Montenegro’s Ministry of Spatial Planning has introduced a new draft law aimed at regulating illegal construction across the country. Minister Slaven Radunović emphasized that the proposed legislation is designed not only to legalize existing illegal buildings but also to prevent such practices in the future. He stated that individuals who attempt unauthorized construction moving forward will face serious consequences.
Under the new proposal, the process of legalization will be split between local governments and a newly formed state-level Agency for Legalization. Structures up to 500 square meters will fall under the jurisdiction of municipalities, while larger buildings and those located in protected areas will be handled by the agency. The agency is expected to be operational within 120 days of the law’s adoption and will function for a period of five years.
Property owners with illegally constructed buildings will be required to apply for legalization within six months from the day the law comes into effect. Additionally, local governments will be obligated to compile a comprehensive inventory of all illegal structures within one year.
The Montenegrin government anticipates that the implementation of this law could generate approximately €300 million in legalization fees, which would be directed into public infrastructure and development projects.
