Montenegro is a country with a warm Mediterranean climate and incredible scenery. Migrants are attracted by the proximity to Europe, relatively inexpensive living, simplified visa policy, and EU candidate status. Learn more about obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro in 2024

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To move to Montenegro, foreigners obtain a residence permit: first, a temporary one, and after 5 years - a permanent one, i.e. permanent residence. To maintain the status, it is important not to leave the territory of Montenegro for 6 consecutive months or 10 months within 5 years.

Stalni Boravak, or permanent residence, is a long-term residence permit in Montenegro. Foreigners acquire the status for life, but every five years the card itself is replaced with a new one. The document needs to be updated if the resident's personal data, such as surname, has changed.

The conditions for issuing a permanent residence permit are as follows:

1. Reside in the country for 5 years legally with a residence permit;

2. Not to leave Montenegro for 6 consecutive months and for 10 months within 5 years;

3. Have a valid passport;

4. Do not threaten the security of Montenegro, confirm the absence of a criminal record;

5. Rent or buy housing in the country;

6. Confirm solvency;

7. Obtain health insurance.

In exceptional cases, Montenegro grants permanent residence to a foreigner earlier than in 5 years, if it is in line with the principle of humanity or is of interest to the country.

Pros and cons of living in Montenegro

Montenegro has a convenient location for those who want to travel around Europe easily, quickly and inexpensively. The country has a well-developed system of low-cost airlines that fly to Germany, France, and Spain. And you can get to Italy by ferry. 

In addition, the following advantages can be noted:

1. Climate. Despite its small area, Montenegro includes three climatic zones: Mediterranean on the coast, temperate in the center, and alpine in the mountainous regions. The country is characterized by warm summers and cool winters;

2. Low prices for housing, transportation and food. The cost of living for a family with a child will be about 1200 euros per month;

3. Cheap food. The Mediterranean diet is considered one of the most balanced in the world: fish, meat, lots of fruits, vegetables and herbs. This type of food for Montenegro is available throughout the year;

4. Ancient architecture and beautiful nature. In Montenegro, medieval towns and numerous monuments are adjacent to incredible landscapes and the azure waters of the Adriatic;

5. High level of security and low level of crime. Becoming a victim of a pickpocket or street scammer in Montenegro is less likely than in Italy or Spain, and in stores you can leave your bag in a locker without a key and not worry. Most streets are well lit and monitored by video cameras.

Nevertheless, most immigrants highlight the following disadvantages:

1. High cost of real estate when buying. The price per square meter starts from 1000 euros, while housing with all the necessary conditions (location, availability of communications, etc.) will be twice as expensive;

2. Low-quality healthcare. Finding a good doctor in the city of residence is a great success, and their services are not cheap. Most residents of the country prefer to be treated in neighboring countries or in Europe;

3. Online commerce is poorly developed and postal tax for sending goods from other countries is high. It is cheaper and easier to go to Europe to buy the right thing than to order it in Montenegro;

4. Difficulties with employment and doing business. While it is easy to find a job in the high season, it is almost impossible in the winter. The same is true for business: Montenegrins are focused on a small domestic seasonal market, in which it is difficult to find a niche.

For safe relocation to any country in the world, obtaining citizenship and employment, take the advice of an international lawyer. We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any part of the world. 

Montenegro's residence permit when buying real estate

The Government of Montenegro has set a new path for foreign investors by offering a simplified procedure for obtaining a residence permit. According to the law adopted in 2015, owners of any real estate in the country are entitled to residency status, regardless of its value. The law does not set a minimum value for real estate and covers a wide range of properties, from apartments and houses to restaurants and offices. 

Potential applicants should also keep in mind that the property should not have any encumbrances, such as mortgages or lawsuits. The residence permit is issued for a period of one year, but it can be extended many times as long as the property remains in the hands of the owner. 

Montenegrin citizenship for investment

The Government of Montenegro is introducing a new Citizenship by Investment (CBI) program, which allows foreigners to acquire citizenship through investment. According to this program, applicants must invest in government-approved real estate projects ranging from EUR 250,000 in the north of the country to EUR 450,000 on the Adriatic coast or in the capital. 

In addition, a donation of EUR 100,000 to the state economic fund is required. The application processing fee is also included: EUR 15,000 for the main applicant, EUR 10,000 for each family member included in the application, and EUR 50,000 for any further family member. 

Family reunification

There is a family reunification procedure in Montenegro, which allows family members to stay together in the country. The categories eligible for family reunification include spouses, unmarried/unmarried children under 18 years of age and other dependent family members, including relatives in the direct ascending line if they are dependent on the main applicant, as well as other relatives under certain conditions. 

To apply for reunification, you must have a valid passport, a bank account statement, proof of registration in Montenegro, proof of housing, health insurance, receipts of payment of the residence permit fee and documents proving a relationship with a family member who has a residence permit/permanent residence in Montenegro. The application procedure usually takes up to 40 days from the date of submission of documents to the Ministry of Interior.

What documents are required to obtain a residence permit in Montenegro?

In order to obtain a residence permit or a permanent residence card, a foreigner shall submit the following documents to the immigration service:

1. Application;

2. A copy of the passport translated into Montenegrin and certified by a notary;

3. A copy of the foreign passport;

4. Medical insurance;

5. Documents confirming solvency, such as a bank statement;

6. Certificate of no criminal record;

7. Contract of sale or lease of real estate in Montenegro;

8. Receipt of payment of the fee.

Foreigners also attach documents related to the reason for coming for a long term stay. For example, a doctor's certificate if the applicant comes for medical treatment, or a marriage certificate for newlyweds.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro is responsible for issuing a residence permit. The applicant submits the documents in person to the local department. The inspector registers the application and sets an interview date. After that, you will need to be fingerprinted, photographed and leave a signature sample.

Igor Usyk - Head of Legal Department at Visit World

For safe relocation to Montenegro, obtaining refugee status and employment, use the advice of an international lawyer.

We help to solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in Montenegro.

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