in July, will not be changed. All facilities built after July 2025 without a permit will be subject to will not be able to be registered in the cadastre, and subsequently a demolition order will be issued against them. If the property was identified as a structure with a ceiling by July 2025, it will be eligible for legalization.
Read also: New real estate legalization law in Montenegro – what you need to know
Specialist noted The agency does not have precise data on the number of structures built on state land within Podgorica, as processing of the orthophoto is still ongoing and will take approximately six months.
Ražnatović explained the procedure in detail: the first step is registering the property with the cadastral register. If it is not registered, it is necessary to prepare geodetic report The owner then submits the documents to the local cadastral service along with a notarized statement regarding the actual condition of the building. After receiving the decision to add the property to the cadastral register, the owner gathers the necessary documents and submits an application for legalization to the local government.
The cost of preparing a geodetic report, according to him, for the initial stage alone is over 300 euros.
To submit to the municipality, you must complete a legalization application, attach a certified cadastral report (original or copy), photographs of all facades, and an extract from the real estate register. The municipality is obligated to notify the applicant within 15 days of the completeness of the documents. If the dossier is incomplete, the applicant has 90 daysto provide the missing information.
Ražnatović emphasized that Free legalization zones operate in rural areas — Urban redevelopment plans have been approved in each community; all that remains is to collect the documents and submit them.
On the timeframe for legalizing real estate in Montenegro
According to the expert, such a low percentage of resolved applications is due to the suspension of work on the General Regulation Plan: in 2021, the then ministry abandoned its preparation, which led to delays in the process.
He added that the law does not set deadlines for the legalization procedure itself, but only sets a six-month deadline for owners whose properties have not yet been entered into the land register to submit applications. This deadline expires on February 14, but the minister announced at a special meeting of the Assembly that it would be extended for another six months.
Ražnatović emphasized that the law is "as simplified as possible" and allows for the legalization of any object that does not pose a threat to public infrastructure.
If you have real estate in Montenegro, falling under the new law on legalization, our specialists can help to understand the procedure. We know what documents are needed, where and when to submit them, and what to consider so that the property officially receives the status of legal. This approach will eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy and will allow you to sell, rent or use real estate in the future without problems.
You can order a property inspection here.
For more information, please contact us - https://www.montelegal.me/sr
Or contact us at +382 67 447 626 (WhatsApp, Telegram)
