At Adria Stone, we work with foreign clients on a daily basis who purchase property in Montenegro—whether for permanent living, investment purposes, or relocation.
With Montenegro’s new Immigration & Residency Law (officially the Law on Foreigners) coming into force on January 19, 2026, many buyers and property owners have questions about how these changes affect property ownership and eligibility for residence.
Below is a clear and practical overview of what has actually changed, what has remained the same, and what foreign buyers should pay attention to.
1. Residence Based on Property Ownership: The Key Change
The most significant change for non-EU citizens relates to temporary residence based on property ownership.
Minimum Property Value
A minimum property value of €150,000 has been introduced as a requirement for submitting a residence application on this basis.
The value is determined according to data from the Montenegrin Tax Administration.
This requirement does not apply to all foreign nationals.
Who Is Exempt from This Requirement?
The minimum value of €150,000 does not apply to citizens of:
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Member states of the European Union
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Iceland
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Liechtenstein
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Norway
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Switzerland
For citizens of these countries, the rules remain unchanged.
2. Paid Taxes: An Obligation for All Property Owners
Regardless of nationality, proof of settled property tax obligations is mandatory for all applicants seeking residence.
This further highlights the importance of:
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proper registration of ownership
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regular payment of annual property tax
3. Earlier Purchases and Co-Ownership: Practical Considerations
Many foreign property owners raise questions related to:
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properties purchased several years ago
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co-ownership or partial ownership
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ownership of multiple properties
These situations are still being further interpreted in practice by the competent authorities and are currently addressed individually, on a case-by-case basis.
4. Purchasing Property in Montenegro in 2026: What This Means for Buyers
From the perspective of the real estate market, the new law does not introduce restrictions regarding:
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the purchase of real estate
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foreign ownership rights
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the sale or transfer of property
The emphasis is placed on:
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transparency of property values
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tax compliance
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properly structured ownership
For buyers who view Montenegro as a long-term destination, advance planning of the purchase process is becoming increasingly important.
5. Myths and Reality
Despite numerous rumors, the new law:
❌ does not prohibit foreigners from purchasing property
❌ does not introduce an obligation to employ Montenegrin citizens
❌ does not affect EU citizens in the same way as nationals of non-EU countries
Most concerns arise from misinterpretation rather than from the law itself.
Conclusion: The Adria Stone Perspective
From the perspective of Adria Stone, Montenegro’s new Immigration & Residency Law does not diminish the attractiveness of the country’s real estate market. On the contrary, it introduces clearer criteria and greater legal certainty for serious buyers.
For foreign nationals planning to purchase property in Montenegro, it is essential to:
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select the right property
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understand residence requirements in advance
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ensure proper documentation and tax compliance
Adria Stone continues to provide its clients with reliable and up-to-date information, in cooperation with trusted legal and tax advisors, ensuring that the purchasing process remains safe and transparent.
