Planning to Move to Montenegro under Citizenship By Investment Program: How-To Tips

How to move to Montenegro in 2022? The best option is to obtain a residence permit or citizenship by investment in this jurisdiction. This advice is based on the study of useful tips from expats and immigration agents. Let us discuss the main issues so that your arrangements for resettlement to Montenegro could be fast and easy.

Montenegro maintains a dynamic economy and draws many benefits from the attractive location on the Adriatic Sea. No wonder it is a beacon for thousands of modern nomads wishing to find comfort, joy, and hope in their new home abroad. 

Moving to Montenegro is a fantastic choice. But any relocation is a big step, inevitably changing one’s lifestyle. 

The decision to become an expat cannot be taken lightly. You should learn many details, dig deeper, and consider essential questions about Montenegro. Is this jurisdiction right for you, your family, your business? Do you have any relatives or friends there? Do you have sufficient funds in your bank account, especially if you are going to invest in Montenegro citizenship. 

Planning and patience should be your best friends. But if you hope to take a chance to migrate to Montenegro before 2023, you should start now. Your checklist will include many items – from applying for residency or citizenship to hiring a mover/transportation services. 

You may get confused by some things awaiting you in the new home country, particularly if this is your first-time relocation abroad. Many expats agree that advice from reliable experts is a great asset.

This article is a practical guide walking you through the moving process. To help you avoid many painful mistakes, here are answers to the most common questions: how to get to Montenegro, how to choose a company to organize the move, what legal requirements to expect upon arrival, what other things you need to know about moving to Montenegro from your part of the world.

Plan well and start preparations

Have you decided it’s time for a change of scenery? Here are steps that will secure your satisfaction and benefits if Montenegro is at the top of your list of attractive destinations:

1. If possible, plan a preliminary ‘field visit’ to Montenegro to explore the country. It is most likely that you may need to obtain a tourist visa and learn about the latest COVID-19 travel restrictions in advance.
2. During the visit to this state, try to choose a city to settle in, explore opportunities to create a company, and invest in real estate in Montenegro, including an apartment or cottage for your own residence after the move.
3. If you are going to educate your children in Montenegro, do your research on the local schools.
4. Keep in mind that if you marry a citizen of Montenegro, register a business there or buy property in Montenegro, you can start with obtaining a temporary residence permit. You are welcome to look up our dedicated articles for details.
5. If you are ready to spend €250,000 on a share in a nice Montenegrin resort, which you will be offered by the local authorities, plus donate €200,000 to the state fund, you can get Montenegro citizenship.
6. Meet the relevant financial or other requirements, and gather all documents to apply for residency or passport and citizenship of Montenegro. Please note that if they are not issued in English, you will need to submit the translated copies. Some need to be apostilled. 
7. Start the process of applying for Montenegro residence or citizenship as soon as possible. The processing/wait time may take several weeks or even months.
8. Hire a mover/transportation company and return to your home country to pack and prepare before you move.
9. Sell your car and other possessions if their transportation will cost more than the purchase of new things upon arrival in Montenegro.
10. Return to Montenegro with your family and essentials before all your belongings are delivered.

Explore travel routes

If you are moving to the coastal part of Montenegro, you should fly to the international airport of Tivat. 

Another international airport Podgorica Air Harbor is usually best suited for people going to settle in the inland areas. It is also recommended to families choosing Kotor where they settle and invest in the local resort of Kraljičina Plaža (approved by authorities in charge of the citizenship by investment program).

There is also a nearby international airport in Dubrovnik in Croatia. Many holidaymakers land there when going to Montenegro resorts. But if you take this route, you will need to take care of the Croatian visa and make some other specific travel arrangements.  

Even if you arrive by air, your belongings and furniture will probably be delivered to Montenegro by sea or land. There are three major ports: Bar, Kotor, and Zelenika. If you are moving from a neighboring country (for example, from Croatia, Greece, or Serbia), it may be reasonable to send furniture and other things to Montenegro by truck.

