Citizenship of Montenegro by Investment
Note: At present, the Montenegro “Citizenship by Investment” program is closed (no new applications accepted after 31 December 2022). The Murblz team will help you select current alternatives among citizenship-by-investment programs in Latin America, Europe, the Caribbean, the Middle East, and Asia.
Montenegro citizenship by investment is an opportunity to obtain a passport of a European state for the whole family with visa-free entry to 128 countries, a simplified procedure, low taxes, and access to EU and NATO markets.
Montenegro is a scenic Balkan country with rich cultural heritage and a stable economy. It has been an official EU candidate since 2010 and a NATO member since 2017; the euro is the official currency. The country attracts investors with its Mediterranean climate, coastline, and growing real estate and tourism markets. The investment citizenship program offered citizenship for investments in government-approved development projects (hotels and infrastructure) and donations to state funds — in return, the investor obtained a Montenegrin passport with full citizen rights.
Montenegro offers favorable conditions for doing business: relatively low taxes, simplified company registration, and a convenient geographic position between East and West. As a result, citizenship by investment opens access to a European lifestyle, stability, and security, with a wide range of rights and benefits.
Legal Framework for Obtaining Montenegro Citizenship by Investment
The program was governed by a Government decision of 7 December 2018 (Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 79/2018 and subsequent amendments 12/2020, 143/2021, 68/2022). It set out the criteria, order, and procedure for selecting persons eligible for citizenship through investments in strategic projects critical to the national economy. The program was implemented by the Montenegro Investment Agency, with a quota (maximum 2,000 applications) and validity until 31 December 2022.
To participate, applicants had to meet key requirements: a clean record (no convictions), lawful origin of investment funds, and fulfillment of investment obligations. Applications were submitted only through licensed agents authorized by the government. If the candidate and family met all criteria (including contributions to funds and investments in approved projects), the government issued a positive decision granting citizenship.
The investment consisted of two elements:
- Real estate investment (approved projects)
The investor selects property from the list of government-approved projects — typically hotels, apartment complexes, and tourism facilities across the country. The required amount depends on the region:
€250,000 — for properties in the northern and less-developed regions (e.g., Kolašin, Žabljak, Bijelo Polje).
€450,000 — for properties on the Adriatic coast, in Podgorica (the capital), and other economically developed areas.
The property must be acquired in a state-approved project and cannot be sold for five years. After that period, the investor is free to dispose of the asset (sell, lease, etc.).
- Non-refundable contribution to the state development fund
Regardless of the selected property, the investor is also required to make non-refundable contributions:
€100,000 to the Fund for Support of Less-Developed Regions (core contribution),
€100,000 to the Innovation Development Fund of Montenegro (additional mandatory contribution introduced at the final stage of the program).
Total: €200,000 in non-refundable contributions to the country’s development; these funds are not returned.
Benefits of Montenegro Citizenship by Investment
- Freedom of travelThe Montenegrin passport provides visa-free or simplified entry to 128 countries, including all Schengen states, Turkey, the UAE, Israel, and many others. This enables free travel across Europe, Asia, and the Americas without lengthy visa procedures.
Montenegro has close international links — for example, it has an E-2 investor visa treaty with the United States. All this makes the country’s citizenship a powerful mobility and security tool. - Fast and simple processingThe citizenship-by-investment program was designed to be as simple as possible. The procedure is largely remote: documents are submitted through an agent; a single trip is required for the oath and passport pickup.
There are no mandatory residence requirements — the key is to fulfill the investment and contribution obligations. After that, passports are issued within set timeframes (usually 6–12 months). - Stability and prospectsMontenegro is politically stable with an open democratic system. It is a member of the UN and NATO and has been negotiating EU accession since 2010. Accession is expected in the coming years. The country uses the euro and provides access to European labor and education markets. Becoming a citizen of an EU candidate state offers enhanced security and EU-standard rights. The economy shows steady growth; according to the World Bank, Montenegro is among the fastest-growing in the region. Tourism and infrastructure development create new opportunities for business and comfortable living.
- Life in MontenegroMontenegro is renowned for its clean Adriatic beaches, picturesque mountain national parks (e.g., Durmitor), and mild climate. Over 2 million tourists visit annually. Quality of life is high: low population density, lack of heavy industry, minimal pollution, and excellent environmental conditions.
The country has low crime and a welcoming attitude towards foreigners. Buying property on the coast or in the mountains is a popular way to invest while enjoying leisure and a safe environment. - Citizenship for the whole familyUnder the program rules, citizenship is granted not only to the investor but also to the spouse and financially dependent children. Citizenship is inheritable — children and grandchildren obtain equal rights with the main passport holder. This ensures long-term family benefits.
Montenegro allows dual citizenship, so investors can keep their original nationality. There are no language barriers — the absence of language requirements simplifies naturalization.
How to obtain Montenegro Citizenship by Investment:
Step-by-Step Guide
Step-by-Step Guide
An initial fee (~€50,000) is paid to the Agency’s account to cover administrative costs.
A government evaluation follows. This stage usually takes several months and is conducted remotely.
Total processing time is around 6–10 months from submission.
Project choice depends on the region: €250,000 in the north/central regions for hotel or resort construction, and from €450,000 in the capital and on the coast (into real estate).
After funds are confirmed, the government issues the final citizenship decision.
FAQs about Montenegro Citizenship by Investment
The program covers the investor’s spouse and children (usually minors or financially dependent). Citizenship is granted to the entire family under one application.
