- Montenegro will become part of the EU. Who can enter and stay in Montenegro without a visa.
- Residence and work permit. Work visa enables stay and employment in Montenegro. Taxation in Montenegro
- Residency and property. Property owners and yacht owners are entitled to obtain a residence permit in Montenegro.
- Residence and investment into Montenegro. Economic residency for the investors -CLOSED.
- Other ways to immigrate to Montenegro. Residency by marriage. Long-stay visa for students.
- Temporary residency may lead to permanent one and then to Montenegrin citizenship.
- FAQ
Montenegro is scheduled to join the EU in 2025. So far the country allows more freedom and flexibility for its residents in the sense of reporting requirements, e.g. Montenegro banks do not share clients’ information with EU tax authorities, and overall taxation, both for companies and private persons, is on 9% level – much less than in other EU countries. Entering the EU may affect this, however it will also open doors for affordable financing and increase the flow of tourists – the main source of income for Montenegro. As a tourist state Montenegro has visa-free entrance for holders of Schengen visa, for all EU, USA and many more countries. You can check your country visa regime at https://www.gov.me/en/diplomatic-missions/embassies-and-consulates-of-montenegro
Residence through a work permit. If you work for a company in Montenegro or are the company owner, temporary residence permit can be obtained through a work permit. Work permits are issued on the ground of employment. This means that you would need a company in Montenegro to be employed and to apply for your work permit. We will be happy to register a company for you and assist with the application for a work visa and then for a temporary residence permit. The residence permit is issued for 12-month period and can be renewed for the next period as long as your company is existing. We will provide all necessary support for your company including bookkeeping, and prolongation of residence permit and work visa, which, in the long run, may lead to successful immigration in Montenegro. If you can stay 183 days per year in Montenegro, you will become tax resident in Montenegro and enjoy low 9% taxation on your personal income. Montenegro has rather straightforward tax system with 9% income tax both for legal entities and private persons.
Residency by property or obtaining residency by purchasing a property. Buyers of property in Montenegro have received a bonus not long ago. Recent changes in the immigration legislation allow Montenegro property owners apply for temporary residence permit. The residence permit can be extended every 12 months. By property we mean an apartment, a house, a business object, even a yacht registered in a Montenegrin marina. We will be happy to assist with applying and obtaining a residence permit for the Montenegro property owners and we will do all the paperwork to renew the residence permit after its expiration. Obtaining residency using your property is quite advantageous if compared to the residency through a work visa, because you will not have to pay for your company maintenance and accounting support and the procedure is also simpler.
Residency by investment and second passport in Montenegro. Beginning 2019 Montenegro economic citizenship program came into force. This program ended in the end of 2022. Montenegro informed Brussels that it has abolished economic citizenship. The program was officially terminated on December 31st, 2022, which is in line with the recommendations of the European Commission on the risks associated with this program.
Check Montenegrin passport rank https://www.passportindex.org/byRank.php
There are also other ways to obtain temporary or permanent residency in Montenegro.
Student visa. If you would like to enjoy low cost of education in Montenegro and you are a living in the EU, you can just come to Montenegro to study and apply for a long-term visa after you become a student. If you reside outside the EU, you would need to apply from home to receive an invitation from a Montenegro high school before visiting.
Marriage. It is possible to obtain Montenegro citizenship if you are married to a Montenegrin citizen for at least three years and live in Montenegro for five years without an interruption. You will be able to apply for a Montenegrin passport in this case.
As you can see the general scheme to obtain residency in Montenegro has three steps: getting a temporary residence permit, then after staying in Montenegro for 5 years, getting a permanent residence permit and, after staying for 10 more years, applying for Montenegrin citizenship. The applicant must understand the language and have knowledge of Montenegrin life and culture in order to pass the citizenship exam. Please feel free to get in touch if you need any assistance with obtaining Montenegrin residency.
Law on Montenegrin Citizenship https://www.gov.me/en/government-of-montenegro/citizenship-and-residency
Information for foreigners - temporary residence and work
https://www.gov.me/en/article/temporary-residence
FAQ
How do I become a permanent resident in Montenegro? How do I get permanent residency in Montenegro?
