As reported by the Serbian Economist, the Government of Montenegro at a meeting of the Council of National Security approved a package of measures to tighten migration policy, including a proposal to fix in the Law on Foreigners the minimum value of real estate € 200 thousand as a basis for granting temporary residence. This is stated in the official message of the Cabinet of Ministers.
Among other decisions of the Council is the instruction to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare amendments to the decree on visa regime, which will reduce the period of visa-free stay for citizens of countries not aligned with the EU visa policy from 90 to 30 days. The Council also ordered that data on dormant and inactive foreign-owned companies be handed over to the police for verification and possible revocation of previously issued residence permits.
The government notes that the “company for the sake of a residence permit” ground is planned to be replaced by the requirement of full employment with a registered employer or an established company. At the same time, local media specify that the Parliament has introduced amendments, according to which the extension of residence permit for the founder of the company will be possible if there are at least three full-time employees, of which at least one Montenegrin citizen, and the extension of residence permit for real estate will depend on its value and size. These norms are to be detailed in bylaws.
Podgorica emphasizes that the measures are aimed at aligning the rules with EU approaches and strengthening control over migration flows. The final changes will require the adoption of amendments to the law and bylaws.
https://t.me/relocationrs/1698
According to Serbian Economist, following a meeting of the National Security Council, the Montenegrin government announced that it was preparing amendments to the Law on Foreigners, which would abolish the requirement to obtain a residence permit on the basis of ownership of a “dormant” or formal company and linking the right to reside to full-time employment with a registered employer or a newly established company with contributions and salaries above the minimum. This is stated in a government announcement.
According to the government, interagency checks on the migration and economic activity of foreigners are being tightened; owners of inactive companies in foreign ownership will have their right to reside terminated.
At the same time, the authorities are preparing to restrict visa-free short-term stays for citizens of countries that are not in line with EU visa policy from 90 to 30 days. The authorities have been instructed to prepare subordinate legislation based on the new criteria.
In Montenegro, it has long been possible to open a company and, on this basis, obtain and extend a residence permit; the authorities say it is necessary to close down “schemes” of fictitious employment and bring the rules into line with European standards. In public discussions, it is noted that the “1 euro company” regime should not apply to foreigners.
The greatest risks are faced by foreigners who have obtained a residence permit through their own companies without real activity or without full-time employees and payment of contributions.
In terms of business structure and residents, company owners from Turkey, Russia, Serbia, and Ukraine are in the lead; they will be the first to feel the requirements for real employment and tax payments.
According to open estimates, Turkish citizens own about 9,800 companies, Russians about 7,200, and Serbs more than 3,200; in total, there are more than 31,000 foreign companies in the country.
The geography and main risk groups are as follows:
1) Turkey – the largest group of company owners; in addition, according to police data, more than 13,000 Turkish citizens have a residence permit or a residence permit + work permit. There is a risk of losing status in the absence of real employment and contributions.
2) Russia – second in terms of the number of companies and one of the largest groups of residents; “paper” companies are at increased risk of having their residence permits revoked.
3) Serbia – a significant group in terms of residence permits and companies; formal structures without employees will also be subject to checks.
4) Ukraine – a noticeable share of company owners; formal companies without turnover and employees are under special scrutiny.
The exact parameters will be determined by amendments to the law and subordinate acts.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/1694
Kazakhstan has issued its first 10-year residence permit under the Digital Nomad Residency program. The recipient is Pavel Filatov, a senior analyst and BI (business intelligence) specialist with international experience. The Astana Times
The program has been in effect since January by decree of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and is aimed at attracting leading specialists in digital technologies and artificial intelligence.
Applications are submitted online through the Astana Hub international innovation cluster. The cluster’s specialists accompany candidates through all stages, from submitting documents to obtaining a residence permit in accordance with Kazakhstani law. To date, more than 270 applications have been received from about 20 countries (the US, Canada, France, Turkey, CIS countries, etc.). Most applicants are professionals in programming, cybersecurity, UI/UX design, and DevOps.
Kazakhstan also offers two types of visas for remote workers:
Tens of thousands of migrants will be able to legally stay in Germany after the country passed a law that makes it easier for them to obtain documents for permanent residence, the Associated Press (AP) reported on Wednesday.
“We want people who have already settled here to have good opportunities,” German Interior Minister Nancy Feather was quoted as saying by the AP.
“Also through this law, we will put an end to bureaucracy and uncertainty for people who have become part of society,” she added.
The new measure will affect around 136,000 people who have lived in Germany for at least five years.
At the same time, these people must have a decent salary, speak German and prove that they have integrated well into society.
Those who meet the necessary requirements can first apply for a residence status in Germany for a period of one year, and then for a permanent residence permit in the country.
People under 27 can apply for permanent residence after they have lived in the country for at least three years.
Information technology specialists, as well as some other specialists that Germany needs, will have the opportunity to move with their families, which was not possible before. In addition, the law will make it easier to enroll in German language courses for refugees, as well as facilitate the deportation of criminals.
