How to move to Montenegro using citizenship by investment: a complete guide

Why do people consider emigrating to Montenegro?

The attractiveness of emigrating to Montenegro from Russia is explained not only by the desire to live near the sea, but also by low taxes for immigrants . This country also has fairly lenient tax legislation for businessmen (we’ll talk more about this below).

There are practically no refusals to issue a residence permit (residence permit) in Montenegro . This makes moving for permanent residence to Montenegro significantly different from other European countries, and the package of documents for obtaining permanent residence is much easier to collect.

Also, immigration to this country, which is now available, may in the future become a pass to the whole of Europe. Montenegro has not yet become a member of the EU, but the prerequisites for this already exist.

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The process of Russians getting used to life in Montenegro

All Russians who moved to Montenegro for permanent residence note that the nature here is simply luxurious: clear sea, fabulous bays and caves, palm trees and other tropical vegetation, mountains and rivers. Amazing landscapes, enchanting city architecture at first glance - everything looks like a postcard.

Due to the calmness and slowness of the local residents, life in Montenegro for Russians at first seems too slow compared to the frantic pace of the big cities of Russia.

Often, upon arrival in the country, Russians lack the usual food - cereals, for example.

But the main difficulty is finding employment. There is very little work in Montenegro, and the pay is modest.

Industry is practically undeveloped; local residents live mainly from tourism. Having made good money from tourists during the season, Montenegrins spend the rest of the year relaxed and leisurely. The necessary minimum in order to live well here and now is their principle; status for them does not matter as much as for Russians.

To start earning money in Montenegro, most Russians who come to the country open their own business.

It should be noted that many Russian pensioners leave for Montenegro. The lifestyle, standard of living, and climate are excellent for older people. What is important is that the average pension of 285.87 euros is almost 2 times higher than the Russian one: in terms of rubles - 21,406, compared to the average payment to a pensioner in the Russian Federation - 13,345 rubles.

Other features of Montenegro in comparison with Russia include absolute patriarchy and a completely different approach to education. Here they do not demand good grades from children, and they are in no hurry to teach reading and writing at a very early age.

Parents do not pay attention to school grades at all; the main thing for them is that the child grows up happy. Every child here is talented by default. Training is free and mainly provided by government institutions.

Medicine, as noted by reviews from migrants, is at an average level: doctors in clinics cope well with simple diseases, but to treat serious illnesses, Russians often go home. Those who have received “borawak” in Montenegro - the right to temporary residence - can apply for free service. Paid private medical institutions are available to everyone.

Pros and cons of living in Montenegro

This Orthodox Balkan state is noted for its tolerance towards foreign citizens, especially those of Slavic origin . But before you decide to move to Montenegro for permanent residence, you need to take into account all the advantages and disadvantages of living in this country. Below we will list all the main pros and cons of moving for permanent residence for Russians to Montenegro.

Pros of living in Montenegro:

1. The cost of living is low compared to other European countries.
2. Opening your own company does not require large financial investments. The tax legislation of this country is quite loyal to entrepreneurs and provides private businesses with a reduced tax calculation: the income tax, which is charged on the amount remaining after deducting all expenses, is only 9%, the state duty on the import of goods ranges from 1 to 10%, VAT – 17%.
3. Not the toughest competition in many areas of business.
4. Montenegro has a low level of bureaucracy.
5. Most Montenegrins are loyal to our compatriots.
6. High-quality and inexpensive food products are abundant.
7. The Montenegrin language (Serbo-Croatian) has common roots with Russian, which makes it much easier to learn.
8. Low crime rate. Life in Montenegro for Russians is mostly calm and measured.
9. Life expectancy in the country is one of the highest in the world.
10. Montenegro has extremely rich nature and excellent ecology.
11. Varied but rather mild climate. Everyone can find a place to their liking. In the north of the country there are mountains and it is cool there, while in the south it is warm.

