General Information
Montenegro offers several immigration services for individuals looking to visit, work, or live in the country. Here's an overview:
VISA:
- Short-term Visa (C Visa): For stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Long-term Visa (D Visa): For stays longer than 90 days, often required for work or study.
RESIDENCY PERMITS:
- Temporary Residence Permit: Issued for reasons like employment, education, family reunification, and more. It's valid for up to one year and can be renewed.
- Permanent Residence Permit: Granted after five years of continuous temporary residence, allowing for indefinite stay.
Citizenship: Possible after few years of legal residence, among other requirements.
- Initial Visa Application: Apply at a Montenegrin consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Residence Permit Application: Submit at the local police station in Montenegro. Documents typically required include proof of accommodation, health insurance, financial means, and a clean criminal record.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory for all visa and permit applications.
- Financial Means: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself.
- Accommodation: Proof of residence is required for most permits.
- Ministry of Interior Affairs: Primary authority for immigration services.
- Local Police Stations: Handle residence and work permit applications.
For detailed and updated information, it's best to consult the official website of Montenegro's Ministry of Interior Affairs or visit a local consulate.
Visa D (Business Visa)
A Type D visa, also known as a long-term visa, is required for individuals who intend to stay in Montenegro for longer than 90 days. This visa is typically sought for purposes such as employment, education, family reunification, or other long-term stays.
You can apply for:
- Employment: Individuals with a job offer from a Montenegrin employer.
- Education: Students enrolled in a Montenegrin educational institution.
- Family Reunification: Family members of Montenegrin citizens or residents.
- Business: Investors or individuals starting a business in Montenegro.
- Other Long-term Stays: Other specific purposes requiring a longer stay.
- Gather Required Documents:
Commonly required documents include:
- Valid passport
- Completed visa application form
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of accommodation in Montenegro
- Health insurance covering the entire stay
- Proof of sufficient financial means
- Criminal background check from your home country
- Specific documents depending on the purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, university admission letter, etc.)
- Submit Application: Applications must be submitted to the nearest Montenegrin consulate or embassy in your home country.
- Processing Time: The processing time can vary, but it typically takes several weeks. It's advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Fee Payment: Pay the visa application fee, which may vary based on the purpose and duration of stay.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
- Register with Local Authorities: Within 24 hours of arriving in Montenegro, register your stay with the local police station.
- Apply for Temporary Residence Permit: If not already included, apply for a temporary residence permit at the local police station. This involves submitting similar documentation as the Type D visa application and additional forms.
- Duration: A Type D visa typically allows entry into Montenegro and stay for 90 days during which you must apply for a temporary residence permit.
- Renewal: The temporary residence permit can be renewed annually based on the continuing purpose of your stay (e.g., employment, study).
For the most accurate and updated information, it is recommended to contact the nearest Montenegrin consulate or embassy or visit the official website of Montenegro’s Ministry of Interior Affairs.