The Government of Montenegro has made final amendments to “The Law on Foreigners” for obtaining or renewing a residence permit. The autumn proposals, which caused panic among expats, have been softened. We explain how to obtain and renew a residence permit (boravak) in 2026, how much property must now cost, and what taxes company owners will have to pay.
At the end of 2025, the government of Milojko Spajić revised the strict draft law proposed in the autumn. We wrote more about it in this article. The main news: bureaucracy has been replaced by a financial threshold. Montenegro is moving away from mass low-cost immigration in favor of affluent residents and digital nomads.
Here is a brief overview of the changes (Summary):
Real estate: New residence permits are issued only when purchasing housing worth 200,000 euros. Protection for current owners: If you already have a residence permit based on property, the new price rule does not apply to you. Business: Company directors do not need to hire Montenegrins. Instead, the company must pay taxes — at least 5,000 euros per year. IT and Medicine: The requirement for triple the average salary has been removed. The conditions have become more flexible.
1. Residence permit through property: value of at least 200,000 euros
The most discussed change concerns Article 56 of the law. The era when one could buy an inexpensive studio or a small house in the mountains for legalization is coming to an end.
New purchase conditions
Now the basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit (VNZh) is ownership of real estate with an appraised value of at least 200,000 euros.
Important nuance for buyers: The figure in the purchase agreement is not the main proof. The value will be confirmed by an official decision of the tax authority (assessment of real estate transfer tax). This is done to eliminate fictitious price inflation in transactions.
What will happen to those who already have a residence permit?
The government has protected the rights of current residents. The following clause has been included in the law:
- If you received a residence permit before the law enters into force, then the old rules apply when you renew it. You do not need to buy additional property up to 200,000 euros.
- If you are applying for the first time after the law is adopted, then the 200,000-euro requirement applies to you.
This exception does not apply to citizens of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — there are no price thresholds for them.
2. Business immigration: new requirements
The autumn version of the draft law provided for strict criteria for renewing residence permits for business owners: executive directors were proposed to employ at least three staff members, one of whom had to be a citizen of Montenegro.
However, in the final package of amendments, the legislator revised this approach. The hiring requirement was replaced by a financial threshold, shifting the focus from a formal increase in staff to ensuring a real contribution of the business to the country’s tax system.
New scheme for directors (DOO)
To renew a residence permit on the basis of working as the director of one’s own company, it is necessary to meet a financial condition:
- The company must pay taxes and contributions in the amount of at least 5,000 euros per year.
That is about 417 euros per month. In effect, this is a legal fee for resident status without the need to conduct real active business, hire staff, and submit complex HR reports. For freelancers working through an individual entrepreneur or LLC, this makes life easier, although more expensive.
These requirements do not apply to citizens of the EU, Norway, Switzerland, Iceland, and Liechtenstein — there are no such financial conditions for them.
3. IT specialists and doctors: conditions have been eased
Montenegro is experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel, so the barriers for IT professionals and medical workers have been reduced.
Previously, it was proposed to issue residence permits in the IT sector (Blue Card equivalent) only with a salary no lower than three average salaries in the country (about 2,500–3,000 euros net). This discouraged startups.
What does the final document say:
- The salary threshold has been removed. A standard employment contract for at least 12 months is sufficient.
- Salary: Must comply with the Labor Law standards (minimum 600 euros for mid-level qualifications, 800 euros for higher qualifications).
This is a direct signal: the country wants to see digital specialists and doctors here and will not create artificial obstacles for them.
When will the changes take effect?
At the moment, the document is a package of Government amendments to the draft law. For it to enter into force, it must pass a vote in the Assembly (Parliament) and be published in the “Official Gazette of Montenegro” (Službeni list).
Expert recommendation: If you were planning to buy inexpensive property to obtain a residence permit, it is worth speeding up the transaction and document submission process before the law officially enters into force. Current applications will be reviewed under the old rules.
Follow the updates. We will publish the final text of the law as soon as it is signed.