Moving to Montenegro for permanent residence from Russia is a difficult step that not everyone dares to take. Emigration involves a lot of paperwork and significant financial expenses. Montenegro is quite willing to accept new citizens. It is easier to move there than to European countries.
Resorts of Montenegro.
Features of entry into Montenegro
The country's authorities are more loyal to migrants than some European countries. The government is committed to developing the economy, so it uses different ways to attract foreign investors.
Tax reductions and support for entrepreneurs are practiced.
Persons making a contribution to the economy are offered simplified conditions for obtaining a residence permit (RP). The country also needs migrants who want to work on construction sites.
Requirements for those wishing to move
Citizenship can be obtained by a person who has legally lived in the country for at least 10 years.
The following persons can also move for permanent residence to Montenegro:
- classified as refugees;
- who are close relatives of residents of Montenegro;
- married to a Montenegrin for 3 or more years;
- who are former residents of Yugoslavia;
- purchasing real estate in the country;
- those wishing to start a large business in the state;
- having Montenegrin origin.
Types of visas for Russians
The state issues tourist, transit and special residence permits. For a holiday trip of less than 30 days, a visa is not required. The mark is not needed for entrepreneurs staying in the country for no more than 90 days.
In other cases, a visa is required, for which Moscow residents contact the Montenegrin Embassy. Persons registered in the regions can submit documents to the visa department.
List of documents and duration of consideration
To obtain a visa you will need:
- foreign passport (original and copy of the main page);
- questionnaire;
- application for a residence permit in Montenegro;
- an invitation from the host citizen (requires certification from the local police department, can be replaced by a rental agreement or room reservation).
A decision on the application is made within 14 days. If it is necessary to provide additional documents, this period is extended.
Temporary residence permit in Montenegro - borawak.
Validity periods and possibility of extension
The visa is valid for 30 or 90 days.
To extend it, contact the migration department and provide the following documents:
- document justifying the need for extension;
- medical insurance policy;
- bank account statement confirming the availability of the required amount of funds;
- certificate of no criminal record.
A tourist visa can be extended for a year. However, it does not allow you to find a job in a new country. Category D marks are valid from 3 to 12 months.
Cost of obtaining a visa
The fee for a tourist visa is 35 euros. When obtaining a long-term residence permit, you will have to pay 70 euros. When processing a document through the visa department, an additional fee of 1,600 rubles is paid.
Advantages of immigration to Montenegro
One of the most significant arguments in favor of Montenegro is its friendly visa policy . The ease of moving for permanent residence to Montenegro from Russia, Ukraine, Belarus attracts many people. If you don’t want to immediately bother with obtaining a residence permit, you can live as a visa holder, traveling to neighboring Bosnia or Serbia every 30 days. Citizens of Ukraine can generally live for 90 days without a visa. And every summer a 90-day visa-free regime is introduced for Russians. Read more about the features of the visa regime in Montenegro →
It is also very attractive that it is quite easy to obtain a residence permit in Montenegro . It is enough to buy real estate (but here you need to take into account the rather high prices for housing) or get a job. Moreover, you can get a job in your own company. This is the most popular and affordable option for obtaining a Boravka or a Montenegrin residence permit. After 5 years with a residence permit, you can obtain permanent residence. And after permanent residence you get a passport. But everything is not as simple as it seems. According to reviews, the system is designed in such a way that you can only get permanent residence by fighting, and a passport is almost impossible.
In 2021, Montenegro still allows you to obtain a residence permit based on a zero-income company.
Those. It is not necessary to conduct business and show income. But if you need a company not only to obtain a residence permit, then here’s another plus - Montenegro has one of the lowest corporate taxes in Europe .
This is one of the reasons why we returned to the country and opened a company here. Why is Montenegrin citizenship so attractive? And the fact that Montenegro seems to be on the verge of joining the EU . But the country has already been marking time on this threshold for so long that the locals have managed to come up with a million jokes.
Location. Montenegro is located very conveniently both for traveling around Europe by car and for traveling by car home. When we chose between Cyprus and Montenegro, proximity to Europe played a big role. Two more advantages of the location:
- Ferry to Italy from Bar.
