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, annually. Minimum wages are also determined at the enterprise level (employer’s collective agreement) and the branch level agreement.
The Labour Law links the minimum wage to various objective indicators: the general wage level in Montenegro, living costs and their movement, and economic factors such as development needs, productivity and the objective of maintaining a high level of employment. Since 1 October 2024, the law has set two net minimum-wage floors by qualification levels.
Source: §101 of the Labour Law, No. 086/24
Regular Pay
Salary realised 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 are considered gross salary under the law.
The salary has to be paid in terms and in the manner determined by the 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 an 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 half of his/her salary, and one-third of their salary or wage compensation for other obligations.
The employer sets the manner of salary payment, and it is for employer's responsibility to pay the salary to the employee through the bank account. This deadline is set at least once a month through the collective agreement and employment agreement.
Source: §105 & 106 of the Labour Law, No. 086/24
Regulations on Work and Wages
- Labour Law, 2008
