U.S. Tech Innovators Choose Montenegro CIP for Domicile Diversification
Miodrag Spahić - Dec 17, 2021
3 min
U.S. Tech Innovators Choose Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program for Domicile Diversification
The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program has seen a flood of applications from dynamic, successful U.S. citizens, many of whom are high-powered Generation Xers, as reported by Henley & Partners, the global leader in residence and citizenship by investment. In recent years, Montenegro has become an emergent economic hub for tech innovation, and its citizenship by investment program grants investors access to the European market as well as providing European citizenship in return for making a defined economic contribution to the country.
Old town of Kotor, Montenegro
Montenegrin citizenship – A gateway to Europe
Montenegro’s highly sought-after program has an inbuilt real estate development requirement, providing an attractive add-on to the usual benefits of an additional citizenship — investors are likely to see excellent returns on their real estate investment due to the current property boom. The fact that Montenegro offers one of Europe’s most favorable tax regimes adds to its appeal to foreign business investors, who are not restricted on foreign ownership in the country.
With its ease of access to major EU metropolises, investors see Montenegro as an ideal, well-priced gateway to Europe and all the associated networking and business opportunities throughout the region. Montenegro is a recognized candidate for future membership of the EU, with 2024 as the target timeline for Montenegrin accession. According to the Henley Passport Index, Montenegro’s passport holders enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 123 destinations worldwide, including the countries in Europe’s Schengen Area, Hong Kong, Russia, Singapore, Turkey, and the UAE.
Skadar Lake – just one example of the postcard perfect beauty of Montenegro
Montenegrin real estate-linked citizenship by investment yields multiple returns
Applicants to the Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program must make a minimum financial contribution of EUR 350,000 (minimum investment of EUR 250,000 and a donation of EUR 100,000 to the country), and in exchange, and subject to a stringent vetting and due diligence process including thorough background checks, they and their families are granted Montenegrin citizenship within three to five months.
Rade Ljumović, Managing Partner at Henley & Partners in Montenegro, explains why the Montenegro Citizenship-by-Investment Program is an ideal investment opportunity. “When investors are weighing up their options, along with the financial requirements, passport strength, and processing time, they consider numerous other vital factors. They take into account the business environment and taxes, and if investing in real estate, the buoyancy of the property market. The government has also created a strong and sustainable environment to accelerate the digital society and economy — an important factor for leading US innovators in the tech sphere, who are increasingly interested in Montenegro and whose real estate investment is just the start. More and more investors are choosing Montenegro because the country meets all these requirements and much more.”
Rade Ljumović, Managing Partner at Henley & Partners in Montenegro
Over the past 17 years, Montenegro has emerged as a key second-home and property-investor market in the Mediterranean. As a testament to this, in 2021 the mixed-use projects of Porto Montenegro and Luštica Bay recorded the strongest sales-absorption rates in the region. Montenegro is punching well above its weight, and successfully so. One of the reasons for this is Montenegro’s ability to cater to everyone. Investors can choose from glamorous seaside resorts, to quaint waterfront houses, to new establishments servicing increasingly popular mountain and ski areas in the north. For those who prefer the coast, the spectacular bays are being transformed into a high-end destination that is attracting ultra-high-net-worth individuals seeking primary and second homes — discerning investors with sharp eyes for potential.
Montenegro’s program has boosted its sovereign equity
The Montenegro Citizenship by Investment Program was developed by the Government of Montenegro and was launched in October 2019 as part of its ongoing efforts to attract foreign direct investment and increase economic activity in the country. The positive impact of the resulting boost in sovereign equity and investment inflows are already evident. In addition to boosting fiscal health and economic growth, the debt-free liquidity will enable the country to become more competitive and its economy to become more sustainable, which will result in greater autonomy. This enhanced sovereign equity will result in Montenegro being less dependent on foreign lending and better able to drive national resources to where they are needed most. For ordinary citizens, the benefits will be felt in greater employment opportunities, better social services, and improved infrastructure and education.
Small rock formation in front of Pržno beach on Budva Riviera
Investors are looking keenly to the future, anticipating how Montenegro will evolve over the next five or so years to produce strong price growth and increasingly attractive yields.
Contact Henley & Partners
With over 35 offices worldwide and a local office in Montenegro, Henley & Partners’ experienced global team is best placed to guide you through your citizenship journey. Visit henleyglobal.com to find out more, or contact the firm’s expert advisors on +382 20 674 074, or e-mail [email protected]
