How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship: current ways to do so

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Montenegro is more than a flag and a passport. It gives access to life on the border of Europe and the Mediterranean. Stable politics, the course towards European integration, soft taxes and quick procedures make the country a leader in terms of attractiveness of second citizenship. Figuring out how to obtain Montenegrin citizenship means building a route to free movement, investment and capital protection.

Legislative framework: terms and conditions

Montenegrin legislation is based on the Law on Citizenship No. 13/08 and regulations governing migration procedures. The system allows for naturalisation, investment programmes, acquisition on the basis of origin, marriage or long-term residence.

Conditions for obtaining Montenegrin citizenship:

legally reside in the country for at least 10 years;
have a basic command of the state language;
no criminal record;
confirm the legality of the sources of income;
comply with the norms of the Constitution and the law on citizenship.

The official migration service examines applications within 6 to 24 months, depending on the method of receipt.

Main ways of obtaining civil status

How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship depends on the initial situation of the applicant. The law defines several legal ways, each of which has specific requirements, documents and procedure for processing.

Naturalisation

Naturalisation requires a minimum of 10 years of legal residence, permanent residence status and proven integration into society. Passing a language test is mandatory. Features:

residence in the country for at least 10 years;
Having a residence permit (permanent residence);
passing an examination on language and legal system;
stable income and no offences.

Montenegrin citizenship through marriage

The spouse of a foreign citizen gets the right to apply 3 years after the registration of the marriage, provided that they live together. The law requires proof of a stable relationship, legal income and residence in the country.

Montenegrin citizenship by descent

A person born to at least one parent who is a Montenegrin citizen becomes entitled to a passport automatically, regardless of the country of birth. The law allows for an ascending line of descent with supporting documents.

Montenegrin citizenship through investment

The CIP (Citizenship by Investment Programme) allows you to obtain a passport for financial investments in the economy. It is required to contribute 100,000 euros to a development fund and additionally invest 200,000 euros in approved projects. The processing time is 6-8 months. Suitable for entrepreneurs, investors, capital owners looking for a second passport with the possibility of visa-free access to Schengen and Middle East countries.

How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship step by step

The algorithm depends on the chosen path, but each option includes mandatory formal procedures.

Key milestones and features:

Choice of grounds – marriage, descent, investment, naturalisation or service to the country.
Preparation of documents – passport, criminal record certificate, proof of income, language certificate.
Submission of the application – through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs, migration agencies or consulates (in case of investments).
Obtaining a residence permit – required upon naturalisation, usually through a residence permit after 5 years.
Integration into society – participation in the life of the country, legal income, compliance with legal norms.
Passing exams – knowledge of the language and the basics of the state system (in case of standard naturalisation).
Waiting for a decision – the review period is from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the basis.
Acceptance of citizenship – obtaining a passport, taking an oath, and processing documents.
Registration in registries – the final stage is inclusion in state databases.

Each step requires care, accuracy in documentation, and an understanding of local legal logic.

What documents will be required at all stages

How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship is not only a question of procedure, but also of a correctly executed package of documents. The requirements vary depending on the basis, but the basic list remains the same for all categories.

Required Documents:

a valid passport;
birth certificate;
proof of legal residence (residence permit or residence permit);
certificate of no criminal record from the countries of current and previous residence;
documents proving ancestry (if filing through family);
Marriage certificate (when processing through the family);
documents on investments (in case of economic grounds);
proof of income and employment;
Montenegrin language certificate (in case of naturalisation).

In addition, medical certificates, tax residency declarations, property ownership certificates and other documents may be required upon request of the migration authorities.

CoML, residence permit and transition phase

The process of obtaining the status of a citizen often includes an intermediate stage – registration of residence permit and permanent residence permit. A temporary residence permit is issued for up to one year and is subject to annual renewal. After five years of residence, permanent residence is issued.

To apply for a residence permit, you will need:

A lease or ownership agreement for the home;
health insurance;
source of income;
availability of a bank account.

