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Foreign nationals planning immigration to Montenegro must obtain a boravak—a residence permit that allows a legal stay in the country for one to two years. Permit holders are granted the right to formal employment, access to free education and medical services under an insurance policy. Many types of residence permits also enable applicants to qualify for permanent residency after five years of living in the country and citizenship after 10 years.
The investment program is one of the most convenient options for obtaining a residence permit. Foreigners can become residents for one year, with the option for renewal, by purchasing almost any type of real estate, regardless of its cost. The key requirement is that the applicant must own at least 50 percent of the property.
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Benefits of a residence permit in Montenegro
The main advantages of a residence permit in Montenegro include the right to:
- official employment and business establishment in the country;
- access to free services in public medical clinics;
- obtain residence permits for family members;
- enrol children (of residents) in kindergartens and schools;
- open a bank account;
- purchase and register vehicles in their name;
- use mobile and internet services at non-tourist rates, which are typically more affordable;
- apply for permanent residence after five years of living in the country;
- apply for citizenship after 10 years of living in the country.
How to get a Montenegro residency
| Basis for Residence Permit | Investment Threshold |
| Real Estate | – |
| Business | EUR 1 |
| Remote Work | EUR 1,350 per month |
| Employment | – |
Real estate investment
A foreigner can obtain a residence permit in Montenegro when buying real estate, including residential properties, agricultural buildings and commercial premises. The only exceptions are empty land plots, agricultural land, forests and properties located in border areas. There are no restrictions on purchasing apartments or villas in Montenegro.
The property's value is irrelevant, as there is no minimum investment threshold established by local legislation. However, the applicant must own at least 50 percent of the property and it must be free of encumbrances such as a mortgage or tax debt.
To apply for a residence permit in Montenegro through property purchase, foreigners must provide a certificate of ownership for the property. Additionally, they must meet the primary requirements for investors which include:
- being of legal age;
- having no criminal record;
- owning at least 50 percent of the property;
- possessing a valid international passport;
- having health insurance;
- demonstrating sufficient financial means to live in the country.
Montenegro residency by investment is valid for one year. The investor can renew the permit an unlimited amount of times as long as the property remains in their ownership. This option is suitable for individuals who do not intend to work in the country, as it does not grant the right to employment.
Properties for sale in Montenegro
Astra Real Estate
Montenegro PropertiesStarting a business
To obtain a residence permit in Montenegro, a foreigner can register a company in the country with a minimum share capital of EUR 1 and take on the role of general director. To apply for a residence permit (boravak) valid for up to one year, the applicant must own at least 51 percent of the business. The foreign entrepreneur is not required to hire employees or conduct any business activities.
It is essential that the applicant pays taxes and submits reports on time. They can register the business personally by contacting the Central Register of the Commercial Court directly or remotely through an intermediary firm. To do so, the applicant must create a unique company name, specify the types of activities the company will undertake and provide a registered office address. The registration process for Montenegro residency for business owners typically takes no more than a week.
Employment
A Montenegro residency based on employment is suitable for both professionals with a contract and temporary workers. The document remains valid as long as the individual holds the position for which it was issued. The employer must keep copies of the boravak and work permit.
When the resident resigns or transitions to a new position, their permit becomes invalid. The employer is required to notify the local police within eight days, after which the foreigner must either leave the country or apply for a new residence permit.
Remote work
Professionals employed by foreign companies and working remotely can apply for a residence permit in Montenegro for digital nomads, valid for up to two years. Their monthly income from abroad must be at least three times the minimum wage in the country, which is EUR 1,350 in 2024.
A drawback of this option is that it does not provide eligibility for permanent residency in Montenegro. The foreigner can renew this type of permit only once, after which they must wait six months before reapplying for the document.
Family reunification
Citizens and residents can apply for a residence permit in Montenegro through family reunification. The residence permit is available to their spouse, minor children and parents. Under certain circumstances, the Ministry of Internal Affairs may also consider applications from grandparents.
The validity of the document matches that of the inviting party's residence permit, and it can be renewed an unlimited number of times. Former spouses also have the right to an individual residence permit if the marriage lasted at least three years within the country.
Marriage
A spouse of a resident or citizen of Montenegro is eligible for a residence permit for up to one year. If the marriage was registered at least three years ago and the applicant has lived in the country for at least five years, they may apply directly for citizenship. The couple must undergo an interview to verify the authenticity of their marriage.
Medical treatment
Foreigners visiting Montenegro for medical services can apply for a residence permit. They need to provide a certificate from a local hospital specifying the duration of the treatment. The residence permit will be valid for the period stated in the certificate. Patients requiring extended treatment can reapply for the residence permit.
Education
Foreigners studying at local schools or universities can apply for a residence permit under the international exchange programme. In this case, the permit is valid for one year. Residents can renew it annually during their studies. After graduation, they may apply for an extension but only for a maximum of two years.
Science and research
Foreigners holding a doctorate or qualification allowing them to pursue a doctorate in Montenegro can obtain a residence permit for scientific activities. They must provide a contract with a local research institution, university or authorised individual. The contract should outline the responsibilities of both parties, the scientific goal and the expected duration of the research.
The permit issued on this basis is valid for up to one year. Upon completing their research, the foreigner may apply for a different residence permit category, valid for nine months, allowing employment.