As the Government of Montenegro has informed:
“A permanent residence permit may be issued to a foreigner who lawfully resided in Montenegro for five consecutive years before submitting the application for a permit based on a temporary residence permit or approved additional protection in accordance with the law governing asylum.” https://www.gov.me/en/article/permanent-residence
Is it easy to get citizenship in Montenegro?
In order to obtain Montenegrin citizenship, typically a period of five years as a temporary resident and another five years as a permanent resident are required, along with a minimum level of proficiency in the Montenegrin language.
Can I get residency in Montenegro?
Foreign individuals can acquire a residency permit in Montenegro through either purchasing property or obtaining a work permit. Although other means, such as studying in Montenegro, exist, these two methods are the most prevalent. A temporary residency permit is granted for a period of 12 months, which can then be extended on an annual basis.
Can EU citizens move to Montenegro?
Individuals who are citizens of EU countries can visit Montenegro for a maximum of 90 days with a valid passport or 30 days using only a government-issued identification document. However, if their stay in Montenegro exceeds 90 days, they will need to obtain a temporary residence permit.
How long can EU citizens stay in Montenegro?
People from various nations, such as Australia, Canada, the EU, UK, and the US, can visit Montenegro without a visa and can remain there for a maximum of 90 days if they possess a passport. For EU citizens, it is possible to enter Montenegro using just a government-issued identification card, and they can stay there for up to 30 days.
Is Montenegro good for immigrants?
Montenegro may not be a popular destination for immigrants due to its small size and relatively low economic opportunities compared to other European countries. However, Montenegro does offer a relatively low cost of living, stunning natural beauty, and a favorable climate.
Can foreigners own or buy property in Montenegro?
Yes, foreigners can own property in Montenegro. Montenegro has very liberal foreign ownership laws and welcomes foreign investment in its real estate market. Foreigners have the same rights and obligations as Montenegrin citizens when it comes to owning property.
How much does it cost to become a citizen of Montenegro?
The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program has been closed in the end of 2022. However, the most common way of obtaining citizenship in Montenegro through naturalization still remains. To be eligible for naturalization, an applicant must have resided in Montenegro for at least 10 years, speak the Montenegrin language, and have no criminal record.
Is Montenegro in Schengen?
No, Montenegro is not a member of the Schengen Area. While Montenegro is not a member of the Schengen Area, it is a candidate country for EU membership, and it has been taking steps to align its laws and regulations with those of the EU.
Can I retire in Montenegro?
Montenegro is a small country located in Southeast Europe, and it offers several benefits for foreigners who are considering retiring there. Here are some of the key benefits:
Cost of living: Montenegro has a relatively low cost of living compared to many other European countries, which makes it an attractive option for retirees on a budget.
Climate: Montenegro enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with long, hot summers and mild winters. This makes it an ideal location for those who enjoy spending time outdoors and taking advantage of the natural beauty of the country.
Beautiful scenery: Montenegro is known for its stunning natural scenery, including rugged mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and a beautiful coastline. This makes it an ideal location for those who enjoy hiking, swimming, and other outdoor activities.
Cultural attractions: Montenegro has a rich cultural heritage, with historic sites dating back to the Roman Empire, as well as traditional festivals and music that celebrate the country's cultural diversity.
Easy access to other European countries: Montenegro is located in a strategic position, which makes it easy to travel to other European countries. For example, it is just a short flight away from Italy, Greece, and other popular tourist destinations.
Peaceful lifestyle: Montenegro is known for its peaceful way of life, with a low crime rate and a relaxed pace of life. This can be especially attractive to retirees who are looking for a peaceful and stress-free lifestyle.
Overall, Montenegro offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and a relaxed way of life that makes it an attractive option for foreigners who are considering retiring there.
Can I extend my stay in Montenegro?
You may obtain a temporary residence permit allowing you to stay in Montenegro for a maximum of one year and it can be extended. “An application for the extension of temporary residence of foreigners shall be submitted in person, to the Ministry, at the place of residence, not later than 30 days before the expiration of a temporary residence” https://www.gov.me/en/article/temporary-residence
Is it hard to move to Montenegro?
Individuals from other countries who intend to relocate to Montenegro must adhere to the visa and immigration rules established by the government. To do so, they must seek temporary or permanent residency permits depending on the length of their stay.