- Low-cost airlines fly from Podgorica throughout Europe. I bought tickets to Berlin for 10 euros on sale from RyanAir.
The Montenegrin language is quite simple. You quickly get used to it, it’s easy to learn, especially knowing Ukrainian.
The next plus is that Montenegrins are also Orthodox Christians. This partly makes it easier to understand their morality.
After arriving in Montenegro, I realized that it is impossible to describe the beauty of the country with any photographs. She is incredibly beautiful.
Mountains and the azure Adriatic, orange oranges and dried figs, red pomegranates and clouds running into the distance...
’s also very calm in Montenegro . Only sometimes the news flashes somewhere that during a criminal showdown someone was shot in Bar or in Budva. But it’s the locals who are causing squabbles among themselves. The main thing is not to interfere with them, and they themselves do not bother the visitors.
After living a little, I realized that despite the small size of the country, Montenegro has a well- developed Russian-speaking diaspora . Even annual meetings are held. This is really a very big plus. There are Russian-language kindergartens for children, and there are a bunch of educational clubs.
It’s not for nothing that they say that Montenegro is a showcase of paradise. We all know that shop windows always look good and beautiful. But is everything so beautiful inside?
Embankment in the yacht marina Port Montenegro, Tivat
What to do without knowing the language
Before emigrating to Montenegro from Russia, you will have to learn the language and pass an exam. Despite the fact that Montenegrin is vaguely reminiscent of Russian, written speech has many features. The exam also includes an oral part.
Special conditions are offered to bona fide foreign investors who have confirmed the legality of their acquired material wealth.
Such persons receive a residence permit in a simplified manner. They do not have to take a language proficiency test or continuously reside in the country. The opportunity is provided only to the investor himself. His spouse, parents and children receive a residence permit according to the standard scheme.
Take language courses.
Russian diaspora
Despite the fact that there are many of our compatriots in Montenegro, there is no cohesion between them. Immigrants do not form their own diasporas here due to the hospitality of local residents . Visitors do not feel homesick, there is no need for unification, as in other European countries. Russians feel comfortable in Montenegro.
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Do I need a visa to Montenegro when entering for 30 days?
Pros and cons of moving to Montenegro
Before moving to a country, it is worth considering the main aspects of life in it. This will help identify the pros and cons of immigration.
Country visa regime
Montenegro may join the European Union in 2025. On the one hand, this action will eliminate the need for a visa when entering EU countries.
On the other hand, the rules for emigration to Montenegro will become stricter. It will become more difficult to move to the country for permanent residence. Russians wishing to obtain citizenship have a better chance now than in the future. After 2025, they will be able to visit any European country without a visa.
Mentality and complexity of language
Montenegrin traditions may seem strange to Russian emigrants. Locals love to visit each other for no reason. A trustworthy person can buy something on credit. No supporting documents are required.
The police are quite polite, the population trusts them. The crime rate in the country is low.
Criminal elements are common in the capital; in small towns and villages they are practically absent. Bars on windows are rare. People safely leave their cars unlocked without fear of theft.
The language is somewhat difficult, but it can be learned. It belongs to the Slavic group. This makes relocation attractive for Russians and residents of other CIS countries. Communication with native speakers helps you quickly master the Montenegrin language.
Social Security
This aspect is poorly developed in the country. Regarding issues of medical support, it is worth considering the main drawback - the low level of service provision.
In addition, specialized specialists see patients in different cities. For example, you have to visit a therapist in one locality, and an ophthalmologist in another.
Residents suffering from complex diseases are forced to go to foreign clinics. The level of education in Montenegro does not reach European levels. Utility prices are high, especially for electricity.
Medicine in Montenegro is not developed at the proper level.
Jobs and salaries
Russian emigrants are advised to look for a place of employment in advance. Without an invitation from the company, you will not be able to obtain a visa. Job vacancies are viewed on the Internet.
