The Montenegrin authorities have decided to take foreign business seriously. The Parliament is considering amendments to the Law on Foreigners, which will radically change the rules of the game for obtaining and extending a residence permit. Owners of companies and individual entrepreneurs will be especially hard hit.
What exactly is changing for business
The main blow is aimed at “dead souls” – companies that exist only on paper. Now, in order to extend a residence permit, owners of companies with a share of 51% of the authorized capital and individual entrepreneurs will have to employ at least three full-time employees. One of them must be a citizen of Montenegro.
This is a serious turn. Previously, it was possible to easily register a DOO (analogous to an LLC) with an authorized capital of 1 euro and receive a residence permit without any special requirements for personnel. Now this will not work.
Special control will apply to:
- IT specialists and digital nomads.
- Healthcare workers.
- Household sector.
European standards and digitalization
The amendments are designed to bring immigration procedures in line with EU standards. This is logical – Montenegro is actively moving towards joining the European Union, and the country’s passport already provides visa-free access to more than 120 countries. There will also be positive innovations. The entire application process is planned to be transferred to a digital format – visas and temporary residence permits can be issued online. Mobile assistance points will be created for the elderly and disabled.
A separate category will be created for digital nomads — they will need to confirm their employment and the existence of a registered company. And pensioners with an income of 2,000 euros per month will receive a new type of residence permit.
Humanitarian concessions
It’s not all that bad. The draft law takes into account humanitarian aspects:
- Foreigners who have lost their jobs due to legal proceedings against their employers will receive a humanitarian residence permit.
- Income confirmation is no longer required to reunite with Montenegrin citizens.
- Asylum seekers will be given the right to work after 9 months of waiting.
Bill status
The Government of Montenegro has already adopted amendments to the law, now they must be approved by members of the Skupština (parliament). There are no exact dates for adoption yet, but the process is active. And our experts in the field of migration law believe that changes are inevitable.
Are you planning to obtain or extend a residence permit in Montenegro? Our migration lawyers will help you understand the new legal requirements and prepare documents taking into account the current changes. We monitor all innovations and advise on optimal strategies for obtaining the required status. Leave a request for a consultation – we will discuss your situation and the possibilities of legalization in the new conditions.
Journalist, editor with 9 years of experience in investment immigration. I specialize in analysis of residency and tax programs, as well as individual selection of jurisdictions for relocation.
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