What has changed and why
Until now, citizens of these five countries could enter Montenegro visa-free. A visa regime now applies to them as Montenegro aligns its visa policy with European Union rules — part of its EU accession process.
Not everyone needs a visa, though. Many travellers from these countries can still enter without a separate Montenegrin visa if they already hold a suitable visa or residence permit of another country.
Quick check: do you need a visa?
You do not need a separate Montenegrin visa if you hold at least one of the following:
- a valid Schengen visa;
- a valid visa of the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada, Australia, Japan or New Zealand;
- a valid residence permit of a Schengen country or of one of these seven countries.
How long you can stay without a Montenegrin visa
With such a visa or residence permit you can stay in Montenegro for up to 30 days — or until your visa or permit expires, if that comes sooner.
Property owners and Montenegrin residence permit holders
If you plan to live in Montenegro, the most convenient route is a residence permit — for example, through property ownership. With an approved permit you will not need a separate entry visa.
- If you already hold an approved temporary or permanent Montenegrin residence permit, you enter on that basis — no visa needed.
- A submitted application is not a permit: proof of filing does not replace an approved residence permit.
- Owning property does not exempt you: a flat or house owner without a residence permit needs a visa just like a tourist.
How to apply for a Montenegrin visa
If none of the exemptions applies to you, you must obtain the visa before travelling. Applications cannot be filed from inside Montenegro.
Apply at a Montenegrin embassy or consulate, or at a VFS Global visa centre — these already operate in Türkiye, Russia and Belarus.
- Fill in the application form and prepare your documents.
- Submit them to the consulate or visa centre at least 15 days before your trip.
- Pay the consular fee and, when applying through a visa centre, its service fee.
- Wait for the decision and check the visa dates before buying tickets.
Documents usually required
The exact list depends on the consulate and the purpose of your trip — check with the office where you will apply.
- a valid passport and the completed application form;
- a recent photograph;
- proof of the purpose of travel or an invitation;
- proof of sufficient funds;
- travel health insurance;
- accommodation and return-travel documents, where required.
Processing time and cost
- decision usually within 10 days, extended to 30 or 60 days in some cases;
- consular fee: €35, plus the VFS Global service charge when applying through a visa centre;
- apply at least 15 days before your trip — earlier is better.
What it means for buying property
The entry rules have changed, but you can still buy, sell or rent out property in Montenegro. If you plan to come for viewings or to sign at the notary, allow time for the visa or check whether one of the exemptions applies to you.
We work with clients from all these countries and can help you plan a trip around your deal — shortlisting properties in advance so you can see everything in one visit. Browse properties for sale and rentals.