Purchase a Property in Montenegro
Foreigners interested in acquiring property in Montenegro can ask for assistance from our law firm in Montenegro.
If you want professional experience in property conveyance, our lawyers in Montenegro are willing to assist you.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Specific legislation applicable (Yes/No) | Yes, the Law on Property Relations |
Possibilities to acquire Montenegrin properties by foreigners (Yes/No) | Yes, possible |
Types of properties that can be purchased in Montenegro | Apartments, houses, lands, commercial property, etc |
| Real estate due diligence required (Yes/No) | Yes, basic due diligence is required for: Title search; Property inspection; Zoning and land use; Environmental assessment; Legal compliance; Tax and financial review |
| Documents to draft for property acquisition | Sale and purchase agreement; Power of attorney; Certificate of ownership; Title deeds; Tax and fee certificates; Power of attorney for utilities, etc |
| Financing options availability (Yes/No) | Yes, personal loans, mortgages, and business loans |
| Special property acquisition programs for foreign citizens (YES/NO) | No; the citizenship-by-investment programme closed on 31 December 2022. Owning property worth at least EUR 150,000 (non-EU nationals, since January 2026) can support a temporary residence permit |
| Time frame to acquire a property in Montenegro (approx.) | Varies depending on the type of property |
| Taxes to consider upon a property purchase | Value-added tax (21%, new buildings), transfer tax (3% to 6%, progressive) |
| Land Registry registration requirement (Yes/No) | Yes, it is required |
| Big cities to buy properties in Montenegro | Podgorica, Budva, Kotor, Herceg Novi, etc |
| Residency requirements for foreign citizens buying real estate | Not required |
| Possibility to appoint a Montenegrin representative during the transaction (Yes/No) | Yes, it is possible |
| Property tax rates in Montenegro | 3% to 6% (progressive) of the market value as a transfer tax; 0.25% to 1% as the basic annual property tax (municipalities may set higher rates, e.g. for secondary homes or unbuilt land); 15% of income for renting out; and 15% of capital gains tax for selling |
| Support in buying a property in Montenegro (Yes/No) | Yes, offered by our company formation agents in Montenegro |
What are the steps to buy a property in Montenegro?
Several steps have to be fulfilled for buying a property in Montenegro in 2026:
- find a property that fits your budget;
- make an offer for it;
- hire a solicitor and a surveyor;
- confirm the offer/mortgage;
- sign the buying/selling contract;
- complete the transaction.
Can I buy real estate in Montenegro if I am a foreigner? Are there any restrictions that I need to be aware of?
Yes, you can acquire a property in Montenegro, even if you are a foreign citizen. However, indeed, there is one restriction you should be aware of: you cannot buy agricultural or forest land in Montenegro (building land is allowed). The same applies to property within 1 km of the land border and on islands. Exceptions do apply to this rule.
How can I buy land in Montenegro if I am a foreigner?
The exception that enables you to buy land is by opening a company in Montenegro.
Do I need to be in Montenegro when signing the sale-purchase agreement?
You don’t need to be present, but you will need to appoint a proxy and grant them a power of attorney to represent you.
Is real estate due diligence required when purchasing a property in Montenegro?
Having the property investigated and assessing the eventual risks attached to it is highly recommended before purchasing a property in a foreign country. Our law firm in Montenegro can provide real estate due diligence services to anyone interested in buying a property in this country.
Is there a dedicated program through which I can buy a property in Montenegro?
No; Montenegro has no golden visa, and its citizenship-by-investment programme closed on 31 December 2022. However, in this case, you need to expect to pay a minimum price for the property to enter the program. For property-based temporary residence, non-EU owners now need a property valued at least EUR 150,000 (since January 2026). Our lawyers recommend tourist cities, such as Kotor or Budva, to make this a profitable investment you can rent, especially during the summer season.
Do I need to make a minimum payment to retain a property I want to purchase?
Yes, it is customary to pay 10% of the value of the property to retain it.
How can I pay the remaining amount?
Cash or via bank transfer, both options are accepted by Montenegrin sellers.
What is the currency I make the purchase in?
Montenegro uses the euro as an official currency, so there is no problem if you make the payment this way. However, you can also pay in USD or even GBP, which are common currencies in Europe.
What are the taxes that I need to consider if I buy a property in Montenegro?
As a buyer, you need to consider:
- the value added tax, which is 21% (on the first sale of new buildings);
- the notary fees, which depend on the notary you work with;
- also, if you buy a resale property rather than a new build subject to VAT, you must also consider the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT), which is 3% to 6% (progressive) of the market value.
Are there any other steps to take after I complete the purchase?
Yes, you need to register the property with the Land Register to record you as the new owner. Our Montenegrin lawyers can help you with this procedure.
How long does it take to buy a property in Montenegro in 2026?
You can expect to complete the procedure in 1 to 3 months, depending on the means of acquisition and the type of property.
The common practice in Montenegro requires a hired lawyer to prepare the transaction papers. If you want honest and affordable legal services, please contact our law firm in Montenegro. You can also contact us if you are interested in immigration to Montenegro.
Vladimir Radonjic, Lawyer · 2 October 2026