Bar Earns Its First BFC SEE Certificate: A Rising Economic Hub on the Adriatic

The Municipality of Bar has officially completed the BFC SEE process and, for the first time, obtained this prestigious Certificate - affirming its status as one of Montenegro’s most dynamic and investment-ready local governments.

Located on the southeastern coast of Montenegro, Bar holds a uniquely strategic position as the country’s most important maritime gateway. Its access to the Adriatic Sea, combined with a rare blend of coastal and continental terrain, has shaped a diverse economy and created fertile ground for tourism, agriculture, logistics, and trade. With the Port of Bar as a central economic engine, the municipality is steadily strengthening its role in regional transport networks and international commerce.

The local economy is highly diversified, with strong contributions from trade, transport and logistics, hospitality, tourism, and construction. In 2023, nearly 3,900 businesses operated in Bar—over 99% of them micro and small enterprises - collectively generating revenues of €581 million and employing close to 12,000 people. Seasonal employment remains a characteristic feature of the labor market, though positive trends in job growth and declining unemployment signal a stable and expanding economic base.

Bar’s strategic advantages are further reinforced by its excellent connectivity. The municipality hosts Montenegro’s largest seaport, sits at the terminus of the Belgrade–Bar railway, and is located within 70 kilometers of two international airports. Plans for a new highway will further strengthen its links with northern Montenegro and the broader region, enhancing logistics competitiveness and investment potential.

In recent years, Bar has emerged as a proactive municipality committed to improving its business environment. Through consistent strategic planning, strong institutional coordination, and open communication with the private sector, supported by the Council for Economic Development and the Secretariat for Local Economic Development, the municipality has built a foundation for sustainable growth. The BFC SEE process has further strengthened transparency, investor communication, and service efficiency, including the development of a new investment-oriented municipal website.

With rapid population growth, rising tourism figures, expanding construction activity, and increasing economic dynamism, Bar stands out as one of Montenegro’s most promising investment destinations. Achieving the BFC SEE Certificate marks a significant milestone and confirms the municipality’s readiness to support businesses, investors, and long-term development initiatives across the Adriatic region.

See what else municipality of Bar has to offer: https://investin.bar.me/