National Security Council holds its 10th session: New policy measures on foreign nationals and strengthened interstate cooperation

Enhanced interstate data exchange, reducing the permitted stay from 90 to 30 days for nationals of countries enjoying visa-free entry that are not aligned with the EU visa policy, and terminating residence permits for owners of inactive foreign-owned companies - these are among the conclusions adopted at the session of the National Security Council, convened by Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, held on Monday, 4 November.

The Council discussed current security issues of importance for Montenegro, with particular focus on the presence of foreign nationals and migration flows, maintaining public order and safety, the state of visa and migration policy, and strengthening inter-institutional cooperation in the areas of residence control, employment, and financial activities of foreigners.

Following intensive talks held in previous days between Montenegrin officials - including the Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of the Interior, and heads of security services - and their counterparts from the Republic of Türkiye, the two sides agreed to deepen cooperation and information exchange between the competent authorities of the two countries, with guarantees provided at the highest level.

The Council tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to amend the Decree on the Visa Regime, reducing the permitted stay from 90 to 30 days for nationals of countries not aligned with the EU visa policy but currently entering Montenegro visa-free, with the aim of greater control and harmonization with European visa standards.

Furthermore, it was concluded that amendments to the Law on Foreigners will more precisely define the grounds for obtaining temporary residence. Under the proposed changes, residence could be granted on the basis of investment in real estate with a minimum value of €200,000, while the current option of obtaining residence through company formation would be replaced by the requirement of full-time employment with a registered employer or newly established business entity.

The Council noted that cases of violations of tax regulations by legal and natural persons of foreign origin have been recorded.

Accordingly, the Revenue and Customs Administration will provide the Police Directorate with data on non-operational and inactive companies owned by foreign nationals, enabling the Police Directorate to conduct checks and, in accordance with the Law on Foreigners, initiate procedures to revoke temporary residence permits where legal grounds exist.

The Council reaffirmed that Montenegro remains committed to European standards, the protection of all citizens and lawfully residing foreigners, and that the adopted measures represent part of broader efforts to strengthen institutions and standards governing the residence and employment of foreign nationals in Montenegro, in line with the country's obligations under the EU accession negotiation chapters, and aimed at enhancing security, migration, and fiscal discipline.

Representatives of the Ministry of Interior, National Security Agency, Police Directorate, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Prosecutor's Office, and the acting Director of the Revenue and Customs Administration of Montenegro took part in the session.