Spearfishing in Montenegro, or freediving with a speargun, is becoming more and more popular among locals and tourists. But before you dive in – you need a valid license to spearfish legally.
If you don’t have a license, you risk:
- Fines of up to €1,500
- Confiscation of equipment (speargun, diving gear)
📄 Who Issues Spearfishing Licenses?
Spearfishing licenses are issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management – Directorate for Fisheries, through authorized local fishing clubs. Each club sets its own price, so the cost may vary depending on the location.
🏛️ Where to Get a Spearfishing License in 2024–2025
Here are verified locations where you can apply for a spearfishing license in Montenegro:
✅ Kotor – Sport Fishing Club “AMA”
- 📍 Location: Kostanjica, Kotor
- 💶 Cost: €60 per year
- 🪪 What you need: ID card and payment (done on site)
✅ Bar – Fishing Society “Sipa”
- 📍 Location: Port of Bar (near the fish market)
- 🪪 License issued on the spot with ID and payment
✅ Budva – Sport Fishing Club “Širun”
- 📍 Contact: Tourist Organization of Budva or directly at the club
- ⏱️ Usually issues licenses the same day
✅ Herceg Novi – Underwater Activities Club “Novi”
- 📍 Location: Meljine / Savina
- 🧠 Known for organizing competitions and diver education
- 🎫 Licenses available year-round
📃 What You Need to Apply
- Valid Passport
- Age 18 or older
- Completed application form (provided by the club)
- Payment (via bank or at the club)
⚠️ Important Rules and Regulations
- Only freediving spearfishing is allowed
- Use of scuba tanks or breathing devices is strictly prohibited
- A diving float (buoy) is mandatory
- Night fishing is forbidden
- Keep at least 100 meters away from swimmers and beaches
👉 Want to know which fish are most common in the bay? Check out our guide: Top Fish Species in the Bay of Kotor
🧠 Pro Tips
📌 Always check if the club is officially authorized for that year. Licensing regulations sometimes change without notice.
ℹ️ If you plan to fish in multiple locations, go for the annual license – it’s valid across the whole country.
🗣️ If you’re new to the sport, most clubs can also help with equipment advice and safety tips.
📝 Note: This article is for informational purposes. For the latest updates, contact your local fishing club or the Ministry directly.
👉 If you’re a tourist interested in regular fishing (not spearfishing), check out our full guide: Fishing License Montenegro – Tourist Guide.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions – Spearfishing in Montenegro
1. 🟢 Do I need a license if I dive without a speargun?
No. A license is only required if you use a speargun. Recreational diving or snorkeling doesn’t require a license.
2. 💰 How much does a spearfishing in Montenegro license cost?
For Montenegrin citizens: between €30 and €60 per year.
For tourists and foreigners: price depends on duration (daily, monthly, annual) and is usually higher.
3. 📍 Where can I apply for the license?
You can get it at any local authorized fishing club, such as:
- SRD Sipa – Bar
- KSR Širun – Budva
- KPA Novi – Herceg Novi
- KSR AMA – Kotor
Always confirm the club’s status before visiting.
4. 🔴 Can I use scuba tanks for spearfishing in Montenegro?
No. Spearfishing is allowed only with breath-hold diving (apnea). Using scuba gear while spearfishing is illegal.
5. ⚠️ What happens if I spearfish without a license?
You risk a fine up to €1,500, and your gear may be seized.
Penalties are even stricter if you catch protected species or fish too close to beaches.
6. 🕒 How long is the license valid?
An annual license is valid from January 1st to December 31st, regardless of purchase date.
So, it’s best to apply early in the year to get full value.
