The Central Bank of Montenegro announced that Montenegro is now an operational member of the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), with the first international euro transactions set to start on 7 October 2025. Citizens and businesses will be able to send and receive euro payments within the SEPA zone on the same footing as participating European countries, with faster processing and lower costs. From 7 October, the first daily transfer of up to EUR 200 by individuals to SEPA countries will be free of charge. For electronic transfers up to EUR 20,000, the maximum fee will be EUR 1.99, while transfers above EUR 20,000 will cost EUR 25. The operational launch comes less than a year after Montenegro became the first Western Balkan country to join SEPA and follows work by the Government, Parliament, the central bank and 11 commercial banks to align national rules and payment infrastructure with European Payments Council standards, with support from the European Commission and the World Bank.
Central Bank of Montenegro 2025-10-06
Central Bank of Montenegro announces operational SEPA membership and launches cross-border euro transfers from 7 October with capped fees
The Central Bank of Montenegro announced Montenegro's operational membership in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA), enabling faster, lower-cost euro transactions starting 7 October 2025. Individuals can transfer up to EUR 200 daily to SEPA countries free, with fees for larger transfers capped at EUR 1.99 for amounts up to EUR 20,000 and EUR 25 for amounts above EUR 20,000. This follows Montenegro's alignment with European Payments Council standards, supported by the European Commission and the World Bank.