Citizenship & Passports in Montenegro

When asking: “Whereabouts in Europe is Montenegro?” the answer is simple, but when asking: “Whereabouts is Montenegro in its EU membership process,” things get a lot more complicated.

The Balkan gem of Montenegro has been in the process of joining the European Union (EU) for over a decade. The country’s journey towards EU membership started after its independence from the State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in 2006.

There is still work to be done before Montenegrin citizens become EU residents. Predicting the exact timeline for Montenegro’s accession to the EU is difficult due to the numerous variables and stages involved in the process.

In this article, I will share the latest developments on the Montenegrin transition to an EU member state, why it is important, what’s causing the delay, and what might happen next.

Nestled in Southeastern Europe on the Balkan Peninsula, Montenegro is famous for its awe-inspiring natural landscapes.

As a NATO member and an official EU candidate country, Montenegro provides several advantages to its citizens, including visa-free access to the Schengen Area, Russia, and Turkey.

Montenegro introduced its Citizenship by Investment (CIP) program to attract foreign direct investment and promote economic development. However, the program concluded on December 31, 2022.

The Henley Passport Index puts Montenegro in the 42nd spot (tied with Kiribati) on its power ranking of passports. That’s above Russia, Turkey, Thailand, China, India and many others.

Understandably, the strength of Montenegro’s passport makes it an attractive choice for frequent and adventurous travelers, international businesspeople and location-independent entrepreneurs.

A passport comes as a benefit of full citizenship in Montenegro. For most people, the road to a passport will be a fairly intensive process. Here’s how to get a Montenegrin passport.

Montenegro is a young country with a bright future. Since declaring independence from Serbia, in 2006, the government has set the country on a course for growth and prosperity.

In part, that means being open to the idea that immigration (which may eventually lead to citizenship) will be a cornerstone of the country’s future.

The Law of Montenegrin Citizenship (2008) governs the Balkan nation’s qualifications for citizenship.

There are a few slightly complicated situations, but generally, it is a straight path to citizenship. Below you’ll find all you need to know about how to get Montenegrin citizenship.