Guide to Residence Permits for Montenegro In 2024
For those looking to invest in real estate or buy a property to settle down, Montenegro is an attractive option due to the warm climate, low taxes compared to other EU countries and potential accession to the EU.
Furthermore, Montenegro’s official currency is the euro, which ensures that the country’s economy remains stable. This is a positive factor for companies and employees in Montenegro.
Another main point is that Montenegro is much safer due to its low crime rates, compared to other countries.
Whether you wish to buy an affordable home in a safe and quiet neighborhood, a luxurious seaside villa, or a mountain cottage, you probably want to know how to obtain a residence permit as a foreigner in Montenegro.
Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit
Any individual who intends to stay in Montenegro for longer than three months has to obtain a residence permit.
The temporary residence permit is an official document (plastic card), which is issued as proof of residence permit in the country, usually for a period of one year. It is also possible to separately obtain the permit for work on the territory of Montenegro for the same time period. After this period ends, the foreigner can apply for an extension.
However, before applying for a temporary residence permit, you first need to apply for one of three visas. You will obtain a residence permit based on them.
Foreigners who wish to move to Montenegro in 2024, can choose between the following visas:
- – the tourist visa, which allows foreigners to lay the foundation for relocating to Montenegro
- – the work visa, which requires an employment contract with a residence permit
- – the business visa, which can be obtained by setting up a company in Montenegro.
Alternatively, a residence permit for entrepreneurs allows foreigners to obtain residency by setting up a business as a head of the company.
If you want to obtain a residence permit based on a business visa, our agency experts will carry out the process of setting up a company in Montenegro on your behalf.
Having a residence permit allows you to work in Montenegro, do business, and receive free medical care in local institutions.
Children of a foreigner who has a residence permit can attend schools and kindergartens. If you have a residence permit, you can buy a vehicle and re-register it in your name.
To summarize, the main ways to obtain the temporary residence in Montenegro are:
- – employment in Montenegro
- – owning real estate in the country
- – opening a company
- – marriage to a Montenegrin citizen
- – association with family
- – professional training or education (school or university)
- – or a refugee status.
Where the residence permit is issued
The residence permit is issued at the local office of the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro (MUP) in the main town of the municipality of residence.
Which documents are needed
Foreign individuals who buy a property or register a company in Montenegro can obtain a temporary residence permit which is extended annually, and the documents that need to be included in the application are:
- – a copy of your passport with a legal translation into Montenegrin
- – proof of property ownership (buying/selling contract)
- – proof of a bank deposit of 3,650€ into a Montenegrin bank account – this amount is – considered sufficient to stay in Montenegro
- – certificate of no criminal record in your country of origin
- – proof of registration with the local police in Montenegro
- – proof of payment of the residence permit fee of 25€
- – valid medical insurance for 30 days.
What happens next
The package of documents and your application is accepted by an authorized inspector. After reviewing the official papers, the specialist registers the application.
Next, you must apply to the Ministry of Interior of Montenegro. During this stage, you are photographed for personal documents and your fingerprints are taken. Then, you are interviewed and asked to give your signature.
Upon completion of these procedures, the authorized officer gives the applicant a receipt, which will indicate the date on which it will be possible to receive a decision on the issuance of a residence permit.
As a rule, the documents are reviewed, and a decision is made within 40 days from the date the application is submitted.
After five years of residing within the country, you can apply for permanent residence.