Updated: January 12, 2022You have probably thought about obtaining citizenship in another country. After all, everyone should have a 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. Here is why:
Benefits of Montenegrin citizenship
- Visa-free entry to more than 120 countries, including the Schengen Area, the UAE, and Singapore.
- Montenegro is a NATO member and a candidate for EU accession in 2025.
- No residency requirements.
- It is easy to start your own business here.
- Tax optimization: the personal income tax rate is 9%.
How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship
The law on Montenegro’s citizenship-by-investment program was adopted in November 2018. The first applications for Montenegrin passports through 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 through investment, you do not need to know the language or the country’s history. In addition, there is no obligation to reside in the country.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. We should also note that in Montenegrodual 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, North Macedonia).
- If you already held citizenship of Montenegro and 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 throughout that time.
- Participation in the “Citizenship by Investment” program (more on it below).
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 confirm the source of funds.
- Spouse;
- Children under 18;
- Children over 18*.
Investment options for obtaining Montenegrin citizenship
Option #1 from €250,000.
A non-refundable contribution to a specially created government fund of Montenegro. The funds from this fund will be used to develop local public institutions in accordance with Montenegro’s Law on Regional Development. In addition, it is necessary to invest in real estate in development projects inthe northern or central part of Montenegro (excluding the capital, Podgorica).Option #2 from €450,000.
A non-refundable contribution to a specially created government fund of Montenegro. In addition, it is necessary to investin development projects in the capital, Podgorica, or in the coastal region of Montenegro.Additional fees
In both options, the following must be paid:- Investment in the state fund of the country – €100,000.
- Application fees:– €15,000 for a single 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 a single 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.