Where is the easiest place to open a business in Europe and obtain a residence permit in 2026?

19.01.2026

Despite the general cooling, the business immigration market for Russian citizens hasn't closed, but entry requirements have become more stringent and are rapidly changing. "Friendly havens" where entrepreneurial spirit is valued above bureaucratic barriers have emerged on the map of Europe. For example, in 2026, a small Balkan country, Montenegro, was named among the top countries where it's easiest to start a business in Europe. In this article, we'll explain how to start a business on the Adriatic coast and relocate your family. We'll also discuss the process of obtaining a residence permit by opening a company in Montenegro, which in 2026 remains one of the most transparent and cost-effective ways to legalize your business in Europe.

Stress-free business migration to Europe is possible! The lawyers and accountants at GoMonte will help you navigate the country's laws, open a company in Montenegro, and obtain a residence permit. Contact our specialists for a consultation: +382 67 322 888 WhatsApp/Telegram.

1.Overview of Changes in EU Immigration Legislation

By the beginning of 2026, immigration policies in most EU countries had become significantly more stringent. The "Golden Visa" programs of Portugal, Spain, and Greece almost completely eliminated the possibility of obtaining residence permits through passive investments in real estate. Brussels now requires founders to:

Substance: Immigration services have become more stringent in verifying the presence of a physical office and the actual residence of the director in the country.
Transparency of the Source of Funds: Compliance (verification of sources of income) has become multi-layered, increasing the average processing time for business visa applications to 8-12 months.

Reality in 2026: Accessible countries for entrepreneurs from the Russian Federation:

Serbia: Maintains a visa-free regime and offers a straightforward procedure for opening a limited liability company (DOOO) (similar to an LLC), but faces an overburdened banking sector.
Hungary: Attractive with a flat corporate tax rate (9%), but requires a detailed business plan and high office maintenance costs.
Montenegro: The undisputed leader in our ranking. The country is actively preparing to join the EU, while maintaining the lowest entry thresholds for foreigners.

2. Advantages of business immigration to Montenegro

Record-low taxes: Corporate and income taxes (9-15%). Turnkey procedure: Company opening in 5-7 business days.
Residence permit for directors: Requirements for obtaining and extending it in 2026.
Path to the EU: How EU candidate status affects the value of a Montenegrin residence permit.

3. Documents required for company registration in Montenegro

A valid passport (valid for at least 15 months from the date of application).
A certificate of no criminal record from the country of citizenship (with a "wet" stamp, valid for up to 6 months).
An original educational diploma (required for the nostrification procedure, which is mandatory for company directors).
A certificate of title to a property or a lease agreement (confirmation of residence in Montenegro).
Statutory documents (Odluka o osnivanju) - prepared by a licensed lawyer or accountant in Montenegro.
Bank confirmation of available funds (if required for a specific type of registration).
Receipts for payment of administrative fees for registration with the Central Registry (CRPS).

This basic list may be slightly expanded depending on the type of business you choose and the municipality in which you plan to open your business. For more information about your case, please contact our specialists: +382 67 322 888 WhatsApp/Telegram.

4. How to obtain a residence permit by opening a company in Montenegro in 2026

The procedure for obtaining a residence permit through business in Montenegro remains one of the most straightforward in Europe. Below is a current workflow, divided into key steps.

Step 1: Preparing documents in the Russian Federation (apostilles, certificates)

Preparation should begin 1.5–2 months before departure.

Certificate of no criminal record: Required with a "wet" stamp and, for some regions, an apostille (although Russia and Montenegro have a legal assistance treaty, an apostille eliminates unnecessary questions).
Diploma of education: The original is required for the nostrification (confirmation) procedure at the Ministry of Education of Montenegro. Passport: Must be valid for at least 15 months at the time of application.

Step 2: Choosing a Legal Form (DOO vs. Preduzetnik)

Foreigners have two main business forms available:

DOO (Društvo sa ograničenom odgovornošću): Similar to an LLC. The most popular option for obtaining a residence permit. Allows you to hire employees and have multiple founders. The minimum authorized capital is just 1 euro.
Preduzetnik: Similar to a sole proprietorship. Suitable for self-employed professionals. The advantage is simpler reporting, but the disadvantage is the individual's full financial liability for business obligations.

Step 3: Submitting documents to the Police (MUP)

After registering your company with the Central Register (CRPS) and opening a bank account, you submit the following documents to the local police department (MUP) at your place of registration:

A scanned copy of your company registration. A certificate of ownership of real estate or a lease agreement (List Nepokretnosti).
Health insurance (issued on-site in 15-30 minutes).
Confirmation of diploma nostrification.
Receipts for payment of state fees.

Step 4: Obtaining a Boravka and Social Insurance

After your application is reviewed (usually takes 20 to 40 days), you will receive a plastic card – the Boravak.
Validity: Issued for 1 year with the right to annual renewal.
Social Insurance: Immediately after receiving the director's card, you must register with the Tax Administration and the Health Insurance Fund.
Benefits: This status entitles you to free state healthcare and education for children in schools and kindergartens on an equal basis with citizens.

5. GoMonte Services: Professional Business Registration in Montenegro

GoMonte offers comprehensive support for entrepreneurs wishing to legalize their business and obtain a residence permit in Montenegro. We handle all the bureaucratic burden, ensuring legal compliance and deadlines.

Our key services:

Turnkey company registration: A full cycle of procedures—from preparing the articles of association to obtaining the CRPS registration certificate.
Remote company formation by power of attorney: You don't need to be in the country. We'll open your company remotely, saving you time and money on flights.
Qualified lawyer: Document review, drafting of incorporation documents, and legal consultations at every stage.
Professional accountant: Registration with the tax office, assistance in choosing a tax system, and long-term accounting support.
Diploma recognition: Mandatory procedure for confirming your education for appointment as a director.
Residence Permit (Boravak): Assistance in obtaining a residence permit for the founder and their family members based on business ownership.
Bank Account Opening: Support in opening corporate and personal accounts at Montenegrin banks.

We also assist in obtaining and translating necessary certificates, contracts, and other documents.

Company registration and residence permit fees for opening a company in Montenegro: €1,000 with full support.

Learn more or schedule a consultation: +382 67 322 888 WhatsApp/Telegram.

Why choose GoMonte?

We offer more than just registration; we offer a full-fledged launch of your business in a new jurisdiction with minimal involvement on your part. Our team consists of experts who understand all the intricacies of local legislation as of 2026.

Read also:

How to get a digital nomad residence permit for remote workers in 2026 for 2 years: gomonte.me/blog/post/86

About the cost of living, education, and the benefits of relocating: gomonte.me/blog/post/86

How to buy real estate in installments for foreigners: gomonte.me/blog/post/86