The Montenegrin Government adopted a draft of a new set of amendments to the Law on Foreigners on the 11th of December 2025. The new amendments contain a number of changes aiming to bring Montenegrin legislation in line with the standards of the European Union, all with the goal of Montenegro becoming the newest EU member state in 2028.
For foreign nationals wishing to obtain residency in Montenegro on the basis of purchase of property, it is necessary for them to purchase an immovable property worth not less than €200,000, the worth of which is proven through a decision of the municipal tax authority on the determination of the sales tax for a particular immovable property. However, it should be particularly noted that this limitation is not applied to nationals of the European Union, as well as the nationals of the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation, as well as members of their families, without prejudice towards their nationality.
The earlier proposal for foreign nationals, who work as entrepreneurs or executive directors in companies in which they are sole owners or own more than 51% of the shares of the company, to have their residence and work permit prolonged by employing at least three persons for full-time work, two of whom have to be Montenegrin nationals, was changed in order to reduce the administrative burden on companies, especially those with a lower volume of business. These persons are now required to submit proof of payment of taxes and social security contributions on employment income in the value of at least €5,000 on a yearly level. Again, it should be noted that the nationals of EU Member States, the Republic of Iceland, the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway and the Swiss Confederation, as well as members of their families, no matter their nationality, are exempt from this condition.
It is expected that these amendments, if accepted, are to significantly speed up the procedure of harmonisation of Montenegrin laws with EU standards.
Prepared by,
Daniel Vujacic, LL.M. (UW)