According to Serbian Economist, the Montenegrin government has submitted amendments to the law on foreigners to parliament, which provide for stricter conditions for granting temporary residence and work permits. The aim is to link the extension of stay to the financial capacity of applicants and their real economic contribution.
According to the government’s explanations, the extension of temporary residence for property owners is planned to be linked to the cost and area of the property, and for company founders and directors – to confirmation of actual activity and payment of taxes. Closer coordination between the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other agencies and international organizations is expected. The bill was supported by the relevant committee without any votes against, and the document will now be considered by the Skupština.
Context: Against the backdrop of a growing number of foreigners in 2024-2025, the government expanded electronic procedures and special statuses (in particular for digital nomads), while gradually raising the economic criteria for residence. After the first reading, subordinate legislation is expected to be introduced with methods for assessing real estate and verifying the economic activity of companies. Specific thresholds — the cost and area of housing, minimum tax indicators — will be announced separately.
According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as of September 10, 2025, there are 100,867 foreigners living in the country: 71,250 with temporary residence and 29,617 with permanent residence.
The structure of temporary residence is dominated by citizens of Serbia, Russia, and Turkey; approximately 24,538 Serbs, 21,153 Russians, and 13,396 Turks.
In the first 11 months of 2024, 65,895 permits for temporary or permanent residence and work were issued.
As of June 1, 2024, nearly 5,000 Ukrainian citizens were under temporary protection; in 2025, 5,463 applications for renewal and 2,006 new applications were recorded.
Since the temporary protection regime came into force on March 11, 2022, 13,034 applications have been submitted, of which 12,302 have been approved (as of January 13, 2025).
Between January and August 2025, 69,826 Ukrainian citizens entered the country and 67,561 left; since the start of the full-scale war until January 13, 2025, 293,414 entered and about 292,500 left. Some Ukrainians are staying for other reasons (short-term, temporary, or permanent residence).
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1681
