Entry, Movement, and Stay

A foreigner can enter, move around, and stay in Montenegro with a valid foreign travel document that contains a visa or with a valid foreign travel document along with a permit for temporary residence, a permit for temporary residence and work, or a permanent residence permit, unless otherwise specified by this law or international agreements. A valid foreign travel document is considered one that has been issued within the last ten years and will not expire for at least three months after the planned departure date from Montenegro.

Exceptionally, in a justified emergency, the validity period of a foreign travel document may be shorter, but it cannot expire before the planned departure date from Montenegro.

Entry of a Foreigner with Multiple Nationalities

If a foreigner entering Montenegro has multiple nationalities, they are considered a citizen of the country that issued the foreign travel document with which they entered Montenegro. The foreigner mentioned in this section must use the foreign travel document with which they entered Montenegro during their stay in Montenegro.

Entry and Exit Based on a Joint Travel Document

A foreigner listed in another person's foreign travel document can enter and exit Montenegro only in the company of the person in whose travel document they are listed. Foreigners who have a joint passport or another joint foreign travel document can enter and exit Montenegro only together. Foreigners listed in a travel document from the previous section must also have another identification document with a photograph to establish their identity. The group leader must have their own passport.

Visa types:

• Airport Visa (A)
• Tranist (B)
• Short Stay Visa (C)
• Long Visa (D)

Airport Transit visa (A) is issued for one or multiple transits through Montenegro's international airport transit area during international flights, without entry into Montenegro. The visa is valid for up to 3 months. Generally, foreigners who remain within the international transit area during layovers at Montenegro airports or during international flights do not require a visa. However, the Government of Montenegro may require an airport transit visa for nationals of specific countries for reasons related to national security and legal order.

Transit visa (B) be issued for one, two, or exceptionally several transits through Montenegro's territory, with a validity of up to 6 months. With a transit visa, a foreigner can stay in Montenegro for up to 5 days during each transit. This visa may be issued if the foreigner has obtained entry into the destination state. Transit visas can be individual or collective.

Short Stay visa (C) is available for one, two, or multiple entries into Montenegro for purposes such as tourism, business, personal visits, or other reasons. The total duration of consecutive stays or continuous stay may not exceed 90 days within a 6-month period, starting from the date of the first entry. The validity period for multiple-entry Visa C is up to one year. In exceptional cases, this visa type may be issued with a longer validity, but not exceeding five years. Short stay visas can also be issued for groups of foreigners (collective visas), with a collective visa's validity period not exceeding 30 days, which can be affixed to a group passport.

Long Stay visa (D) may be issued to a foreigner for one, two, or multiple entries into Montenegro, with the intention to stay in Montenegro for over 90 days but no longer than 6 months within a one-year period, starting from the first entry. This visa type may be granted to foreigners:

• Intending to stay in Montenegro for business activities, provide advisory expert services as per agreements on business and technical cooperation, long-term production cooperation, transfer of technologies, and foreign investments.
• Serving in Montenegro as a member of a foreign diplomatic or consular office, an international organization accredited to Montenegro, or an economic and cultural representative office, including their family members or household members holding diplomatic or official passports.d from the relevant state authority, no more than six months prior to the application date-must be apostilled.

In specific cases, temporary residence permission in Montenegro may be considered equivalent to a long stay visa. According to Article 35 of the Law on Foreigners, this permission may be granted to foreigners intending to stay in Montenegro for more than 90 days for purposes such as:

• Employment and work, including economic or business activities.
• Seasonal work.
• Secondary education and studies.
• Participation in student exchange programs or other youth programs.
• Specialization, professional training, and acquisition of practical skills
• Scientific research.
• Medical treatment.
• Family reunification.
• Humanitarian reasons.

Invitation letter for visa C&D

A long-stay visa (D visa) may be issued if a foreigner possesses an invitation letter from an individual or legal entity stating that this individual or legal entity will cover the expenses of their stay in Montenegro, including accommodation, living expenses, and the cost of departing Montenegro.

