New Conditions for Foreigners in Montenegro: What Residence Permit Holders and Investors Need to Know
The Government of Montenegro has approved a package of amendments to the Law on Foreigners, significantly tightening the rules for those who hold or plan to obtain a residence permit. According to the published information, the new regulations have already been submitted to parliament and are expected to be adopted soon. This means that thousands of residence permit holders may be at risk of losing their status unless they bring their grounds for residency in line with the updated requirements.
Stricter Rules for Property-Based Residence Permits
The key change concerns foreigners who obtain a residence permit based on property ownership. The minimum value of the property must now be at least €200,000. Owners of more affordable properties are required to update their basis for residency within one year - renewal of their status will not be possible if the property value is below the established threshold.
This marks a significant shift from previous regulations, under which a residence permit could be obtained with ownership of any residential property, regardless of its value.
New Requirements for Business-Based Residence Permits
Foreign business owners will also face stricter regulations. To renew a residence permit, a company must employ at least three staff members, two of whom must be Montenegrin citizens employed full-time. Businesses have 180 days to bring their corporate structure into compliance with the new rules. Increased coordination among the Ministry of Interior, tax authorities, and financial regulators means that companies not engaged in genuine economic activity risk losing their legal status.
What Needs to Be Done to Maintain Residency Status
Foreigners are strongly advised to immediately review the basis of their residence permit:
• Verify the value of their property and ensure it meets the new requirements
• Assess the company structure, number of employees, and tax reporting
• Prepare documents confirming actual residence and compliance with all legal obligations
Montenegro Remains Highly Attractive for Investment
Despite the tightening of immigration rules, Montenegro remains one of the most dynamic economies in the region. The country uses the euro, offers a favorable tax regime (corporate tax - 9%, property tax - 0.1–1%), and continues to attract investors with its tourism potential and EU candidate status.
Further confirming its investment resilience is the rapid growth in the number of global high-net-worth individuals (HNWI). Over the past decade, the number of millionaires has grown by 124%, and in 2025 alone the country attracted 150 new millionaires, despite a population of only around 623,000 people. Montenegro has become the world leader in millionaire growth, outperforming major European markets that are currently seeing capital outflows. This underscores Montenegro’s position as a safe, stable, and advantageous location for asset allocation.
consultation
Materials
you may like
December 17, 2025Saint Kitts and Nevis: A Leading Destination for Citizenship by Investment- December 16, 2025Cyprus. Ready Solutions in Limassol
- December 12, 2025Hungary Residency by Investment in Real Estate Funds: Requirements, Costs, and Key Advantages
- December 11, 2025Cyprus – Offices and Retail Units in Limassol with Yields up to 7% p.a.
- December 10, 2025Completed Apartments in Ubud
- December 9, 2025Launch of Villas in Uluwatu – Freehold and Yields up to 12% p.a.
- December 8, 2025Italian Residence Permit: Available Application Options
- December 5, 2025Launch from $201,650 – New Phase of a Premium Seafront Residential Complex in Muscat
Our services
- Investment
- Immigration
- Purchase of property
