Montenegro, located in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Montenegro was established as a sovereign country in 2006. It is now a NATO member, uses the euro as its currency, and is a candidate for EU membership. That is why lot of people want to get Montenegro Passport. Montenegrin is the official language, but Serbian, Bosnian and Croatian are also widely spoken.
Montenegro is home to 629,000 people, untouched peaks, and sparkling lakes. It’s also known for its warm, welcoming hospitality. The country’s heart is Mount Lovcen. The stunning Adriatic Coast, which spans 273km, is indented by pristine sandy beaches and includes the elite Porto Montenegro. This is one of Europe’s most sought-after luxury destinations. This natural harbor hosts superyachts, helicopter fleets, exquisite properties, and luxurious nightclubs.
The medieval city of Kotor is located nearby. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features mountainous terrain that frames Venetian, Austrian and baroque-style buildings. This stable and safe country’s economic engine is dominated by tourism, with Montenegro regularly ranked as one of the top tourist destinations in the world.
Applying for Montenegro Passport in 2022
Are you wondering about how to get Montenegro passport? Montenegro is a country that the World Bank considers one of the fastest-growing Balkan economies. The nation is rapidly becoming a strategic destination for many of the most important industries in the world.
Before visiting Montenegro, you must take into consideration new travel regulations. ETIAS is a new visa waiver otherwise known as the European Travel Information and Authorization System. The purpose behind European Union’s creation of ETIAS was to strengthen and protect its borders, as well as the EU residents and visitors. ETIAS visa waiver program for Europe aims to identify potential threats and risks that could be associated with visitors traveling to any Schengen Area country.
Many foreigners are enquiring whether it’s a good choice to invest in a Montenegrin passport, as the country offers advantageous conditions for acquiring citizenship through foreign investment. The country’s dual citizenship policy is also one of the most permissive in the world.
The Montenegrin passport is 46th on the Passport Index. It allows its holders visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry to 124 destinations worldwide, including Hong Kong. There are many paths to Montenegro citizenship: we’ll look at each of them one by one. But before, let’s try to answer why so many people apply for Montenegrin citizenship.
Is the Montenegro passport powerful?
Yes, the Montenegrin passport is considered powerful and one of the best in the world. According to the Guide Passport Ranking Index, the Montenegrin passport rank is currently 46th among global passports. According to the Guide Passport Ranking Index, Montenegro’s passport ranking is due in part to its ability to allow for global entry. Montenegrin passport holders can travel visa-free to 123 different countries but otherwise require a visa to enter 76 countries worldwide.
The number of countries that a national passport holder can travel to visa-free is a measure of how prestigious the passport is. The Montenegro passport rank reflects the number and accessibility to visa-free countries for Montenegrin passport holders. Visa-free countries are those that allow entry without the need for a visa and those with electronic travel authorization (ETA) or visas on arrival.
How do I get a Montenegro passport?
According to the Henley Passport Index, Montenegro is ranked 42nd in its power ranking of passports.This is higher than Russia, Turkey and China.
Montenegro’s strong passport is a reason why it is a popular choice for adventurous travelers, international businesspeople, and location-independent entrepreneurs.
As we mentioned above, ETIAS will change the way how people travel. ETIAS stands for Europe Travel Information and Authorization System. In order to obtain it, you will have to fulfill ETIAS requirements and then you will be able to travel freely. The EU felt the need to increase safety after terrorist attacks. Therefore, they created ETIAS to improve security in the region for both locals and tourists.
Montenegro’s full citizenship confers the right to a passport. The process of getting a passport is quite difficult for most people. Here are the steps to obtain a Montenegrin passport.
There are three ways for those without direct historical or akin relations to Montenegro to get a passport: become permanent resident, marry a Montenegrin citizen, or invest.
How many countries are visa-free for Montenegro?
Over the past few years, the government of Montenegro worked to expand visa-free travel for its citizens. The Montenegrin passport allows its citizens to travel without a visa across all the Schengen area countries and offers visa-free/visa-on-arrival benefits to more than 120 countries.
You can easily apply for an E-Visa to countries in Asia or Africa with a Montenegro passport. The Montenegro passport visa free countries amount to more than 120.
Why obtain a Montenegro passport?
Lot of people wonder if it is possible to buy Montenegro passport. We are going to cover all the important details regarding that. But firs, there are many benefits to holding a Montenegrin passport in your hands.
- Visa-free traveling to Singapore, UAE, and Schengen:
Montenegro citizens can travel visa-free to 123 countries. A Montenegro citizen can travel to 123 countries without a visa. They are allowed to spend up 90 days per year in Schengen countries. Access to the Schengen region is restricted from May 2025 onwards, and only those who have obtained a special permit through the ETIAS process will be allowed in.
- Moving to Montenegro or making Montenegro a “safe haven”:
Montenegro passport holders are allowed to visit the country anytime, even when its borders have been closed. They can live or stay in Montenegro for life. Tourists from other countries, however, can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 consecutive days without needing a visa.
- Getting an E-2 Business Visa to the USA
Montenegro citizens are eligible to apply for an E-2 visa that allows them to reside and work in the USA. The applicant must establish or purchase a business in the United States. The minimum investment is usually $100,000.
- Tax optimization
Montenegro’s income tax rate is 9%, one of the lowest in the world.
- No physical residence or language requirements
Applicants wishing to obtain a Montenegro passport do not need to present proof of physical residence in the country, nor do they need to pass a language test in the Montenegrin language.
- No restrictions on dual citizenship
Investors looking to keep their citizenship can do so if they apply for Montenegrin citizenship through direct investment.
