According to “Serbian Economist”, Montenegrin citizens will not necessarily immediately gain the right to work without permits in all 27 EU member states following the country’s potential accession to the EU in 2028. The European Union has provided for the possibility of transitional restrictions lasting up to nine years.
The relevant mechanism is contained in the EU’s official negotiating position on Chapter 2, “Free Movement of Workers,” approved on June 12, 2026.
How will the restrictions work?
For the first four years, EU countries will be able to decide independently whether to open their labor markets to Montenegrins.
For up to seven years, the restrictions may be extended following the prescribed review procedure.
For up to nine years, an additional extension is permitted in the event of serious disruptions in the national labor market or the threat of such disruptions. Each EU member state will make its own decision in this regard.
Specific restrictions apply to Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria. These countries will be able to implement special protective measures in certain sectors in the event of the temporary posting of workers by Montenegrin companies.
There is also an exception for citizens who are already working: Montenegrins who are legally employed in an EU country and have had uninterrupted access to its labor market for at least 12 months will be able to enjoy broader labor rights in that country.
What does this mean in practice?
Montenegro’s accession to the European Union does not guarantee immediate freedom of employment in all EU countries. The right to work may depend on the legislation of a specific country and the transitional arrangements in effect.
If Montenegro joins the EU in 2028, the maximum restrictions could theoretically remain in place until 2037.
EU, EU accession, Labor market, MIGRATION, MONTENEGRO, transitional restrictions