Obtaining a residence permit becomes possible after 5 years of residence with a residence permit, subject to compliance with migration rules and permanent residence in the country for at least 183 days per year.

Dual citizenship

How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship without losing my first passport? The answer depends on the origin and basis. The law allows dual citizenship status, but limits it within the framework of ordinary naturalisation. Exceptions apply to those who formalise status through investment or who are of Montenegrin origin. Montenegro does not prohibit holding a second passport if there is an interstate agreement or as part of an investment programme. In practice, the authorities do not require automatic renunciation of previous civil status, but may request proof of legal status in another country.

Advantages of Montenegrin citizenship

Citizen status opens access to rights equal to those of local residents. It guarantees:

the right to visa-free travel to more than 120 countries;
participation in elections and access to public office;
investment incentives and tax advantages;
the right to social guarantees and medical care;
freedom of movement in the Balkan region and the EU (once the country joins the union).

A Montenegrin passport provides flexibility in international travelling. It allows you to live in a country with a developed infrastructure and a loyal tax system. Foreign citizens who have obtained the status receive full protection of rights, the ability to own real estate, do business and dispose of assets on an equal footing with locals.

How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship: conclusions

How to obtain Montenegrin citizenship is not just a formality, but a step towards freedom and investment opportunities. Transparent pathways through investments or family foundations make the process accessible. And a second passport opens up new perspectives without giving up your current citizenship status.

How to earn money from renting a flat in Montenegro: expert tips

Montenegro has long ceased to be just a picturesque dot on the map. The transition from a tourist paradise to an investment-attractive territory took place imperceptibly, but the effect was loud. The demand for rental property on the coast and in the capital does not decrease neither in winter nor in summer, and the owners of housing form a steady stream of profit.

How to make money from renting a flat in Montenegro is a question that has long been of interest not only to locals, but also to investors from the EU, CIS and the Middle East. Let’s talk about it in more detail below.

Geography of income: where the flat is working and where it is idle

The Montenegro market behaves unevenly: Budva, Kotor and Tivat generate income most often. In these cities, the tourist flow covers the needs of tenants even in the off-season. Podgorica, on the other hand, is more often used for long-term rentals – expats, employees of international companies, and IT specialists rent accommodation for a year or longer.

How to earn on renting a flat in Montenegro in these zones?

The formula is simple: buy an apartment closer to the sea, invest in basic repairs, connect to rental platforms, and the property starts to yield results.

Example: housing in Budva on the first line with a starting price of €150,000 and a rental rate of €80-100 per day can pay off in 10-12 years at 60% annual utilisation.

How much you can earn from renting a flat

The annual yield on short-term leases reaches 6-10%. But this figure holds only with competent management, price adaptation and correct tax scheme.

In high season (June-September) daily rent in Budva or Tivat varies from €70 to €150 depending on the area and sea view.
In the off-season (October-April) the rates drop to €25-40 for short-term rentals to tourists.

Earnings from renting a flat in Montenegro require precise calculations: cleaning costs, platform commissions, maintenance, internet, taxes. Net profit comes out at an average of €5,000-7,000 per year from one economy-class property with 60-70% occupancy.

Who rents and for how much

The income from renting a flat in Montenegro is different depending on the audience. Tourists from Germany, Poland, Russia and Israel are looking for accommodation for 7-10 nights. Families focus on locations with kitchen and parking, digital nomads prefer good communication and workplace.

How to rent a flat in Montenegro to tourists effectively means adjusting to their lifestyle. Housing with minimalism in design, fresh appliances and cleanliness sells itself even without photo shoots from architects. Connecting to Airbnb, Booking, Flatio and local websites gives you reach, while automating the process gives you time and freedom.

Key drivers of profitability

How to make money from renting a flat in Montenegro while maximising your return on investment? Play by the rules, but strategically. The main factors of income:

Location. Closer to the sea – higher rates. At a distance of more than 1 km – minus 20-30% of the average rate.
Condition of the flat. Housing after renovation with air conditioning and wi-fi is 30-50% more expensive than analogues without equipment.
Photos and description. Original design, honest photos, up-to-date reviews are the basis for high conversion rates.
Support. The presence of a local manager or agency increases utilisation by 15-20%.
Seasonality. Competent pricing strategy – retention of income in winter and profit growth in summer.