How to get a Montenegrin golden passport in 2022
Montenegro Dual Citizenship
Montenegro golden passport is very interesting topic for lot of people. The country permits holding dual citizenship. It does not require relinquishing any previous citizenship as part of the new economic citizenship scheme.
Montenegrin Citizenship Through Naturalization
If the petitioner meets the following conditions, they may be admitted to Montenegro through naturalization.
- Has reached 18 years old;
- Has a release from foreign nationality;
- Was legally and uninterruptedly in Montenegro during the period 10 years before the petition for Montenegrin citizenship;
- A guaranteed residence in Montenegro and a guaranteed source of permanent income in Montenegro of an amount that allows for material and social welfare;
- is not being irrevocably sentenced in Montenegro or another foreign country to a term of imprisonment for more than one year or for a criminal offense prosecuted “ex officio.” The legal consequences of such a sentence are also abated;
- Possess active command of the Montenegrin language up to the point that allows basic communication;
- Is not a threat to Montenegro’s security and defense;
- Has discharged their tax obligations.
Montenegrin citizenship is acquired by any person who meets the requirements of Montenegro and is married to a Montenegrin citizen for at least three years.
Montenegro Residency Program
This program is aimed at startup entrepreneurs. It offers:
- Permanent residency against one-time investment;
- Residency requirements are very minimal;
- A minimum of EUR 100,000 investment in science, business, or real estate;
- After 10 years of living in Montenegro, one can become a citizen.
Montenegro Citizenship through Investment
As part of its efforts to attract foreign direct investments and increase economic activity, the Government of Montenegro created the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program.
Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program allows applicants to make a specific economic contribution to Montenegrin society by investing in a development project and contributing capital to a government-designated fund for the advancement of the under-developed. The applicant and their family will get citizenship after a rigorous vetting process and due diligence, which includes thorough background checks.
Can you buy Montenegro citizenship?
The model for special citizenship will include a Grant of EUR 100,000 and an Investment (of EUR 250,000). Model. The applicants will need to donate a grant and invest in projects that promote the development of Montenegro (hotels and resorts, IT parks, and commercial real estate).
The Montenegro Special Citizenship by Investment Program requires investments in economic activity (business). These investments will support the economic development of Montenegro, as well as investment in real property and/or the payment of funds into a special Montenegro Budget account.
- No language tests, No business experience.
- There is no requirement for military service.
- Mobility is free in the EU and Schengen countries
- EUR 250,000 In some of the previously approved development projects in Montenegro’s North, or
- EUR 450,000 In some of the previously approved development projects in Montenegro’s South.
Government Fee: Additional Contribution of EUR 100 000 in the form of a Government Fee is a must.
Application Fee: Applicants must pay 15,000 Euros for their application, 10,000 Euros for up to four family members, and 50,000 EUROS for each subsequent family member.
To invest in total, you must have a minimum of EUR 350,000.
Additional fees for due diligence (per individual), law firm filing fees, and passport fees are additional. This is Montenegro passport price.
Applicant Eligibility
In order to obtain Montenegrin citizenship applicant must follow these requisites:
He has paid the Competent Body a payment in the amount:
- EUR 15,000.00 per applicant;
- EUR 10,000.00 per family member, maximum of four members;
- EUR 50,000.00 per each next family member.
or
- A deposit of EUR 100,000.00 on the ESCROW account has been made for the development of local self-government units in need of regional development.
- A deposit of at least EUR 450,000.00 on the ESCROW account for the purpose of investing in certain development projects in the Capital or the coastal region of Montenegro.
- Not sentenced in Montenegro, or any other state, by a final and binding judge decision to an unconditional prison sentence for more than one year for a criminal offense or the legal consequences for such a criminal offense;
- An international due diligence agent has provided a favorable opinion. This includes proof of the origin of money that was intended to be paid and invested in accordance with this decision.
Frequently Asked Questions on Montenegro Passport 2022
Is Montenegro a Schengen?
No, Montenegro is not yet a Schengen country nor an EU member. However, it is an official EU candidate with a target accession date set for 2025. That means that soon Montenegro passport holders may become official EU citizens and enjoy the full benefits of the Schengen borderless travel area. Montenegro officially uses the Euro and mints its own Euro coins.
Is the Montenegro passport biometric?
Yes, all Montenegrin passports are biometric. All non-biometric Montenegrin passports were officially canceled by the Government on January 1, 2010. Non-biometric Montenegrin travel documents were no longer valid after that date. Holders needed to apply for new biometric Montenegrin travel documents to travel.
What are the responsibilities after Montenegro citizenship is granted?
Investors do not have to reside in Montenegro or pass a language proficiency exam. The principal obligation is not to violate Montenegro’s laws and renew your passport every 10 years.
Montenegro doesn’t usually allow multiple citizenships. The government, however, made exceptions for investors who participated in the country’s CBI program. Obtaining a Montenegro passport by investment means one will be able to keep their double citizenship.
Which country is easiest to obtain citizenship?
Malta, Antigua and Barbuda, St. Kitts and Nevis and Turkey are the easiest countries to obtain citizenship.
What is the cheapest citizenship by investment?
The Antigua and Barbuda Citizenship By Investment program is the most affordable on the market. The program is attractive to dual citizens and those who want visa-free travel. A second passport costs only $100,000. This is a very low price compared to other investment options.
Which countries offer golden passports?
Here is a list of countries that have a Golden Visa program: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Austria, Canada, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Ireland, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, Spain, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Switzerland, The Cayman Islands, The United Kingdom, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United States of America and Vanuatu.