Is Montenegro a tax haven?
Montenegro is not typically considered a tax haven, although it has implemented several tax policies that have made it an attractive destination for foreign investors and entrepreneurs. For example, Montenegro has a flat income tax rate of 9%, which is one of the lowest in Europe. Additionally, the country has implemented a number of tax incentives for businesses, such as exemptions and reductions on various taxes and duties. However, it is important to note that Montenegro is committed to complying with international tax standards and has signed numerous agreements to prevent tax evasion and promote transparency.
Does Montenegro tax foreign income?
Montenegro taxes only income earned within its borders, which is known as territorial taxation. This means that foreign income, such as income earned from a foreign source or income earned by a foreign national while living outside of Montenegro, is generally not subject to taxation in Montenegro. However, it's important to note that tax laws can be complex, and there may be certain circumstances or exceptions that could result in foreign income being subject to taxation in Montenegro.
Are houses expensive in Montenegro?
The cost of houses in Montenegro can vary greatly depending on the location, size, and condition of the property. Generally speaking, real estate prices in Montenegro are lower compared to many other European countries, but they have been steadily increasing in recent years due to growing interest from foreign investors and tourists. E.g., the average price of new houses was 1315 euro/m2 in coastal area and 1383 euro/m2 in Podgorica in 2022.
Coastal areas, such as Budva, Kotor, and Herceg Novi, tend to be more expensive than inland areas, while properties in the capital city of Podgorica are also relatively affordable. In some parts of Montenegro, such as the northern region, rural areas, and smaller towns, it's possible to find very affordable properties.
How strong is the Montenegro passport?
The strength of a passport is typically measured by the number of countries that its holders can enter visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. According to the Henley Passport Index, which ranks the world's passports based on their travel freedom, the Montenegro passport ranks 47th globally as of September 2021, allowing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 124 countries.
While this may not be as high as some of the strongest passports in the world, it is still a relatively good ranking for a small country like Montenegro. The Montenegro government has been working to improve its diplomatic relations with other countries, which may lead to further visa-free travel opportunities in the future. Additionally, Montenegro has recently joined the EU's visa-free travel zone, known as the Schengen Area, which could further increase the travel freedom of Montenegrin passport holders in the future.
Check Montenegrin passport rank https://www.passportindex.org/byRank.php
Can I enter Montenegro with EU ID?
Yes, if you are an EU national and hold a valid ID card, you can enter Montenegro and stay up to 30 days without a passport
How close is Montenegro to joining the EU?
“Montenegro officially applied to join the EU on 15 December 2008, and membership negotiations began on 29 June 2012. With all the negotiating chapters opened, the country enjoys a widespread support among EU members' officials, and accession of the country to the EU is considered possible by 2025”
Accession of Montenegro to the European Union - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accession_of_Montenegro_to_the_European_Union
What is type D visa Montenegro?
A Type D visa in Montenegro is a visa for foreigners who want to stay in the country for more than 90 days, but less than six months. You can get this visa if you plan to live, work, or study in Montenegro for an extended period, and you need a guarantor who is a citizen, a resident, or a firm. Additionally, the Montenegro Long Stay Visa or D Visa is for foreign nationals who intend to visit Montenegro for more than 90 days but not longer than 180 days for business purposes, diplomatic or consular missions, or offices of international organizations.
What is the average salary in Montenegro?
According to monstat.org, the average salary in Montenegro was 940 euros per month before taxes in 2023.
https://monstat.org/cg/page.php?id=2071&pageid=2071
Is it easy to get residency in Montenegro?
Getting residency in Montenegro is a simple process that involves meeting specific requirements and following some steps. To be eligible for permanent residency, individuals need to have 5 years of continuous temporary residency, pass a language test, and pass a criminal background check. Temporary residency can be granted for more than 90 days and can be renewed annually. However, additional requirements are needed for permanent residency.
How do I get a resident permit in Montenegro?
The grounds to apply for a temporary residence permit can be a work permit or having a property in Montenegro, where you can live – a house or an apartment. The application for a temporary residence permit has to be submitted to the police office in Montenegro. We can assist with documents preparation in both cases.
Can EU citizens move to Montenegro?
Moving for a period longer than 90 days will require having a residence permit. We can assist with the application documents preparation.
