Montenegro continues to implement the mandatory provisions of the roadmap for EU accession. On December 31, 2025, the President of the Republic of Montenegro signed the new Law on Foreigners. Document number 01-009/25-2526/2.
This law applies to all of us who live and work in Montenegro, who own property here, or who simply come here for vacation during the summer months.
We would like to briefly touch upon the main provisions and changes that govern our stay in Montenegro.
I'd like to point out right away that the Law doesn't contain anything terribly scary or irreparable. Looking at the legal framework for the European Union as a whole, it's even more stringent, resource-intensive, and complex. Don't read the panicked Facebook posts from armchair experts who haven't even deigned to translate and analyze the law itself.
Let's figure it out together.
1. The main “scary” news is the future introduction of a visa regime.
Yes, visas will be introduced within 1-2 years for all countries that are currently denied visa-free entry to the EU. This applies to both Russia and Belarus.
However, the visa application process is electronic. You upload your documents, pay online, receive your visa by mail, print it out, and enter. The solution is similar to the Cyprus solution – we've never heard of anyone having problems obtaining a visa to Cyprus.
2. A person applying for international protection is not eligible for temporary or permanent residence. These are EU standards. Montenegro hasn't introduced anything new, and it remains friendly to people in difficult situations. If you want temporary or permanent residence, change your reason for staying in the country. There are many grounds for legal residence. There's something for every taste.
3. Good news regarding life and health insurance. While the previous version of the law only accepted Montenegrin insurance, it has now become possible to include international insurance with the application package. However, this only applies to insurance from legally accredited insurance companies.
4. For the digital nomad option, the residence permit period has been extended. It will now be issued on a 2-year + 2-year schedule. Family reunification is possible. The requirement is employment with a company registered outside the Republic of Montenegro.
5. Residence permit applications will now be available online. After submitting, you'll need to bring the original documents to the police station. Hooray for digitalization.
6. The deadline for submitting applications for temporary residence permit extensions has been extended. Applications can now be submitted no later than 30 days before the temporary residence permit expires.
7. Permanent residence is available upon continuous residence in Montenegro for five years. This is confirmed by holding a permanent residence permit for five years. Absence from the country is permitted for no more than 10 months within five years, or six months within one year. A child is eligible for a permanent residence permit if one of the parents holds one.
8. Regarding business owners with at least 51% ownership and director status. Until now, this was the most common option for obtaining a residence permit. The new law introduces conditions for renewing a residence permit: at least €5,000 in taxes and fees must be paid. Currently, there are no comments or clarifications regarding the application of this article. We assume this amount should include all taxes paid for the year prior to applying for an extension, including personal income tax, corporate income tax, transport tax, VAT, etc. However, we are awaiting clarification from the authorities.
It's worth noting that the €5,000 threshold remains the lowest legalization requirement in the entire EU. Taking neighboring Slovenia as an example, the minimum wage is €2,100 per month and taxes are €2,100 per month—a total of €4,200 per month. Every person, whether citizen or permanent resident, has a duty to respect the country where they live, its laws, learn the language, and contribute to the country's budget. This is logical, and the €5,000 threshold is a more than reasonable amount for the opportunity to legally live and travel throughout Europe.
9. The rules for employees have not changed. The minimum salary is €600 to €800 as of January 2026. Two extensions are possible, then exit, visa, re-submission, two extensions, exit, visa, etc. The process is unlimited. Applying for permanent residence is not possible.
10. And finally, real estate. The threshold for obtaining a temporary residence permit and, importantly, permanent residence permits, has been set at €150,000 under the new law. Eligible properties include: family homes, weekend homes, villas, apartments, catering establishments, residential and commercial buildings, and commercial premises. Upon initial application, a tax office decision assessing the €150,000 tax must be submitted. Upon renewal, proof of tax payment must be submitted.
If the tax office levies tax on the cadastral value of the property, you must present the purchase agreement and make an adjustment. If your property is under the €150,000 threshold, you can order an independent appraisal from an accredited Montenegrin organization and, after receiving the final value, return to the tax office and make the adjustment. The most important thing in this situation is not the property value itself, but the amount on which the tax is levied.
The provisions of this law do not apply to citizens of the European Union and their family members.
This is a brief overview of the new regulations. We urge everyone to adequately evaluate Montenegro's decisions regarding EU accession. There is an objective reality and a price for a foreigner to gain the right to integrate into the society of another state and the European Union. This price is currently more than acceptable. If you believe this is not the case, analyze the immigration laws of other countries and see for yourself.
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