According to the official report of the European Commission, published by the Montenegrin publication Dan, Brussels insists on the swift abolition of visa-free entry for citizens of countries outside the EU and the Schengen Area. The first to fall under the new visa restrictions are citizens of the Russian Federation, Belarus, China, India, Iran, and Turkey.
Experts from the real estate agency MD Realty analyzed the details of the publication Dan (“Brisel traži vize Crnoj Gori”) to explain how the new EU requirements will affect tourists, expats, and property buyers in 2026–2027.
Why is Brussels demanding the introduction of visas?
Montenegro has enjoyed a visa-free regime with the EU (the Schengen “white list”) since 2009. However, this agreement obliges Podgorica to fully synchronize its visa policy with the European one (EU Visa Common Policy).
The European Commission is concerned that Montenegro still maintains visa-free travel with a number of states whose citizens require a visa to enter the EU. According to Brussels, in the conditions of geopolitical tension in 2026, the absence of visa control at Montenegro’s borders creates risks for the security of the Schengen Area and increases migration pressure.
Who will be affected by the visa restrictions first?
This decision will be most sensitive for citizens of Russia and Turkey — two key categories of investors and tourists in Montenegro:
- Citizens of the Russian Federation: currently Russians can stay in Montenegro without a visa for up to 30 days (with the possibility of extension through the “visa run” procedure). The introduction of full visas will completely close this loophole.
- Citizens of Turkey: Turkey traditionally ranks among the top 3 real estate investors in Montenegro and provides a significant tourist flow. The introduction of visas will require the opening of additional consular centers.
- Belarus, China, India: citizens of these countries will also lose the right to visa-free entry.
What does this mean for the real estate market and expats?
Despite the loud headlines in the press, investors and those who already live in the country should not panic. The introduction of a visa regime is a standard stage that Croatia and Bulgaria went through in their time before joining the EU.
1. Residence permit by property remains the main спасение
The introduction of visas does not in any way отменяет Montenegrin legislation on obtaining a residence permit (purchasing real estate worth from €150,000 guarantees obtaining official residence status — boravak). For property owners, obtaining a visa will be only a formal technical step for the first entry into the country, after which they will apply for residence permit on site.
2. Changing the buyer profile
The restriction of visa-free entry will accelerate the process of “Europeanization” of the Montenegrin market. The share of buyers from Germany, Austria, Poland, and France, which is already actively growing in 2026, will increase even more.
3. Guarantee of price growth (Asset capitalization)
Brussels’ demand to introduce visas is a direct confirmation that Montenegro is firmly moving toward EU membership. For investors, this is the strongest long-term signal. Buying real estate now, before the official closing of visa borders and accession to the EU, guarantees explosive growth in square meter prices (by 30-40%) by 2028.
When will the new rules take effect?
Montenegrin authorities are still trying to postpone the introduction of visas so as not to deal a sharp blow to the tourism sector in the height of the season.
According to the latest data, the first changes in visa policy may take effect as early as October 1, 2026. It is expected that at the first stage the visa regime will affect citizens of Russia and Belarus. However, the process of harmonizing visa rules with the EU will not stop there: in the future Podgorica plans to gradually introduce entry visas also for citizens of Turkey, China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, and Qatar. This decision is dictated by Brussels’ requirements for the full alignment of the country’s visa policy with EU rules by the end of the third quarter of 2026.
If you are planning to buy property in Montenegro, now is the optimal time to close the deal. This will allow you to obtain a residence permit and secure the right to year-round stay in the country before the visa curtain officially falls. You can view current and safe projects from developers in the Montenegro property catalog on the MD Realty website.
News and image source: Dan.co.me
Is Montenegro really introducing visas for Russians and Turks in 2026?
Yes, according to the requirements of the European Commission, Montenegro is obliged to introduce a visa regime for citizens of third countries (including the Russian Federation, Turkey, Belarus, China) to harmonize policy before joining the EU by 2028. The exact dates for launching the process are still being coordinated, but according to the latest data, the first changes in visa policy may take effect as early as October 1, 2026.
Will property owners in Montenegro be able to come without visas?
After the rules take effect, property owners without a residence permit will need to obtain an entry visa. However, owning property worth from €150k gives the right to obtain a residence permit, which fully replaces a visa and allows you to stay in the country year-round.
How will visa requirements affect property prices in Budva and Tivat?
In the short term, this may reduce the share of impulse purchases among “tourists.” In the long term, the transition to EU standards guarantees an influx of European capital and a 30–50% increase in seaside housing prices by the time the country joins the EU in 2028.
How can I track changes in visa rules and the legal cleanliness of properties?
All current changes in Montenegrin laws are promptly published in the “Useful Articles” section of the MD Realty blog. And in the property catalog on our website, you will find already verified and legally clean properties. You can also contact our experts for a detailed consultation.