International moving companies: Everything you need to know
If you have used our moving overseas checklist, you know there are numerous tasks to deal with when planning your move. And, one of the key tasks on t
Montenegro visas, citizenship and passports
Why live in Montenegro?
The government is intent on building up domestic industries, including tourism. This means that Expats who live in Montenegro will have opportunities to start businesses and to work in existing businesses. These programs have led to classification by the World Bank as an “upper-middle-income” country.
Tourist visa
Montenegro offers a tourist visa on arrival to 97 countries. To find out if your passport is one of those covered, please use the VisaHQ tool below.
Long Term Residency Visas
There are a number of ways to access a longer temporary residency visa or permit.
Yacht Industry Visa
If you are a yacht owner or crew you can apply for temporary residence if your yacht has a berth in a Montenegro marina for more than 90 days.
Property owner
If you own a developed property in Montenegro you are eligible for temporary residence. You’ll become eligible for permanent residence after 5 years, and citizenship after an additional 5 years. There is no price limit on the property. There are residency requirements, and you’ll need to spend 9 – 11 months per year in Montenegro.
Company owner
If you incorporate a company in Montenegro you are eligible for temporary residence. You’ll become eligible for permanent residence after 5 years, and citizenship after an additional 5 years. There are residency requirements, and you’ll need to spend 9 – 11 months per year in Montenegro.
Study visa
You can apply for a study visa in Montenegro once you have signed up to study at a registered Montenegro educational institution
If it is EU residency you are interested, in please see this article.
Montenegro is on track for membership of the European Union, possible as soon as 2025. This means that Montenegro citizenship and passport will become more valuable. At present, the Montenegro passport offers visa from access to more than 120 countries around the world, including the countries of the SCHENGEN area.
As a stable democracy, citizenship is not controversial.
Your children can inherit your citizenship.
Montenegro only allows multiple citizenships in very limited circumstances.
Here are some ways to get citizenship in Montenegro
Citizenship through your family
If one or both of your parents were Montenegro citizens when you were born, you are probably also a citizen.
Citizenship through marriage
If your spouse is a citizen, you can apply for citizenship after being resident for a period of 5 years. Please note that your status of spouse needs to be legally recognised in this country.
Citizenship through naturalisation
If you have lived in Montenegro as a legal resident you for a minimum of ten years you may qualify for citizenship through naturalisation. You need to have five years as a temporary resident and five years as a permanent resident.
If it is EU citizenship you are interested, in please see this article.
Montenegro offers a Residency by Investment program to generate inward investment into the country and to attract high net-wealth individuals to boost the local economy.
Residency by Investment
There are two options for accessing residency by investment
Option 1
You need to invest a minimum of €250,000 into a designated project in areas outside Podgorica and the coastline. These are designated the Northern area of Montenegro. Projects are real estate based. You also need to make a non-refundable payment of €100,000 to a government development fund. There are additional fees and charges associated with the application.
Option 2
You need to invest a minimum of €450,000 into a designated project in areas including Podgorica and the coastline. These are designated the Southern or Costal region of Montenegro. Projects are real estate based. You also need to make a non-refundable payment of €100,000 to a government development fund. There are additional fees and charges associated with the application.
Expat Health Insurance: everything you need to know
Health is the number one prerequisite for every adventure you plan, and unfortunately, it can be very unpredictable. It is essential to do your resear
If you are an Expat living in Montenegro and would like to share your story, please contact us.
International moving companies: Everything you need to know
If you have used our moving overseas checklist, you know there are numerous tasks to deal with when planning your move. And, one of the key tasks on t
Expat Health Insurance: everything you need to know
Health is the number one prerequisite for every adventure you plan, and unfortunately, it can be very unpredictable. It is essential to do your resear