--- title: "Montenegro Spouse of a citizen requirements 2026: 1-year stay" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/spouse-of-citizen/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-11 --- Montenegro · Spouse visas # Montenegro Spouse of a citizen **First stay:** 1 yr Temporary residence for family reunification with a Montenegrin citizen (Law on Foreigners, Art. 44) First checked against official sources on 11 Oct 2026 [Record corrected 11 Oct 2026](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/corrections/#change-me-spouse-of-citizen) [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **First stay:** 1 yr (Permit valid up to one year and extendable.) - **Who can apply:** Any passport (Open to foreigners generally.) - **Family:** Family can join (Minor children and parents of minor children can join as close family.) ## Key facts Spouse of a citizen is a spouse visas route for Montenegro. Checked 2026-10-11 against the official source. - **Government fees:** €40 ≈ $45 · +2 more - **Processing:** Up to 40 days - **First stay:** 1 yr ## Cost, time and long term To apply: government fees €47 ≈ $53 in total (3 fees); decision: up to 40 days. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: €40 ≈ $45 · +2 more** - EUR 40 (≈ $45) Administrative fee for issuing a temporary residence permit (Tariff No. 13 of the Law on Administrative Fees). - EUR 5 (≈ $6) Fee for the permit form. - EUR 2 (≈ $2) Fee for the application. **Renewal: Renewable** The permit is valid up to one year and can be extended. [Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 3/2026](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/389913/download) **Permanent residence: After 5 years of residence** You can apply for a permanent residence permit after 5 years of continuous lawful temporary residence, with basic Montenegrin, sufficient income, health insurance and housing. Absences must total no more than 10 months, or one absence of up to 6 months. [Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 12/2018](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/334183/download) [Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 3/2026](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/389913/download) **Citizenship: Conditions** Citizenship by admission is possible for a spouse married to a Montenegrin national for at least 3 years who has permanent residence. [Government of Montenegro](https://www.gov.me/en/article/citizenship) **Processing: Up to 40 days** A temporary residence application is decided within 40 days of a complete application. [Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 12/2018](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/334183/download) **Where to apply: Inside the country** Apply in person at the Ministry of Interior in your place of stay after entering lawfully; you may stay until the decision if you apply before your 90 days end. [Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 12/2018](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/334183/download) **Presence rules: Absence limits** Continuous residence for permanent residence allows several absences totalling up to 10 months, or one absence of up to 6 months, within the 5 years. [Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 12/2018](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/334183/download) ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - Applicant is the spouse or same-sex life partner of a Montenegrin citizen. - Minor children born in or out of marriage, children of one spouse, adopted children up to 18 and parents of minor children also qualify as close family. - The permit is refused if the marriage or partnership was concluded to gain entry or residence. #### What you must show - No proof of means of support is required for the spouse, partner, child or parent of a Montenegrin citizen. #### Documents - Official document proving the family relationship with the Montenegrin citizen. - Valid passport, proof of accommodation (a statement of the citizen with proof of ownership or lease), health insurance and criminal record certificate. #### Steps 1. Apply in person at the Ministry of Internal Affairs unit in the place of residence; the decision is made within 40 days. #### After you arrive - The permit is issued for up to one year; if the citizen dies or the marriage ends after at least three years in Montenegro, the permit can still be extended. - The holder can work in Montenegro without a separate work permit. ## What happens at day 183 How Montenegro decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Stay on this route:** **Up to 1 year at first, renewable** - **Tax residence:** - **More than 183 days in a tax year** Stay on Montenegrin territory of more than 183 days in the tax year makes a person resident. - **Foreign-source income:** Residents of Montenegro are taxed on income earned in Montenegro and abroad. [All tax rules for Montenegro](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026 ## What you need to arrange - **Health insurance** Valid passport, proof of accommodation (a statement of the citizen with proof of ownership or lease), health insurance and criminal record certificate - **Accommodation** Valid passport, proof of accommodation (a statement of the citizen with proof of ownership or lease), health insurance and criminal record certificate - **Police certificate and civil documents** Valid passport, proof of accommodation (a statement of the citizen with proof of ownership or lease), health insurance and criminal record certificate Taken from this route's requirements above. The authority's own list is the one that counts. **Full official text** One-year residence permit for the spouse, same-sex partner, minor child or parent of a minor child of a Montenegrin citizen. (sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) #### What you must show and pay - A fee of EUR 40 (≈ $45) · Administrative fee for issuing a temporary residence permit (Tariff No. 13 of the Law on Administrative Fees). (source 7) - A fee of EUR 5 (≈ $6) · Fee for the permit form. (source 5) - A fee of EUR 2 (≈ $2) · Fee for the application. (source 5) #### Requirements - Applicant is the spouse or same-sex life partner of a Montenegrin citizen. (sources 1, 2) - Minor children born in or out of marriage, children of one spouse, adopted children up to 18 and parents of minor children also qualify as close family. (sources 1, 2) - The permit is refused if the marriage or partnership was concluded to gain entry or residence. (source 2) - No proof of means of support is required for the spouse, partner, child or parent of a Montenegrin citizen. (source 2) - Official document proving the family relationship with the Montenegrin citizen. (source 4) - Valid passport, proof of accommodation (a statement of the citizen with proof of ownership or lease), health insurance and criminal record certificate. (sources 1, 3, 4) - Apply in person at the Ministry of Internal Affairs unit in the place of residence; the decision is made within 40 days. (source 1) - The permit is issued for up to one year; if the citizen dies or the marriage ends after at least three years in Montenegro, the permit can still be extended. (sources 1, 2) - The holder can work in Montenegro without a separate work permit. (source 1) #### Stay - Permit valid up to one year and extendable. - First stay: up to 12 months, decided case by case. - Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal. #### Nationality Open to foreigners generally. #### Work Free access to the labour market. #### Family Minor children and parents of minor children can join as close