You can contact a recruitment agency operating internationally. The Russian diploma is valid in Montenegro. Therefore, a migrant has the opportunity to work in his specialty. However, for this you will have to learn the Montenegrin language.
There are vacancies in different industries in the country:
- economy;
- medicine;
- advertising and marketing;
- tourism;
- food industry;
- construction;
- Internet technologies;
- energy.
There is a constant recruitment of sellers, waiters, service personnel, and general workers. The level of wages for a European country is quite low (on average 500 euros). This should be taken into account by persons wishing to go to Montenegro for work.
Food supply
The economy in Montenegro is stable, so food prices are low. The food is high quality because it is produced locally. A small part of the products is imported from other countries.
Prices can be studied using the table:
| Name | Average cost, euro |
| Bread | 0,4 |
| Hard cheese | 4-5 |
| Milk, 1 l | 0,6 |
| Rice, 1 kg | 2 |
| Buckwheat, 800 g | 5 |
| Pasta, 0.5 kg | 0,5 |
| Beef | 6 |
| Pork | 3,5 |
| Poultry meat | 3 |
| Leaf tea, 100 g | 0,6 |
| Sugar, 1 kg | 0,7 |
| Still water, 5 l | 0,95 |
| Chicken egg, 10 pcs. | 1,25 |
| Fish | 8 |
Some complain about the poor selection of goods, which means they have to travel to neighboring countries to shop
Sale of fish in Montenegro.
Communication and Internet
Such services are considered expensive in the country. For example, you have to pay at least 30 euros for the Internet. However, the quality of communication cannot be called high. 4G networks operate in large cities.
There may be problems with calls in the summer. Due to network congestion, many residents prefer to communicate using instant messengers such as Viber.
You can purchase a local SIM card, but prices for communication services are constantly changing. Therefore, before purchasing, you have to carefully study the terms of service.
The most popular operators are:
- Telenor. It is characterized by good coverage and the presence of its own application for viewing tariff information. For 15 euros, the client receives 10 GB of traffic, valid for a month.
- T-Mobile. It is considered the operator with the highest quality communications. A SIM card can be purchased at a tobacco kiosk, but registration at the office is mandatory. 20 GB of internet costs 20 euros.
- M-Tel. The new operator does not have 4G, but offers more favorable tariffs. There is a website in English. For 5 euros 4 GB of Internet is provided.
You shouldn't rely on free Wi-Fi in hotels and airports. In summer it works intermittently. There are no guest networks in cafes and restaurants.
Restaurants and cafes
There are few similar establishments here. Most of them are located in Budva and Podgorica. Cafes and restaurants serve dishes of Russian, Hungarian, Bulgarian, Turkish cuisine.
The national menu of Montenegro includes sausages, spicy beef chops (hangers), vegetable moussaka, and prosciutto. A traditional alcoholic drink is a fruit liqueur - rakia.
National dishes.
Climate of Montenegro
The country is characterized by a favorable environmental situation. It is often called a European nature reserve. Montenegro ranks first in terms of air purity.
There are no industrial enterprises in the country that emit harmful substances into the atmosphere. The climate is favorable, winter lasts no more than 3 months. The number of sunny days reaches 290 per year. Montenegro attracts tourists and emigrants with its mountains, clear sea, lakes and canyons.
Summer in Montenegro is long and hot. The average air temperature during this period is +28°C, the amount of precipitation is 50 mm. The rains begin in November and continue until January.
During this time, up to 260 mm of precipitation falls. Negative temperatures are rarely observed in Montenegro. During the day in January the thermometer rises to +11°C. The water temperature in summer reaches +28°C, the average wave height in the sea is 50 cm, and storms are rare.
It's a hot summer in Montenegro.
The most in-demand professions in Montenegro
Although the tourism business in Montenegro is very developed, there is practically no industry here. This already cuts off a huge layer of potential employment opportunities. However, specialists for the service sector are often required - waiters, taxi drivers, cooks, salespeople, etc. New eateries, restaurants, and cafes are opening at incredible speed. However, when planning to connect your activities with HoReCa, remember that work is subject to ups and downs in the summer season and downturns the rest of the time.
