Montenegro is introducing stricter rules to regulate the stay of foreign nationals, shortening the visa-free entry period and tightening oversight of inactive foreign-owned companies.
Montenegro’s National Security Council, which met on November 4 at the initiative of Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, approved a package of changes to the country’s visa and migration policy. These measures are aimed at strengthening security, combating shell companies, and harmonizing legislation with European Union standards.
The visa-free stay period is being reduced to 30 days
The main change will affect citizens of countries that have visa-free access to Montenegro but have not aligned their visa policy with the EU. For them, the length of stay in the countrywill be reduced from 90 to 30 days.
This decision, asnotedby the government, will make it possible to strengthen control over migration flows and bring visa rules into line with European standards.
New conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro
The Council instructed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior to amend the Law on Foreigners. From now on, the basis for a temporary residence permit will bean investment in real estate worth at least 200,000 euros.
The option of obtaining a residence permit by opening a company will be replaced by the requirement of official full-time employment — either with a registered employer or in one’s own business that is genuinely active.
Oversight of inactive companies and tax law violators
The government also drew attention to the growing number of foreign companies that are not conducting active business and are violating tax legislation. The Tax Administration will now regularly share data on such companies with the police so that, where there are grounds, temporary residence permits can be revoked for their owners.
This measure is intended to improve fiscal discipline and combat shell businesses used to legalize residence in the country.
Cooperation with Turkey and data exchange
After a series of talks between representatives of Montenegro and Turkey, the two sides agreed to closer information exchange between the migration and law enforcement authorities of both countries. Such cooperation will make it possible to respond more quickly to threats related to illegal migration and financial abuse.
European standards and the course toward integration
The National Security Council emphasized that Montenegro remains committed to its European path and to protecting the rights of all legally residing foreigners.
The adopted measures are part of the process of European integration and fulfilling obligations under the EU negotiation chapters.The authorities say the changes will help increase security, transparency, and control over migration processes, and will also make the country more resilient to abuses in the economic and tax spheres.
Who attended the meeting
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of the Interior, the National Security Agency, the Police Directorate, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the State Prosecutor’s Office, and the leadership of Montenegro’s Tax Administration.
Summary: what this means for foreigners
- Visa-free stay for a number of countries — a maximum of30 days.
- A residence permit can be obtained only throughan investment in real estate of at least 200,000 eurosorofficial employment.
- Owners ofinactive companiesrisk losing their residence permits.