Montenegro Property owner visa requirements
Montenegro has no retirement visa: the main route for retirees is a one-year temporary residence permit for property owners, with a home taxed at €150,000 or more and €20 a day to live on.
What the law asks for, what the government charges, and how the application runs. Checked against Montenegro's official sources on Oct 8, 2026.
- What you need
- €150,000 property A home or other property in Montenegro with a transfer tax value of €150,000 or more, plus means of support of €20 for each day of the stay (€7,300 for a full year). Law on Foreigners; Law on Foreigners amendment 2026; Temporary residence rulebook; Rulebook amendment 2025. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
- Residency
- One-year permit, renewed yearly Law on Foreigners; Law on Foreigners amendment 2026; Temporary residence rulebook; Rulebook amendment 2025. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
- Government fees
- €45 (about $50) Administrative fee for a temporary residence permit and Residence permit card. Law on Administrative Fees; Temporary residence rulebook. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Who qualifies for the Property owner visa
Montenegro has no retirement visa, and a pension is not itself a ground for residence. The main route for retirees is temporary residence for people who own property in Montenegro: a one-year permit, renewable each year, for an owner of at least half of a home or other property whose transfer tax base was at least €150,000, who can show €20 a day to live on.
A home or other property in Montenegro with a transfer tax value of €150,000 or more, plus means of support of €20 for each day of the stay (€7,300 for a full year).
Since 17 January 2026 the property's transfer tax base must be at least €150,000, except for EU, EEA and Swiss citizens. A permit issued for property before that date is renewed under the earlier rules.
The permit lapses if you stay outside Montenegro for more than 30 days while you hold it.
For permanent residence, the 5 years count as continuous if your absences totalled no more than 10 months, or one absence lasted no more than 6 months.
Since February 2025 the means of support are €20 for each day of the requested stay, up from €10.
Property owner visa documents
Every residence permit
- Passport valid at least 3 months beyond the end of the permit
- Proof of means of at least €20 for each day of the requested stay, such as a bank statement or proof of rent from your property in Montenegro
- Proof of accommodation, such as the title deed to your home in Montenegro
- Travel health insurance from an authorised insurer, or health cover under an international agreement
- Proof that you have not been sentenced in your home country to more than 6 months in prison
- Photo, two fingerprints and signature, taken when you apply
Law on Foreigners; Temporary residence rulebook; Rulebook amendment 2025; Rulebook amendment 2022. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
This visa
- Land registry extract showing that you own, or co-own at least half of, a house, holiday home, villa, flat or business premises in Montenegro
- The municipality's real estate transfer tax decision showing a tax base of at least €150,000; not needed by EU, EEA or Swiss citizens
Law on Foreigners; Law on Foreigners amendment 2026. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Property owner visa fees
| Administrative fee for a temporary residence permit | €40 (about $40) |
| Residence permit card | €5 (about $10) |
| Administrative fee for renewing the permit | €20 (about $20) |
Law on Administrative Fees; Temporary residence rulebook. Checked Oct 8, 2026. Lawyer and agency fees are not set by law; ask for a fixed written quote.
How the application runs
- Own the propertyOwn a home or other property in Montenegro outright or as co-owner of at least half, and keep the municipality's transfer tax decision showing a tax base of at least €150,000.
- Gather your proofA passport valid 3 months beyond the permit, proof of €20 a day to live on, travel health insurance, proof of no prison sentence over 6 months at home, and the land registry extract.
- ApplyApply in person at the Ministry of the Interior office where you live, before your 90-day stay ends, and you may stay until the decision; or apply online and give your photo and fingerprints within 10 days of entering. Those who need a visa can apply for a long-stay visa D as property owners.
- Get the decisionThe ministry decides within 40 days of a complete application, and a refusal can be appealed within 8 days. Pay the €40 fee and €5 for the card.
- Renew each yearApply between 60 and 30 days before the permit expires, with proof that you have paid your taxes while holding it. The renewal fee is €20.
- Permanent residenceAfter 5 years of continuous temporary residence you can apply for permanent residence, which needs basic Montenegrin, steady means, health insurance and paid taxes.
Spouses and children
A spouse and minor children can get temporary residence to join you, valid up to one year or until your own permit ends. They meet the same conditions as you, including means of support, accommodation and health insurance.
Law on Foreigners. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Other ways to live in Montenegro
Temporary residence for digital nomads
For people who work online for a company, or their own company, that is not registered in Montenegro. Monthly income in the year before you apply must be at least three times Montenegro's minimum wage. The permit lasts up to 2 years and can be extended once for up to 2 more; after that a new one needs a 6-month gap. A spouse and minor children can join.
Law on Foreigners; Digital nomad rulebook. Checked Oct 8, 2026.
Property owner visa questions
Does Montenegro have a retirement visa?
No. A pension is not a ground for residence on its own. The main route for retirees is temporary residence for property owners: a one-year permit for someone who owns at least half of a property with a transfer tax base of €150,000 or more and has €20 a day to live on.
What is the residency process for an American retiree to move to Montenegro?
Own a property with a transfer tax base of at least €150,000, then apply in person at the Ministry of the Interior office where you live, or online, with your passport, proof of €20 a day, travel health insurance, a criminal record check and the land registry extract. The ministry decides within 40 days, and the permit is renewed every year.
How much does a Montenegro residence permit cost?
The government fees are €40 for the temporary residence permit and €5 for the card, €45 in all, and €20 for each yearly renewal.
