The company Schmidt and Schmidt provides services for the reclamation of civil status documents, as well as obtaining duplicates, lost or damaged documents in Montenegro with their subsequent legalization and translation.

It often happens that civil status documents are lost or damaged, or it is necessary to obtain current copies of documents. In this case, it is necessary to reclaim duplicates of documents. Often, those who have left Montenegro face difficulties in this procedure. Our service allows you to reclaim documents in Montenegro remotely, and we can carry out courier delivery of the document to anywhere in the world.

Validity of civil status documents in Montenegro

Civil status documents issued in Montenegro are usually valid indefinitely. However, the receiving party may impose time requirements.

When do you need to get duplicate documents in Montenegro

A duplicate birth certificate, marriage certificate, name change certificate, divorce certificate, criminal record certificate or death certificate may be required to register a marriage abroad, a newborn child, citizenship, inheritance, data verification for pension applications, opening bank accounts, employment and other bureaucratic issues.

What documents can be requested in Montenegro:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Certificate of change of surname
• Divorce certificate
• Death certificate
• Certificates of good conduct
• Educational documents
• Other civil status documents

Vital records in Montenegro are managed by the Municipal Registry Offices (Matični ured), which operate under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Interior. Each municipality has its own office responsible for maintaining these records.

Applications for vital records in Montenegro can generally be submitted in person, by mail, or online, depending on the services offered by the municipality. For in-person applications, individuals must visit the local Municipal Registry Office (Matični ured) where the record is maintained. Applicants need to provide proof of identity, such as a passport or national ID card, along with an application form and any required supporting documents.

Alternatively, some registry offices accept applications by mail. In this case, applicants should send a written request with details of the record, a copy of their ID, payment for any applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the return of the certificate. Additionally, Montenegro is working to digitize its records, and some municipalities may offer online application options through their websites or the Ministry of Interior's portal.

Birth certificate (Izvod iz matične knjige rođenih)

A birth certificate is an official document provided by the Registrar or acting Registrar of the relevant Civil or Consular Register. These documents provide essential details about an individual's birth, including the name, date, place, and parents' information. They are required for various purposes such as obtaining identification documents, enrolling in schools, or legal matters.

The certificate is the primary document establishing a person’s identity and is essential for obtaining other identification documents like a national ID or passport.

Required documents

• Valid ID
• Date and place of birth

Marriage certificate (Izvod iz matične knjige venčanih)

A marriage certificate is an official document that verifies the occurrence of a marriage. It records details such as the names of the spouses, the date, and the location of the marriage.

A marriage certificate can be requested by either spouse involved in the marriage or their authorized representatives. In certain situations, individuals with a legitimate interest, such as for legal proceedings, can also request this document​.

Required documents

• Applications from both individuals
• National IDs or passports
• Birth certificates of both applicants
• Divorce or death certificates from any prior marriages

Divorce Certificates (Izvod iz matične knjige razvedenih)

A divorce certificate serves the purpose to verify the legal dissolution of a marriage. It is required for procedures such as remarrying, updating marital status on legal records, immigration applications, and legal matters involving custody, support, or property division.

To obtain a copy of your divorce certificate, start by contacting the Municipal Court where your divorce was finalized and submitting a request for the document.

You will need to provide personal details such as your full name, your ex-spouse’s full name, and the date of your divorce. Additionally, identification documents, such as a passport or ID, and proof of your relationship status may be required.

After submitting the necessary information and documents, the Municipal Court will process your request and issue a replacement divorce certificate. The processing time typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the court's workload.

Required documents

• Names of both parties
• Date of the divorce
• Case or reference number
• Identification and proof of eligibility
• Your original marriage certificate

Death Certificates (Izvod iz matične knjige umrlih)

A death certificate serves the purpose to provide official confirmation of a person’s death. It is often needed for legal and financial matters such as settling estates, claiming life insurance, finalizing wills, notifying government agencies and closing bank accounts.

It can be requested by immediate family members (spouse, children, parents), legal representatives or executors of the estate. Government agencies involved in estate administration can also request it.

Obtaining a replacement death certificate in Montenegro is generally a straightforward process if you adhere to the required steps and submit all the necessary documentation.

Required documents

• Application for state registration
• Medical certificate of death
• Identification document of the deceased
• Notarized power of attorney in case of representation
• Court act if the death was established by court decision

Police clearance certificate

A Certificate of Absence (or Presence) of a Criminal Record, also known as a Police Clearance Certificate (PCC), is an official document issued in Montenegro that provides details about an individual’s criminal history or confirms its absence.

It is required for employment in sensitive fields, visa or immigration applications, volunteering and adoption proceedings.

This certificate is prepared by the Information Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the Police Department of the region where the individual resides. The document is based on information from the official criminal records register and is presented in an approved format with all required data.

For International Use

If you need a PCC for use abroad, it must be obtained from the General Prosecutor's Office or its regional branches. This version is issued on official letterhead and often requires an apostille for international validation.

Required documents

• Application form
• Full set of fingerprint impressions with an official stamp of certifying authority
• Document stating the duration and period of stay
• National ID or passport
• Address registration document
• Immigration Authority letter stating the purpose of the police clearance certificate

Educational Documents

Foreign educational documents only carry the same legal value as Montenegro documents if they are exempt from legalization or have undergone the necessary legalization process. Documents from countries with bilateral agreements with Montenegro are fully exempt from legalization. Documents from countries that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961 undergo a simplified procedure called apostille. If neither countries are part of the convention or have bilateral agreements they undergo consular legalization

Apostille of duplicate documents in Montenegro

Montenegro joined the Hague Convention on the Simplified Legalization of Documents on the 11th March 2001.

Thus, documents issued in Montenegro are subject to legalization under a simplified procedure - apostille, after notarized translation into any language, such documents acquire full legal force in the territory of the wished destination.

You can order an apostille for copies and duplicates of documents from Malta from us.