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You can think about the question from a slightly different angle: which niches are underdeveloped? The picture will be as follows:
- Beauty industry.
- Advertising.
Whom are they looking for, but cannot find among their compatriots? This:
- Managers with knowledge of Russian, Montenegrin and English.
- Accountants.
- English teachers.
Do not think that finding work in such areas is easy. Perhaps the demand in the market has not yet matured. In some cases, you can prove yourself well and get a good position thanks to skills that bring profit. Your level of proficiency in the Montenegrin language plays a role.
And recently a new trend has emerged - to transport valuable employees to Montenegro who want to open something or launch a new business. Companies even take care of paperwork and searching for housing. Suitable vacancies are available on recruiting sites. But remember that in this case you must be a real professional.
Methods for obtaining residence permit and permanent residence
You can move to the country for several reasons, for example, to conduct business or employment, to reunite with parents, spouse or children.
In the first 5 years, the migrant receives the right to stay in the country on the basis of a residence permit. After this period, it becomes possible to apply for permanent residence.
Investment program
You can obtain citizenship by investing at least 500 million euros in the economy. This option is rarely used. Not every major businessman wants to invest in the economy of a country with a fairly low standard of living.
A foreigner who purchases any property receives a residence permit for 12 months. It is possible to extend the visa while maintaining ownership rights. Prices for commercial and residential real estate are lower than in other European countries.
The cost of a 1-room apartment is about 2.5 million rubles. However, the owner of the home cannot use the services of free medical insurance, enroll his child in kindergarten, or obtain citizenship under a simplified scheme.
Conclusion of an employment contract
In Montenegro you can get a permanent or temporary job. In the first case, companies enter into a long-term contract with employees and undertake to pay taxes and wages.
Employment is official. Seasonal workers are accepted for a period of 1 to 9 months. At the end of this period, the employee has the opportunity to enter into a long-term contract.
After dismissal, a person is obliged to leave the country. The residence permit is cancelled. It can be restored only after employment in a new place.
Opening your own business
Starting your own business is considered the best way to emigrate to Montenegro. There are no strict requirements for a foreign company. The actual size of the authorized capital can be any. It is enough to go through the enterprise registration procedure.
Since the main industries in the country are tourism and personal services, it is worth considering the following ideas:
- car rental;
- rental of sports equipment;
- rental of water transport;
- opening of a small hotel;
- cafe or restaurant;
- beauty salon or hairdresser;
- private kindergarten.
The procedure for opening a company in Montenegro includes:
- Contacting an accounting firm.
- Choosing a legal form (the most common are LLC and individual entrepreneur);
- Drawing up constituent documentation.
- Submission of papers to the Commercial Court, where information about the company is entered into the register of legal entities.
- Registered with statistics and accounting authorities.
- Order stamps.
- Open a bank account.
Opening a business in Montenegro.
Marriage
You can immigrate to Montenegro by becoming the spouse of a resident of the country. However, the state monitors and suppresses fictitious marriages. Family checks here are less stringent than in Sweden or Germany.
After marriage, the migrant receives a temporary residence permit. You can apply for citizenship after 3 years.
Family reunification
You can also move to the country if relatives live here: spouses, parents. The child will receive a residence permit, even if only the father or mother is Montenegrin.
Both children born in marriage and adopted children have the right to reside. Relatives in Montenegro must send an invitation certified at the police station.
Education in Montenegro
Today, foreigners are showing great interest in studying in this country. The cost of education here is lower than in Germany or France, but it provides a chance for employment in Europe.
To enter a university, a good knowledge of the language is required. All exams are conducted in Montenegrin. Anyone entering a university receives a residence permit for 12 months, which is subsequently extended.
The cost of education in the country is not quite high.
Options for emigration to Montenegro
This state is increasingly attracting foreign citizens. However, compelling reasons are needed to emigrate to Montenegro. You can obtain legal status in this country and stay here to live under one of the following conditions:
- official employment;
- admission to university;
- family reunion;
- treatment;
- buying a property;
- marriage with a citizen of Montenegro;
- investing in the economy;
- obtaining refugee status.
