Unemployment benefit in Montenegro 2026: 108 euros a month, from three months to retirement, eligibility and registering with the Employment Agency within 30 days

Unemployment benefit in Montenegro is 108 euros a month in 2026: the law sets it at 120% of the calculation value of the coefficient, and the government set that value at 90 euros gross for 2026. It goes to an insured person whose employment ended without their consent or fault and who has at least nine months of insurance in the last 18 months. It lasts from three months to re-employment or retirement, depending on total insurance, and you register with the Employment Agency and apply within 30 days of your insurance ending.

The right is governed by the Law on Employment Mediation and Rights during Unemployment (Official Gazette 24/2019, amended by 29/2025 and 3/2026). This guide explains eligibility, the amount, duration, registration, obligations and loss of the right.

Who is entitled to the benefit?

• An insured person whose employment ended without their consent or fault and who, at that moment, has at least nine months of insurance, continuous or with breaks, in the last 18 months.
• Someone who worked part-time is entitled if they meet the condition once their working time is converted to full-time.
• A sole trader or a person who, through no fault of their own, stopped a professional or other activity as their main occupation is also entitled, with the same nine-month condition.

How much is the benefit and how long does it last?

• The benefit is 120% of the calculation value of the coefficient, which is 108 euros a month in 2026, and a pension and disability insurance contribution is calculated on that amount.
• While you receive the benefit, you have pension and disability insurance and health insurance.
• The benefit is due from the first day after your insurance ends, if you register and apply in time.
• The benefit is paid monthly; the benefit for August 2026 was paid on 7 September and can be collected at the counters of Prva banka in all municipalities.
• If the Agency sends a recipient on training or another employment measure, the recipient keeps the benefit, and once it runs out receives a cash allowance of up to 15% of the previous year's average gross salary until the measure ends.

How do you register with the Agency?

1. Within 30 days of your employment ending, register with the local office of the Employment Agency, in person or electronically.
2. Within the same period, apply for the benefit, in person, by post or electronically.
3. Attach the document ending your last employment and your registration or deregistration from compulsory social insurance.
4. The Agency decides within 30 days of the application.

• If you miss the deadline because of illness, a death in the family or a natural disaster, you can register and apply within eight days of that reason ending, and at the latest 60 days after the first deadline, and the benefit is still due from the first day.

When is the benefit lost?

• When the period it was granted for ends, when you find a job, register as a sole trader or become the owner of more than 51% of a company.
• When you meet the conditions for an old-age pension, receive a disability or survivor's pension or turn 67.
• When you do not actively look for work, are not available for work, refuse an employment programme or a job offer.
• When the labour inspectorate decides that you are working in breach of labour regulations, or when the Agency stops keeping you on its register.
• You must report any change that affects the right to the Agency within eight days.

A job offer means work matching your education and experience in the place where you live, up to 60 km away if the employer pays for transport, or further away if accommodation is provided. After 12 months on the register, a job offer also includes work that suits your personal and professional abilities set out in your individual employment plan.

Severance pay and the notice period are explained in our article on termination of employment, the minimum and average salary in our article on the minimum wage, and a monthly budget in our article on the cost of living.

Frequently asked questions

How much is unemployment benefit in Montenegro in 2026? 108 euros a month, that is 120% of the 90-euro calculation value of the coefficient set by the government for 2026.

How long does unemployment benefit last? From three months with up to five years of insurance to 12 months with 25 to 35 years, and with more than 35 years until you find work or retire.

Am I entitled to the benefit if I resigned? No, unless you resigned because your spouse relocated, you moved after marriage or for health reasons.

Am I entitled to the benefit after a termination by mutual agreement? No. Ending employment by mutual agreement rules out the benefit.

How soon must I register with the Agency? Within 30 days of your employment ending, when you also apply for the benefit.

Do I have health insurance while I receive the benefit? Yes. Pension and disability insurance and health insurance are provided while you receive the benefit.

Sources

Eligibility, duration, the amount and the procedure are set by the Law on Employment Mediation and Rights during Unemployment (Articles 12 and 47 to 59), as amended by 29/2025. The government set the 90-euro calculation value of the coefficient in its decision for 2026. Rights and obligations are explained by the Employment Agency, and the August 2026 payment in its notice. The information was checked on 25 September 2026. Fijaka is a classifieds platform; this article is not legal advice.