Cryptocurrency in Montenegro 2025: Laws, Exchange and Taxes

In 2025, Montenegro ceased to be a completely "grey zone" for crypto investors. The country is actively adapting its legislation to EU standards while maintaining attractive tax conditions. Below is a detailed breakdown of the situation: from legality to cash-out methods.

Key points: Cryptocurrency is legal as a digital asset but is not a means of payment. Since March 2025, amendments to the AML law (anti-money laundering) have been in force, requiring registration of all service providers.

Legal status and regulation

Cryptocurrency in Montenegro is recognized as a digital representation of value. You may own bitcoin or stablecoins, but you cannot officially pay with them in a store.

Key changes in 2025:

AML Law: Came into force on March 20, 2025. It introduces mandatory registration for crypto exchanges, exchangers, and custodial services with the Capital Market Commission.
Licensing: At present, a full license is not required; registration is sufficient. A public registry of companies is expected to appear by November 2025.
EU standards: The country is harmonizing rules with the European MiCA regulation (Markets in Crypto-Assets). Further tightening of control over stablecoins and investor protection is expected.

Where and how to exchange cryptocurrency

Crypto ATMs (Bitcoin ATM)

The situation with physical terminals in the country is complicated. At the moment, the presence of only one crypto ATM is officially confirmed.

Location: Tivat (approximately Prive Lounge).
Currencies: BTC, ETH, BCH, DASH, LBTC.
Commission: High, amounts to 5–10%.
Limits: Depend on the verification level (KYC).

Attention: There are no official crypto ATMs in Podgorica and other major cities. If you are offered an exchange via a "terminal" privately, there is a high risk of fraud.

Buying and selling USDT (Tether)

The most popular request among expats is exchanging USDT for cash euros (cash-out) or vice versa.

Exchange options:

Online services: Platforms like Transak or SpectroCoin allow you to buy crypto assets with a card. Take into account bank fees for international transfers.
P2P platforms: Services LocalCoinSwap and Symlix operate in Montenegro. Here you can find offers with cash hand-to-hand transfers.
Offline exchangers: Offices and courier services operate in Budva and Podgorica.
- Rate: usually 1.02–1.11 USDT per 1 USD (or euro equivalent).
- Minimum amount: often from 10,000 USDT.
- Security: large transactions require passing AML checks (confirmation of source of funds).

Editor's tip: For safety, use P2P deal aggregators with an escrow system so as not to lose funds when meeting an unfamiliar exchanger.

Cryptocurrency taxes in 2025

Montenegro remains one of the most crypto-friendly countries in Europe in terms of taxation of digital assets, although EU integration may change this in the future.

Capital Gains Tax: Currently absent specifically for cryptocurrencies.
Personal income tax: Individuals’ income is taxed at a progressive rate of 9–15%.
Wealth tax: Absent.

Risks and security

Despite legalization, the market contains "grey zones". Millions of euros pass through unregulated channels, including real estate transactions for crypto.

What to watch out for:

Telegram exchanges: Chats are filled with offers to exchange "without commission". This is the most common method of fraud.
Account freezes: When withdrawing large amounts (over 10,000 euros) to a Montenegrin bank account, be prepared to provide documents confirming the source of funds. Banks strictly comply with AML.
Regulatory instability: Since the provider registry is still being formed, legal protection for investors when working with local intermediaries is currently weak.

Cryptocurrency in Montenegro 2025: Laws, Exchange and Taxes