Before the independence of Montenegro, football clubs from that country played in different competitions.
Below is the table with chronology of competition system and leagues in which played Montenegrin teams during the each period from 1945 to 2006.
Due to fact that in new state union of FR Yugoslavia (later Serbia and Montenegro) were two republics, Montenegrin clubs find easier way to qualify for the First League.
From 1947 to 1992, 15 different Montenegrin clubs played in the Second League of SFR Yugoslavia.
Below is the list of Montenegrin clubs which played in Yugoslav Second League 1947-1992.
During the period 1992-2006, Montenegrin clubs competed at second tier divisions which were a part of FR Yugoslavia / Serbia and Montenegro football system.
From the season 1992–93 until 2005–06, 22 Montenegrin teams played in the Yugoslav / Serbia and Montenegro Second League.
Yugoslav Third League is rank which existed five seasons, and 11 different Montenegrin clubs were part of it.