Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Đukanović has initiated a review of the practice of granting honorary citizenships, stressing that they should be awarded exclusively for specific services to the country, such as job creation, economic development, and the promotion of Montenegrin interests. He warned that if it turns out that passports were handed out as “personal favors” or without clear criteria, it would discredit state institutions and encourage corruption.
Spajic took this step amid the procedure to strip Kosovar businessman Naser Ramaj of his citizenship. This case has become a prime example of the review of the practice of granting honorary citizenship, especially against the backdrop of Montenegro’s active movement towards European Union membership.
Ramaj, who received a Montenegrin passport in October 2023 as an investor in the €80 million Porto Budva project, is now involved in a criminal case involving the embezzlement of €2.2 million. He is accused of systematic tax evasion in the implementation of this residential complex. It is noteworthy that citizenship was granted under the previous government of Dritan Abazovic, which calls into question the transparency of such decisions in the past.
Spajic emphasizes that such cases damage the country’s international image at a critical moment when Montenegro is seeking to complete EU accession negotiations by the end of 2025. European partners have long expressed concern about the corruption risks associated with economic citizenship programs. The government’s current actions are aimed at demonstrating its determination to bring all procedures into line with European standards.
This precedent could be a turning point in Montenegro’s citizenship policy. The authorities are not only reviewing the specific decision, but also conducting a systematic review of previously granted honorary citizenships in an effort to restore the trust of both their own citizens and the international community. The success of this initiative will be crucial for the country’s further European integration, scheduled for 2028.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/930
The residential real estate market in Montenegro in 2025 is showing steady growth due to high demand from foreign investors, limited supply, and positive economic expectations related to the country’s possible accession to the European Union in 2026.
Current market situation
According to the Tranio portal, the average price of apartments in Montenegro is around €3,800 per square meter, and houses are around €3,600 per square meter. However, prices vary significantly depending on the region and type of property.
Coastal regions
Tivat: apartment prices range from €3,500 to €5,500 per square meter, especially in areas adjacent to Porto Montenegro.
Budva: the cost per square meter in new buildings ranges from €3,000 to €4,200, and in finished properties — from €2,800 to €3,800.
Kotor: housing prices range from €2,400 to €3,800 per square meter.
Herceg Novi: the cost per square meter reaches €5,800.
Other regions
Bar: house prices average €1,300 per square meter, making this region more affordable for investors.
Podgorica: in the country’s capital, apartments start at €800 per square meter, and houses start at €1,000 per square meter.
Factors influencing price growth
High demand from foreign investors: Montenegro attracts buyers from Europe, Russia, and the Middle East thanks to its favorable tax policy and attractive geographical location.
Limited supply: The construction of new properties is not keeping pace with growing demand, especially in coastal areas, leading to a housing shortage. Economic growth and prospects for EU accession: Montenegro’s expected accession to the European Union makes the region more stable for long-term investment, which has a positive impact on the real estate market.
Forecast for 2026
Experts predict that real estate prices in Montenegro will continue to rise in 2026. In the most sought-after regions, such as Budva and Tivat, growth could reach 15%. This makes investing in Montenegrin real estate promising, especially given the limited supply and stable demand.
The residential real estate market in Montenegro in 2024 showed a significant increase in prices for both apartments and houses. The average cost of housing in new buildings increased by 20%, reaching EUR 1,844 per square meter.
Regional differences in prices:
Podgorica: In the capital, the average housing price increased by 11.5% to 1,763 euros per square meter in the second quarter of 2024.
Coastal areas: In the coastal region, prices for apartments and houses increased by almost 30% over the year to 2,028 euros per square meter.
Central region: In the central region, the average price of housing increased by 34.5% compared to the previous year and amounted to 960 euros per square meter in the second quarter of 2024.
Northern region: In the north of the country, the average cost of new housing rose by 7.1% to €1,306 per square meter.
Price growth factors:
Demand from foreign investors: Montenegro continues to attract foreign buyers due to its loyal tax policy and prospects of joining the European Union.
Limited supply: In popular tourist regions such as Budva, Tivat and Bar, there is a shortage of luxury housing, which contributes to the growth of prices.
Economic reforms: Montenegro’s accession to international organizations and expected accession to the European Union make the region more stable for long-term investment.
Forecast for 2025:
Experts predict continued growth in real estate prices in Montenegro in 2025, especially in areas with developed tourist infrastructure. Demand for luxury properties in coastal areas is expected to remain high, leading to further price increases.
Buyers are advised not to postpone their decision to purchase real estate, given the current market trends.
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Ukraine and Montenegro have started consultations on the preparation of a bilateral security agreement, the press service of the Ukrainian head of state said.
“Ukraine and Montenegro held a meeting on the conclusion of a bilateral security agreement. The document will contribute to strengthening security in Europe and deepening cooperation between the two countries,” – said in a message on the President’s website on Friday.
It is noted that today’s consultations were held by the Deputy Head of the Office of the President Igor Zhovkva. “We appreciate Montenegro’s unwavering position and unwavering support for Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion. We share common values and look forward to Montenegro’s assistance on Ukraine’s path to NATO membership. Ukraine and Montenegro also aspire to EU membership and undoubtedly already contribute to the security and prosperity of Europe,” Zhovkva said, quoted by the press service.
Ukraine concludes bilateral security agreements in pursuance of the G7 Joint Declaration adopted last year on July 12 in Vilnius. Twenty-five agreements have already been signed with the countries that supported it.
Presidents of Ukraine and Montenegro Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Jakov Milatovic discussed regional security issues and coordinated cooperation between the two countries on international platforms in Tirana as part of the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit, the press service of the Ukrainian president reports.
“In the framework of the Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit in Tirana, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Montenegrin President Jakob Milatovic,” the press service of the Ukrainian president said on Wednesday.
The President of Ukraine expressed gratitude for the Montenegrin side’s support for the Vilnius Declaration of the Group of Seven and the Ukrainian Peace Formula, and informed the Montenegrin president about preparations for the first Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. Zelenskyy spoke about the joint architecture of Ukraine’s efforts to restore a just and lasting peace.
“The leaders coordinated cooperation between the two countries on international platforms,” the press service said.
Zelenskyy also thanked Montenegro for sheltering Ukrainians who were forced to flee their homes due to the full-scale Russian invasion. The parties discussed the treatment and rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers in Montenegro.
From Sunday, January 2, 2022, the updated border crossing conditions will come into force in Montenegro, the Ukrainian Embassy press service said.
“Now entry is allowed with one of two documents, namely confirmation of full vaccination, provided that the second dose of the vaccine was made no later than six months before entry; confirmation of the transferred COVID-19 disease (positive PCR or rapid antigen test, which must be at least ten days and no more than 180 days),” the embassy said on Facebook.
In both cases, it is also necessary to have either a negative PCR test not older than 72 hours, or a rapid antigen test not older than 48 hours.
These conditions are valid until January 12.
Previously, only a negative test was required to enter Montenegro.
