Bill of amendments to the Law on Foreigners – setting the legal framework for issuing visas and residence permits to digital nomads
On 18 May 2022 a Bill on Amendments to the Law on foreigners (hereinafter: “Bill”), was submitted to the Parliament, introducing legislative solutions for obtaining visas and residence permits for digital nomads.
Bill introduces a definition of digital nomads as foreigners employed or performing tasks electronically for foreign companies not registered in Montenegro or an entrepreneur not performing tasks or providing services to employers or companies registered in Montenegro. The digital nomads shall be eligible for obtaining a long-term visa (Visa D- up to 180 days) and for obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro valid for two years, with the possibility of prolongation for another two years upon expiry.
After prolongation of the permit for additional two years (2+2), there should be a break of six months before applying for a new permit for digital nomads.
As proof of justification of the request, shall be a labor agreement or other proof that it performs tasks electronically for a foreign company or that it is an entrepreneur registered somewhere else other than in Montenegro.
In addition, a future digital nomad in Montenegro wishing to apply for the residence permit must fulfil all the other conditions established by the current Law on foreigners, which, among others, include 1) proof of sufficient funds; 2) secured accommodation; 3) proof that it has not been sentenced to a jail sentence for longer than six months in the country of origin.