family. Checked 2026-10-11 ## Official sources 1. [Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette of Montenegro 12/18)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/334183/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 12/2018 · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2018-02-23 2. [Law amending the Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette of Montenegro 3/2026)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/389913/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 3/2026 · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2026-01-09 3. [Rulebook amendment: proof of accommodation (Official Gazette of Montenegro 145/22)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/292855/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 145/2022 · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2022-12-27 4. [Rulebook amendment: daily means of support, minimum pay and health insurance (Official Gazette of Montenegro 12/25)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/378542/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 12/2025 · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2025-02-11 5. [Temporary residence and work (work permit)](https://psc.gov.me/me/sektorske-informacije/ministarstvo-unutrasnjih-poslova/privremeni-boravak-i-rad-radna-dozvola) · Government of Montenegro, Single Contact Point for services · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2024-04-26 6. [Rulebook amendment: proof of family relationship for family reunification, applies from 1 November 2026](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/398907/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro (Ministry of Internal Affairs, 24 September 2026) · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2026-09-24 7. [Law on Administrative Fees, Tariff No. 13: fees for permits for foreigners (adopted 6 March 2019)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/334575/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro (Law proclaimed 11 March 2019) · checked 2026-10-11 · published 2019-03-11 8. [Citizenship](https://www.gov.me/en/article/citizenship) · Government of Montenegro · checked 2026-10-11 ## Spouse of a citizen and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Spouse of a citizen | – | 1 yr, renewable | – | | [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) | – | 1 yr, renewable | – | | [Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/portugal/spouse-of-citizen/) Portugal | – | – | – | | [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/spain/family-reunification/) Spain | Needs income of €900+ a month ≈ $1,010 | – | Yes | | [Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/georgia/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) Georgia | – | 1 yr, renewable | – | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Spouse of a citizen? A fee of EUR 40 (≈ $45). Administrative fee for issuing a temporary residence permit (Tariff No. A fee of EUR 5 (≈ $6). Fee for the permit form. A fee of EUR 2 (≈ $2). Fee for the application. ### How long can I stay on the Spouse of a citizen? Permit valid up to one year and extendable. ### How long does the Spouse of a citizen take to process? A temporary residence application is decided within 40 days of a complete application. ### Can I work on the Spouse of a citizen? Free access to the labour market. ### Can I bring my family on the Spouse of a citizen? Minor children and parents of minor children can join as close family. ### Does the Spouse of a citizen lead to permanent residence in Montenegro? Time on the Spouse of a citizen counts toward permanent residence in Montenegro, which the rules allow after 5 years of residence. ### How are Spouse of a citizen holders taxed in Montenegro? No special regime in our records is tied to the Spouse of a citizen. The standard rules apply: Residents of Montenegro are taxed on income earned in Montenegro and abroad. From 1 January 2026 taxable employment income is taxed at 0% up to EUR 700 (≈ $780) a month, 9% from EUR 700.01 (≈ $780) to EUR 1,000 (≈ $1,120) and 15% above; employee social contributions are 10.5% (10% pension, 0.5% unemployment) and a municipal surtax of up to 13% of the tax (up to 15% in the Capital City and the Old Royal Capital) is added. ## More in Montenegro [Digital nomad permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/digital-nomad/) [Property owner residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/property-owner/) [Company owner permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/entrepreneur-owner/) [Domestic work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/employment-domestic/) [Work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/employment/) [Healthcare work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/employment-healthcare/) [IT work permit](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/employment-it/) [Intra-company transfer](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/montenegro/intra-company/) ## Spouse and partner visas elsewhere [🇮🇹 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/italy/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇬🇷 Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/greece/spouse-of-citizen/) [🇫🇷 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/france/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) [🇬🇧 Fiancé visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-kingdom/fiance-visa/) [🇳🇱 Spouse of a citizen](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/netherlands/spouse-of-citizen/) [🇨🇾 Spouse of a resident](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/cyprus/spouse-of-permanent-resident/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-11 against 8 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette of Montenegro 12/18)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/334183/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 12/2018 · checked 2026-10-11 2. [Law amending the Law on Foreigners (Official Gazette of Montenegro 3/2026)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/389913/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 3/2026 · checked 2026-10-11 3. [Rulebook amendment: proof of accommodation (Official Gazette of Montenegro 145/22)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/292855/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 145/2022 · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Rulebook amendment: daily means of support, minimum pay and health insurance (Official Gazette of Montenegro 12/25)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/378542/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro No. 12/2025 · checked 2026-10-11 5. [Temporary residence and work (work permit)](https://psc.gov.me/me/sektorske-informacije/ministarstvo-unutrasnjih-poslova/privremeni-boravak-i-rad-radna-dozvola) · Government of Montenegro, Single Contact Point for services · checked 2026-10-11 6. [Rulebook amendment: proof of family relationship for family reunification, applies from 1 November 2026](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/398907/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro (Ministry of Internal Affairs, 24 September 2026) · checked 2026-10-11 7. [Law on Administrative Fees, Tariff No. 13: fees for permits for foreigners (adopted 6 March 2019)](https://www.sluzbenilist.me/propisi/334575/download) · Official Gazette of Montenegro (Law proclaimed 11 March 2019) · checked 2026-10-11 8. [Citizenship](https://www.gov.me/en/article/citizenship) · Government of Montenegro · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.