Disadvantages of living in Montenegro:

1. The standard of living is not the highest when compared with other European countries.
2. Salaries in the country are quite low. The average salary in Montenegro is only 475 euros. At the same time, 1000 euros per family is a living wage.
3. Compared to most countries in Eastern Europe, Montenegro has fairly high real estate prices.
4. Making long-term investments in the Montenegrin economy is risky due to its instability.
5. Many types of business are tied to the tourist season.
6. Low level of education.
7. Expensive gasoline.
8. High cost of electricity.
9. The streets are not very clean (as in Russia, people throw garbage on the road). By the way, the roads in Montenegro are no better than ours.
10. Low level of medical care.
11. Limited selection of goods in local stores.
12. When the tourist season ends, life in Montenegro seems to stop. Some may find this boring.
13. In terms of technological progress, Montenegro lags behind Russia.
14. Every year, car owners, when renewing their residence permit, have to re-register their vehicle in their name.
15. “Blat” and “nepotism” are quite common in the country.
16. Montenegro does not recognize dual citizenship.

Russian diaspora

Despite the fact that there are many of our compatriots in Montenegro, there is no cohesion between them. Immigrants do not form their own diasporas here due to the hospitality of local residents . Visitors do not feel homesick, there is no need for unification, as in other European countries. Russians feel comfortable in Montenegro.

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Has immigration to Montenegro been popular among Russians in recent years?

Immigration to Montenegro is becoming increasingly popular among residents of Russia and other CIS countries. This is due to several reasons:

• after the Czech Republic introduced changes to immigration legislation that were unfavorable for Russians, people began to open up other European countries, including Montenegro;
• moving to Montenegro is significantly easier and cheaper than to most other European countries;
• Montenegro is a candidate for EU membership;
• April 1, 2015 was marked by a new law, according to which foreign citizens have the right to obtain a residence permit based on existing real estate;
• for immigrants from Russia, Montenegro is attractive, among other things, due to its historical and cultural proximity with our country;
• Despite the fact that today Montenegro is rather weak in terms of economy and cannot boast of a high standard of living, experts believe that it has promising potential, which makes it tempting for immigrants.

Ancient European architecture surrounded by a clear, warm sea and luxurious green spaces

Methods and conditions for obtaining permanent residence in Montenegro

It is impossible to obtain permission for permanent residence immediately. First you will have to obtain a temporary residence permit. To do this, you must have a legal basis, such as :

• getting an education;
• buying a property;
• employment or running your own business;
• family reunion;
• marrying a Montenegrin.

Read more about each basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit in Montenegro below.

Getting an education

This is the rarest and most unusual method for Russians to obtain a residence permit in Montenegro, since education is better in Russia . However, some people still come here to receive secondary or higher education. This is done, of course, with the aim of obtaining a residence permit, and after 5 years - legal residence and obtaining permanent residence.

In addition, it is possible to undergo practical training and internship in Montenegro, and it is also possible to obtain a residence permit within the framework of the international student exchange program.

Purchase of real estate

Purchasing real estate gives the right to obtain a residence permit for a period of one year with the possibility of subsequent extension . Housing here is not cheap, but its cost has decreased significantly in recent years and now amounts to 1000-1300 euros per 1 sq. m. meter. Average cost of 1 sq. meters in new houses fluctuates around 1600-2500 euros, depending on the decoration, the view from the windows (to the sea, for example) and the floor.

To date, the minimum value of real estate that guarantees obtaining the status has not been established . You can purchase absolutely any object: a house, apartment or office, and after 5 years of residence under a residence permit, an immigrant can apply for permanent residence.

Employment and business

become an applicant for permanent residence after 5 years of residence under a residence permit , but to do this, the migrant must prove to the Montenegrin authorities that he has a unique specialty and qualifications. Moreover, for the position for which he is applying, he should not have competitors among local residents.

A candidate can apply for a temporary residence permit either independently or through his potential employer . But in the hired sector in Montenegro there is practically no work even for local residents, not to mention visitors.

Therefore, most Montenegrins open their own business, albeit a small one. Our compatriots do the same. In this case, having opened a business with a minimum authorized capital, foreigners receive a residence permit , and at the end of a 5-year period they can apply for permanent residence.

Family reunion

A residence permit on the basis of family reunification in Montenegro can be obtained not only by close family members of a citizen of the country, but also by family members who have a “borawak” (residence permit) of a foreigner. Family members include :

1. Spouses.
2. Children (of spouses or only one of them). It does not matter whether the children are natural or adopted, born in a civil or official marriage.

Even if the spouse came to Montenegro “to earn money” and was able to obtain a residence permit on this basis, his children and spouse become candidates for “borawak”. To do this, they will need to provide documents confirming their relationship with a Montenegrin or foreign citizen who has received a residence permit :

• marriage certificate;
• a copy of the migrant's birth certificate;
• a copy of the spouse's passport.

