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From January 17, 2026, Montenegro has implemented significant changes to the Law on Foreigners, adopted on December 31, 2025. These amendments redefine the process for obtaining and renewing temporary residence and work permits for foreign nationals. The new rules aim to increase transparency in business operations and establish clear economic thresholds for residency.
This guide explains all key changes, including their impact on property owners, entrepreneurs, employees, students, IT specialists, and digital nomads.
1. The “€5,000 Rule” for Company Owners
The most significant change affects foreign entrepreneurs and executive directors who own more than 51% of a company registered in Montenegro.
- Financial threshold for renewal: To extend a residence permit, such individuals must now provide proof of paying at least €5,000 in taxes and contributions for the previous year.
- Exceptions: This requirement does not apply to EU citizens and their family members. Note: This rule applies to both new applications and renewals of existing permits under this category.
2. Proof of Means of Subsistence
While demonstrating sufficient means of subsistence remains mandatory, the law introduces a differentiated approach:
- EU citizens: No fixed minimum amount is required. Authorities assess financial sufficiency individually; income above the social assistance threshold is considered adequate.
- Students: Can provide a personal statement confirming they will not rely on social support.
- Third-country nationals: Specific requirements are defined in ministerial regulations, including acceptable proof and minimum sums.
3. Residence Permit Through Property Ownership
New Requirements
- Minimum property value: For new applications, the property must have an assessed value of at least €150,000, verified by tax documents.
- Ownership share: The applicant must own at least 50% of the property.
- Tax compliance: Proof of property tax payment is required for the entire period of the previous permit upon renewal.
- Exceptions: EU citizens, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland are exempt from the €150,000 threshold.
Transitional Provisions
For those holding existing property-based permits issued before January 17, 2026:
- Renewal under previous rules: Article 217b allows renewal according to the old law, even if the application is submitted after the new law’s effective date.
- Validity: All existing permits remain valid until the end of their original term.
- Tax confirmation: Renewal requires proof of full property tax payment for the period of the previous permit.
Summary: For “old” permits, the €150,000 property threshold does not apply, but tax obligations remain mandatory.
4. Digital Nomad Status
The law officially regulates foreign nationals working remotely for foreign companies:
- Definition: A digital nomad is a foreigner working via electronic means for a company or their own business not registered in Montenegro.
- Permit duration: Up to 2 years, with a possible extension of another 2 years (maximum stay of 4 years).
- Restriction: Status is lost if the individual registers a business in Montenegro.
5. Special Provisions for IT Professionals
Foreign IT specialists employed by Montenegrin companies benefit from flexible residence permits:
- Initial permit: Up to 3 years, provided employment contract is at least 12 months.
- Renewal: Up to 3 years, simplifying long-term employment.
6. Electronic Application and Biometrics
Montenegro introduces digital procedures via the Ministry’s VIS system:
- Online submission: Applications for visas and residence permits can be filed electronically.
- In-person requirement: Applicants must appear within 10 days of arrival to provide biometric data (photo, fingerprints, digital signature).
7. Education and Qualification Verification
The law clarifies who must provide proof of education:
- Employees: Must submit diploma and qualification documents when applying for a work or seasonal permit.
- Company owners (>51% ownership): Exempt from submitting educational documents or a written job offer when applying for a residence permit.
8. Additional Rules on Permit Renewal
General Transitional Rules
- Article 217a: All residence permit procedures started before January 17, 2026, are finalized under the previous law.
Company Owners (>51% Ownership)
- Renewal requires proof of tax and contribution payments ≥ €5,000 per year (exceptions: EU citizens and their families).
Employees
- Required documents: passport, proof of accommodation, employer’s written job offer.
- Biometrics: if last submission was over 5 years ago, resubmission is necessary.
Rule of Same Basis
- Renewal is allowed only under the same legal basis as the previous permit. Exception: family reunification.
Validity of Old Permits
- All residence and work permits issued under the old law remain valid until the end of their term.
9. Important Advisory: Current Practice and Gaps
Given that these changes have only recently come into effect, there is no established practice yet, and some sub-legal acts provided by the new law are not yet published. This affects the current process of submitting and processing new and renewal applications, which still contains gaps and ambiguous interpretations.
Recommendations:
- Stay updated with official news and clarifications.
- Carefully follow updated requirements when filing applications.
- Consult professional legal or migration experts when needed to minimize risks of errors during submission and renewal.
Conclusion
The 2025 amendments demonstrate Montenegro’s goal to:
- Attract qualified professionals and high-net-worth investors;
- Enhance control over nominal companies;
- Simplify state interactions through digital systems while maintaining high security standards.
Special attention is given to:
- Property owners (with transitional provisions for existing permits),
- Entrepreneurs and company directors,
- IT specialists and digital nomads.
These reforms make Montenegro’s residence permit system more transparent, predictable, and user-friendly for foreign nationals.