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, and owners who held property-based residence before the amendments are grandfathered under the previous rules.

• Foreign nationals who own real estate in Montenegro with a taxable value of at least €150,000
• The value is determined by the Tax Authority's transfer tax decision, not the purchase price — the contract price is irrelevant if the official appraisal falls below €150,000
• Where the property is co-owned, the applicant must hold at least a 50% ownership share to qualify (a rule confirmed by the January 2026 amendments)
• 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, verified through the Tax Authority's transfer tax assessment
• For co-owned real estate, the applicant's share must be at least 50% for the property to serve as a valid basis for residence
• Bank deposit of at least €3,650 in a Montenegrin bank account as proof of sufficient means
• All property tax obligations must be current
• Application fee: approximately €72 for first issuance (permit €40, documentation €5, application €2, residence card €25); €47 for renewal

• 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 a property value of at least €150,000
• Proof that all property tax obligations are settled
• Bank statement showing a 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

The permit is granted for up to 1 year and is renewable annually as long as property ownership conditions continue to be met. Renewal applications must be submitted between 60 and 30 days before the current permit expires, and 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 (absences of up to 90 days are allowed with prior notification).

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.

Property owners pay annual property tax of 0.25–1% of market value depending on the property. Real estate transfer tax is progressive: 3% on the first €150,000, 5% between €150,000 and €500,000, and 6% above €500,000. Tax residency is established after 183 days of presence in a calendar year, triggering worldwide income taxation at Montenegro's rates of 9% (up to €8,400) and 15% above that.

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 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.

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.