Montenegro Is Preparing to Change Its Visa Regime: Why You Should Not Delay Applying for a Residence Permit

On 24 July 2026, the Government of Montenegro published a proposal to amend the Regulation on the Visa Regime. Under the proposed wording, citizens of Russia and Belarus would be able to enter Montenegro without a visa and stay in the country for up to 30 days only until 31 October 2026 inclusive.

If the document is adopted in its current form, the existing visa-free regime for citizens of Russia and Belarus will cease to apply from 1 November 2026. Entry into Montenegro may then require a visa obtained in advance or another legal basis, such as a valid residence permit.

It is important to note that the published document currently has the status of a Predlog, meaning that it is still a proposal. The new rules will enter into force only after the document has been approved and officially published. Until then, the existing entry rules remain unchanged.

According to the official information on the visa regime published by the Government of Montenegro, citizens of Russia and Belarus may currently enter the country without a visa and stay for up to 30 days with a valid passport.

 

Why Montenegro Is Changing Its Entry Rules

The proposed changes are connected with Montenegro’s accession process to the European Union and the gradual alignment of its national visa policy with EU rules.

The European Commission’s 2025 Report on Montenegro notes that the country’s visa policy is not yet fully aligned with that of the European Union. Russia and Belarus are among the countries whose citizens require visas to travel to the EU but currently benefit from visa-free entry to Montenegro.

Full alignment of the list of countries whose citizens require visas is one of the conditions for completing negotiations under Chapter 24. This chapter covers justice, freedom, security, border management and visa policy.

The possible introduction of visas is therefore part of Montenegro’s broader European integration process, rather than a separate decision aimed exclusively at citizens of Russia or Belarus.

There is no reason to panic or make rushed decisions. However, those who already live in Montenegro or are planning to relocate, purchase property, open a company or stay in the country long-term should consider arranging their legal status in advance.

How a Residence Permit Differs from Tourist Stay

The visa-free regime is intended for short-term visits and does not replace a residence permit.

A temporary residence permit allows a foreign national to remain legally in Montenegro for the period of validity of the permit, provided that the requirements of the chosen legal basis continue to be met.

According to the official information provided by the Government of Montenegro on entry and exit rules, a foreign national may enter the country with a valid passport and a temporary residence permit, a temporary residence and work permit, or a permanent residence permit.

A holder of a valid residence permit therefore enters and stays in Montenegro on the basis of that permit rather than relying solely on the tourist visa-free regime.

A residence permit also makes it possible to build a more stable life in the country: to officially confirm the legality of residence, arrange status for family members and, depending on the chosen basis, work, conduct business or live in personally owned property.

The application process requires selecting an appropriate legal basis, preparing documents, obtaining the necessary certificates, arranging translations and submitting the application in person. It is therefore advisable to begin the process in advance rather than waiting for possible changes to entry rules or an increase in the workload of government authorities.

 

Grounds for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit in Montenegro

The basis for obtaining temporary residence is selected individually. It depends on the applicant’s goals, family situation, source of income and plans for living in Montenegro.

GoMonte provides assistance with residence permit applications based on:

• ownership of property in Montenegro;

• opening a company and becoming employed by it;

• employment with a Montenegrin employer;

• remote work and obtaining digital nomad status;

• family reunification.

The Government of Montenegro provides general information about the grounds and conditions for obtaining a permit in its section on temporary residence for foreign nationals. The requirements and list of documents vary depending on the specific basis.

A separate digital nomad status is available to professionals who work remotely for a foreign company or carry out their own business activity outside Montenegro. Detailed conditions are available on the official Digital Nomads Montenegro portal. The permit may be issued for up to two years with the possibility of extension, while close family members may obtain residence through family reunification.

Before starting the application process, it is important to determine which basis is suitable for your particular situation and to assess the required documents, timeframes and costs in advance.

 

Why It Is Better to Start the Residence Permit Process Early

Even if the proposed visa changes are approved, this does not mean that everyone must immediately apply for a residence permit. For a short tourist visit, a visa may be sufficient if one becomes required under the new rules.

However, a residence permit should be considered by those who:

• already live in Montenegro for most of the year;

• are planning to relocate to the country;

• want to purchase property;

• intend to open a company or work officially;

• work remotely and qualify for the digital nomad programme;

• want to arrange legal status for the whole family;

• do not want to depend on tourist stay limits and possible changes to visa rules.

Preparing the documents in advance makes it possible to complete the procedure calmly, correct any potential errors and choose a genuinely suitable legal basis without unnecessary pressure.

 

Special GoMonte Conditions Until 31 August

Until 31 August 2026, clients ordering a residence permit assistance package from GoMonte can choose between two payment options.

Payment in Two Instalments

50% of the package price is paid when the process begins and the documents are submitted.

The remaining 50% is paid when the completed documents are collected from the GoMonte office.

20% Discount for Full Payment

A 20% discount is provided when the selected service package is paid in full.

The assistance package may include:

• consultation and selection of a suitable legal basis;

• checking, preparing and translating documents;

• assistance during the application submission;

• help with company registration;

• help with opening a bank account;

• residence permit applications for family members;

• monitoring the process until the completed documents are received.

The exact scope of services depends on the selected package and the legal basis for the residence permit.

 

Property Purchase and Residence Permit Assistance in One Place

Property ownership in Montenegro may serve as a basis for obtaining a temporary residence permit.

GoMonte helps clients combine property selection and purchase with the preparation of documents for a residence permit. This makes it possible to complete the main stages in one place and work with a single team of specialists.

GoMonte’s property selection services are provided to buyers without commission. Our specialists help select a suitable property, arrange viewings, check the documentation and provide support throughout the transaction.

Property may also be purchased using cryptocurrency or another currency convenient for the buyer. The specific payment method and transaction procedure must be agreed with a manager in advance.

 

Should You Apply for a Residence Permit Now?

The proposed visa regime changes have not yet entered into force. It would therefore be incorrect to claim that visas for citizens of Russia and Belarus have already been introduced.

However, the published proposal indicates the direction in which Montenegro’s visa policy is developing. The country continues to align its rules with European Union requirements, while the current visa-free regime for citizens of Russia and Belarus is proposed to be limited until 31 October 2026.

Those who have long-term plans connected with Montenegro should now calmly assess the available grounds for obtaining a residence permit, check their documents and begin the process in advance.

This will make it possible to avoid relying exclusively on the tourist regime and possible future changes to entry rules.

 

Free GoMonte Consultation

You can receive a consultation and choose a suitable basis for obtaining a residence permit with the assistance of GoMonte specialists.

Telephone: +382 67 322 888 (WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram)

 

This material is provided for informational purposes only. The final rules may differ from the provisions of the published proposal. Before travelling or submitting an application, you should check the latest information on the official resources of the Government of Montenegro.