Nationality of Montenegro: all obtaining pathways
Montenegro requires ten years of residence for ordinary naturalization; marriage opens it with five years of residence and three of union. Its citizenship-by-investment program closed in 2022 and stands as a historical reference, and birth citizenship is transmitted by ius sanguinis.
1Naturalization by residence
Naturalization by residence
Requirements
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have permanently resided in Montenegro for at least 10 years
- Hold a permanent residence permit
- Have guaranteed means of subsistence
- No criminal record
- Command of the Montenegrin language
- Knowledge of the Constitution and the legal order
- Waive the previous citizenship
Documentation
- Application to the Ministry of the Interior
- 10-year permanent residence certificate
- Montenegrin language command certificate
- Criminal record certificates from Montenegro and the country of origin
- Proof of means of subsistence
- Declaration renouncing the previous citizenship
- Valid passport
- Birth certificate
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
2Naturalization through marriage
Naturalization through marriage
Requirements
- Married to a Montenegrin citizen for at least 3 years
- Permanently residing in Montenegro for at least 5 years
- Command of Montenegrin
- No criminal record
Documentation
- Marriage certificate
- Passport of the Montenegrin spouse
- Permanent residence certificate
- Montenegrin language command certificate
- Criminal record certificate
We could not verify the official portal
The official portal was not reachable during our latest review. The information was cross-checked against the sources listed below. Please confirm the requirements on the official portal before starting your application.
3Citizenship by birth (ius sanguinis)
Citizenship by birth (ius sanguinis)
Requirements
- At least one parent is a Montenegrin citizen
- Born in Montenegro to stateless parents or those of unknown nationality
- Citizenship is transmitted with no generational limit
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- Parents' passports
- Proof of the parents' Montenegrin citizenship
4Citizenship by investment (CBI - program closed in 2022)
Citizenship by investment (CBI - program closed in 2022)
Requirements
- Real-estate investment of at least 250,000 EUR in the north or center of Montenegro, or 450,000 EUR on the coast
- Non-refundable donation of 100,000 EUR to the national development fund
- Note: the program was in force from 2019 until December 2022 and is currently not active
Documentation
- Application to the competent authority
- Proof of real-estate investment
- Receipt of the 100,000 EUR donation
- Criminal record certificate
- Valid passport
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Montenegro
How many years of residence does Montenegro require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Montenegro (Naturalization by residence), the term is 10 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Montenegro allow dual nationality?
Waive the previous citizenship
Can the nationality of Montenegro be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization through marriage pathway (5 years with 3 of marriage). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Montenegro require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Application to the Ministry of the Interior; 10-year permanent residence certificate; Montenegrin language command certificate; Criminal record certificates from Montenegro and the country of origin; Proof of means of subsistence; among 3 more documents.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Montenegro?
Montenegro provides 4 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization through marriage, Citizenship by birth, Citizenship by investment.
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