If you’ve purchased real estate and want to live in Montenegro, you can apply for a temporary residence permit (commonly called a residence card) on the basis of property ownership. This guide explains what type of real estate qualifies, what typically doesn’t, and the step-by-step process to obtain and renew your card.
Quick answer
You generally qualify when you personally own habitable residential property in Montenegro—typically an apartment or house—that is properly registered in the land registry (Katastar). Bare land by itself and commercial premises without a residential designation usually do not meet the requirement. Co-owners can apply, but each applicant should hold a significant ownership share in the same dwelling (in practice, often around half per person).
Rule of thumb: “Habitable, registered, and truly yours.” If it’s not livable (or not yet registered as livable), fix that first.
What qualifies vs. what doesn’t
Qualifies (typical cases):
- Apartment or house registered to you, suitable for living.
- Newly built residential unit that has received its use/occupancy permit and is registered.
- Mixed-use buildings where your unit is legally designated as residential.
Usually does not qualify:
- Bare land only (no dwelling yet).
- Commercial property without a residential designation.
- Unregistered conversions or extensions (attic/basement not legalized).
- Property not in your name (e.g., only under a company or relative, unless you apply via another legal ground).
Eligibility checklist (property & applicant)
Property
- Title in your personal name (match your passport exactly).
- Clear entry in Katastar (no unresolved disputes or unknown encumbrances).
- Residential use and habitable condition (and occupancy permit for new builds).
- Utility access and basic habitability (water, electricity).
Applicant
- Valid passport and legal entry.
- Health insurance covering your stay.
- Sufficient means of support (bank statements or similar).
- Clean criminal record certificate (recent, translated/apostilled as required).
Step-by-step: residence card on the basis of property ownership
Step 1 — Close the purchase and align documents
- Ensure your notarized sale contract is registered and your land-registry extract shows you as owner.
- Gather translations/apostilles for foreign documents (criminal record, marriage/birth certificates if bringing family).
Step 2 — Prepare your application pack
- Passport and biometric photos
- Land-registry extract (title deed)
- Proof of accommodation (your property)
- Health insurance for the full period
- Proof of sufficient means (e.g., recent bank statements)
- Clean criminal record certificate
- Proof of legal entry/stay
- Completed application forms and fee receipts
Step 3 — Submit at the competent office
- File in person at the local police administration/foreigners’ office.
- Provide fingerprints/photos and pay the state fees. Keep the submission receipt.
Step 4 — Processing
- Respond quickly to any requests for clarifications (fresh extracts, updated statements, etc.).
Step 5 — Decision & card collection
- On approval, collect your residence card. Verify dates and personal details immediately.
Validity, renewal, and path to permanence
- Validity: typically up to 12 months, renewable annually while you keep meeting conditions.
- Renewal timing: apply before expiry (ideally 30–45 days in advance). Refresh insurance, means, and registry documents.
- Permanent residence: after five years of lawful, continuous temporary residence, you can generally apply for permanent residence (subject to continuity-of-stay and other conditions).
- Work rights: a residence card based on ownership does not automatically grant the right to work—you’ll need a separate work authorization if you plan to work.
Special situations
Co-owners
Two applicants can often qualify on one dwelling if each holds a substantial share. If the shares are small or split among many people, approval becomes less likely—consolidate ownership where possible.
New build not yet habitable
If your unit is unfinished or lacks a use/occupancy permit, complete legalization and registration first, then apply.
Owned through a company
Owning property via a company typically supports accommodation, but the residence ground may differ (e.g., company management/work). Most buyers seeking residence by ownership apply as individual owners.
Family members
Spouse and minor children can apply under family reunification once your card is issued. Prepare apostilled marriage/birth certificates and proof of means/insurance for each dependent.
Practical tips to avoid delays
- Exact name match: passport ⇄ sale contract ⇄ land registry ⇄ insurance.
- Translations/apostilles: start early; they’re the most common bottleneck.
- Habitable proof: keep evidence of utilities and occupancy status ready.
- Organized file: tabbed, labelled copies of everything (you’ll reuse most of it at renewal).
- Renewal reminder: set alerts 60, 45, and 30 days before expiry.
FAQs
Is there a minimum purchase price to qualify?
No specific statutory minimum is required; the key is residential, habitable property in your name plus standard applicant conditions.
Does land qualify?
Not on its own. Build a residential unit, obtain the use/occupancy permit, register it, then apply.
Can I get a card if I co-own with a friend or spouse?
Yes—provided each applicant has a significant share and all other conditions are met.
Can I work with a property-based residence?
Not automatically. Work authorization is a separate process.
How long until permanent residence?
After five years of continuous temporary residence, you can generally apply for permanent status.
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