When buying residential real estate, the issue of the possibility of obtaining a residence permit is extremely important, because a significant number of private investors are counting on a long stay in the country where the house or apartment is purchased. Despite the fact that the Montenegrin authorities are very loyal to tourists from Russia, offering them visa-free visits for up to three months in summer and up to one in winter, residence permit remains a desirable way of legal residence in this country for many fellow citizens. Unlike the vast majority of EU states, the acquisition real estate in Montenegro entitles you to a residence permit.
Conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro when buying real estate
The opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit from foreigners who own Montenegrin real estate appeared a couple of years ago. Prior to this, the country's legislation for several years after separation from Serbia did not establish the fact of owning real estate as a basis for issuing a residence permit. And for several years now, this opportunity has been realized. To obtain a residence permit in Montenegro (privremenog boravka), the applicant must have real estate of any value in one of the regions of the country. The package of documents is not too large and includes:
– medical insurance for 30 days,
- a certificate of non-conviction,
– bank statement (confirmation of the availability of funds for living)
- a copy of the passport,
– certificate of ownership (list nepokretnosti),
- receipt of payment of tourist tax for 30 days.
So if you decide to buy house in Montenegro, Having passed the procedure for obtaining a residence permit, you can continue to live in this country all year round without restrictions. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that a temporary residence permit must be renewed annually, and it is extremely difficult to obtain a permanent residence permit (stalni boravak) on the basis of real estate ownership in Montenegro at the moment. However, the state is preparing a law, the entry into force of which is scheduled for the end of 2019, which provides for the granting of citizenship to foreigners in exchange for investments in the country's real estate.
On a note: it does not make sense to get a residence permit if you do not plan to live in Montenegro most of the time. Because by law, you should not be absent from the country for more than 2-3 months, or rather, up to 1 month without notice, up to 3 months with a statement to the police, which will explain the reason for your absence; the application is submitted in advance, even before your departure from the country. If you are absent any longer, your residence permit will not be renewed for the next year, and you will have to collect the full package of documents and re-submit it.
