Detailed Summary of the Amendments to the New Law on Foreigners – Montenegro 2026

This is a detailed summary of the latest amendments to Montenegro’s Law on Foreigners(follow the link for the original document), breaking down the key changes in visas, residence permits, employment rules, EU citizen rights, and the new framework for stateless persons in a clear and accessible way.

1. Special Regime for EU Citizens

• EU citizens now have a separate legal chapter (150–178b) with tailored rules.
• They may enter Montenegro without a visa, using:
  • a valid ID card
  • or a valid passport
• Entry may be refused only if:
  • they lack valid documents (unless they can obtain them quickly)
  • they are under an active entry ban
  • they pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health
• They can stay up to 3 months without registering.
• Longer stays allowed for:
  • employment or self‑employment
  • studies or vocational training
  • sufficient financial means + health insurance
• Family members (including those of Montenegrins returning from the EU) receive aligned rights.

2. Visa System Modernization

Visa D (long‑stay visa)

Expanded list of reasons for issuing a Visa D, including:

• business activities or employment
• diplomatic/consular service
• family reunification
• schooling
• student exchanges and youth programs
• specialization, professional training, internships
• scientific research
• medical treatment
• property ownership in Montenegro
• religious service
• volunteering under the European Voluntary Service
• digital nomad status
• other cases defined by law or international agreements

Key conditions

• Visa D can be issued for single or multiple entries.
• Each category has specific documentation requirements (e.g., proof of funds, insurance, property ownership, invitation letters).

Electronic visa applications (VIS)

• Introduction of the Visa Information System (VIS).
• Foreigners can apply electronically, submitting:
  • scanned passport
  • digital photo
  • supporting documents
• VIS-issued visas include:
  • barcode
  • photo
  • personal data

3. Temporary Residence (Privremeni Boravak)

General rules

• Extensions must be based on the same grounds as the original permit.
• Humanitarian exceptions allow flexibility when:
  • serious illness
  • disability
  • force majeure
  • other justified humanitarian reasons

Family reunification

• Now explicitly includes:
  • same‑sex partners
  • partners of Montenegrin citizens
  • partners of foreigners with temporary or permanent residence
• Required documents vary depending on the relationship.

Digital nomads

• Eligible if they:
  • work electronically for a foreign company
  • or own a foreign-registered company
  • have health insurance
• Permit validity:
  • up to 2 years, extendable for another 2 years
  • new application allowed after a 6‑month break

Property owners

• Must provide:
  • proof of ownership
  • proof of property value (minimum €150,000)
  • tax compliance
• EU/EEA/Swiss citizens are exempt from the property value requirement.

4. Employment Rules

General employment

• Employers must:
  • sign a work contract within 24 hours of permit issuance
  • register the employee for social insurance
  • notify authorities if the foreigner does not start work

New categories of work permits

• IT sector workers
  • permits up to 3 years, renewable
• Healthcare workers
  • must show qualifications + 12‑month contract
• Domestic workers
  • contract must follow employment law
• Workers assigned via foreign temporary employment agencies
  • strict documentation requirements
  • agency remains the employer except for health & safety obligations

Working without a permit

Allowed if:

• the foreigner applied for stateless status and 9 months passed without a decision
• the foreigner applied for international protection and 9 months passed without a decision

5. Stateless Persons (New Comprehensive Chapter)

Procedure

• Application submitted personally to the Ministry.
• Must show:
  • 3 years of factual residence in Montenegro
  • or family ties (close family with Montenegrin citizenship or residence)
• Cannot apply if:
  • they already applied for asylum
  • they already have asylum or subsidiary protection

Rights during the procedure

• stay in Montenegro
• freedom of movement
• emergency medical care
• education
• legal information and advice
• communication with UNHCR
• right to work after 9 months if no decision is issued

Rights after recognition

• right to residence
• right to work
• healthcare
• education
• social protection
• property rights
• travel document valid for 3 years

6. Strengthened Enforcement & Administrative Rules

• Entry bans increased to 90 days in some cases.
• Humanitarian exceptions apply to bans if justified.
• Tourism organizations and local authorities must report foreigner stays within 12 hours.
• New rules for:
  • returning residence permits
  • issuing emergency travel documents
  • monitoring overstays

7. Permanent Residence (Stalni Boravak)

Key updates

• Applicants must show:
  • 5 years of continuous legal stay
  • proof of income
  • proof of accommodation
  • health insurance
  • proof of tax compliance
• Exemptions for:
  • stateless persons with 5 years of legal stay
• Language proficiency:
  • Government designates the institution that tests Montenegrin language knowledge

Humanitarian exceptions

• Permanent residence does not expire if the foreigner stays abroad longer than 1 year for justified humanitarian reasons.

If you’re considering residency in Montenegro and want guidance tailored to your situation, feel free to reach out via this form.  Since 2008 we have built a solid network of trusted partners that we are happy to recommend to you.