Montenegro Introduces Major Changes to Its Immigration Law: What You Need to Know

Written By Bojana Minic

Montenegro has adopted significant amendments to its immigration framework, bringing stricter compliance standards, expanded digitalization, and clearer rules for residence and work permits. These changes are designed to better align immigration with labor market needs, reduce misuse of residence permits, and modernize application procedures.

Below is an overview of the key changes and how they may affect foreign nationals, employers, and investors.

Stricter Compliance and Substance Requirements

Authorities are intensifying controls to prevent abuse of immigration regulations. The focus has shifted toward economic substance, meaning that “paper companies” without real business activity will face increased scrutiny. Employers and foreign nationals are expected to demonstrate genuine operations, employment, and tax compliance.

Introduction of Annual Quotas

The government now sets annual quotas for temporary residence and work permits based on labor market demand. For example, 28,988 permits have been allocated for 2026. Once the quota is reached, new permits may not be issued unless the applicant qualifies for an exemption.

Expansion of Visa D Categories

The long-term Visa D has been expanded to cover additional grounds, including:

  • Family reunification

  • Education and study

  • Volunteering

  • Property management

This change provides greater flexibility for foreigners planning extended stays in Montenegro.

Electronic Applications for Visas and Permits

Montenegro is introducing a digital application process through the Visa Information System (VIS). Once fully implemented:

  • Visa applications can be submitted electronically

  • Temporary residence permits and integrated work and residence permits can be applied for online

However, applicants must still personally appear at a police station within 10 days of entering Montenegro to provide biometric data.

Temporary Residence Based on Real Estate Ownership

Foreigners applying for temporary residence based on real estate ownership must now prove that their property is worth at least EUR 150,000, as determined by the Tax Authority’s transfer tax decision.

This requirement does not apply to:

  • EU citizens and their family members (regardless of nationality)

  • Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland

Importantly, residence permits issued before 17 January 2026 on this basis can still be renewed without meeting the minimum value threshold.

Stricter Rules for Renewal of Integrated Residence and Work Permits

Extensions of integrated temporary residence and work permits are now limited to:

  • Foreigners employed full-time

  • Directors employed part-time by more than one employer

Registered entrepreneurs and employee-directors who own more than 51% of the company may renew their permits only if the company paid at least EUR 5,000 in taxes and contributions in the previous year.
This condition does not apply to EU nationals or citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

Special Regime for IT and Healthcare Professionals

Foreigners employed in the IT and healthcare sectors benefit from a more favorable regime:

  • Employment contracts must be for at least 12 months

  • Permits may be issued for up to three years, with one additional three-year renewal

This aims to attract highly skilled professionals in critical sectors.

Introduction of Staff Leasing Permits

Temporary integrated work and residence permits can now be issued to foreigners leased to Montenegrin employers through foreign staff leasing agencies.

Key points include:

  • Initial validity of up to one year

  • Renewable for a maximum of two additional years

  • Montenegrin Labour Act applies to leased workers regarding working hours, salary, health and safety, accommodation, maternity protection, and anti-discrimination rules

Expanded Annual Quota Exemptions

The list of foreigners exempt from annual quotas has been significantly expanded. Exemptions apply, among others, to:

  • Foreigners working under international agreements

  • Executive directors and entrepreneurs

  • Managers with university degrees

  • Seconded managers, specialists, and interns

  • Employees in the IT sector

  • Staff leased workers

  • EU citizens and nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland

  • Daily cross-border migrants

New Deadlines for Permit Renewals

Applications for renewal of temporary residence permits and integrated work and residence permits must be submitted:

  • No earlier than 60 days, and

  • No later than 30 days before the permit expires

Missing this window may result in loss of legal status.

Final Thoughts

These amendments represent a major shift in Montenegro’s immigration policy, emphasizing transparency, compliance, and alignment with economic needs. Foreign nationals and employers should carefully review the new requirements and plan applications and renewals well in advance to avoid disruptions.

Author

Bojana Minic

Managing Director | RC Montenegro Consulting

How to get in touch with us?

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Bojana Minic
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