Montenegro: Tax treatment of purchase of antivirus software licenses from foreign companies

International Tax Review is part of Legal Benchmarking Limited, 1-2 Paris Garden, London, SE1 8ND

Copyright © Legal Benchmarking Limited and its affiliated companies 2026

Accessibility | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Modern Slavery Statement

Montenegro: Tax treatment of purchase of antivirus software licenses from foreign companies

zivkovic.jpg

Jelena Zivkovic

Production of antivirus software systems and other services related to software products are defined as special way of providing intellectual services in areas of complex science projects, especially programming, projecting and realisation. The Montenegrin VAT Law prescribes for the purchase of antivirus system software and other products related to software products that are produced in a foreign country for a Montenegrin company being subject to VAT at the rate of 17% in Montenegro (country of origin of customer). The tax base is the purchase price.

In addition, according to the Corporate Income Tax Law, the taxpayer is obliged to calculate, withhold and pay withholding tax (WHT) at the rate of 9% on payments made to non-residents in respect of interest, royalties and other intellectual property rights, capital gains, lease of immovable and movable property, the fees based on consulting services, market research services and audit services.

Since the local legislation recognises computer software as special way of intellectual services, WHT is payable in the case of the transfer of antivirus software copyrights for using antivirus systems for resale or in case of its further development.

In case of the procurement of an antivirus system for a company's internal usage, there is no obligation of WHT payment.

Jelena Zivkovic (jelena.zivkovic@eurofast.eu)

Eurofast Global, Podgorica Office, Montenegro

Tel: +382 20 228 490

Website: www.eurofast.eu

more across site & shared bottom lb ros

More from across our site

The UK has confirmed its approach to the OECD’s side-by-side deal, but US-parented groups may find pillar two compliance remains far from straightforward
Fragmented pillar two taxation and increased use of AI by tax authorities have left clients fearful of heightened disputes exposure
Grant Thornton Advisors’ latest acquisition has produced the fifth-largest US advisory firm by revenue, but there’s still a clear gulf between it and the big four
Crowe joins Grant Thornton, WTS and Ryan in attracting PE investment, suggesting that dealmakers remain bullish on the tax advisory sector
HMRC expects advisers to meet ever-higher compliance criteria. After 24 consecutive qualified audit opinions, many will ask whether HMRC should hold itself to the same standards
The purchase of Marosa represents the second major tax tech consolidation this week, raising questions of a broader industry trend
Peru’s approach to TP is increasingly at odds with OECD-style profitability policies, exposing multinational groups to asymmetric tax adjustments
Hany Elnaggar examines how the region's legacy economic substance regimes and the OECD's pillar two framework are converging on the same underlying test
The deals for TP Accurate and Intra Pricing Solutions will enhance Alphatax’s ability to support clients with the full TP lifecycle, the tax tech provider claimed
The DS Advocates partner discusses career reinvention, tax disputes and why advisory and litigation experience should complement one another
Gift this article