Can a Foreigner Buy Property in Montenegro?

24.10.2024

Can a Foreigner Buy Property in Montenegro?

If you're wondering whether a foreigner can buy property in Montenegro, the answer is a resounding "yes." and the good news is that Montenegro is known for its relatively straightforward process compared to many other European countries, especially now since the Brexit ruling all the way back in 2016! Though the rules can vary based on your nationality, it’s still relatively easy, and it will be well worth going through the process in the long run given Montenegro’s increased interest on the world stage both for tourism and expats.

Buying Property in Montenegro: The General Rule

Foreigners, regardless of nationality, can purchase property in Montenegro, with only a few restrictions. The most important rule to note is that foreign buyers cannot directly own land classified as agricultural or forest land. However, you are free to purchase residential property, commercial property, or land classified for construction, including homes, apartments, and buildings for development. This includes both re-sale and new build property.

Montenegro has streamlined its property laws, making the process of buying real estate simple for most foreign nationals. The purchasing process is transparent, and in most cases, you'll enjoy the same rights as Montenegrin citizens.

Purchasing Property by Nationality

Citizens of the European Union

EU citizens can buy property in Montenegro without any significant restrictions. Montenegro is seeking closer ties with the European Union, and as part of this process, it has made property ownership for EU nationals relatively hassle-free. You can purchase any type of property, including land for construction, making it particularly attractive for investors and retirees.

Citizens of the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom

For citizens of the U.S., Canada, and the U.K., purchasing property in Montenegro is also relatively easy. These countries, though considered as third countries (non-EU), the purchasing process is straightforward, with the same restrictions on agricultural and forest land. Additionally, citizens of these nations can benefit from Montenegro’s residency programs when investing in property, which is another factor making the country an attractive choice for investors from these regions.

Citizens of Turkey and the Middle East

Montenegro has seen increasing interest from Turkish and Middle Eastern investors, particularly due to its growing status as a European getaway with beautiful landscapes and Mediterranean charm. Turkish and Middle Eastern buyers face no significant barriers to purchasing property, with the same general restrictions on agricultural land in place. Many buyers from these regions also take advantage of Montenegro’s real estate-linked residency options.

Other Nationalities

For citizens of other countries, the process of buying property in Montenegro remains accessible, but the general rule applies. However, Montenegro’s property market is open, and foreign buyers will find the legal framework straightforward.

 

The Process of Buying Property in Montenegro

The property purchase process in Montenegro is transparent and involves several key steps:

1. Finding a Property: Whether you're looking for a holiday home, an investment property, or a place to settle, Montenegro offers a range of choices, from modern apartments in cities like Tivat and Budva to luxury villas along the coast.
2. Preliminary Agreement: Once you've found a property, you sign a preliminary agreement with the seller, which outlines the terms of the purchase. A deposit is usually required at this stage, typically around 10% of the purchase price.
3. Due Diligence: Hiring a local lawyer is recommended to carry out due diligence, ensuring that the property has a clear title and that there are no outstanding debts or legal issues.
4. Signing the Contract: After the due diligence is completed, the final purchase contract is signed. This contract must be notarized to be legally binding.
5. Property Registration: The final step is registering the property in the buyer's name with the local land registry. This process is generally smooth and transparent.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Property Buying Process in Montenegro – you can visit our dedicated blog piece here.

Conclusion

Montenegro is an ideal destination for foreigners seeking to buy property. With straightforward rules, transparent processes, and the option to obtain residency through real estate investment, it stands out as an attractive choice for buyers from all over the world. Whether you're from the EU, Russia, the U.S., or beyond, Montenegro’s property market offers a wide range of opportunities in a country that blends Mediterranean charm with investment potential.

