Montenegro: Asinta Business Etiquette Insight

Is your company looking to set up a new business in Montenegro?  Here are some useful business etiquette insights to help guide you in the right direction:

  • Avoid making business appointments during July and August as well as around the dates of national holidays in Montenegro.
  • Time keeping is not highly valued in Montenegro so whilst you should be punctual, do not expect the same of your Montenegrin colleagues. A handshake at the beginning and end of a meeting is considered the norm; always shake hands with any women present before the men.  Use titles and surnames when addressing people.
  • Meetings are generally informal with no agenda, frequent off-topic conversations and can last for a long time, sometimes several hours, so be prepared.  Bargaining is expected and Montenegrins may try to maneuver you into making a snap decision, so remain calm and focused.
  • Negotiations can be tough as Montenegrins are concerned about being taken advantage of by foreigners. Decisions can easily be reversed and it may take several visits just to accomplish a simple task.  A lot of patience will be required.

Do you have questions about employee benefits in Montenegro? Connect with Asinta Partner in the region, MAI-CEE, to get your questions answered via their contact page.