In this case, an agreement with the employer, a letter from the university, a marriage certificate, a certificate of registration of ownership of real estate or other papers confirming the presence of one of these conditions must be attached to the main package of documents.
Employment
In Montenegro, a foreigner can get a temporary, permanent or seasonal job. In the first case, a long-term contract is concluded with the employer, who is obliged to pay official wages and taxes.
People come for seasonal stays for a period of 1 to 8 months. Such workers are officially employed. After the end of the season, a permanent contract may be concluded with the employer. If an employee resigns, he does not have the right to stay in the country with a temporary residence permit. He must cancel it. You can open a temporary residence permit only after concluding a contract with another employer.
Specialists in minor repairs, nannies, governesses, nurses, and car washers get temporary jobs here. They also receive a work permit.
University studies
In recent years, foreigners have become increasingly interested in education in Montenegro, because it is cheaper here than in France or Germany, and upon completion of studies there is a good chance of finding a job and staying in Europe.
To enter a university, you need a good knowledge of the Montenegrin language. All entrance exams are held in it, not in English. A foreign student receives a residence permit for a period of one year. If the studies continue, the residence permit is extended.
Marriage
Emigration to Montenegro is possible upon marriage to a citizen of this country. The conclusion of fictitious alliances is stopped here. But checks for young families here are not as strict as in Germany or Norway. After the wedding, the migrant receives a temporary residence permit, and permanent residence is granted only after 3 years.
Uniting with family
Immigration and obtaining a residence permit are possible if close relatives live in Montenegro. You are allowed to move in with your children, parents, spouse. A child can move, even if he is only related to his mother or father, adopted, or born in a civil marriage.
To undergo treatment
If a foreigner plans to undergo treatment at a local clinic for a long time, he will also be issued a residence permit. The validity period of the document is equal to the period of treatment. Montenegro has a mild maritime climate and good ecology, so many come here to improve their health and undergo a course of medical procedures.
By investing in the country's economy
You can also immigrate if you purchase any real estate or invest 500 million euros in the country's economy. The second option is not the most common. Many businessmen consider such investments in the economy of a far from prosperous European country to be unpromising.
Four years ago, a law was passed in Montenegro according to which a foreigner who purchased any real estate receives a residence permit for a year. It can be renewed any number of times as long as ownership remains intact.
There are pros and cons of purchasing real estate in Montenegro. Compared to other European countries, prices for apartments and offices here are lower, and their maintenance is cheaper. But the owner of the property cannot obtain permanent residence; he also does not have the right to free medical care and a place in a kindergarten for his child.
You can get a residence permit if you open a business. There are no strict requirements for a foreigner's company. The authorized capital of the company can be 1 euro. You just need to register an organization, after which you can get a residence permit and move your family.
Obtaining refugee status
This status can be obtained by a foreigner who can document that he is oppressed in his homeland on grounds of religion, race, nationality, or political beliefs. Refugees arrive in Montenegro from the countries of the Middle East and North Africa. People who are awaiting a decision on their appeal live in special camps. Here they receive food and medical care.
Procedure for obtaining a residence permit
The process begins with the collection of documents, which are then submitted to the local police department (MUP - in Montenegrin). Consideration of the application begins only after payment of a state fee of 25 euros. You can deposit funds by postal order.
Depending on the grounds for obtaining a residence permit, additional documents may be required:
- bank account statement confirming financial solvency;
- rental agreement or purchase and sale of housing in Montenegro;
- medical certificate (when traveling for treatment);
- marriage certificate with a resident of the country.
All papers written in Russian must be translated into Montenegrin. The application is processed within 3-5 weeks. After receiving a residence permit, you can leave Montenegro for no more than 30 days a year.
Residence permit in Montenegro.
What documents will be needed
To obtain a temporary residence permit, collect a package of documents. It includes, in particular:
- foreign passport (and a blueprint of all its pages);
- previously issued certificate of registration;
- 4 photos (standard and only color);
- a certificate of availability of funds from any bank (minimum - 3,650 per applicant and one thousand euros for each family member) or paper from work indicating the amount of earnings;
- lease agreement for residential premises (otherwise you will have to provide a certificate of the owner of the property);
- health insurance;
- the result of an examination by a local doctor;
- certificate of good conduct;
- application for a residence permit.
