Montenegro has tightened its immigration rules: what are the alternatives in 2025?
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Montenegro has tightened its residency requirements and raised the real estate threshold. Learn which countries offer better legalization options in 2025: Serbia, Portugal, Greece, Spain, UAE.
In November 2025, the Montenegrin government introduced major amendments to legislation regulating the stay of foreign nationals in the country. These changes significantly complicate the process of obtaining and renewing a residence permit, creating concern among investors, business owners, and property holders.
The new rules not only increase administrative pressure but also undermine previously valid legalization strategies.
If you planned to use Montenegro as an entry point to Europe, now is the best time to consider more stable and predictable alternatives.
The new rules not only increase administrative pressure but also undermine previously valid legalization strategies.
If you planned to use Montenegro as an entry point to Europe, now is the best time to consider more stable and predictable alternatives.
What has changed in Montenegro’s immigration law
According to the latest amendments, renewing a residence permit based on business activity now requires meeting much stricter conditions.
In particular, the company owner must employ at least three full-time staff members, two of whom must be Montenegrin citizens.
These conditions must be fulfilled within 180 days. If the company does not meet the new requirements, it must either be closed or brought into compliance. Otherwise, the entrepreneur must voluntarily give up their residence permit and leave the country.
Property owners face similar restrictions. Real estate used as a basis for residency must now be worth at least €200,000.
This sharply limits access to the program for foreigners who previously purchased lower-cost property. If the property no longer meets the new threshold, the residence permit will be cancelled.
In particular, the company owner must employ at least three full-time staff members, two of whom must be Montenegrin citizens.
These conditions must be fulfilled within 180 days. If the company does not meet the new requirements, it must either be closed or brought into compliance. Otherwise, the entrepreneur must voluntarily give up their residence permit and leave the country.
Property owners face similar restrictions. Real estate used as a basis for residency must now be worth at least €200,000.
This sharply limits access to the program for foreigners who previously purchased lower-cost property. If the property no longer meets the new threshold, the residence permit will be cancelled.
Visa Dan alternatives for 2025
Visa Dan closely monitors all changes in European migration law and offers reliable, legal, and stable alternatives for those affected by Montenegro’s new rules.
Serbia
A clear and flexible jurisdiction with no strict requirements on the number of employees. You can open a sole proprietorship or LLC without hiring local staff and obtain a residence permit within 30–60 days.
Portugal
One of the most popular destinations for legalization. The ability to register as a sole proprietor (IП) and obtain residency without mandatory active commercial activity makes Portugal highly attractive. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Greece
Offers several residency options, including the financially independent person permit and long-term rental. Unlike Montenegro, no property purchase is required, and residency can be issued for the entire family.
Spain
A top option for remote workers thanks to its Digital Nomad Visa. Suitable for freelancers, company owners, and employees of foreign firms. Spanish legislation provides a structured, predictable application process.
UAE
If you prefer the Middle East, the UAE is a strong alternative. Obtaining an Emirates ID through employment, company formation, or family sponsorship allows you to secure residency quickly. No personal income tax, high living standards, and advanced infrastructure make it highly appealing.
Serbia
A clear and flexible jurisdiction with no strict requirements on the number of employees. You can open a sole proprietorship or LLC without hiring local staff and obtain a residence permit within 30–60 days.
Portugal
One of the most popular destinations for legalization. The ability to register as a sole proprietor (IП) and obtain residency without mandatory active commercial activity makes Portugal highly attractive. After five years, you can apply for permanent residency.
Greece
Offers several residency options, including the financially independent person permit and long-term rental. Unlike Montenegro, no property purchase is required, and residency can be issued for the entire family.
Spain
A top option for remote workers thanks to its Digital Nomad Visa. Suitable for freelancers, company owners, and employees of foreign firms. Spanish legislation provides a structured, predictable application process.
UAE
If you prefer the Middle East, the UAE is a strong alternative. Obtaining an Emirates ID through employment, company formation, or family sponsorship allows you to secure residency quickly. No personal income tax, high living standards, and advanced infrastructure make it highly appealing.
Required documents for alternative programs
Regardless of the chosen country, the standard package includes:
- Valid foreign passport;
- Police clearance certificate;
- Proof of financial means;
- Documents confirming the basis for the application (rental agreement, business registration, etc.);
- Health insurance.
Processing times and government fees
- Serbia: 30–60 days, fees from €300.
- Portugal: 90–120 days, fees from €500.
- Greece: 60–90 days, costs from €500.
- Spain: approx. 90 days, fees from €700.
- UAE: the fastest process — 7–14 days, costs from €1,000.
Advantages of the alternatives
Switching to alternative residency programs ensures not only the preservation of legal status but also access to more stable, predictable, and transparent systems. In Portugal and Spain, permanent residency is available after five years, along with full access to healthcare, education, banking, and the EU labor market. Greece and Serbia offer low bureaucracy and flexible rules, while the UAE provides prestigious residency in a country with 0% personal income tax.
Most programs also allow the applicant to legalize their entire family, making relocation easier and more structured.
Most programs also allow the applicant to legalize their entire family, making relocation easier and more structured.
Conclusion
Montenegro, once attractive for its simple legalization pathways, has effectively closed its doors to small business owners and budget property buyers in 2025. With rising requirements and administrative instability, more foreigners are now choosing other countries for relocation.
Visa Dan will help you choose the optimal route — whether it’s Serbia, Portugal, Spain, Greece, or the UAE.
We provide full support: from risk assessment to obtaining residency or citizenship.
Contact Visa Dan today to receive a personal consultation and select the country that best matches your goals.
Visa Dan will help you choose the optimal route — whether it’s Serbia, Portugal, Spain, Greece, or the UAE.
We provide full support: from risk assessment to obtaining residency or citizenship.
Contact Visa Dan today to receive a personal consultation and select the country that best matches your goals.
Why do customers choose Visa Dan?
Visa Dan is an international company with a strong legal team and experience in assisting more than 1,000 clients. We offer:
- Individual selection of solutions and strategies for obtaining a residence permit.
- Complete transparency and support at every stage.
- A strong team in Europe: lawyers, translators, operators, notaries.
- Support until you receive your ID card, as well as assistance with renewal and integration in the country.
The Visa Dan team will help you navigate this journey from start to finish. Get personalized advice and start your new life in 2025!