Can you buy citizenship in Montenegro?
Montenegro's Citizenship cannot be acquired any longer. Citizenship by Investment Program was closed in the end of 2022. Montenegro informed Brussels that it has abolished economic citizenship. Regarding economic citizenship, the Montenegrin delegation has informed that the program was officially terminated on December 31st, 2022, which is in line with the recommendations of the European Commission on the risks associated with this program," the report of the Ministry of European Affairs states.
https://www.slobodnaevropa.org/a/crna-gora-ukinula-ekonomsko-dr%C5%BEavljanstvo/32265425.html
Who can enter Montenegro without a visa?
“The visa policy of Montenegro is similar to the visa policy of the Schengen Area. It grants 90-day visa-free entry to all Schengen nationalities, except for Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau, Solomon Islands, Tonga and Tuvalu. It also grants visa-free entry to nationals of several additional countries – Azerbaijan, Belarus, Cuba, Ecuador, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kuwait, Qatar, Russia, and Turkey.”
Visa policy of Montenegro - Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Montenegro
Is Montenegro a good place to live?
Montenegro can be a good place to live depending on an individual's preferences and priorities. It is a small country in Southeast Europe with beautiful natural scenery, including mountains, lakes, and beaches. The climate is Mediterranean, which means mild winters and hot summers. Montenegro also has a rich cultural heritage and a diverse population.
However, like any country, Montenegro has its challenges. The economy is still developing, and job opportunities can be limited, especially outside of the main cities. Corruption can also be an issue in some areas, and there are occasional political tensions. The cost of living can also be relatively high, especially for foreigners.
Overall, Montenegro can be a good place to live for those who appreciate natural beauty, a laid-back lifestyle, and a relatively low-key atmosphere. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a highly developed economy, extensive job opportunities, or a bustling city life.
Is Montenegro good for immigrants?
Montenegro may not be the most immigrant-friendly country in Europe. It is a small country with a relatively homogenous population, and the government's policies towards immigrants can be restrictive. Non-EU citizens, in particular, may face challenges in obtaining work permits, residency permits, and citizenship.
Montenegro also has a relatively small economy, and job opportunities can be limited, especially for non-Montenegrin speakers. The cost of living can also be relatively high, which can make it challenging for immigrants on a budget.
However, Montenegro is a member of the United Nations and has signed various international agreements and treaties on human rights, including the rights of refugees and migrants. The country has also taken some steps to improve its immigration policies and procedures, including streamlining the application process for residency permits and citizenship.
In summary, while Montenegro may not be the most immigrant-friendly country, it is not completely hostile to foreigners. Immigrants who are willing to adapt to the local culture, language, and lifestyle, and who have the resources to support themselves, may find Montenegro to be a welcoming and rewarding place to live.
Why is Montenegro so famous?
Montenegro is known for its natural beauty, historical and cultural heritage, and its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. Here are some of the reasons why Montenegro is famous:
Stunning natural scenery: Montenegro is home to some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Europe, including rugged mountains, deep canyons, crystal-clear lakes, and pristine beaches.
Cultural heritage: Montenegro has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its long history and diverse influences. The country is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the old town of Kotor, the Durmitor National Park, and the monasteries of Ostrog.
Unique blend of cultures: Montenegro has been influenced by both Eastern and Western cultures, with a mix of Balkan, Mediterranean, and Slavic traditions. This creates a unique blend of architecture, cuisine, music, and art.
Adventure tourism: Montenegro is becoming increasingly popular as an adventure tourism destination, with activities such as hiking, mountain biking, rafting, kayaking, and paragliding available.
Mediterranean climate: Montenegro has a mild Mediterranean climate with long, sunny summers and mild winters, making it an attractive destination for sun-seekers.
Overall, Montenegro's natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique blend of Eastern and Western influences make it a popular destination for travelers seeking an authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience in Europe.
Is Montenegro a 1st world country?
“Montenegro has an upper-middle-income economy and ranks 48th in the Human Development Index. It is a member of the United Nations, NATO, the World Trade Organization, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe, and the Central European Free Trade Agreement. Montenegro is also a founding member of the Union for the Mediterranean, and is currently in the process of joining the European Union.”
Montenegro - Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montenegro