The opportunity to invest overseas has many benefits, but what if there was an option to strategically contribute to a burgeoning European destination, purchase a state-of-the-art home and become a citizen of a business-friendly, entrepreneurial country? An Adriatic hidden gem, Montenegro is a flourishing European hotspot for tourists and businesses alike, and its Citizenship by Investment programme provides individuals the attractive opportunity to become a Montenegrin citizen.
What is the Citizenship by Investment programme?
The Montenegrin Citizenship by Investment programme was designed to stimulate the economy, encourage development in the region and support residential developments such as Boka Place within Porto Montenegro. First launched in December 2018, the Montenegrin government announced in December 2021 it would extend the programme for another year with additional increments of Government contribution costs. These additional twelve months allow for savvy investors to take action and invest in this opportunity.
To be eligible for the programme, individuals are required to invest a minimum of €450,000 into real estate in the country and contribute €200,000 to Montenegrin government initiatives towards local economy, innovation and infrastructure.
With an average processing time of under six months, the CBI programme accommodates remote applications, with no relocation or language requirements, obligatory interviews or renunciation of existing citizenship. The programme will close at the end of this year, which means there are just nine months remaining to apply.
What are the benefits of the CBI programme?
Montenegro has one of the fastest growing tourism economies in the world and investors from across Europe are increasingly seeing it as a lucrative business proposition. It is a member of the NATO alliance and has an impending EU candidacy, and the Montenegrin government is committed to fostering international relations, trade, and security for its citizens. With its strategic European location and burgeoning appeal as a luxury tourist hotspot, the time to invest in the country has never been better. The benefit of Montenegrin citizenship offers a safe and secure investment with global access opportunities from the heart of the Mediterranean.
To encourage economic growth, Montenegro has a tax and business-friendly environment. There are no restrictions on foreign ownership and low personal, corporate and capital gains taxes up to 15% – making it one of the most favourable tax economies in Europe. Furthermore, thanks to its location within Europe, investors can operate with ease of access to other international markets.
Porto Montenegro as an investment
Porto Montenegro sets a new standard for coastal living in the Adriatic. Situated in the Bay of Kotor – a UNESCO World Heritage site – the region has recently been named ‘the golden triangle’ due to the significant amount of investment in luxury facilities. Over €5 billion has transformed this area of outstanding natural beauty into an even more extraordinary investment location. As a catalyst for development and growth, the Bay of Kotor has welcomed a number of luxury developments over
the years including the renowned Porto Montenegro, where property prices per square metre rose by 62% between 2009-2019 and resale prices have increased by 25% in the same period.
Porto Montenegro is one of the most sophisticated addresses in Montenegro – a leading, luxury residential and retail village with a world-class marina and a 450-berth capacity, and is the flagship development of the Bay of Kotor. It was one of the first developments in the south of Montenegro to be confirmed as part of the CBI programme. Porto Montenegro’s close proximity to many European yachting hubs means that the marina provides an easy launching pad for travel all around the Mediterranean coastline, and nearby Tivat benefits from a bustling international airport with daily flights. Owned by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, this world-class project has helped transform the Bay of Kotor into a high-end tourism destination.
Porto Montenegro’s newest neighbourhood: With construction underway and due for completion by 2023, Boka Place brings not only monumental investment value, but state-of-the-art infrastructure, hotel facilities of the highest category, and an inventory of designer open-plan homes.
Investing in Boka Place
The latest urban community in Porto Montenegro, Boka Place will appeal to investors with its welcoming village feel, cafés and restaurants, entertainment spaces, cinema, art gallery and lush green environment. Boka Place sits on an elevated bank that overlooks Porto Montenegro’s waterfront and marina below. Set back from the Bay of Kotor, residents can take in the beauty of the Adriatic coast while nestled in the hilltops.
Individuals who choose to invest in a hotel-managed unit in Boka Place will be residents of the world’s first SIRO Hotel experience. Expected to open in 2023, SIRO is the immersive lifestyle concept from Kerzner International, the award-winning company behind One&Only, Atlantis Resorts & Residences and Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort. This new hospitality experience will be a pioneer for luxury living, with a blend of fitness, health, wellbeing and travel.
There are 144 SIRO-managed properties that range from studio apartments to three-bedroom duplexes and penthouses, which are all eligible for the Citizenship by Investment programme. The SIRO collective will create a community focused on wellbeing and holistic health. Residents will have access to fitness and wellness support, as well as state-of-the-art facilities that are specifically designed to create an immersive lifestyle experience.
Life at Porto Montenegro
By investing in Porto Montenegro, you’re joining a thriving international community of individuals from across the world. There are over 40 different nationalities in Porto Montenegro’s Owners’ Club and the social programme includes frequent invitation-only events and kids’ clubs days in the summer; a chance to offer an opportunity to connect with other residents and their families in a relaxed, informal environment. Access to the internationally-renowned Porto Montenegro Yacht Club is just one of the possibilities that investors and residents can appreciate. An exclusive venue located directly on the water, the club’s facilities include a sports and fitness centre, tennis courts, a 64m outdoor swimming pool, a private members’ lounge, a nightclub and a new Buddha Bar Beach concept.
For guests and visitors, the well-established Regent Porto Montenegro is a luxury 5* hotel with 216 rooms and penthouses. Guests and residents enjoy exclusive access to a plethora of facilities, including various swimming pools, restaurants, a patisserie, an onsite gym, and a signature Regent spa. For full-time residents, Porto Montenegro works in conjunction with Knightsbridge Schools International (KSI) to cater to families who wish to take full advantage of this year-round luxury destination. Accommodating boys and girls aged 3-19 years, the school offers the International Baccalaureate programme, as well as boarding and modern sports facilities.
There are just nine months remaining to apply for the Citizenship by Investment programme in Montenegro and with limited residences left in Boka Place, the time to take action is now. To get started on your citizenship journey and secure your place in this growing destination, email Porto Montenegro at BokaPlace@portomontenegro.com or visit www.montenegrocbi.com.
Montenegro at a glance:
• Visa-free travel to 124 countries
• A strong & reputable passport (ranked 41st worldwide)
• Hassle-free visa application process where required
• E-2 Treaty Programme between Montenegro and the US allowing Montenegrin citizens to apply for E-2 investor visas to work and reside in the US
• Favourable taxation regime
• No taxes on capital gains, gift or wealth inheritance
• No taxes for non-residents
• Access to a global banking network
Citizenship by Investment programme at a glance:
• Minimum of €450,000 real estate investment
• €200,000 donation to Montenegro government initiatives
• No relocation requirements
• No requirement to renounce existing nationality
• Investment is payable only upon approval of citizenship
• No interview, language test, education or management experience required
• European passport with EU membership planned by 2025
• Citizenship to a multinational, multicultural and multilingual European society promoting strong ecological, fair trade and human values.