Updated: January 12, 2022. You have probably thought about obtaining citizenship in another country. After all, everyone should have the choice of where to live, study, work, and raise children. That is why below we have gathered information on how to obtain citizenship in Montenegro. Today, Montenegro is one of the most attractive countries for obtaining citizenship. And here is why:
Benefits of Montenegrin citizenship
- Visa-free entry to more than 120 countries, including Schengen countries, the UAE, and Singapore.
- Montenegro is a NATO member and a candidate for EU accession in 2025.
- No residency requirements in the country.
- It is easy to start your own business here.
- Tax optimization: the personal income tax rate is 9%.
In addition, Montenegro is a wonderful country for living with family and children. It has a wonderful climate, beautiful nature, and delicious food. Moreover, housing prices are at the level of Russian prices and lower than in EU countries. Education at local universities follows the Bologna system, which will help you or your children find work in any European country. We have already written earlier about how to obtain a residence permit in Montenegro, and now we will tell you in more detail about the ways to obtain Montenegrin citizenship.
How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship
The law on Montenegro's citizenship-by-investment program was introduced in November 2018. The first applications for obtaining Montenegrin passports by investment began to be accepted in January 2019. However, the program requires the applicant to make a non-refundable contribution to a government fund and additionally purchase real estate in Montenegro. If the applicant passes the Due Diligence check, they and their family members receive Montenegrin citizenship. At the same time, to obtain a Montenegrin passport by investment, you do not need to know the language or the country's history. In addition, there are no residency obligations in the country. What is important: the program is designed for 3 years, but was extended until the end of 2022, and the number of applications is limited by quotas – 2,000 quotas. Also note that in Montenegro dual citizenship is not allowed. Therefore, you will have to renounce your Russian (or Belarusian, Ukrainian, etc.) passport. However, there are a number of exceptions:
- If you hold citizenship of another country with which Montenegro has a special dual citizenship agreement (for example, Macedonia).
- Having citizenship of Montenegro and also another country before Montenegro gained independence in 2006.
- If you are a citizen of the former Republic of Yugoslavia and became a resident of Montenegro at least five years before its independence and lived there all that time.
- Participation in the Citizenship by Investment program (more on it below).
If you want to learn more about the Montenegrin Law on Foreigners, here you will find excerpts from the law in Russian and the full text in English.
Conditions for obtaining a Montenegrin passport
General requirements for the investor:
- Not an EU citizen;
- Over 18 years old;
- No criminal record;
- Passed the due diligence check;
- Can prove the source of funds.
Montenegrin passports can also be obtained by:
- Spouse;
- Children under 18;
- Children over 18*.
* Children over 18 must be dependent on the main applicant.
Investment options for obtaining Montenegrin citizenship
Option #1 from €250,000.
A non-refundable contribution to a specially created state fund of Montenegro. The funds from it will be directed to the development of local government structures in accordance with the Montenegrin Law on Regional Development. In addition, it is necessary to invest funds in real estate in development projects in the northern or central part of Montenegro (excluding the capital, Podgorica).
Option #2 from €450,000.
A non-refundable contribution to a specially created state fund of Montenegro. In addition, it is necessary to invest funds in development projects in the capital, Podgorica, or the coastal region of Montenegro.
Additional payments
In both options, it is necessary to pay:
- Investment in the state fund of the country – €100,000.
- Application fees: – €15,000 for one applicant; – €10,000 for each family member, but no more than 4 people; – €50,000 for each additional family member. (Total: €35,000 for a family of three)
- Due Diligence check: – €7,000 for one applicant; – €10,000 for a family of up to 4 people; – €1,500 for each additional family member. (Total: €10,000 for a family of three)
- Payment for the services of a licensed agent – €45,000 for a family of three.
- Other expenses – €5,000.
Total for a family of three – €195,000. View the full list of authorized projects under the Citizenship by Investment program.
Procedure for obtaining Montenegrin citizenship
To receive a detailed step-by-step guide to obtaining citizenship in Montenegro or a residence permit in Montenegro, contact us. We will provide a free consultation.