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Moving to Montenegro

3 routes for people from the US, Canada and the UK, each checked against official sources. Find the one that fits, then check it with the source before you apply.

Check which fits you
Keep your job, work remotely

Montenegro digital nomad permit

Temporary residence permit for digital nomads (Law on Foreigners, Official Gazette 12/18, 3/19, 86/22, amended 2025)

Remote workers employed by a foreign company, or working through their own company not registered in Montenegro, who want up to four years on the Adriatic outside the EU.

What you need
  • Employment contract or other proof of working electronically for a foreign company or your own company not registered in Montenegro.
  • Proof of financial means of support. The official portal states no amount. Law-firm sources (2022) cite income in the previous year of at least three Montenegrin minimum salaries a month (EUR 1,350 when the minimum wage was EUR 450); the minimum wage has risen since, so the current figure is unverified.
  • Proof of accommodation in Montenegro.
  • Health insurance.
  • Proof of no unconditional prison sentence over six months in the country of origin.
  • Passport valid at least three months beyond the permit period.
Not for
  • Working for Montenegrin employers or clients
  • Anyone wanting a permit that counts toward permanent residence without gaps (a new permit can only be issued six months after the previous one expires)
Where you apply
From inside the country. Apply in person at the Ministry of Interior regional unit where you live, after lawful entry. US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens enter visa-free; if you apply before your 90-day stay ends you may stay until the decision. A type D visa route also exists for nationals who need a visa.
How long it takes
Within 40 days of a complete application (official portal).
First permit
Up to 2 years.
Renewal
Extendable once for up to 2 more years; apply in person at least 30 days before expiry. A new permit can be issued 6 months after the previous one expires.
Family
Spouse, minor children, and the spouse's children and adopted children up to 18 can join through family reunification.
Sources Government of Montenegro digital nomad portal: How to get the visa? (updated 21 Aug 2023) (official)Government of Montenegro: Programme for attracting digital nomads adopted (official)BDK Advokati: Montenegrin digital nomad rules (14 Dec 2022)BDK Advokati: Montenegro adopts amendments to the Foreigners Act (22 Jan 2026)Montenegro Business: 653 nomad permits in 2024 Checked 28 Oct 2026. General information, not immigration advice.
Freelance or your own business changing

Montenegro company residence

Integrated temporary residence and work permit as company owner or registered entrepreneur (Law on Foreigners)

Entrepreneurs who set up and actively run a Montenegrin company or sole proprietorship that pays real taxes.

What you need
  • Registered entrepreneur, or executive director owning more than 51% of a Montenegrin company.
  • To extend the permit, the company must have paid at least EUR 5,000 in taxes and contributions in the previous year (from 17 January 2026). (EUR 5,000 a year)
Not for
  • Shell companies set up only for residence (the government is revoking permits of inactive foreign-owned companies)
  • People who want to work remotely for foreign clients without a local business (use the digital nomad permit)
Where you apply
From inside the country. Ministry of Interior after company registration; US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens enter visa-free.
How long it takes
Not officially stated.
First permit
Not verified (commonly 1 year).
Renewal
Renewal requests filed 60 to 30 days before expiry; EUR 5,000 tax test applies.
Longer term
Permanent residence after about 5 years.
Family
Family reunification available in principle; not verified.
Sources Government of Montenegro: amendments to the Law on Foreigners (Nov 2025) (official)BDK Advokati: adopted amendments (Jan 2026) Checked 28 Oct 2026. General information, not immigration advice.
Invest

Montenegro property residence

Temporary residence based on ownership of real estate (Law on Foreigners, as amended from 17 January 2026)

Buyers of a Montenegrin property worth at least EUR 150,000 who want a renewable one-year residence without working locally.

What you need
  • Real estate in Montenegro worth at least EUR 150,000, shown by the Tax Authority's transfer tax decision. Permits granted before 17 January 2026 can be extended without proving the value. (EUR 150,000 a lump_sum)
  • Health insurance and proof of means of support (general temporary residence conditions).
  • Criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
Not for
  • Employment or business activity in Montenegro (reported as not permitted on this basis)
  • Buyers of property worth less than EUR 150,000 since 17 January 2026
Where you apply
From inside the country. Ministry of Interior office where the property is. US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens enter visa-free for 90 days.
How long it takes
Not officially stated for this basis.
First permit
1 year (reported).
Renewal
Renewable annually; renewal requests may be filed 60 to 30 days before expiry.
Longer term
Permanent residence after about 5 years.
Family
Family reunification is available in principle; not verified for this basis.
Sources Government of Montenegro: amendments to the Law on Foreigners (12 Nov 2025 bill) (official)BDK Advokati: Montenegro adopts amendments to the Foreigners Act (22 Jan 2026)IMI Daily: Montenegro sets EUR 150,000 minimum Checked 28 Oct 2026. General information, not immigration advice.