In Montenegro a probation period is agreed in the employment contract and lasts six months at most, and since April 2026 it may not exceed a quarter of the term of a fixed-term contract. During probation you have all employment rights, and if the employer does not issue a decision that you failed by the end of the period, you are deemed to have passed. Either side can terminate the contract before probation ends, with a notice period of at least five days.
This guide explains how long probation lasts, extensions, the assessment, termination and the rules in force since April 2026.
How long does probation last?
| Situation | Maximum length |
| Permanent contract | six months |
| Fixed-term contract | a quarter of the contract term, and six months at most |
| Crew member on a long-haul merchant ship | longer, until the ship returns to its home port |
| Sick leave or maternity, paternity, parental, adoption or foster care leave during probation | probation can last longer than these limits |
- For example, with a 12-month fixed-term contract, probation can last three months at most.
- The exact length and how probation is carried out are set by the employer's collective agreement or the employment contract.
- If you sign a new contract with the same employer for the same job and the same tasks and you already passed probation, a new probation period cannot be agreed.
What applies during probation?
- An employee on probation has all employment rights and duties that match the work they do.
- The employer assesses your work and professional abilities.
- If by the end of probation the employer does not issue an individual decision that you failed, you are deemed to have passed.
- If you do not pass, your employment ends on the day probation expires.
How is the contract terminated during probation?
- Either side, the employer or the employee, can terminate the employment contract before probation ends.
- Termination follows the collective agreement and the employment contract.
- The notice period in that case is at least five days.
- An employer that agrees probation against these rules pays a fine of 1,000 to 10,000 euros, the responsible person 100 to 1,000 euros, and a sole trader 500 to 5,000 euros.
- An employer cannot terminate the contract of a pregnant employee or an employee on maternity, paternity or parental leave, with exceptions set by law.
How long fixed-term work can last and how to switch to a permanent contract is covered in our guide to fixed-term contracts, and termination after probation, notice periods and severance in our guide to employment termination. Sick pay is covered in our guide to sick leave, and where to look for work in our guide to finding a job in Montenegro.
Frequently asked questions
How long can probation last in Montenegro? Six months at most, and for a fixed-term contract at most a quarter of the contract term.
What is the notice period during probation? At least five days, and either the employer or the employee can give notice.
What if the employer gives no assessment by the end of probation? You are deemed to have passed probation, and your employment continues.
Is probation extended because of sick leave? It can be extended because of sick leave and maternity, paternity, parental, adoption or foster care leave.
Do I have the same rights on probation as other employees? You have all employment rights and duties that match the work you do.
Can the employer agree probation again when it rehires me? Not if you return to the same job with the same tasks and you already passed probation.
Sources
Probation, rights during probation, the assessment, termination and the notice period are set by the Labour Law, Official Gazette 74/2019 (Articles 34, 35, 123 and 209), and probation in fixed-term contracts, extensions for leave, the ban on repeated probation and the fine by the April 2026 amendments, Official Gazette 51/2026 (Articles 34, 35, 123 and 209). The information was checked on 27 September 2026. Fijaka is a classifieds platform; this text is not legal advice.