Changes in Montenegrin legislation

In January 2026, the Constitutional Court of Montenegro made an important decision that significantly affected the sphere of trade and the daily lives of both residents of the country and foreign visitors. The court declared illegal and overturned an earlier provision prohibiting shops from operating on Sundays. For several years, this restriction has caused active discussions in society, especially in tourist regions, where the day off is one of the busiest in terms of the number of visitors.

The Constitutional Court concluded that the ban on Sunday trading violates the principles of freedom of enterprise and equality of market participants enshrined in the Constitution. According to the court, the imposed restriction did not achieve the stated social goals sufficiently and at the same time harmed economic activity, especially in cities with a pronounced seasonal tourist orientation.

The lifting of the ban has become a positive signal for business, the service sector and the tourism industry. Stores have regained the ability to independently determine their work schedule, and employees of retail outlets can now regulate working hours within the framework of labor legislation, rather than strict administrative restrictions. This is especially important for resort towns, where the flow of tourists on weekends increases significantly.

For tourists, this solution means a noticeable increase in comfort. Sunday is traditionally a day of walking, sightseeing and recreation, and the opportunity to visit shops, shopping malls, souvenir shops and supermarkets makes your stay in the country more convenient and predictable. Guests no longer face the situation when a significant part of the shopping infrastructure is closed at the height of the tourist season.

A positive effect is expected for the economy as a whole. The resumption of Sunday trading contributes to an increase in turnover, an increase in tax revenues and the creation of more favorable conditions for the development of small and medium-sized businesses. For coastal regions focused on international tourism, this solution enhances the country's competitiveness as a modern and convenient destination for recreation and investment.

Thus, the Constitutional Court's decision was an important step towards a more flexible and economically sound regulation of trade. It takes into account the real needs of tourists, the interests of entrepreneurs and contributes to the formation of a more comfortable environment for both the guests of Montenegro and its residents.