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Reviews

• In period May-August 2022 we sold our flats in St-Petersburg Russia and  have bought two  ones here in Montenegro, Becici. We decided to move here and make new home and business with my husband. Our agent Milica Zugic  is really became our angel - provider here in Montenegro. She is very reliable, responsible , professional  employee of CMM Budva department. She has developed intuition and found very fast necessary properties which we needed. Also she helped us to speed up the process of registration documents in MUP.( list nepokretnosti, etc). She was our real provider here. Very appreciated her and all staff of Budva department for there assistance. Separately to lawyer Ivan and his legal team. Very recommended choose Milica Zugic as real estate manager when you search for assistant in this complicated and important field as buying property in Montenegro.

  Liudmila Nosova St-Petersburg Russia , 13.09.2022 09:20:09

• At the beginning of April 2022, our family living in Prague bought a house in Sutomore with the assistance of your company.
  Let me express my gratitude to the management of your company for the service provided, and especially to your employees - Anastasia Zeyak, Alexei Grachev and Elena Bozhovich for their attention, patience and even care for the whole time of buying real estate and the services provided after the purchase.
  I would really like all companies to work with the same quality of service. After coming into contact with this kind of attitude towards the client, all our environment, if necessary, will refer to your company only.
  With gratitude on behalf of our family.

  A.V. Ter-Gazaryan, 12.07.2022 10:32:19

• Based on my experience with CMM in Budva, Montenegro, I can say that they are reliable, fast, and they deliver what they promise. They take really good care of their clients. For instance, I was offered a lift from the airport, and they would take me back and forth from Tivat to Budva and Becici to see various properties. They would answer all of my questions and respond promptly. They have an excellent team: Katarina, Alexander, Natasha, Martin and some other guys whose names I don’t remember. Katarina, my wonderful agent, went to every length to help me find a perfect home. Unfortunately, my situation changed and I had to postpone my relocation to Montenegro.
  I would strongly recommend this company to anyone who is looking for a property in Montenegro.
  

  Val , 13.05.2022 02:18:13

• We were introduced to CMM by friends who had already done research on Montenegro and CMM. We purchased our apartment in Dobrota, just outside Kotor, all remotely from South Africa, during the lockdown. Everything was seamless without any problems at all. All the CMM departments work together well from the sales team, head office, legal, interior design and rental department. Every detail was well communicated with an abundance of zoom meetings, videos, emails etc
  We are thrilled with the outcome and enjoyed working with the CMM team. They were incredibly professional.
  After sales service is also excellent as we move into the rental phase of the apartment and over all management of the apartment including maintenance.
  We have been directly and indirectly involved with many houses/apartments all over the world and this was the up there with the best service we have received.
  Thanks to everyone we dealt with at CMM it has been an absolute pleasure dealing with you all. We look forward too many happy years working with you on our rental.
  

  Mandy and Antoine, 06.10.2021 08:56:22

• Biz Montenegroda CMM komandayla  tanish olmushug. Snejana ve Milan bize cox  yaxshi destek olublar. Artig bizim burada evimiz de var. Bize gosterdiler cox yuksek service, ve artig butun bizim senedler de gaydasindadir. Boyuk hormetle onlara Cox sagol bildiririk!

  Dilara, 01.10.2019 06:17:27

• Last year we decided to find a new home close to the sea. It was quite difficult in the beginning to make the right choice. Once we found CMM Company was a great luck! We immediately received detailed consultation on the country and purchase opportunities. Being attracted by Kotor - one of the most amazing parts of the coast, we decided to take a family trip and maybe make our dream of new home come true. As just discoverers of Montenegro, we were accepted like at home which was a one more pleasant surprise. The most important, we received all detailed information about country regions and procedure of buying property during the first few days. And how beautiful the car journeys were! Difficult choice, but when you find the home you want you can't refuse it. CMM did best to help us with this finding! All the purchase procedure passed well with CMM professional work! Now we are happy owners of a wonderful house with a Kotor bay view, being perfectly served by CMM Management company (of course, we've chosen CMM as professional house manager). Hope our friends and relatives would also move to Montenegro with the CMM help soon !!!

  Kate, 22.03.2019 11:06:21