Montenegro and migrants

Montenegro is very popular among migrants of different categories. Statistics show that this small Balkan country is in fifth place among European states that are most attractive for immigration for various reasons, including in matters of seeking asylum.

Since the early 2000s, there has been a steady increase in the number of migrants to this country. In particular, statistics say that in 2014 Montenegro received over 2,300 applications, of which more than half (more than 70%) were submitted by refugees from Syria. There are also quite a lot of applications from Iraqis and Afghans, followed in number by residents of the Republic of Kosovo. It so happened that, due to its geographical location and some other reasons, Montenegro plays the role of a transit state for residents of the Middle East and Asia on their way to more western and northern European countries.

Due to the closure of Turkey and Egypt, an increase in both tourists and migrants from Russia should be expected in Montenegro.

A typical Montenegrin landscape - a combination of mountains covered with southern greenery, clear sea and cozy small towns

Requirements for a candidate for permanent residence

Only an adult migrant can be an applicant for an independent residence permit , and he must:

1. Be competent. Otherwise, only his legal representative can submit the application.
2. Have no outstanding convictions.
3. Have grounds for obtaining a residence permit.
4. Fulfill obligations for paying all tax contributions to the treasury of Montenegro.
5. Reside under a residence permit for 5 years.
6. Submit documents for renewal of residence permit and obtaining permanent residence in a timely manner. The application is submitted at the place of residence no later than 30 days before the expiration of the permit. In this case, it is necessary to provide a bank certificate stating that there are enough funds in the account to live in the state.

Reference. The country's legislation does not require knowledge of the Montenegrin language, but it is recommended to learn it, since it is obvious that this will increase your chances of finding a job. Also, knowledge of the national language will help overcome bureaucratic obstacles and facilitate communication.

Documents for permanent residence

After living in Montenegro with a residence permit for 5 years with regular renewal, a package of documents for permanent residence is submitted. The list of necessary documents to obtain it depends on the basis on which the right of residence itself is obtained.

To obtain permanent residence based on the purchase of real estate, you will need to provide:

• valid foreign passport with visa;
• a health insurance policy, the validity of which should not expire before the validity of the requested residence permit;
• a document confirming ownership of the property;
• bank account statement (the amount in it must be at least 3,600 euros);
• certificate of good conduct.

Applicants for permanent residence who have opened their own business or got a job in Montenegro will need documents on the establishment of an enterprise or a contract with a local employer. Spouses will have to provide a marriage certificate.

Temporary residence permit

If departure to Montenegro is formalized according to the rules, a foreign migrant can apply for a residence permit. During the application process, you will be photographed, fingerprinted, and have a sample signature taken. Children under 12 years of age are exempt from this (except for digital images).

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Documents are reviewed within 40 days, after which the applicant receives a positive or negative response, which he can challenge within eight days. The residence permit is issued for 1 year. The validity of the document can be continued if the grounds have not ceased. The application is submitted one month before the end date.

Deportation from Montenegro

The immigration regime in Montenegro is quite mild, and it is not difficult for foreigners to comply with it. Despite this, violations still occur and foreign citizens are deported. The most common reasons for deportation :

• illegal border crossing;
• disregard for visa regulations;
• failure to comply with the laws of the country;
• entering Montenegro with a false identity card.

If a foreigner is caught without a visa, he will be banned from entering the country for several years or forever . The same consequences will apply if he stays in Montenegro longer than the permitted period of stay.

Reviews

Before deciding to move to another country, it is important to find out the opinions of people who have already lived there for some time. Let's see how our compatriots who moved to live there for permanent residence speak about Montenegro .

Andrey : Industry and agriculture are not particularly developed, but due to tourism and EU support, Montenegro has almost no problems.

Lyusya : Imagine an Orthodox Chechen - this is a Montenegrin. Hospitable, cordial, valuing friendship. But a woman should not argue in front of strangers; sort things out at home.

Olga : They really have everything in order with security. They also joke that their law enforcement officers are the least busy police officers in the world.

Dmitry : Montenegro is a small, environmentally friendly country. To be environmentally friendly, they had to give up industry. The main bet is on tourism.

Alexey : To be successful here, personal connections are vital. You need to make friends among the Montenegrins, you can’t deceive anyone, they will stop believing you once and for all, and they will tell others. If you become one of them, consider life a success, the locals will do everything for you.