Warm sunny Montenegro is a favorite vacation spot for citizens of many countries. Those who want to stay in the country for a long time may obtain a local residence permit.

In Montenegro, it is enough to buy real estate to stay in the country for a long time. Whether it will be a home for your vacation or an investment object – up to you to decide. But consider two things. First, your status is maintained only as long as the property remains in your possession. And second: the residence permit is designed for those who plan to live in Montenegro permanently. The resident status does not give special advantages for traveling across Europe.

The details of the state program

• Real estate of any price makes you eligible for obtaining a residence permit
• You can buy residential or commercial real estate
• No non-refundable payments
• You can obtain a permit in 3 months
• Residence permit for 1 year with the possibility of renewal
• Permits for spouses and children under 18
• No right to work in Montenegro
• Does not lead to further citizenship

About the Program

Amendments to the Law on Foreign Citizens came into effect in 2015. It arranges to issue a residence permit to foreigners when buying real estate in Montenegro on very liberal terms. The property value is not negotiated, it can be either a residential or commercial object (hotel, office, restaurant).

The right to obtain a residence permit arises after the property transfer into the ownership of a foreigner and is lost at the time of sale. It is assumed that the holder of this status will live in Montenegro permanently. If they need to come only for a short period – up to 90 days in half a year – they can do it with a tourist visa or a passport. Montenegro is not a part of the Schengen agreement; its residence permit does not give significant advantages for traveling around Europe.

In addition, this type of residence permit is nonimmigrant, i.e. the owner of real estate will not receive the right to obtain a permanent residence permit or citizenship after several years of residence. If you wish to get a passport, it is better to register your residence on some other grounds (for example, establishing a company or employment) or participate in an investment program, which allows you to obtain citizenship in 3-6 months.

Residence permits for real estate purchasing does not give the right to work in Montenegro. It is just a long-term visa that allows you to stay in the country all year round. The status is good for freelancers, wealthy retirees, or parents with children who want to live in a sunny climate while the moneymaker of the family earns money elsewhere. The country is especially perfect for those who don’t want to spend all their savings on a home abroad. Even if you choose a cheap property for sale in Montenegro, you can still get the permit. Isn’t it awesome?

Conditions for issuing a residence permit

• Real Estate Ownership

You may purchase one or several real estate objects in Montenegro to obtain a residence permit (apartments, villas, commercial premises; the exception is an undeveloped plot, you can apply for a residence permit only after building a house and entering it into the cadaster). An important condition is that the object should not have any encumbrances (mortgage, lack of a building permit, legal action, or tax debts). The property value is not regulated by the law. Please bear in mind that housing prices on the coast of Montenegro start at €30,000. It is allowed to rent out the purchased property.

• Confirmed Income

An applicant for a residence permit should prove income for each family member at the rate of €10 per day for a year of residence, i.e. from €3,650. As a rule, this amount is deposited into a bank account. After obtaining a residence permit, the money can be withdrawn and spent. You should replenish the account again before renewing the status.

Requirements for the applicants

• Purchasing a residential or commercial real estate object without encumbrances.
• Availability of sufficient funds on the account for the living of each family member at the rate of €10 per day.
• No conflicts with the law at home, in Montenegro and other countries.
• Medical insurance.

Documents

• Personal application to the Ministry of the Interior.
• A copy of the title certificate must be issued no more than 6 months before the submission of documents.
• Confirmation of registration in the country issued by the tourist organization of Montenegro within 24 hours upon arrival.
• International medical insurance is valid for at least a month.
• Confirmation of the availability of sufficient funds in the account.
• An international passport, valid for at least 1 year.
• Certificate of no criminal record from the place of permanent residence (suspended sentences are not taken into account) with translation into Montenegrin. The certificate should be issued no more than 6 months before the submission of documents.
• Receipt for payment of fees. Their total amount is € 25. They are transferred to three different accounts at any bank or post office in Montenegro. The account numbers will be provided to the applicant when filing documents.
• When applying for residence permits for family members: marriage certificate, birth certificates of children.

FAQs

How do I become a permanent resident in Montenegro?

You have to buy a commercial or residential property.

Is it easy to get residency in Montenegro?

It is. You need to collect the documents, choose a property without any encumbrances, and prove your income.

Which country gives residency by buying property?

Besides Montenegro, you can get a residence permit for property purchasing in Turkey, Georgia, Greece, the UAE, Spain, Latvia and Serbia.

How do I become a tax resident in Montenegro?

You have to spend at least 183 days in a tax year in Montenegro.