Additionally, it's worth noting that the government may request individuals applying for a short-stay visa (C visa) to provide an invitation letter from the person or business they intend to visit.

Types of Residence

A foreigner's residence in Montenegro, according to this law, falls into one of the following categories: Residence for up to 90 days; Temporary residence; Permanent residence.

Right to Stay for Up to 90 Days

A foreigner can stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days with a short-term stay visa (C visa) or without a visa, in accordance with the visa regime regulations.

Which countries have a visa agreement with Montenegro?

Citizens and holders of ordinary passports of the following 97 countries and territories can enter Montenegro without a visa up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted)

How much time can I spend outside of Montenegro as a temporary resident?

• Standard Temporary Residents: Temporary residents are generally permitted to stay outside of Montenegro for up to 30 days without any specific requirements or notifications.
• Extended Temporary Stays: If you anticipate the need to remain outside of Montenegro for a period exceeding 30 days but not exceeding 90 days, it is essential to inform the Ministry of Interior and the local police department in advance. This notification should be accompanied by legitimate reasons for your extended absence.
• Special Privilege for Company Directors Directors of companies in Montenegro may enjoy a special privilege, allowing them to stay outside of the country for periods exceeding 90 days. To exercise this privilege, it is imperative to liaise closely with the relevant authorities and adhere to any specific regulations applicable to this unique category of temporary residents.

Compliance with these regulations ensures that your temporary residency in Montenegro remains in good standing while accommodating your needs for travel and extended stays. It is advisable to stay informed about any potential updates or changes in these regulations by consulting with the appropriate government authorities

Please note that the specific requirements and privileges may vary, so it's always a good practice to ensure full compliance with the latest regulations. Contact us for more information

Temporary residence permit

Temporary residence and work permits in Montenegro are designed to facilitate the legal employment of foreigners in the country, ensuring compliance with local labor regulations. These permits offer foreigners the opportunity to reside and work in Montenegro for a specified period, contributing to the diversity and growth of the local workforce.

Such permits are typically initially issued with a validity of up to one year and can be renewed for a maximum of two years. The extension of these permits is contingent on meeting specific criteria, which vary depending on the type of employment.

Entrepreneurs and executive directors in companies where they are the sole owners or own more than 51% of the capital benefit from the opportunity to extend their residencies as long as the conditions are met. There is also a possibility of permanent residency, which becomes available after spending 5 consecutive years in Montenegro.

Temporary residence may be granted to a foreigner intending to stay in Montenegro for a period longer than 90 days for the purpose of:

• family reunification
• secondary education or study
• participation in programs of international student exchanges or other programs for the young
• specialization, vocational training and practical training
• scientific research work
• medical treatment
• humanitarian reasons
• the right to have on disposal of immovable property owned in Montenegro
• conducting religious services
• work

With exception of work, a foreigner who is granted a temporary residence permit may stay in Montenegro in accordance with the purpose for which his/her temporary stay was granted.

A foreigner may be granted a temporary residence permit if:

• he/she has means of subsistence
• he/she has provided accommodation
• he/she has health insurance
• he/she has submitted evidence justifying of the application for a permit issuance; he/she has a valid foreign travel document or identity card issued by the competent authority of another state
• he/she was not imposed a prohibition on entry and residence in Montenegro; in Montenegro he/she has not been legally sentenced to an imprisonment of more than six months for a criminal offense prosecuted ex officio, or the legal consequences of a conviction ceased
• in the country of origin he/she has not been legally sentenced to an imprisonment of more than six months for a criminal offense prosecuted ex officio, or the legal consequences of a conviction ceased
• there are no restrictions due to the reasons of national security, public order or public health
• he/she has submitted evidence of justifying the application for a permit issuance

Temporary residence permit for the provision of contracted services

A foreigner can provide contracted services based on an agreement concluded between a foreign legal entity and a legal entity with its registered office in Montenegro for which the services are provided.

Contracted services can also be provided by a foreigner who is registered to perform commercial and other activities in another country based on an agreement concluded with a legal entity with its registered office in Montenegro (independent expert).