All five factors work in tandem: a dip in one reduces overall profitability. Maximum profit is achieved only with a systematic approach, where marketing, service and location complement each other.

How to manage your income without fuss

Passive income from property in Montenegro turns into reality with the participation of a management company. The cost of such services is 15-30% of the income. This includes:

socialising with guests;
cleaning organisation;
dealing with current issues;
Reporting.

The turnkey format is suitable for those who do not live in the country permanently. It is often chosen by every second investor.

Mandatory items: taxes, registration, legal support

How to earn money from renting a flat in Montenegro, while respecting the law? There is no way without registration. The owners are obliged to:

Obtain licences for tourist rentals.
Register guests.
Pay income tax – 9 per cent on net profits.
Pay the tourist tax.

Deviations from the rules carry fines of up to €6,000. Therefore, legal support is not a luxury, but a protection of profits.

One object – three strategies: the format of renting for income

Earnings from renting a flat in Montenegro are formed from the chosen approach. Comparison of three tactics:

Short term rentals to tourists. High rate – high involvement, seasonality.
Long term lease to expats. Stability – lower income, requires contracts.
Mix: in-season + out-of-season. Profit maximisation – need for flexible management.

Income with a competent alternation of formats is higher by 10-15% than if you choose only one scheme.

How to earn money from renting a flat in Montenegro: tips from the pros

Practice shows that it is not the metres that generate profitability, but the approach. Efficiency grows when housing becomes an independent profit-making tool.

The advice of experienced investors boils down to a few principles:

Focus on liquid neighbourhoods: Budva, Tivat, Bar.
Buy no more expensive than €1,800 per m² – higher the payback threshold.
Rent through multi-platform access: Airbnb, Booking, DobrotaRent.
Automate check-in and payment.
Renovate the interior periodically.
Conduct a photo shoot once a season.

This strategy allows you to consistently maintain a high average cheque and reduces downtime. As a result, housing works not in theory, but on a daily basis, generating measurable income. These actions increase profits and relieve the owner of routine workload.

Investor in law: why investing works

An investor investing in property in Montenegro gets more than square metres. The state grants residence permit for property purchase, simple taxation system and growing flow of tourists (more than 2.6 million in 2023).

With a starting investment of €80,000 or more, the project generates income higher than in Bulgaria, Greece and Croatia. Price growth of 6-8% per year turns the property not only into a source of income, but also into an asset that appreciates in value.

How to earn money from renting a flat in Montenegro: conclusions

How to make money from renting a flat in Montenegro is not a guess, but a clear strategy. With proper management, site selection, legal registration and marketing – renting turns into a predictable, stable business with high margins.

May 20, 2025

Best cities in Montenegro to live in: where to move in 2025

Montenegro is a small but diverse country where Mediterranean tranquility coexists with business opportunities, comfort, and harmonious living. That’s why immigration has become popular among those seeking a warm climate, affordable real estate, and quality infrastructure. However, before moving to Montenegro for permanent residence, it is important to study the specifics of each region, as the terrain in Budva and Herceg Novi offers two completely different scenarios.

Let’s explore the best cities in Montenegro for living, evaluating their convenience for children, retirees, entrepreneurs, and those who simply want to change the pace of their daily lives.

Podgorica — the capital and business center

The metropolis is ideal for those who want to live in the heart of the country and appreciate good transportation accessibility. Here you can find an international airport, universities, shopping centers, and a large number of job opportunities.

Podgorica is not a resort, so there is no tourist hustle and bustle here, and real estate is cheaper than in coastal cities. However, it can get hot here in the summer, and the lack of nearby sea may be a downside for beach lovers.

