17 January 2026: What Does the New Foreigners Law Change for You?
Published: May 2026 · Last updated: May 2026
Why it matters For Turkish investors wanting residence via real estate or a company in Montenegro, the rules changed on 17 January 2026. Residence via real estate now requires the property’s tax value to be at least €150,000; for renewal of residence via a company, the company must have paid at least €5,000 in annual tax/social security. This article summarizes the change in plain terms and what it means for you.
In short, what changed?
As of 17 January 2026, the changes to Montenegro’s Foreigners Law are in force. Two headlines stand out: a minimum property-value requirement for residence via real estate, and a minimum tax requirement for renewal of residence via a company. Both rules do not apply to EU/EFTA/Switzerland citizens; they concern third-country nationals (including Türkiye).
Residence via real estate: before and after
| Before | After (from 17 January 2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum value | No specific lower limit; property of any value sufficed | Property’s tax value at least €150,000 |
| Measure of value | — | The value in the tax authority’s transfer-tax assessment (not the contract price) |
| Ownership share | 50% sufficed | At least 50% (continues) |
| Additional condition | — | Actual use of the property and clearing of real estate tax debts |
Critical point: What matters is not the price in the sale contract but the value the tax authority sets for transfer tax. Even if the contract price is above €150,000, the application may be rejected if the tax value falls below.
The residence granted on this basis is temporary, valid for one year and renewable; on its own it does not grant the right to work/commercial activity.
Residence via a company: the minimum tax requirement
To renew the integrated work–residence permit, a foreigner holding more than 51% of shares or who is the executive director of a Montenegrin company must have the company show at least €5,000 in tax and social security paid in the previous year. The aim is to weed out “paper” companies; the company must therefore have a genuine activity and a minimum tax base.
Transitional provision: acquired rights
Residence permits obtained via real estate before 17 January 2026 can be renewed without showing the new €150,000 value. In other words, those who acquired rights before the change are protected.
What it means for you
- If you’re planning to buy real estate: plan your budget by the tax value, not the contract price. Choosing the right property is now more critical.
- If you’re considering residence via a company: a genuine company activity and regular tax/social-security payment are essential; you need to put accounting in order from the start.
- If you already hold residence: the transitional provision may protect you; have your situation checked.