Montenegro

How to Get Montenegrin Citizenship

Montenegro is a young country with a bright future. Since declaring independence from Serbia, in 2006, the government has set the country on a course for growth and prosperity. Montenegro is also a founding member of the Union for the Mediterranean, and is currently in the process of joining the European Union

In part, that means being open to the idea that immigration (which may eventually lead to citizenship) will be a cornerstone of the country’s future.

The Law of Montenegrin Citizenship (2008) governs the Balkan nation’s qualifications for citizenship.

There are a few slightly complicated situations, but generally, it is a straight path to citizenship. Below you’ll find all you need to know about how to get Montenegrin citizenship.

Benefits of Montenegrin Citizenship

As one of the most stable and prosperous countries in the Balkans, Montenegrin citizenship offers several noteworthy benefits.

A European Lifestyle at a Lower Cost

Montenegro offers a safe way-of-life served by a European-style infrastructure. Montenegro is on track for EU membership and clearly, that is part of the calculation for many expats.

A Strong Passport

The Montenegrin passport is ranked 42nd in the world and comes as one of the primary benefits of citizenship.

Affordable Income Taxes

At 9-11%, Montenegro has one of the lowest personal income tax rates in the world.

Those with a temporary residence permit qualify for tax residency after spending 183 days (in a particular tax year) in Montenegro.  But progressing to full citizenship will give you more certainty about your tax status and clear up complicated double taxation situations, especially for US citizens.

Montenegrin Citizenship by Investment

Starting in January 2019, the Montenegrin government launched a citizenship-by-investment program (CIP). The idea is to jumpstart foreign direct investment (FDI), especially in the undeveloped north, by offering citizenship to those who meet a few criteria.

This is the fastest way to Montenegrin citizenship.

Details of the Montenegrin CIP

If you have a half-a-million euros and an urgent desire for a new passport, you probably already know that Montenegro’s program is one of the best on the market right now.

It’s important to also be aware that:

There is a cap of 2,000 participants, from outside the EU. The program expires once the quota is filled or four years passes, until December 21, 2022.

Applications are expected to be tentatively approved (and permanent residence granted) within three weeks.

Due diligence should be wrapped up within three months, at which point successful applicants will get full citizenship.

As a Montenegrin passport holder, you can travel and visit, visa-free, through the Schengen zone, Russia, Turkey and many other nations, even before Montenegro joins the European Union (expected in 12-24 months).

Your family members can obtain citizenship under the same process. The whole family does not have to live in Montenegro, and they have the right to dual or multiple citizenships.

As a citizen, you can elect to have your income subject to the Montenegrin tax system and request a tax certificate as proof to share with your home country. This can be very advantageous.

Citizenship by Investment Requirements

Obviously, Montenegro wants to retain the integrity of its country. Passports will not be issued to just anybody willing to paying their way into the country.

The core requirements for this program include:

You have not been convicted of a criminal offence, leading to a jail term of more than one year.

The agent reviewing your application have a positive opinion of your character while completing international due diligence.

You are able to provide evidence of the origin of the money that you will use for payment and investment, leading to your citizenship.

You are able to supply all of the required personal documents.

Required Personal Documents

In order to successfully submit your application, you will need to provide the following personal documents for yourself and your family members:

application form for the citizenship approval

notarized passport copy (certified with apostille, if applicable)

an original birth certificate/extract

an original marriage certificate/extract

a health insurance policy, valid in Montenegro

a medical report, assessing your health for infectious diseases

statement detailing the origin of funds for your fee payment and investments

CIP Fees and Investment Amounts

Montenegro’s citizenship by investment program is one of the best value options for a second passport right now.

These are:

Pay €200,000 to the Montenegrin government, which goes into their development fund, to support infrastructure in non-tourist areas of the country.

And make a €250,000 investment in a government-approved development project, generally the north (away from the coast) of Montenegro.

Or make a €450,000 investment in a government-approved development project in the developed, southern part of Montenegro.