In January 2019, the government of Montenegro launched the country’s Citizenship-by-Investment programme through which individuals who invest in a property worth a minimum of either €450,000 or €250,000 (depending on the region) can gain Montenegrin citizenship in a period of 6-8 months.
There are ample benefits in holding Montenegrin citizenship:
Not only does the country boast stunning Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque architecture as well as Byzantine, Venetian, Roman and Ottoman cultural sites, but its ideal weather also allows you to admire it! Coastal areas have a Mediterranean climate and mild winters that are perfect for those seeking bright and sunny days not too far from central and western Europe!
Holding a Montenegrin passport allows individuals to travel visa-free or with a visa on arrival to over 125 countries, including throughout the Schengen Zone, the Russian Federation, Brazil and Israel.
Situated in the north-western Balkan peninsula, not only does Montenegro have a long coastline running along the Adriatic Sea and a notable seaport at Bar, but it also offers ease of access through various land routes to northern, western, and eastern Europe.
On the 15th of December 2008, the government of Montenegro applied to join the European Union. The nation’s chief negotiator for the European Union ascension expects that Montenegro should be ready by 2025. With Germany backing most applications aimed at expanding the Union, it is highly likely that the Adriatic nation will easily achieve EU membership.
This means that individuals who successfully participate in the Montenegro Citizenship-by-Investment Programme will eventually hold an EU passport!
Unfortunately, the Montenegrin government introduced the citizenship programme for a 3-year period with the intention of ending it by the 31st of December 2021. Although the programme has proven quite successful, during a cabinet session on the 18th of March, the Montenegrin government confirmed that they would not extend the programme, citing a potential jeopardization of the country’s European Union application as a reason.
If you are interested in becoming a citizen of Montenegro, as well as a future European Union citizen, you still have a few months to apply to the programme!
