In the Balkans, Montenegro previously offered residency through property purchases, regardless of the property’s value. In simple terms, investors used to be granted Montenegrin residency rights simply by purchasing real estate of any value. However, as of 2026, this is no longer valid.
Third-country nationals must now purchase real estate with a minimum taxable value of €150,000, as assessed by the official Tax Authority, to qualify for a 1-year valid temporary residence in Montenegro.
What You Will Find in This Article
- Can You Get Residency in Montenegro by Buying a House?
- €150K Threshold Explained for Montenegro Residency by Investment
- Benefits of Montenegro Residency by Investment
- How Do You Qualify for Residency in Montenegro in 2026?
- How to Apply for Montenegro Residency by Investment?
- Renewal of Temporary Montenegro Residency Card
- Path to Permanent Montenegro Residency
- Is It Possible to Obtain Montenegro Citizenship by Investment?
Can You Get Residency in Montenegro by Buying a House?
Montenegro issues a temporary residence card valid for 1 year, renewable annually as long as you meet the legal requirements under Article 56. The residency conditions include:
- Own qualifying property in Montenegro
- Having sufficient financial means, accommodation, and health insurance
- Hold a valid passport (valid at least 3 months beyond stay)
- Have no entry ban
- Have no serious criminal convictions
- Pose no security or public health risk
- Provide documents proving the purpose of stay
Previously, foreign investors could obtain residency through the purchase of any property, regardless of value. However, as of 2026, to obtain temporary residency through property ownership, your home must be officially valued by the tax office at €150,000 or more, due to amendments to the Nationality Law.
Note that if you have previously purchased a property and granted temporary residency rights before this new law came into effect, you are grandfathered. You can retain your residency without meeting the €150,000 threshold.
€150K Threshold Explained for Montenegro Residency by Investment
If you are a “third-country national” and you want to get temporary residence by buying property, Montenegro now requires that your property must be worth at least €150,000 for tax purposes. However, it is not the price you say you paid, nor the listing price.
The official value is calculated by the Tax Authority when they assess the property transfer tax. Simply, you buy a real estate property in Montenegro, and the Tax Authority calculates its taxable value. If that official value is:
- €150,000 or more, you qualify to apply
- Below €150,000, you do not qualify
Benefits of Montenegro Residency by Investment
- The requirements are relatively straightforward. You first need to purchase the property, prove ownership, and demonstrate funds, insurance, and clean records.
- Even with a taxable value threshold, it is still Europe’s most affordable property-based residence options.
- Compared to the EU, it offers higher yield potential and lower prices
- Although it is valid for 1 year, you can renew it annually as long as you qualify.
- You can include your spouse and minor children.
- You can apply for permanent residence after 5 years of continuous residence and then citizenship after 10 years of residence (however, you must revoke your initial citizenship).
- It offers a low cost of living, a mild Mediterranean climate, safety, and English is widely spoken in coastal areas, making it attractive to retirees, remote workers, and second-home buyers.
How Do You Qualify for Residency in Montenegro in 2026?
The Main Applicant
- Owning a property in Montenegro that is worth at least €150,000 for tax purposes.
- Having a clean criminal record
- Having sufficient financial means, accommodation, and health insurance
- Hold a valid passport (valid at least 3 months beyond stay)
The Family Members
You can include your family members in your temporary Montenegro Residency application. These include:
- Spouse
- Children under 18 (born in or out of wedlock)
- Stepchildren / adopted children under 18
How to Apply for Montenegro Residency by Investment?
To apply for a Montenegro temporary residence through real estate purchase, you must follow the steps highlighted below:
- Purchase a real estate in Montenegro, which is worth at least €150,000 for tax purposes.
- Then register your property in the land registry and obtain your real estate folio or title deed (proof of ownership)
- Apply in person at your local Ministry of Interior, providing the required documents and explaining your reasons for applying for temporary residence in Montenegro.
- Give your biometrics, including photo, fingerprints, and digital signature
- Later, government authorities verify the documents, finances, property ownership, and security/background clearances. The Ministry will also request opinions from the Police and the National Security Agency. This process will take around 40 days.
- If approved, you will receive your residency permit, valid for up to 1 year.
Renewal of Temporary Montenegro Residency Card
If you acquire a temporary residency card through property purchase, you must:
- Submit an application for the extension of your temporary residency card to the Ministry, not later than 30 days before the expiration date.
- Provide a valid travel document, identity card, and proof of why you qualify for (documents proving your property ownership in Montenegro)
- If it has been 5 years since your last biometric capture, they will take them again.
Accordingly, if you meet the extension requirements, you can extend your residency permit for another year.
Your temporary residence ends:
- If you do not renew on time, your residency card will end automatically.
- If you sell the property.
- If you leave Montenegro for more than 30 days during your permit’s validity.
- If they later discover criminal issues or security risks related to your application.
- If you are deported or expelled.
- If you qualify for permanent residence.
Path to Permanent Montenegro Residency
Applicants can apply for permanent residency if they legally resided in Montenegro for 5 continuous years on temporary residence through property purchase. When applying, they generally must:
- have completed the required years of legal stay
- still have valid accommodation
- have sufficient financial means and health insurance
- have no serious criminal convictions
- pose no security or public order risk
Is It Possible to Obtain Montenegro Citizenship by Investment?
Launched in 2019, the Montenegro Citizenship-by-Investment program previously offered investors citizenship in exchange for an economic contribution to the country. There were mainly two options:
- A minimum investment of EUR 450,000 in approved development projects based in Powererica or along the Montenegrin coast.
- A minimum investment of EUR 250,000 in qualifying development projects located in northern or central Montenegro, with Podgorica excluded.
Both options required an additional €200,000 donation, which was used for both a special fund supporting the development of underdeveloped regions and the Innovation Fund of Montenegro.
Over the years, the program granted citizenship to many foreign investors. However, the program ultimately ended in 2022 due to sustained EU pressure, driven by security concerns, transparency requirements, and its compatibility with Montenegro’s EU accession process.
Montenegro Citizenship Through Naturalization
You can only grant citizenship through descent, birth, or naturalization. To be eligible for Montenegro citizenship through naturalization, you must:
- Live there legally for 10 years
- Revoke your old citizenship, as dual citizenship is not allowed
- Speak the language
- Have income and housing
- Clean record
- Pay taxes
- Pass security checks
Get Golden Visa: How Can We Help You?
Your residency-by-investment journey begins with the right strategy and the right partner. Since 2014, at Get Golden Visa, we have supported thousands of investors in securing residency and citizenship through carefully structured, fully compliant investment solutions.
Why global investors work with us:
Our approach is built on clarity, efficiency, and long-term trust. From initial assessment to final approval, our experienced advisors guide you through every stage of the investment migration process with precision and discretion.
Schedule a complimentary consultation to take the first step toward securing your residency aligned with your goals and interests.
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