Work and Wages

Minimum Wage

An employee is entitled to minimum wage for the standard performance and full working hours, or working hours equivalent to full working hours in accordance with the Labour Law, 2019, collective agreement and contract of employment. Minimum wage cannot be lower than 30% of the average wage in Montenegro in the preceding semester, according to the official data as determined by the administration body in charge of the statistics. The amount of the minimum wage is determined by the Government of Montenegro upon a proposal from the Social Council of Montenegro, every six months. Minimum wages are also determined at enterprise level (employer’s collective agreement) and branch level agreement.

Source: §101 of the Labour Law, 2019

For updated minimum wage rates, please refer to the section on minimum wage.

Regular Pay

Salary realized by a worker for the work performed and time spent at work, wage compensation and other earnings determined by collective agreement and contract of employment is considered gross salary under the law.

The salary has to be paid in terms and in the manner determined by collective agreement and contract of employment, and at least once a month. An employer must provide the pay slip to the worker upon payment of the salary.

An employer can collect employee’s debts by withholding a portion of his/her salary only based on a final court decision, in cases determined by the law or upon consent from the employee. The withheld portion of an employee’s salary based on a final court decision cannot exceed a half of his/her salary, and one third of the salary or wage compensation for other obligations.

Source: §105 & 106 of the Labour Law, 2019