In some situations, you are asked to present other documents. An important point is that papers must be translated into Montenegrin.
Features of registration of permanent residence
A residence permit is issued 5 years after immigration. During this period, the foreigner must pay taxes on time, work continuously, and leave the country for no more than 10 months.
Refugees or people from Montenegro receive permanent residence under a simplified scheme. When marrying a citizen of the state, the right to permanent residence is granted after 3 years (subject to staying in the country for at least 5 years).
The grounds for refusal of permanent residence are:
- serving a sentence in MLS;
- refusal to purchase insurance;
- lack of funds for living;
- submission of false information or forged documents;
- lack of rented or own housing.
The process of obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro
Residence permits are issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Its branches are in all major cities: Podgorica, Herceg Novi, Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Bar. You can also submit a request in your own country. To do this, you should contact the consular or diplomatic mission of Montenegro in Russia.
Advice: if you have already submitted a request for a residence permit, do not change the basis for obtaining borawak while the application is being considered. Otherwise, difficulties may arise. It is also better not to change the basis when renewing an existing residence permit.
The order of your actions:
- Determine for yourself the purpose of the move, which is consistent with one of the cases described above.
- Apply for a permit (the so-called “white card”) for a stay of more than 1 month.
- Live in Montenegro without breaking the law.
- After 5 years, you can apply for a permanent residence permit.
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Required documents:
- medical insurance;
- a certificate stating that you have no criminal record;
- document on income (prove that you have the means to live);
- a basis for staying in Montenegro for a long time (for example, this could be an employment contract).
How to cancel a residence permit
A similar action is carried out by the government of the country.
A foreigner may be deprived of a residence permit in the following cases:
- If the emigrant does not reside in Montenegro for 12 months. If you need to travel abroad for a long period of time, you must notify the migration department.
- When the government decides to deport a foreign citizen.
- If a person is engaged in prohibited business or violates other laws of the country.
The status is automatically canceled after the visa expires.
Pension in Montenegro: what residents can count on
In addition, all assistance will be provided in preparing the necessary documents.
But you don’t have to overpay if your friends live in Montenegro, you have acquaintances, or the buyer himself knows the local language.
Note: when buying real estate, you should not forget about an important condition - you must deposit 3.6 thousand euros into the account of any bank. In addition, you are required to purchase health insurance. Its price depends on the term - for each month you need to pay 30 euros.
We recommend reading: Extract from personal account for privatization of an apartment
House in the city in Chaj, Bar, Montenegro Of course, to purchase a house or apartment, you will need a lot of money.
For example, for 1 sq./m you will need to pay from 1.5 thousand.
Euro. But this does not mean that there is no chance to buy more affordable housing: very often, for various reasons, advertisements appear on the real estate market indicating a minimum cost of about 1200–1400 euros for the entire house.
Usually these are small residential houses in small Montenegrin towns far from the highways and resorts. Having completed the stage of acquiring real estate, a foreign citizen...
A temporary permit has a limited validity period of 1 year. After the end of this period, the resident can extend the validity of the document without any restrictions.
Another option that allows you to achieve residence permit status for pensioners in Montenegro is to marry a citizen of this country.
Of course, this option is acceptable for those who have lost their soulmate. After only 3 years and 6 months, a foreign spouse can obtain permanent residence and stay in Montenegro forever, while having the same rights, except the right to vote, as native residents of the country, including receiving a pension and other social benefits. There will be no need to renew the received status - it is assigned for life.
At the same time, a foreign pensioner cannot count on special benefits since there is no government program for the immigration of elderly people. Few pensioners are engaged in opening their own business in Montenegro, although this is not at all difficult to do.
You can, for example, buy a house by the sea and rent it out during the season, not forgetting to notify the authorities about this.
