Montenegro
Citizenship by Investment Program
The model of the special citizenship scheme will be a Donation (€100,000) plus Investment (of minimum €250,000) model. This means applicants must donate a lump sum to the government and also invest in government-approved development projects (such as hotels, resorts, IT parks, commercial real estate) that create jobs and develop Montenegro.
Total investment requires a minimum investment of €350,000 or more. Additional due diligence, passport fees and including additional family members bring in extra costs.
investment
Donation to the Government + Investment in approved development project and/or real estate
+ €15,000 for the first applicant+ €10,000 for each extra family member, up to four maximum
+ €50,000 for each extra family member after that
+ €100,000 Government fee
+ €250,000 Minimum investment in government-approved development project or real estate in an underdeveloped region of Montenegro (northern and central regions except Podgorica), or €450,000 Minimum investment in government-approved development project or real estate in the developed region of Montenegro (the capital Podgorica and coastal regions)
Requirements
- Main applicant must be 18 years old or older.
- They must have made a payment to the payment account provided by the Montenegrin government to the amount of:
€15,000.00 for the applicant; €10,000.00 for each family member, up to four members at maximum; and €50,000.00 for each next family member.
- They must also deposit to the ESCROW account provided by the government an amount of:
€100,000.00 intended for the development of less developed local self government units,
+ At least €450,000.00 for the purpose of investing in some of the development projects in the Capital of Podgorica or the coastal region of Montenegro or at least €250,000.00 for the purpose of investing in some of the development projects in the northern or central region of Montenegro, save for the Capital of Podgorica;
- Applicants must have not been sentenced in Montenegro or another state by a final and binding court decision to an unconditional prison sentence of more than one year for a criminal offense prosecuted ex officio, or the legal consequences of the conviction for such criminal offense have ceased;
- An international due diligence agent must also give a positive opinion on the applicant and their application, including proof of the origin of the money intended for payment and investment.
Restricted Nationalities
No nationality is officially restricted
dual citizenship
Dual citizenship is recognized in Montenegro. You are not required to renounce your previous nationality to become a citizen of Montenegro.
Documents Required
- Certified copy of passport
- Certified copy of ID Card
- Original or Certified copy of Birth Certificate (if applicable)
- Original or Certified copy of Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
- Evidence of Health Insurance
- Medical Certificate
- dual citizenship Yes
- Family members included Yes
- land ownership Yes
- Physical residence required No
- Personal visit required No
- Language skills required No
- Interview required No
- Investment Single €450,000
- Investment Family 4 €450,000
- Minimum annual income
- Time to citizenship 6
- Time to permanent residency
- Visa-free countries 127
- Financing available No
Benefits
citizenship benefits
Country details
It has a population of around 650,000, with a balanced mixture of Christians and Muslims. Its two main languages are Serbian and Montenegrin, but English is relatively well-understood on the coast and in its capital, Podgorica.
Its currency is the Euro. Montenegro is not a part of the European Union, but it is a candidate country and is expected to join by 2025, after which it will be part of the Schengen area.
The Montenegrin passport is ranked 42nd in the world, and holders can enjoy visa-free travel to 123 countries including EU Schengen states, Russia, Turkey, Singapore, etc. A visa is needed to travel to the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and United States.
Visa Free Travel
Taxes
Montenegro levies a 9% tax rate on most forms of income, including personal income from salaries or investment and capital gains.
The 9% level is also used for their corporate income tax rate, including worldwide income, interest income and capital gains. This makes Montenegro’s corporate tax rate quite competitive compared to many other countries, especially those of the west.
In 2016, the Montenegrin government introduced an 11% rate for any personal income that is above the national average of €750 a month. That means that the first €750 earned per month is levied with a 9% tax, while anything above that amount is subject to the 11% rate. This income tax rate also applies to the personal worldwide income of residents.
An exception to the flat rate is that non-residents must also pay a 5% tax on interest income.
There is also a local surtax of 15% of whatever has been paid in tax to the government as income tax. This surtax is paid to the municipality where an individual is domiciled.
There is a standard consumption tax (VAT) rate of 21%. However, there is also a reduced rate of 7% for certain products like bread, milk, books, medicine and computers.
Montenegro also operates a zero rate for products for export and gasoline used for international travel.
This should not be construed as tax advice. We have access to a global network of qualified attorneys and accountants who can give you the proper advice for your particular circumstances. Contact us for further information.
- Property tax Yes
- Transfer tax Yes
- Inheritance tax Yes
- Net worth tax No
- CFC law No
- Tax residency days 183
- Personal income tax rate 9%
- Capital Gains tax rate 9%
- Investment income tax rate 9%
- Territorial taxation No