Temporary residential permit for foreigners based on real estate ownership in Montenegro

In accordance with the Law on Foreigners applicable as of April 2015, the Government of Montenegro, in November 2015, adopted a Decree in regards to determining the type and value of real estate owned by a foreigner.

According to the above-mentioned Law and Decree, a foreigner who owns real estate on the territory of Montenegro is able to obtain a temporary Montenegrin residential permit, provided that the property in question is an apartment, house, condo, hotel or a restaurant. There are no limitations in relation to the value or size of the property.

Ownership of a plot of land, ruin or non-residential building would not qualify for the temporary residential permit.

Obtaining a residential permit allows foreigners to also become tax residents of Montenegro with the condition that they spend 183 days in a calendar year in Montenegro, and to enjoy one of the most favourable tax regimes in Europe, with 9% personal income tax rate and 9% corporate tax regime.

 

The documents required as supporting documentation to an application for a temporary residency include:

1. Title Deeds (Certificate of ownership of the immovable property, issued by Cadastre office and not older than 6 months)
2. Proof of sufficient funds for financing the basic needs of the applicant at a level of EUR10 per day (i.e. a bank statement testifying that there is at least EUR 3,650 on the account, or a guarantee of a local resident or business to cover the costs of a foreigner during their stay)
3. Proof of mandatory health insurance issued by a local insurance company, with a minimum term of 40 days
4. Copy of passport (passport has to be valid for the full duration of the granted residency)
5. Statement of Clear Criminal Record issued by the relevant institution in the country of origin, translated into the language of Montenegro (not older than 6 months)

In addition, the foreigner will need to register their arrival with the local police branch or with the closest tourist organization office (Turistička organizacija), within 24 hrs of their arrival in Montenegro, in order to receive the permit.

The residential permit based on ownership of the real estate shall be issued for a period of one year and can be further extended.

This type of residential permit does not give a foreigner the right to work in Montenegro.