Obtaining the status of a citizen of Montenegro
An internal passport is issued after 10 years of residence in the country: 5 years for a residence permit, another 5 for permanent residence. For persons married to Montenegrins, this period is halved.
Before obtaining citizenship of the country, a person must renounce Russian citizenship and provide the appropriate certificate.
After completing these steps, the following documents are collected:
- statement;
- salary certificate;
- employment contract;
- certificate of no criminal record;
- a document confirming the fact of continuous residence in the country (issued at the local police station);
- certificate of renunciation of Russian citizenship.
Moving to Montenegro in 2021 for a residence permit or permanent residence permit for CIS citizens
By becoming a member of one of them, you can obtain a residence permit for each member of the emigrant’s family and move to Montenegro with children.
As a result, the applicant will be issued a plastic card (lična karta), which is the final document. The set of required documents may differ for different municipalities. It also depends on the individual situation of the applicant.
The laws of the country and international treaties contain many conditions regarding the procedure for moving to permanent residence in this country, located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. That is, there are enough options on how to get to Montenegro and how Russians and citizens of other CIS countries can obtain a residence permit in this state.
As is known, in the event of an unstable political situation in any country, as well as when a threat to the life of the population or individuals appears, foreign citizens tend to leave their home state and move for permanent residence to countries that are safer for them.
Such migrants can be officially recognized as refugees if they can prove that they arrived in a foreign country without being its citizens, in order to avoid persecution, violence or threats against them that they were subjected to in their homeland due to their nationality, language, or religious beliefs , belonging to a particular social group or political movement.
As a rule, the authorities of the country to which refugees are sent are loyal to such immigrants and provide them with asylum, subject to compliance with the laws of the state. Despite the fact that Montenegro is a small and far from rich country, which does not have special programs to support people forced to move to other countries, refugees sometimes choose it for resettlement. For those seeking peace after being in war or persecution, Montenegro is a peaceful place ideal for living.
Many countries provide the opportunity for foreigners to obtain a residence permit, and subsequently citizenship, by entering into an official marriage with a citizen or resident of the state.
Montenegro is no exception, but here the procedure for obtaining a residence permit through creating a family is simple and quick.
Foreign citizens married to Montenegrins only need to live together for 3 years and, provided that the total period of residence in the country is 5 years or more, they can count on obtaining citizenship.
Opinion of Russian immigrants about the country
Olga, 58 years old, Kolasin: “My husband and I left to live in Montenegro at the beginning of 2021. To do this, we purchased an apartment in Kolasin and issued a residence permit according to the standard scheme.
We decided to celebrate old age in a calm country with a good environmental situation. I like reasonable prices for products, good quality food.
However, there are problems with buying clothes. We have to travel to border Serbia. We heard that there are many centenarians here. We hope that we too will be able to live here happily ever after.”
Anton, 43 years old, Podgorica: “Life in the capital of Montenegro is different from that in Moscow. There is no unnecessary rush and bustle here. Podgorica is not considered an attractive place for tourists, so there is no noise in the city.
However, there are attractions that you can leisurely explore when you move here. The sea coast is an hour's drive away. The level of service and education in the capital is quite high, but Montenegro should not be considered for traveling to earn money.”
Russian pensioners in Montenegro: standard of living, residence permit
Legal registration face costs only 350 €. When opening a company, it is not at all necessary to conduct commercial activities. It is enough to fill out the paperwork and pay a monthly tax, which is only 35 €, which gives the pensioner the right to free medical care.
If, subsequently, a permanent residence permit in Montenegro is issued, the company can be liquidated with minimal costs. Both options require certain financial investments, but in the second case they are an order of magnitude lower and there are more advantages. The state fee for obtaining a residence permit is 200 €, and for its extension – 70 €.
Permanent residence in Montenegro for Russian pensioners can be obtained after 5 years of permanent residence. Presence is considered permanent if the resident leaves the country for no more than 2 months during the year.
The residence permit must be renewed in a timely manner.