Choose mover and transportation services

If you need a company to organize the transportation of your belongings to Montenegro, there are several options. Expats recommend branches of international companies operating around the world, including the following:

• A1 Auto Transport is a full-service international company specialized in the shipment of cars overseas, but it can also transport other things.
• AGS Podgorica offers services in warehousing and transportation, including air, land, and sea modes of transport.
• Allied Pickfords is a global company specializing in a range of relocation services for employees of large firms and corporations.

When moving large goods across international borders, it does make sense to go the extra mile to find a trustworthy transportation service provider. 

Be ready to comply with legal requirements for arriving foreigners 

If you do not have a Montenegro residence permit or citizenship yet and are going to stay with friends upon arrival in Montenegro or have arranged some other accommodation, you need to register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival.

This requirement does not apply if you are staying at a hotel. The hotel staff will check your passport number and register you by themselves. There will be no additional formalities if you have some real estate in Montenegro, as well as a residence permit or passport, issued on the basis of your investment (which value grows each year).

Welcome the otherness

You may discover the pleasure of slow living in Montenegro. And will obviously appreciate the tax rates that are below many foreign taxes. These, together with the beautiful scenery and the quality of living, are among the main reasons luring migrants from different parts of the world. The vibrant culture is also inspiring. And yet, there are a few details that are worth paying attention to.

Visa issues

If you come from a country in which nationals can enjoy visa-free travel to Montenegro, you can stay here for up to 90 days and apply for a temporary residence permit or even economic citizenship.

As for concerns about security and risks in Montenegro, may we assure you that this is one of the safest countries. While foreign authorities warn travelers about extremist attacks on people and unrest in various parts of the world these days, the crime rate in Montenegro is negligent. Everyone has to be vigilant, of course. But you can feel relaxed and serene when strolling around at any time of the day. 

Taxation

You may want to learn how to deal with your personal income tax liability, especially during the first year after moving to Montenegro.

Fortunately, Montenegro has signed agreements on avoidance of double taxation with nearly 50 countries, including Albania, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Ireland, India, Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Macedonia, Malaysia, Moldova, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, and the United Arab Emirates. Treaties with Spain and Qatar are pending. The agreements cover corporate and personal income taxes, as well as taxes on rental income and capital gains.

Although DTTs make things easier, you should still be particularly diligent when filing your tax returns after moving to Montenegro. This is especially important in case you resettle to Montenegro but do business in a country that does not have an agreement on avoidance of double taxation with this jurisdiction. We recommend that you should ask for advice from professional experts on relevant issues. 

Plan to overcome language barriers

There is another important issue to consider when you decide to move to Montenegro: communication. In major cities of Montenegro, many residents speak English and some other languages. However, it is not everywhere that foreign languages are common there. In smaller towns and rural communities, you may have problems if you do not know Montenegrin or related languages.

Experts recommend taking a course or learning Montenegrin on your own as soon as possible. If you want to live in Montenegro permanently, you need to understand the language of administrative structures and communicate with people around you. 

The main takeaways

Montenegro is a truly adorable place. If you choose to move there, you will have the best of Eastern Europe, enjoy some unique opportunities, and maintain a lifestyle that suits you best.

Montenegro has a sunny climate, friendly people, and a government that favors business. Many foreigners have selected Montenegro as their new home since the launch of the CBI program. To make your move as painless as possible, you should take the following steps:

•  make a step-by-step plan
•  find a place to rent or buy property in Montenegro
•  hire a reliable transportation company
•  to avoid mistakes, save time, money, and nerves – get expert help at an early stage of your application for citizenship
•  pay special attention to the legal and tax requirements that apply specifically to you.

Of course, there are other aspects of your new life that you must plan for:

• explore various elementary, secondary, and international schools in Montenegro for your children
• try to get a basic understanding of the specifics of the local banking system
• contact a community of expats who can offer advice and friendship once you have moved to Montenegro.