Is Crypto Legal in Montenegro?

Cryptocurrency is legal in Montenegro following amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering law adopted by Parliament on February 28, 2025, which introduced the country's first-ever regulatory framework for crypto assets (1). The amendments aim to align with recommendations from the DG FISMA, the OECD, and MONEYVAL, particularly in the context of FATF Recommendation no. 15 (1). Rather than adopting a standalone law, Montenegro opted to integrate crypto regulations within the AML law to eliminate the grey zone and establish a clear legal framework (1).

Under the amendments, crypto assets are defined as digital representations of value or rights that can be transferred and stored electronically using distributed ledger technology or similar systems, including tokens representing electronic money (1). Services associated with crypto assets include custody and management on behalf of clients, operation of trading platforms, exchange of crypto assets for fiat currency, exchange between crypto assets, and execution of crypto asset orders (1). The provision of crypto asset services does not require permits or licensing, only a registration obligation which is primarily a formal procedure (1).

"Minister Damjanović stressed the necessity of properly and transparently regulating this field in Montenegro, ensuring the protection of users' interests and establishing a legal framework for the crypto industry's development."

The Capital Market Commission will manage an online register of all entities offering crypto-related services, which will be publicly accessible to ensure transparency and facilitate informed decision-making (1). The establishment of the register is set for completion within nine months of the amendments' entry into force (1). Minister of Finance Aleksandar Damjanović emphasized the importance of establishing a legal framework for the crypto industry's development while ensuring user protection (2). Both domestic and foreign individuals and legal entities are allowed to provide crypto asset services in Montenegro (1).

Source:
https://www.karanovicpartners.com/news/montenegros-first-ever-crypto-regulation/
https://www.gov.me/en/article/minister-damjanovic-proper-and-transparent-regulation-of-cryptocurrencies-in-montenegro

Last updated: 19-10-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.