What changed
Article 60a of Montenegro's Law on Foreigners, which sets up the temporary residence permit for digital nomads, was rewritten by the amending law adopted on 31 December 2025. Applicants still need an employment contract or another document showing they work electronically for a foreign company or for their own company that is not registered in Montenegro. The new text adds a second requirement: proof that this company is registered in another country.
The rest of the permit is unchanged. It is issued for up to two years and can be extended once for up to two more. A new permit can be issued six months after the previous one expires. Spouses and minor children can join the permit holder.
When
The amending law was published in the Official Gazette of Montenegro, issue 3/2026, on 9 January 2026 and took effect on 17 January 2026. Applications lodged before that date are decided under the old rules, and permits issued under the old law stay valid until they expire.
Is the programme ending in 2026?
Several guides say Montenegro's digital nomad scheme ends on 31 December 2026. The Law on Foreigners as amended in January 2026 contains no such date: Article 60a was re-enacted without a time limit. Expatlas treats the programme as open unless an official source says otherwise.
Who's affected
New applicants, whatever their passport. Freelancers and owners of a small company should have proof of that company's registration abroad ready alongside the work contract. The law does not list which documents count.
Verify
Check the current document list with Montenegro's Ministry of Interior, or the official digital nomads portal, before you apply. The full amending law is on the Parliament of Montenegro site.