Can you get residency in Montenegro by buying property?
Answer up to three quick questions and see straight away whether a property can support a Montenegrin residence permit under the rules in force since 17 January 2026.
If you are not a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, the property's tax-assessed value must be at least €150,000. The value that counts is the tax base in the municipality's real estate transfer tax decision, not the purchase price.
No. Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, and their family members, are exempt from the value requirement.
Anyone who got a property-based permit before 17 January 2026 can renew it without showing the property's value.
What the permit is
- Temporary residence for one year, renewable.
- It does not give the right to work.
- It does not give Schengen access.
- It does not include public healthcare: private health insurance is needed.
Conditions for everyone
- Ownership registered in the cadastre (a reservation or deposit is not enough).
- Property taxes paid.
- Proof that you actually use the property.
Confirm with a Montenegrin immigration lawyer
- Whether years on this permit count toward permanent residence after 5 years.
- Whether co-owners need at least a 50% share.
Rules as of January 2026. Not legal advice.
See homes in Montenegro from €150,000 · Montenegro buying guide · Buying costs in Montenegro · European residency by buying property
Questions about Montenegro residency by property
How valuable must the property be for Montenegro residency?
If you are not a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, the property's tax-assessed value must be at least €150,000. The value that counts is the tax base in the municipality's real estate transfer tax decision, not the purchase price.
Do EU citizens need to meet the €150,000 value?
No. Citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, and their family members, are exempt from the value requirement.
I got my permit before 17 January 2026. Does the value rule apply to me?
Anyone who got a property-based permit before 17 January 2026 can renew it without showing the property's value.
What does the permit allow?
It is temporary residence for one year, renewable. It does not give the right to work, it does not give Schengen access and it does not include public healthcare, so private health insurance is needed.
Is a reservation or deposit enough?
No. Ownership must be registered in the cadastre, property taxes must be paid and you must show that you actually use the property.