Montenegro Citizenship by Investment

Government of Montenegro announced the launch of its citizenship by investment programme in summer 2018 as a second attempt to offer foreign nationals its passport in return for their contribution to the country’s development. The Special Investment Program applications will be accepted at the beginning of 2019. The number of applicants that will be granted a Montenegrin passport is capped at 2,000 for the next three years. The citizenship program is planned to run till the end of 2021.

The application process has been made more transparent to avoid the situation of 2010. Then the investment program was closed after the international community criticised the government of Montenegro for issuing passports to applicants involved in corruption and fraud.

Foreign direct investments from non-EU countries are expected to push the economy forward, create jobs and improve quality of life for the citizens of Montenegro. Sectors of the economy that are targeted in the first place are tourism, agriculture and processing. However, development projects will be implemented in other areas as well.

Benefits for investors

Although Montenegro is not yet in the European Union, the process is underway to join the EU in six years. Besides, it joined NATO in 2017 which guarantees social security and political stability.

• Passport in 6 months.
• Visa-free travel to 117 countries.
• Growing property market.
• Booming tourism sector.
• Favourable taxation.
• No language requirement.
• No business background needed.
• Dual citizenship is allowed.
• Citizenship is passed by descent.
• Place of irresistible and breath-taking natural beauty.

Requirements for obtaining Montenegro’s economic citizenship

To become eligible for citizenship by naturalisation, foreign investors have to satisfy certain financial and other criteria. Applicants must have clean criminal record, have no breaches of international laws, be of good character, in good health and provide funds from a legal source. Personal and business reputation is a key factor as well.

Main applicant must be at least 18 years old. Eligible dependants include spouse, children up to 26 years of age and parents over 65 years old.

Government contribution

All investors applying to get a Montenegrin passport are required to make a one-off non-refundable donation of €100,000 to the national fund in the form of the Government fee.

Business investment

Apart from the contribution amount mentioned above, applicants are offered to invest in one of the three investment options in government-approved real estate projects:

1. €250,000 if a development project is located in the underdeveloped areas of Montenegro, namely in the northern and central regions of the country.
2. €450,000 if a project will be launched in the coastal regions of Montenegro and Podgorica, which are developed areas.
3. €5 or €15 million investments in tourism or hotel projects with creation of jobs.

Additional fees

To apply under the Montenegro’s citizenship program, the main applicant must pay an application fee of €15,000 if applying alone. Additional €10,000 are charged for a maximum of 4 family members, and each extra dependant costs €50,000.

Due diligence and passport fees apply.

Montenegro’s residence by investment

Although the investment amount is much less than under the citizenship program, €100,000, passport can only be granted after 10 years of permanent residence and lawfully living in Montenegro. Money must be invested in real estate, business or science projects.

Your 5 steps to Montenegro’s citizenship

The application procedure is efficient and transparent. Subject to compliance with all requirements, you and your family will get passport in 6 months.

Step 1: Book an appointment with our specialists and sign a client agreement.

Step 2: Get permanent residence in 3 weeks.

Step 3: Pass background checks.

Step 4: Make investment.

Step 5: Get your Montenegro’s passport.