Montenegro citizenship by investment

The program is currently closed

How the program worked

The program was governed by a government decision of 7 December 2018 (amended 2020-2022) and run by the Montenegro Investment Agency, with a quota of 2,000 applications.

The investment had two parts:

1. Real estate investment

• €250,000 - for properties in the northern and less-developed regions (Kolašin, Žabljak, Bijelo Polje).
• €450,000 - for properties on the Adriatic coast, in Podgorica and other developed areas.

Property could not be sold for five years.

2. Non-refundable contribution to state funds

• €100,000 to the Fund for Support of Less-Developed Regions.
• €100,000 to the Innovation Development Fund of Montenegro.

Total: €200,000 in non-refundable contributions.

How to get Montenegrin citizenship now: naturalisation

With the investor programme closed, the ordinary route remains. You can apply if you:

• are 18 or older;
• have lived in Montenegro lawfully and continuously for at least 10 years;
• have housing in the country and a permanent income sufficient to live on;
• have passed a basic Montenegrin language test;
• have no prison sentence longer than a year and pose no threat to national security;
• renounce your previous citizenship.

Dual citizenship is not allowed under ordinary naturalisation: the exceptions in the investor programme were exactly that - exceptions.

The path through residence

The time to citizenship is counted from lawful residence, so you start with a residence permit: through property with a tax value from $170,000, your own company, employment, as a remote worker or through family. A residence decision is made within 40 days of a complete file, and remote workers receive a card for up to 2 years. After 5 years you can get permanent residence, which also requires a language test. Note that absences of more than 30 days end a temporary residence permit and with it the count. More on the Montenegro residence permit page.

What changes from 1 November 2026

From 1 November 2026 Montenegro introduces visas for citizens of Russia, Belarus, China, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, aligning its visa regime with the EU ahead of membership. Previously Russian citizens could stay without a visa for up to 30 days. After that date entry is by visa or with a residence card, so those planning to move are better off getting a residence permit before November.

Taxes in Montenegro

Income tax on salaries is 0 to 15%, with the first €700 a month untaxed; corporate tax is 9 to 15% depending on profit. More on the Montenegro taxes page.

Where to get a passport by investment in 2026

The full list of active programmes is in our second passport selection in a consultation.

Documents for naturalisation

1. Passport and documents on lawful residence for all 10 years.
2. Proof of housing in Montenegro and a permanent income.
3. A certificate of passing the Montenegrin language test.
4. Criminal record certificates from Montenegro and your country of citizenship.
5. A statement renouncing, or proof of release from, your previous citizenship.

Foreign documents are submitted with an apostille and translation.

Common reasons for refusal

• breaks in residence: absences of more than 30 days end a temporary residence permit;
• the language test was not passed;
• no proven permanent income or housing;
• a prison sentence of more than a year or a security threat.

Comparison with neighbouring countries

If the goal is a passport rather than life in Montenegro specifically, neighbouring countries offer a shorter route.

Benefits of Montenegro citizenship

How the program worked: step by step

FAQ

128 visa-free countries with a Montenegro passport