New Law on Foreigners in Montenegro from 2026: What is really changing and who is affected

On January 19, 2026, a new Law on Foreigners entered into force in Montenegro, which brought changes in the area of residence permits for foreign property owners and entrepreneurs.

However, along with its adoption , a large amount of inaccurate or incomplete information has also begun to spread, especially on social networks, in private discussion groups or on Telegram. These are often claims without legal interpretation, which can cause unnecessary concerns among investors.

The aim of this article is to clearly summarize what the law actually stipulates , who the changes affect, and what foreign owners and entrepreneurs should be aware of.

Minimum property value for stay: Yes, but with exceptions

The new law introduces a minimum property value of €150,000 for residence applications based on property ownership.

The value of the property will be assessed according to the data of the Montenegrin Tax Administration , not according to the purchase price stated in the contract.

This condition does not apply to citizens:

- Member States of the European Union
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- Norway
- Switzerland

The conditions for residence remain significantly simpler for these persons.

An obligation that applies to everyone
Regardless of nationality, each applicant must demonstrate that:

- all taxes related to the property are duly paid.

Ambiguities in practice: multiple properties, co-ownership, older purchases

In practice, frequent questions now appear, especially from people who:

- owns multiple properties,
- owns only a share in the property ,
- they purchased the property many years ago , often at a significantly lower price.

These situations are not yet clearly regulated by methodological guidelines of state authorities . It is expected that specific interpretations and application practices will be gradually clarified. Until then, an individual assessment of each case is in order.

Business-based residence remains intact

The good news for investors is that residence on the basis of business activity remains possible.

The conditions are as follows:

- the applicant is the sole owner of the company , or
- owns more than 51% of the business share, and at the same time
- the company pays at least EUR 5,000 per year in taxes.

As with residence based on real estate, these conditions do not apply to citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

What is not in the law after all

Despite earlier speculation , the obligation to employ local citizens was not included in the final version of the law. This information is especially important for smaller entrepreneurs and investors who were concerned about increased costs.

Should foreign investors be worried?

No.
The law itself does not pose a major threat to foreign property owners or entrepreneurs.

Risks usually arise not from the law as such, but from:

- disinformation,
- misinterpretations,
- incorrectly or incompletely prepared documentation.

That is why it is crucial to follow official explanations and approach each case individually.

Summary
New Law on Foreigners in Montenegro:

- introduces a minimum property value of EUR 150,000 , but with significant exceptions,
- retains the possibility of residence on the basis of business,
- does not impose an obligation to employ local workers,
- emphasizes tax transparency and proper documentation.

For informed investors, Montenegro remains an attractive destination for investment, business and long-term residence.