The recent geopolitical situation in the Middle East has
motivated a significant number of Asian high-net-worth
individuals to consider moving westward towards European
markets, contributing considerably to the development of
so-called 'rich immigration'.
As such, the government of Montenegro has been working on an
attractive citizenship-by-investment programme that is expected
to provide a significant boost to the economy by allowing the
expansion of various forms of business from abroad. For three
years, starting from October 2018, the government of this
NATO-member country will grant citizenship by naturalisation to
2,000 qualifying entrepreneurs from non-EU countries.
Per the scheme, foreign investors will be considered
eligible for naturalisation by exception if they meet one of
the following investment criteria:
- Invest €250,000 ($292,000) in
projects in non-developed areas of Montenegro (mainly located
in the north of the country), provided that these projects
have prior government approval; or
- Invest €450,000 in projects in
developed areas of Montenegro (the southern region), again
with prior government approval.
An additional €100,000 (government fund donation) will
be required by the government for each submitted application.
This amount will be used for regions under development in
Montenegro.
The government has stated that the application procedure
will be speedy, allowing for permanent residence status within
three weeks and subsequently citizenship being granted within
six months.
We advise non-EU nationals thinking about investing in
Europe to consider seriously the option of investing in
strategically-located Montenegro, which is expected to be a
full EU member by 2025. Coupled with the skilled workforce,
stable tax system and general safety and stability, the new
naturalisation incentives make this small coastal country a
very attractive European investment destination.
Jelena Zivkovic (jelena.zivkovic@eurofast.eu) and Bojana Minic (bojana.minic@eurofast.eu)
Eurofast
Tel: +382 20 228 490
Website: www.eurofast.eu