IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR 2026: The Montenegrin government made changes to the law on foreigners on 31st December 2025, making it significantly more difficult to receive temporary residency on the basis of opening a company or by purchasing property.

Initial changes are that a property bought for residency must have a tax-assessed value of more than 150,000 euro (this is NOT the same as the purchase price), and companies used as a basis for residency must pay at least 5,000 euro per year in taxes and social contributions.

EU citizens are exempt from both these requirements: however, a company used for temporary residency must still show genuine business activity and operations in Montenegro.

People who got temporary residency through property in previous years and have a property valued at less than 150,000e appear to be grand-fathered in for future renewals. However, it seems that this kind of residency will no longer be a path to permanent residency.

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So, you made the rational decision to live in Montenegro based on its favourable tax regime and potential accession to the EU.

Or, you just came on holiday and fell in love with the beautiful nature, good people, and incredible diversity in such a small country – and on a whim decided to up and move your life here.