Temporary Residence Permit for Property Owners

Montenegro's Temporary Residence Permit for Property Owners enables foreign nationals who own qualifying real estate to reside in the country for the purpose of managing and using their property. Governed by Article 56 of the Law on Foreigners (Zakon o strancima), the program is administered by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. As of January 2026, third-country nationals must own property with a minimum taxable value of €150,000 — previously there was no minimum threshold. EU/EEA citizens and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are exempt from this minimum value requirement.

• Foreign nationals who own real estate in Montenegro with a taxable value of at least €150,000
• Property value is determined by the Tax Authority's transfer tax assessment, not the purchase price alone
• Qualifying properties include family homes, villas, apartments, vacation cottages, hospitality facilities, and business premises
• Land plots, ruins, unfinished construction, and non-residential buildings do not qualify
• The property must have a valid occupancy permit and be registered in the land registry
• No educational or professional qualifications required

• Minimum property investment of €150,000 (taxable value)
• Bank deposit of at least €3,650 in a Montenegrin bank account as proof of sufficient means
• Application fee: approximately €72 for first issuance (permit €40, documentation €5, application €2, residence card €25); €47 for renewal
• All property tax obligations must be current

After purchasing qualifying real estate and completing property registration, applicants enter Montenegro (visa-free for up to 90 days for many nationalities, or on a long-stay Visa D) and submit the application in person at the local Ministry of Internal Affairs office. Biometric data is collected at the time of application. The Ministry requests advisory opinions from the National Security Agency and Police within 7 days, with total processing time of up to 40 days. The January 2026 amendments introduced provisions for electronic submission through a new Visa Information System, though biometric collection still requires a physical visit.

• Valid passport (minimum 3 months validity beyond permit duration)
• Title deed / land registry extract (original stamped copy, less than 7 days old)
• Notarized purchase contract
• Tax Authority transfer tax decision confirming property value of at least €150,000
• Proof that all property tax obligations are settled
• Bank statement showing deposit of at least €3,650 in a Montenegrin bank
• Health insurance valid in Montenegro (minimum 30 days validity)
• Criminal record certificate from home country (apostilled and translated, less than 6 months old)
• Proof of legal entry into Montenegro

This permit does not authorize employment or business activity in Montenegro. Holders may not work for Montenegrin employers or operate a business. Those wishing to work must obtain a separate permit on different grounds.

Renewal applications must be submitted between 60 and 30 days before the current permit expires. Continued property ownership and tax compliance must be demonstrated. After 5 consecutive years of temporary residence, holders may apply for permanent residence. Citizenship through naturalization requires 10 continuous years of legal residence.

The permit ceases to be valid if the holder resides outside Montenegro for more than 30 consecutive days. This is more restrictive than some other residence categories and requires maintaining genuine presence in the country.

Spouses and minor children (including adopted children under 18) can apply for family reunification once the main applicant's residence is approved. The January 2026 amendments expanded eligible family members to include same-sex partners. Each family member must provide their own health insurance, passport, criminal record certificate, and proof of financial support. Family permits are granted for the same duration as the main applicant's permit.