Budva — for the active and ambitious

The resort is the epicenter of Montenegro’s tourist freedom. If you value entertainment, dynamics, cafes, restaurants, and beautiful beaches, Budva is the perfect place to live. However, it’s worth noting that it gets overcrowded with tourists in the season, and in winter, the area noticeably quiets down.

Bar — convenience and accessibility

Bar is considered one of the most convenient cities for permanent residence. It combines infrastructure accessibility and the sea with a measured way of living. There are many schools, good shops, medical facilities, and no excessive hustle and bustle. The region is perfect for living with children.

Tivat — elite comfort

The region is suitable for those seeking a high level of comfort and are willing to invest in Montenegro’s real estate. It is home to the elite area of Porto Montenegro, popular among yachtsmen and businessmen.

Tivat has an airport, making it convenient for frequent trips. However, property prices here are higher than in most other settlements in the country.

Kotor — an ancient region with a special atmosphere

If you dream of living in a medieval center surrounded by mountains, Kotor is an excellent choice. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts those who appreciate architecture, history, and secluded areas.

However, Kotor can be expensive for purchasing property, and its narrow streets and high humidity may not suit everyone.

Herceg Novi — tranquility and nature

The town is famous for its microclimate, considered beneficial for health. There are fewer tourists here than in Budva, and property prices are moderate.

For retirees, the region is ideal — the measured pace of the streets, developed healthcare, and beautiful landscapes create comfortable living conditions.

Cetinje — cultural center

The city is considered one of the best for a peaceful life and is suitable for those who love art and history. It was the capital of Montenegro and still retains its status as a cultural center. Here you can find museums, theaters, and historical landmarks.

However, it’s worth noting that it can be cooler in Cetinje in winter than in coastal cities, and the level of tourist activity is lower.

Ulcinj — for those seeking peace and space

The region is one of the most unique. Influenced by Albanian culture, Ulcinj offers long sandy beaches and a special atmosphere.

Property prices in Ulcinj are lower than in Budva or Kotor, but it’s important to consider that there is less Russian-speaking population here, and the infrastructure is not as developed as in larger centers.

Factors to consider when choosing the best city in Montenegro for living

Relocating is a serious decision that requires careful analysis. The key is to determine the criteria that will help you understand which cities in Montenegro are suitable for your relocation:

climate — the coast (Budva, Bar, Kotor, Tivat) offers mild winters and warm summers, but with high humidity. In mountainous areas like Cetinje, it can be quite cold in winter;
residence permit application — for long-term residence in the country, a residence permit is required. The most popular way to obtain a residence permit is by opening a company or purchasing property;
real estate in Montenegro — property is cheaper than in most European countries, but prices vary significantly. If your budget is limited, consider Bar or Ulcinj — here you can find housing at reasonable prices. In Tivat and Budva, property is more expensive, especially in elite areas like Porto Montenegro;
medical insurance — state healthcare in Montenegro leaves much to be desired, so many expats use private clinics. If you have chronic conditions, check in advance which medications are available in local pharmacies and whether they can be purchased without a prescription;
Russian-speaking community — in major centers like Budva, Tivat, Bar, and Podgorica, there are many Russian-speaking immigrants. They create communities on social networks where you can find useful advice, contacts for lawyers, real estate agents, and like-minded individuals.

Relocating to Montenegro is an opportunity to live in a country with stunning nature, a mild climate, and low expenses. However, it is important to carefully plan all the details in advance: choose a suitable region, arrange documents, understand healthcare and housing.

If you prepare thoroughly for the move, adaptation will be easy, and you will be able to enjoy living by the sea without worrying about everyday difficulties.

Conclusion

The choice of location depends on your priorities. If you are looking for developed infrastructure and job opportunities, Podgorica is suitable. Love the sea and entertainment? Consider Budva or Tivat. If comfort and tranquility are important, good options are Bar, Herceg Novi, and Ulcinj.

The best cities in Montenegro for living are those that meet your needs. The country offers a comfortable climate, affordable real estate, and a high level of safety. Relocating can be a great solution for those dreaming of a house by the sea with European comfort.

May 20, 2025