Residence Permit in Montenegro - Temporary and Permanent

There are several ways through which you can obtain a residence permit in Montenegro. Our lawyers are at your service with various immigration solutions, so that you can move here hassle-free.

Quick Facts
Residence permit types	Temporary and permanent residence permit
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit	Approx. 30 days
Temporary residence permit validity	One year
Documents for obtaining temporary residence	Valid passport, clean criminal record, proof of Montenegrin address, documents proving the reason for relocation.
Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register)	Local police office
Dependents can join the temporary permit holder	YES, spouse and children
Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes	Yes
Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence	5 years of temporary residency
Documents for obtaining permanent residence	Proof of having lived in Montenegro 5 years, clean criminal record, good command of the Montenegrin language.
Naturalization requirements	Living in the country for 10 uninterrupted years
Citizenship after permanent residence	Citizenship can be acquired after 5 years of permanent residence

Is it hard to obtain a residence permit for Montenegro given it is not an EU country?

No, obtaining a Montenegro residence permit is not difficult, as the government respects EU regulations which allow foreign citizens to apply for temporary or permanent residence visas under very advantageous conditions.

What types of residence permits can I apply for in Montenegro?

You can apply for temporary and permanent residence permits in Montenegro.

Please note that you must first obtain a temporary residence card.

Do I need a visa to enter Montenegro and obtain a residence permit?

It depends on the country you come from. Our Montenegrin lawyers can check the requirements applicable in each situation and guide you accordingly.

Do I need to apply for a Montenegrin temporary residence permit if I am an EU citizen?

Yes, as Montenegro is not an EU member state yet.

What are the types of visas leading to permanent residency in Montenegro?

You can apply based on visas for:

Employment;
Family reunification;
Real estate ownership;
Company formation in Montenegro;
Education (university, vocational, student exchange);
Scientific research;
Medical care;
Humanitarian missions;
Any other grounds stipulated by law or international agreements.

NOTE: You can also apply for a temporary residence permit if you have sufficient money to sustain yourself while in the country.

We also have an infographic related to this topic:

What documents do I need to provide if I want to apply for residency in Montenegro?

The following:

valid passport;
clean criminal record;
medical insurance;
documents attesting to the reason for relocation to Montenegro.

NOTE: Foreign-issued papers must be translated into Montenegrin before submission; in this case, you can address our lawyers for guidance.

Can I obtain residency by purchasing a property in Montenegro?

Yes. Foreign individuals who buy a property or register a company in Montenegro are able to obtain a one-year residence permit, provided that, since 17 January 2026, the property is worth at least EUR 150,000 (EU/EEA/Swiss nationals exempt; permits issued earlier can still be extended).

This temporary residence permit can be extended annually and can be obtained only by the following categories of owners: of houses, apartments, Montenegrin companies, hotels, restaurants, and holiday homes.

The application for a residence permit in Montenegro has to contain the following documents:

Proof of property ownership (buying/selling contract);
A bank receipt attesting a bank deposit of 3,650 EUR into a Montenegrin bank – this amount is considered sufficient funds to remain in Montenegro;
Valid medical insurance covering a 30-day period;
Copies of each page of your passport;
Certificate of no criminal record in your country of origin;
Proof of registration with the local police in Montenegro – this is compulsory within the first 24 hours after your arrival in Montenegro.

How can I obtain residency by employment in Montenegro?

Residency by employment can be obtained:

as a partner in a local company;
by full business ownership;
as a self-employed individual;
as a CEO or another management position in a company.

How long does it take to obtain a temporary residence permit in Montenegro?

Temporary residence permits are issued in 30 to 60 days, depending on the reason for relocation. In the meantime, you can stay in the country based on the visa you entered with.

What is the validity of a temporary residence permit in Montenegro?

One year, with the possibility of extension.

How long must I live in Montenegro to become eligible for permanent residence?

At least 5 years.

We also invite you to watch a video:

What happens if I lose my resident permit in Montenegro?

If you lose your resident permit in Montenegro, you should report the loss to the police as soon as possible. You will then need to apply for a replacement permit at the Ministry of Interior Affairs. To do this, you will need to provide a copy of your police report, a valid ID document, and any other supporting documentation that may be required.

Our lawyers can offer you practical assistance in acquiring Montenegrin residency in 2026. With their legal support, you will be able to get residency without unnecessary delays. Don’t hesitate to contact our Montenegrin lawyers if you need more information about obtaining a residence permit based on business ownership in Montenegro.