A foreigner employed by a foreign legal entity can provide contracted services in accordance with the agreement.

Work registration certificate

Based on the issued work registration certificate in Montenegro, foreigners can reside and work for up to 90 days within a one-year timeframe. This applies to:

1. Those performing tasks in Montenegro under international agreements concluded by Montenegro with international organizations or the European Union for technical assistance or based on other confirmed international agreements.
2. Founders, members of management and executive bodies of a company, as well as auditors engaged by that company.
3. Professors, lecturers, and scientific researchers participating in a research project of significance for Montenegro.
4. Lecturers participating in organized professional events and seminars.
5. Civil and military officials of other governments coming to Montenegro based on cooperation agreements with the government.
6. Those providing services requiring higher education or specialized knowledge and experience, with prior approval from the relevant state administration body in the field where the service is provided.
7. Those conducting approved research activities in Montenegro.
8. Correspondents accredited in Montenegro or foreign media correspondents.
9. Artists and technical personnel for opera, ballet, theater, concerts, visual, and other cultural events, if they do not stay in Montenegro for more than 30 days or three months annually with interruptions.
10. Authors and performers in the fields of film, television, music, music-scenic, dance, and ballet arts, as well as accompanying technical personnel, if they do not stay in Montenegro for more than 30 days or three months annually with interruptions.
11. Employees of foreign companies providing additional training and development for their employees, as well as employees undergoing additional training and development with a legal entity based in Montenegro that is business-related or owned by a foreign company.
12. Those coming to Montenegro to participate in sports competitions.
13. Those performing tasks related to the delivery, assembly, or servicing of machinery or equipment, provided their work does not exceed 30 days continuously or three months annually with interruptions.
14. Those participating in trade fairs or exhibitions where their employer is exhibiting.
15. Pupils or students performing internships in Montenegro based on international agreements on student exchange.
16. Those coming to Montenegro to operate within registered humanitarian organizations.
17. Service providers negotiating service sales or concluding service contracts.
18. Employees in circuses or amusement parks.

Permit for temporary residence and work for seasonal empoyment

Seasonal employment of a foreigner refers to temporary employment for performing seasonal tasks in seasonal industries.

A temporary residence and work permit for seasonal employment is issued with a validity period of up to six months within a one-year timeframe.

Exceptionally, if the nature of seasonal work demands it, the permit mentioned in paragraph 2 of this article can be extended for an additional two months with the same or a different employer, provided that the permit's validity period does not exceed eight months within a one-year timeframe.

Temporary residence for medical treatment

Temporary residence permit for medical treatment in Montenegro can be granted to a foreigner who meets the requirements of the law, and who submits a certificate issued by the health institution where he/she will be treated, including the time required for the treatment, proving the legitimacy of the application for temporary residence. The temporary residence permit may be extended for the time required for the treatment of the foreigner.

Temporary residence for Specialization, Professional Training or Practical Training

The temporary residence permit for the purpose of specialization, professional training or practical training may be granted to a foreigner who meets the requirements of the law, and who files a certificate issued by a competent authority, institution or other legal entity in Montenegro approving the specialization, professional training or practical training, as well as a program establishing the duration of his/her stay, as a proof of legitimacy of the application for temporary residence.

Temporary Residence for High School or Higher Education

Temporary residence permit for the purpose of high school or higher education may be granted to a foreigner provided that the requirements of the law are met, with a certificate of studying or attending university enclosed as a proof of legitimacy of the application for temporary residence.

For the granting of temporary residence permit to a minor foreigner, for the purpose of secondary education, an approval of his/her parent, foster parent or legal representative shall be required.

Temporary Residence for Family Reunification

A temporary residence permit for family reunification shall be granted to a foreigner who is an immediate family member of a Montenegrin national or a foreigner who was granted the status of a temporary resident in Montenegro.

An immediate family shall include: spouses, their children born in or out of wedlock, step children and adopted children, up to 18 years.

In the case of a polygamous marriage, family reunification shall be allowed only to one spouse.

Temporary residence permit shall not be issued to a family member of a foreigner who was issued a permit for residence and work for a seasonal employment.

