Opening Up Europe

During the final countdown to the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Programme, L-J Andrew investigates this strategic gateway to Europe with investment migration experts, Henley & Partner

Dynamic, successful investors are flocking to apply for the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Programme ahead of its closure at the end of the year, as reported by Henley & Partners, the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment. In return for an investment in a stunning modern real estate development in safe, stable Montenegro and a donation to the country, the citizenship by investment programme provides access to the European market, as well as granting European citizenship.

Montenegro’s highly sought-after programme is attracting the attention of high-net-worth investors for many reasons. The World Bank classifies Montenegro as one of the fastest growing Balkan economies, and the nation is quickly establishing itself as a key strategic destination for some of the world’s most important industries. Investors of the highest calibre, including leading US innovators in the tech sphere, see significant opportunities in Montenegro — an official candidate for EU membership.

When the government launched the programme at the beginning of 2019, it had begun creating a strong and sustainable environment to accelerate the digital society and economy. The fact that Montenegro offers one of Europe’s most favourable tax regimes, adds to its appeal to foreign business investors, who are not restricted on foreign ownership in the country.

The programme’s inbuilt development requirement has added a uniquely attractive addition to all the usual benefits of an additional citizenship — investors are likely to see excellent returns on their real estate investment due to the nation’s property boom. As many contemporary wealth managers will confirm, acquiring real estate–linked citizenship is an incredibly safe and sensible investment. These programmes have an embedded market volatility hedge, in that the potential gains over the lifetime of the investment include the core value of the asset, rental yields, and global access.

The key factors individuals consider when relocating, are the quality of life in the target country, taxes, political and financial stability, the utility of the passport, perception of the country globally, and the application processing time. The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Programme ticks all the boxes and as a result, more investors across the globe are choosing Montenegro.

With its ease of access to major EU metropolises, investors see Montenegro as an ideal, well-priced gateway to Europe and the associated networking and business opportunities throughout the region. In addition to being a NATO member, Montenegro is a recognised candidate for future membership of the EU. The government’s chief negotiator, Zorka Kordić, recently gave 2024 as the target timeline for Montenegrin accession.

Applicants to the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Programme must make a defined economic contribution to the country. In exchange, and subject to a stringent vetting and due diligence process including thorough background checks, they and their families are granted Montenegrin citizenship within three to five months. Main applicants must be over 18 years of age, meet the application requirements, and contribute €100,000 to the Government of Montenegro, designated for advancing local under-developed, self-government units. In addition, applicants can invest at least €450,000 in an approved development project in the capital city Podgorica or in Montenegro’s popular coastal region if preferred. Alternatively, they can invest a minimum of €250,000 in an approved development project in the northern or central regions of Montenegro, excluding Podgorica.

Montenegro’s passport consistently ranks in the top 50 worldwide. It currently sits in 48th position on the Henley Passport Index, with its holders enjoying visa-free or visaon-arrival access to 123 destinations worldwide, including the countries in Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE.

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