Montenegro Has Changed the Procedure for Obtaining a Residence Permit. What Has Changed?
On 17 November 2025, the Government of Montenegro approved proposed amendments to the Law on Foreigners. The new provisions modify the procedure for obtaining a Montenegrin residence permit based on real estate investment and business activity.
What Has Changed?
The Law now specifies the minimum value of real estate that must be purchased to obtain a residence permit. It is set at €200,000. Prior to the amendments, it was possible to purchase property of any value, which was often abused by acquiring the cheapest options available.
Moreover, the property must be officially registered and have an occupancy permit.
All property owners who previously obtained a residence permit on this basis are given one year to bring their status into compliance with the new legal requirements.
Additionally, the amendments change the requirements for obtaining a residence permit based on business investment—for company directors or owners of more than 51% of the shares. Such companies must now have at least three employees, two of whom must be Montenegrin citizens employed full-time.
Business owners are given less time —180 days from the date the amendments enter into force (idem, page 4).
Furthermore, the amendments strengthen data exchange between state authorities (the Ministries of Interior, Finance, Tax Administration, and the Police) for verifying inactive or insolvent companies owned by foreigners, with the aim of checking and potentially initiating residence permit revocation procedures.
What Are the Alternatives?
At present, the most suitable alternatives for obtaining a residence permit are Spain and Hungary. You can find more detailed information about them here and here.
Authors: Yaroslavna Zadesenaya
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