MONTENEGRO

CITIZENSHIP

Montenegro Citizenship by Investment

Montenegro is a stunning Balkan country located in Southeast Europe on the Adriatic coast. Summers in the Mediterranean are warm and sunny, and winters are mild. Paragliding, zip-lining, and cliff diving are all available on the rugged mountain tops, while the picturesque coast offers a soothing beach experience. Montenegro has a long and illustrious cultural history, including many UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Montenegro's promising economy is fueled by luxury tourism, yachting, fine dining, and executive real estate.

Montenegro is a young country that gained independence from Yugoslavia in 2006 and formed its own parliamentary democracy. It is in the process of becoming an EU member state and is already a NATO member. The official language is Montenegrin, but English, Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, and Albanian are also spoken. Residents pay 9-11 percent income tax, with non-residents paying 5% interest income and 9% withholding on dividends and royalties earned from Montenegro. The VAT rate is 21%, except in hotels and marinas, where it is 7%. The corporate income tax is set at a fair flat rate of 9%. Passport holders have the opportunity to travel to 125 different countries. Visas are not needed.

Citizenship in Montenegro Has Its Advantages

  • A low corporate tax, a low personal income tax, and no inheritance or gift taxes
  • The claimant, their children, spouse, and parents over the age of 55 are all granted full citizenship and passports, with the exception of dependent siblings or dependent children under the age of 30.
  • A passport that allows visa-free travel to 125 countries, with the prospect of more in the future once the EU is fully implemented.
  • Dual Citizenship is not limited in any way.
  • A treaty with the US that allows for a special E2 Visa after making a significant investment in a US business.
  • For presence, only one visit is needed.

What Does It Take to Become a Citizen?

Citizenship by Investment Program (CIP) will offer full citizenship and passport holder status to those who make a substantial monetary investment and donation while adhering to the rules set forth by Montenegro's governing authority. There are currently two investment requirements:

  • A minimum of 250,000EUR or 450,000EUR in real estate bought from a government initiative that qualifies.
  • A non-refundable donation to the Montenegrin Government Fund, starting at 100,000 EUR.

Option 1: Real Estate & Donation

Purchasing real estate in Montenegro, one of the fastest-growing real estate markets in the world can be a very profitable transaction. It can be used as a home office, a second home, a holiday home, or a rental income house. The cost of buying on the coast or in Podgorica, Montenegro's capital, differs greatly from the cost of buying in Northern Montenegro. Professionals from IRC will assist you in navigating the plethora of choices available in this fast-paced market. For your peace of mind, all recommended, qualifying properties are controlled. A non-refundable donation of 100,000.EUR to the Government Fund of Montenegro is also expected in addition to the property purchase.

The following are the current payments, which include the donation:

  • The minimum investment for a single applicant is 374,500 EUR, which includes a minimum property purchase of 250,000 EUR in North Montenegro plus government, visa, and due diligence fees. A minimum property purchase of 450,000 EUR is needed for a property on the coast or in Podgorica, resulting in a total investment of 574,500 EUR. A 0.25-1 percent real estate sales tax is imposed, and the property's additional closing costs are variable.
  • The minimum investment for a family of four is 407,500 EUR, which includes a minimum property purchase of 250,000 EUR plus government, visa, and due diligence fees. The minimum investment is 607,500 EUR, which includes a minimum property purchase of 450,000 EUR plus government, visa, and due diligence fees. A fee of 60,000.EUR would be paid for each additional dependent if there are more than three. A 0.25-1 percent real estate sales tax is imposed. The property's additional closing costs are variable.

Legal Requirements 

  • Applicants must be at least 18 years old and in a good health.
  • Applicants must be non-EU citizens with demonstrated financial stability.
  • Applicants must not be involved in a criminal case or be considered a security or reputational danger
  • Applicants must not have a Visa restriction to any of the 145 Visa-free travel countries.

For More Information

Please do not hesitate to contact the IRC if you need any additional details. From the beginning to the end of the procedure, we provide technical assistance and maintain a safe transaction. If required, additional assistance in locating and purchasing real estate may be offered.