Updated on December 5, 2024
Montenegro Citizenship
travelling to the Schengen countries and living by the seaside
€472,000
Investment amount
6 months
Obtainment period
Government-approved
Investment program
In July 2018, the government of Montenegro announced the launch of the country’s citizenship by investment program. The first applications for obtaining Montenegrin passports by investment were accepted in January 2019.
Investors pass Due Diligence, make a non-refundable contribution to a government fund, and buy a share in a government-approved real estate project — a resort or hotel. In return, the applicants and their family members get Montenegro citizenship.
Investors don’t have to take language proficiency tests and history, and they do not have to live in Montenegro.
Montenegro citizenship program was closed in January 2023
We recommend considering Malta citizenship by naturalisation for exceptional services by direct investment.
Benefits of Montenegro citizenship
1
Visa-free travel to the Schengen area, UAE and Singapore
Montenegro citizens travel to 123 countries visa-free. They can spend up to 90 days in half a year in a Schengen country. However, starting from May 2023, entry to the Schengen area is only possible with a special permit got through the ETIAS system.
Montenegro citizens travel to 123 countries visa-free. They can spend up to 90 days in half a year in a Schengen country. However, starting from May 2023, entry to the Schengen area is only possible with a special permit got through the ETIAS system.
2
Moving to Montenegro or creating a “safe haven”
Montenegro passport holders can visit the country at any time, even if its borders are closed. They can stay or live in Montenegro permanently. In contrast, tourists from most countries can stay in Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 consecutive days.
Montenegro passport holders can visit the country at any time, even if its borders are closed. They can stay or live in Montenegro permanently. In contrast, tourists from most countries can stay in Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 consecutive days.
3
Getting an E‑2 business visa to the USA
Montenegro citizens can apply for an E‑2 visa, which allows them to live and work in the USA. Applicants need to establish or buy a business in the United States. The investment amount usually starts at $100,000.
Montenegro citizens can apply for an E‑2 visa, which allows them to live and work in the USA. Applicants need to establish or buy a business in the United States. The investment amount usually starts at $100,000.
4
Tax optimisation
Individuals pay the income tax at the rate of 9% in Montenegro.
Individuals pay the income tax at the rate of 9% in Montenegro.
Who can get Montenegro citizenship
Investment options for Montenegro citizenship
1 option
€472,000+
The investor fulfils two financial conditions: makes a non-refundable contribution of €200,000 in a specially created state fund and buys a share in a real estate project worth €250,000.
The real estate project must be government-approved and located in the northern or central part of Montenegro, except the capital city of Podgorica. The list of qualifying projects includes resort complexes and hotels.
2 option
€672,000+
If the investor buys a share in a real estate project located in the capital or by the seaside, the minimum cost for the property is €450,000. The rest of the financial conditions remain the same.
Step-by-step procedure for obtaining Montenegro citizenship
1 day
Preliminary Due Diligence
A certified Anti Money Laundering Officer conducts almost the same Due Diligence check as the government CBI units. The preliminary check allows lawyers to identify any potential red flags and reduce the risk of a citizenship application being rejected to 1%.
The preliminary Due Diligence at Immigrant Invest is mandatory and conducted before signing an agreement with the investor. If we discover any risks, the lawyers propose a solution: for example, to participate in another program or attach additional documents to the application.
The preliminary Due Diligence is confidential. You won’t need many documents — the passport is enough.
Take a quick test and find out the obstacles in obtaining second citizenship.
1—2 days
Remote selection of a real estate project
Immigrant Invest’s Real Estate Department selects several projects from the list of government-approved properties.
The investor chooses a project and concludes a purchase agreement on a project’s share.
At least 2 weeks
Collection of documents and opening a bank account
The investor gets a list of documents that must be attached to the application for Montenegro citizenship. Immigrant Investor’s lawyers fill out the government forms and translate and notarize the documents.
Immigrant Invest opens two escrow accounts in Montenegro for the investor. One account is for making a non-refundable contribution, and the second is for buying a share in the real estate project.
The collection of the documents and the opening of bank accounts coincide with selecting a suitable property.
7 days
Payment of fees and making investments
The investor transfers €200,000 to the escrow account of the state fund and €250,000 or €450,000 to the escrow account of the real estate developer. The bank releases the payments only after the application for Montenegro citizenship is approved. Otherwise, the money is returned to the investor.
The investor also pays Due Diligence and administrative fees. The fees are not refundable, and the exact amount depends on the number of applicants.
3 months
Application submission and approval
The lawyers submit the investor’s application with the required documents, including proof of payments. The CBI unit processes the application within three months.
The CBI unit notifies Immigrant Invest of the application pre-approval. The bank transfers the money from the investor’s escrow accounts to the fund and developer’s settlement accounts. After that, the CBI unit gives its final approval and invites the applicants for fingerprinting.
1—2 days
Obtaining passports
The investor and their family come to Montenegro and submit their fingerprints. The lawyers book an appointment for fingerprinting in advance.
Passports are issued 24 hours after fingerprinting. The investor and their family members collect the passports in person.
1 week
Passport renewal
Montenegrin passports are valid for 10 years and renewed according to the standard procedure. The investor and their family members come to Montenegro and pay the government fee of €35 for each passport renewal.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs accepts applications for passport renewals.
Case studies
Montenegro
Montenegro
Citizenship and Immigrant Invest stay with you
Montenegrin passports need to be regularly renewed. Over time, other needs may also arise: getting a passport for a newborn child or becoming a tax resident. See how Immigrant Invest can help you.
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