Temporary residence for family reunification shall be granted for a term not exceeding one year or until the expiry of the temporary residence permit of the foreigner with whom the reunification was requested.

Temporary residence permit for family reunification may be extended when a Montenegrin citizen has died, as well as in the case of termination of marriage that lasted in Montenegro for at least three years.

Deciding on the Application

A permanent residence permit shall be issued by the Ministry, followed by the prior opinion of the Agency and the police about the existence of obstacles due to the reasons of national security or public order.

The Agency and the Police are obliged to deliver to the Ministry the opinion without any delay and not later than 60 days from a receipt of the request for an opinion.

If the Ministry receives no opinion within the prescribed period, it shall be deemed that there are no obstacles for the issuance of a permanent residence permit.

An application for a permanent residence permit issuance shall be decided within six months of filing a complete application.

A rejection of the application for a permanent residence permit shall be stipulated by a decision. An appeal may be initiated against the decision .

The Rights of a Foreigner with Permanent Residence

A foreigner who is granted permanent residence in Montenegro has the right to:

• labor
• education and professional training
• recognition of diplomas and certificates
• social welfare, health and pension insurance
• tax benefits
• access to the market for goods and services
• freedom of association, connecting and membership of organizations representing the interests of workers or employers. A foreigner shall be entitled to the rights in accordance with the laws regulating the manner of exercising these rights

Acquiring of Citizenship

Montenegrin nationality can be acquired by:

1. Origin
2. Birth in the territory of Montenegro
3. Admittance
4. International treaties and agreements

Montenegrin nationality by origin

Montenegrin nationality by origin is acquired by a child:

• whose both parents are Montenegrin nationals at the moment of the child’s birth
• whose one parent is Montenegrin national at the moment of child’s birth, and the child was born in Montenegro
• whose one parent is Montenegrin national at the moment of child’s birth, the other parent does not have nationality or is of unknown nationality or is unknown, and the child was born in the territory of another state
• whose one parent is Montenegrin national at the moment of child’s birth, and the child was born in the territory of another state, if the child is to remain without nationality
• born in the territory of another state, whose one parent is Montenegrin national at the moment of child’s birth, if an application for entry into the Birth Register and Register of Montenegrin Nationals is submitted by the time the child turns 18 years of age, if the child does not have the nationality of another state
• person who is 18 years of age, whose one parent is Montenegrin national, and the other parent is the national of another state, if an application for entry into Register of Montenegrin Nationals is submitted by the time child turns 23 years of age
• in case of a complete adoption, if one of the adoptive parents is Montenegrin national

Montenegrin nationality by birth

Montenegrin nationality by birth the territory of Montenegro shall be acquired by a child born or found in the territory of Montenegro, if both parents are unknown or of unknown nationality or without nationality or if the child is to remain without nationality

Montenegrin nationality by admittance

Montenegrin nationality by admittance shall be acquired by a person who, in accordance with the interests of Montenegro, fulfills requirements prescribed in Articles 8 and 9, who was granted a permanent residence in Montenegro pursuant to the regulations of the Law on Foreigners, and who is married to a Montenegrin national for at least 3 years and who is granted a permanent residence in Montenegro or a person whose admission to nationality would be of special interest for Montenegro.

Montenegrin emigrant and a member of his/her family of the third degree of kinship in the direct line may acquire Montenegrin nationality by admission if they legally and continually reside in Montenegro for at least two years and fulfill conditions referred to in Article 8, paragraph 1, item 1, 4, 5, 7 and 8 of the Law on Montenegrin Nationality.

A child acquires Montenegrin nationality by admittance, if:

1. Both parents acquired Montenegrin nationality by admittance
2. one of the parents acquired Montenegrin nationality by admittance and if he/she legally and continually resides in Montenegro with the child
3. legally and continually resides in Montenegro with adoptive parent who is a Montenegrin national, in case of incomplete adoption

Not sure where to begin?

Schedule a free 30-minute discovery call to discuss starting & operating your company and obtaining the residency permit in Montenegro.