Montenegro is a very small country, which many perceive as a large village. The standard of living here is significantly lower than in the countries of the European Union, but higher than in Russia. For example, the cost of travel on public transport is 3 €, and a pack of cigarettes will cost 1.75 €.
The average cost per person is from 10 to 20 € per day.
It all depends on the area of residence and the choice of products.
Despite the fact that Montenegro is actively developing, the unemployment rate is still high and amounts to more than 19%. Due to the fact that the country is very small and corrupt, it is almost impossible for a pensioner to find a job. The most sought after specialists today are:
- accountants;
- medical workers;
- engineers;
- economists:
- managers.
When looking for work, local residents tend to use connections.
A foreigner can try his luck on the website of a state employment agency or in organizations specializing in personnel selection. Having an education and knowledge of English and Montenegrin languages greatly increases your chances.
Attention! The minimum wage after taxes is 165 €, the average is approximately 480 €.
What does a residence permit in Montenegro provide: rights and obligations
| Residence in the country | A residence permit allows you to live in Montenegro all year round. In addition, status holders cannot leave the country for more than 30 days, otherwise the residence permit will be canceled (if it is necessary to leave, the Ministry of Internal Affairs must be notified about this). |
| Visa-free travel | Montenegro is not part of the Schengen area; therefore, its residence permit does not provide visa privileges. But holders of a temporary residence permit can apply for Schengen visas on the territory of Montenegro. |
| Medicine | Depends on the type of residence permit. For example, property owners who do not pay taxes in Montenegro are not entitled to free services. And directors of companies and their relatives who make deductions from their income have. |
| Education | Children of residence permit holders can attend state kindergartens and schools. |
| Job | Depends on the type of residence permit. For example, a residence permit based on real estate ownership does not automatically provide a work permit; it must be obtained separately - by getting hired or opening your own business and appointing yourself as a director. |
| Automobile | With a residence permit you can buy and register a car in Montenegro, as well as obtain a European driving license. |
| Loans | A residence permit opens access to lending, because Montenegrin banks are very reluctant to work with foreigners and, for example, it is almost impossible to get a mortgage. |
| Taxes |
Reasons for refusal to issue and extend a residence permit
Montenegro rarely refuses to issue residence permits to applicants who meet all legal requirements and have correctly compiled a package of documents.
Refusal is possible if:
- The foreigner presented forged documents or gave false information about himself;
- A criminal case is underway against the applicant;
- The presence of a foreigner in the country poses a threat to national security and public order;
- The foreigner does not have enough money or does not have a place to live in the country.
An issued residence permit may be refused to be extended or canceled if:
- The foreigner was absent from Montenegro for more than 30 days a year (if a long-term departure is needed, the Ministry of Internal Affairs must be notified about this, then the right to a residence permit remains);
- The immigrant violated the rules of order;
- A foreigner works in the country without permission to do so.
How to apply for a visa to Montenegro
Holders of Schengen visas can also stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days.
Montenegro issues short-term (for a stay in the country of up to 90 days within six months) and long-term visas (for entry for up to 6 or up to 12 months). The government of Montenegro has concluded a number of international agreements allowing citizens of individual CIS countries to cross the Montenegro border visa-free.
For example, Russians can vacation in this country without visas for up to 30 days. Citizens of Azerbaijan, Moldova and Ukraine have the right to stay in Montenegro without a visa for 90 days. For citizens of Kazakhstan, certain periods of visa-free entry are established annually - in 2018 it was the period from April 13 to October 30, the rest of the time, obtaining a visa is a mandatory procedure.
To stay in the country without a visa for 30 days, Belarusians must present an invitation from a Montenegro resident or a tourist voucher. Citizens of CIS member states that do not have an Embassy of Montenegro are allowed to apply for a visa at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Montenegro in Moscow.
Citizens of Kazakhstan have the right to submit documents to the Bulgarian Embassy in Astana, and citizens of Armenia to the Bulgarian Embassy in Yerevan. If they have a valid visa or residence permit from the Schengen countries, the USA, Great Britain or Northern Ireland, travelers have the right to enter Montenegro, stay in the country for up to 30 days and transit through its territory without issuing a national visa.
