Montenegro Sets the Foundation For a Successful Residence and Citizenship-by-Investment Program

Cabinet vote officialized the program's parameters

PODGORICA, Montenegro, Nov. 22, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - At a cabinet session today, the Government of Montenegro voted on the parameters for its Residence and Citizenship by Investment Program. The latest European nation to join the global list of countries seeking foreign direct investments through such programs, Montenegro will start accepting applications starting January 1, 2019.

According to the World Bank, Montenegro is one of the fastest growing economies in the Balkans. It is quickly becoming a key destination for some of the most important industries around the world due to its strategic position. As a young state, it offers a unique potential for investors seeking mobility, safety, security, opportunity, and increased quality of life.

The program will last for three years, during which time a maximum of 2,000 applicants will be granted citizenship.

With the simplicity and optimality of the program, there has never been a better time to invest in Montenegro. At a starting investment of ?350,000, Montenegro's program will prove to be one of the most competitive in Europe.

The investment requirements are as follows:

• ?100,000 in the form of a Government Fund Donation, and
• ?250,000 investment in approved real estate in an undeveloped region (north of the country), or
• ?450,000 investment in approved real estate in a developed region (south of the country).

Each applicant will also pay a government fee of ?15,000, with family members paying ?10,000 each up to a maximum of four. Each next family member will pay ?50,000.

What makes the program even more attractive is the speed of its application process, which allows permanent residence status within 3 weeks, considering its thorough and stringent due diligent processes. Citizenship is then granted within a period of six months as permanent residents.

Montenegro has introduced strict criteria to qualify for citizenship, including:

• No criminal record in Montenegro or any other state resulting in a prison sentence of more than one year
• Positive result of an international due diligence assessment
• Relevant investment in a program that contributes to the economic and business development of Montenegro, preferably in the tourism, processing or agricultural sectors
• Proof of the origin of the fees to be paid

"Montenegro is a great country that has just got even more desirable from an investment perspective," said Armand Arton, Founder and President of Arton Capital. "We fell in love with the country, the people and the breath-taking topography during the Global Citizen Forum, which we hosted in Sveti Stefan last year."

Montenegro has one of the fastest-growing passports, currently ranked 37th in the world by The Passport Index, allowing citizens visa-free travel to 117 countries. Its ranking is expected to rise significantly with its upcoming accession into the European Union.

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About Arton Capital

Arton Capital is a leading government advisory firm focused on attracting foreign direct investments to countries by designing and implementing investor programs for residency and citizenship. Working with over 10 countries around the world, Arton's global operations have helped attract over US$ 3 billion in foreign direct investment in the last 5 years.

Arton empowers individuals and families to become Global Citizens by investing in second residence and citizenship through a bespoke service experience which simplifies complexity and is built on confidentiality and trust.

SOURCE Arton Capital