Those with a contract with a research institution in an EU country and a residence permit in that country do not need this type of permit in Montenegro if their scientific activities in Montenegro last no more than 90 days.
Refugee status
Foreigners who have been victims of crime, natural disasters, war or other circumstances that resulted in severe illness or loss of capacity may apply for a residence permit. In some cases, minors are eligible, such as those left without guardianship or those who became victims of fraud, leading to illegal employment.
These are considered exceptional cases. Such applicants are exempt from standard requirements, such as housing, medical insurance and financial means for living in Montenegro. However, they must provide documentation confirming they receive protection and assistance from a government, international or non-governmental organisation. Individuals cooperating with law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations must provide a corresponding certificate.
Professional development
Professional training or internship in a specific field is another basis for obtaining a residence permit. Foreigners with higher education or students seeking to complete an internship before graduation are eligible for this type of residence permit. They must obtain approval from the relevant government authority and a certificate from the Montenegrin institution where the internship or training will take place. The permit’s duration corresponds to the length of the planned programme.
Why investors choose Montenegro
Some of the key factors that make Montenegrin real estate an attractive investment and a favourable option for obtaining a residence permit are as follows:
- The political situation is stable, and the government is focused on EU membership. Currently, Montenegro is first in line for EU accession and is a NATO member;
- Taxes are relatively low compared to other European countries. Both income and corporate taxes are only nine percent;
- The acquisition process is safe and transparent. Foreigners can buy, sell and rent out real estate on the same terms as citizens;
- Tourism is the country’s most important and dynamic industry. Over two million tourists visit annually, creating a high demand for rental properties;
- Montenegro is located in Southern Europe on the Adriatic coast. Flights to London, Vienna, and Warsaw take about two to three hours.
Required documents for obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro
The list of documents required from a foreigner depends on the grounds for their stay. For example, a spouse applying for residency under the family reunification program must provide a marriage certificate. The standard set of documents includes:
- notarised copy of the passport with a translation into Montenegrin;
- copy of the foreign passport;
- health insurance covering the entire period of the residence permit;
- documentation proving the applicant’s financial solvency, such as a bank statement;
- criminal record certificate;
- contract confirming the purchase or rental of local property;
- completed application form;
- receipt for the state fee payment.
Additional documents may be required depending on the foreigner’s reason for staying. For example, a spouse applying for residency through family reunification must provide a marriage certificate.
Cost and timeline for obtaining a Montenegrin residency
The cost of residency in Montenegro is influenced by factors such as the applicant's citizenship and the amount of documentation that requires translation and notarization. Approximate prices can be found in the following table:
| Expense Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Category D Visa | EUR 62 |
| Translation and Notarisation of Documents | From EUR 8 per page |
| Residency Card | EUR 10 |
The processing time for a residence permit depends on the grounds for the application and the accuracy of the submitted documents. The procedure is generally not complicated. In most cases, it takes about 40 days from the submission of the application to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, although it depends on the workload of the government agency.
Reasons for potential denial of a residence permit
The most common reasons for the rejection of an application include:
- lack of necessary documentation;
- providing false information;
- fake documents;
- criminal convictions;
- insufficient financial stability;
- illegal stay in the country;
- negative migration history;
- outstanding debts;
- entering into a fake marriage to gain corresponding benefits;
- expiring passport validity;
- lack of a place of residence in the country;
- ban on entering or staying in the country.
After identifying the exact reason for the refusal, which should be specified in the official notification from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the foreigner can appeal it in court within eight days of the receipt of the denial. A reapplication is allowed if the reason for rejection is a lack of documentation or insufficient funds in one’s bank account. In other cases, applicants are advised to consult lawyers specialising in immigration law to develop the best strategy.
How to renew a residence permit in Montenegro
A Montenegrin residence permit is typically issued for a period of up to one year. In most cases, foreigners can renew their residence permits annually. Some types of documents are issued for the duration of the applicant's planned stay in the country, such as for receiving medical services or conducting scientific activities.
Residents are required to submit their application at least 30 days before the expiration of the document. Along with the application, they must provide documentation confirming the reasons for reapplying for residency, a medical examination certificate, copies of the passport and the previous residence permit. In case of a refusal, the foreigner may appeal the decision or submit a new application after addressing the reason for the rejection.
Permanent residency and Montenegro citizenship: Benefits and Advantages
Basic information about permanent residence and citizenship in the Republic is as follows:
The applicant must confirm the availability of housing, sufficient funds for living, health insurance, a clean criminal record with no offences exceeding six months and pose no threat to the health and safety of the local population.
The application for citizenship in Montenegro should be submitted to the Ministry of Internal Affairs office at the place of residence. Document processing takes an average of six months. Permanent residency must be renewed every five years, with no limit on the number of renewals.
Citizenship can be obtained after 10 years of residence in the country. Holding permanent residency or a passport grants tax optimisation, access to social benefits and the right to join trade unions.
FAQ
- purchase of real estate;
- company registration and holding the position of CEO;
- employment in a local organization;
- family reunification;
- remote work;
- admission to a local university;
- marriage to a citizen or resident;
- medical treatment at a local healthcare facility;
- scientific activity.
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