Features of immigration to Montenegro

For all the potential merits of Russia, life in it does not suit many people. Sometimes the question of moving to other countries arises. And therefore it is useful to consider all the nuances, for example, for resettlement to Montenegro.

Getting acquainted with the conditions of immigration to Montenegro, many admire their ease. It is impossible to compare the requirements of local authorities with the position of the government of Thailand and a number of other states, where very harsh conditions are imposed on immigrants. But before you make a final decision, you need to thoroughly study all the subtleties and nuances. The first advantage of resettlement to Montenegro has already been mentioned - it is not too high a bar of requirements.

However, it should be noted that the transition from residence permit to permanent residence is much more difficult... Only a few manage to overcome this step. If you do not focus on legal issues, then among the merits of Montenegro should be called the relative simplicity of the language. It is close to Slavic, and quite a lot can be understood even without translation. Although this point should not be absolutized either.

Further, Christian culture prevails among the local population. This makes it easier to find mutual understanding. The undoubted advantage of resettlement to Montenegro is also the exceptional beauty of the country. No photographs and video materials are able to convey it in full. Mountains and fruits, azure sea and clouds are graceful.

This country is extremely calm and quiet. Only occasionally does the news come that someone, somewhere, has been killed.But conflicts are characteristic mainly of local residents. The main thing is not to enter into these quarrels, and then nothing will threaten. And in Montenegro, the Russian-speaking diaspora is very developed. She interacts well with each other. Meetings are held every year.

There are kindergartens and circles for general development. Russian Radio broadcasts. All this allowed some people to even argue that Montenegro is almost a branch of paradise on the globe.

However, practice shows that there are also disadvantages. Those living in the country itself for a long time (at least several months) invariably find them. The Montenegrin territory is relatively small and the cities are also not very significant. In the capital alone, the number of residents exceeds 20 thousand people. It is very difficult to buy sophisticated new equipment, almost always you have to go to neighboring states for this. It is possible to give electronics to a service, moreover unofficial, only in Podgorica.

Life here flows slowly and steadily. For people determined to be “in a whirlwind of light” all the time, this can cause a lot of emotional inconvenience. And even those who want to be alone more often will face the slowness and sluggishness of local residents. They do not perform all work and services too quickly.

The quality of healthcare is also in question. No, Montenegrin doctors themselves are not bad. But the situation is quite common when in each city there is only one narrow specialist of a high level. Complicated diagnostics, especially treatment for any serious illness, will have to be carried out abroad. Besides, the services of medical professionals are expensive, even when it comes to some little detail.

Montenegrins smoke a lot. Wherever immigrants go - to an official institution, a restaurant, a hospital, a school, or wherever - they will have to put up with the smoke-filled air. At first this is perceived as wild, but then people just start to especially appreciate the fresh air.

The water supply system freezes, and the power supply is often cut off at the same time. Central heating in the coastal area is not used at all. Local residents heat their houses with wood-burning hearths. The vast majority of rental properties are for tourists only. It uses only air conditioners for heating, which is clearly not enough.

Electric heaters can be installed. But electricity bills will then be overwhelming. Returning to medicine, it is worth pointing out that Doctors try to use antibiotics as much as possible to prevent childhood diseases in any case. They do not seem to know any other means. If a health worker finds out that patients have a residence permit and the right to free services, the queue becomes longer than anywhere else in Russia.

Doctors also do not want to understand at least something that goes beyond their initial circle of interests. If modern drugs for vaccination are recorded in a children's medical card, then in Montenegro they are simply not recognized and they will not understand what and how to put next. And the qualifications are "good" not only for doctors. In the first 2 grades of the school, teaching is devoted to teaching love of nature and the correct crossing of the road.

There are very few entertainment areas for children, even in cities. There is some kind of "provinciality" in everything. Despite the benevolence and lack of aggression, gradually there is a feeling that there is an acute lack of comfort. The prospects for life, especially for the future generation, in Montenegro are very hazy. Many, after a few years of immigration, move here to other places, even where the crime rate is much higher and other problems are increasing.

The country has prospects for joining the EU, but they are becoming more and more vague. Especially now, when many states are trying to leave the European Union, or at least think about it. The average salary in Montenegro is around 500 euros. Those who receive at least a third more are already recognized here as wealthy people.

The issuance of wages in envelopes is quite widespread. As it is easy to understand, this slightly increases it, but decreases the level of social protection. But you can't find fault with the products. They are inexpensive, highly vetted and always put up fresh on the shelves. As for clothes, the assortment here is worse, and the prices are higher than in Russia.

We'll have to buy either in Serbia or in Italy. In addition, before full integration into the local society, as long as immigrants are perceived as foreigners, prices will always be several times higher. To mitigate this effect, you will have to buy the bulk of the goods in supermarkets. True, it is difficult to find them, since markets and small shops prevail. The amount of utility bills is very large, and for the Internet you will have to pay from 20 to 30 euros every month, even at budget rates.

As in any other case of emigration from Russia, you need to thoroughly weigh the pros and cons. If the decision is made finally, and in favor of Montenegro, then you should carefully study the legislation of this country. It is unreasonable to limit ourselves to just acquaintance with the rules governing migration. You still have to know and follow all the provisions and rules.

To begin with, you should evaluate:

• what activities will have to be carried out in a new place;
• what income will be in this case;
• to which district and city you are going to move;
• how much money will have to be spent on everyday needs.

For Russians, it is definitely worth improving their knowledge of English before moving. It is advisable to master in advance and Montenegrin at least at a basic level. It is useful to study such an issue as government programs to support immigrants. It is not so difficult for a Russian citizen to leave, but you still need to find out the situation on the housing market so that renting or buying does not become an unbearable burden.

Russians should not fall for the charm of the local flavor during their tourist trips. But what is better to do is to familiarize yourself with all the nuances and subtleties during the same short trips. An excellent option for getting to know the country properly is to arrive for the longest period of time that a tourist visa allows. And one more requirement: when all the information has already been collected, it is imperative to think it over again, and already then finally understand whether it is worth moving or not.

According to Montenegrin legislation, obtaining a residence permit is possible in such cases:

• hired work (including seasonal);
• entrepreneurial activity;
• studies;
• internships;
• treatment;
• family reunification;
• escape from extreme situations;
• buying a property.

Issuance of a residence permit, including for pensioners, is the prerogative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and its structural divisions in major cities. But for the first time, foreigners can apply to consular and other diplomatic structures located in Russia. The grounds on which a residence permit should be granted should not change before a decision is made. It is inappropriate to do this even when it comes to extending an existing residence permit. This can make it difficult to reach the required deadline (which is counted from scratch each time).

When a package of documents is submitted, the fact of its provision is confirmed by a certificate. This document contains the date of applying for a residence permit. With such a certificate, foreigners justify the fact that they have already applied to the authorities, but the decision has not yet been made.

The approval decision is drawn up in a separate document. It indicates which registration number was assigned to the applicant for citizenship. A similar document, but without a registration number, is issued with a negative decision. According to the law, 8 days remain to appeal it. Complaints can only be made directly to the Ministry of the Interior.

This category includes not only foreigners who have entered into family relations with citizens of the republic, but also family members of foreigners who have a residence permit or permanent residence. According to the laws of Montenegro, family members include:

• spouse;
• their minor children (including those born out of wedlock);
• minor children of one spouse;
• adopted children.

Therefore, if any of the spouses moved to Montenegro for work or on another basis, then the other spouse will receive this status already upon reunification. The appeal must be submitted in person. For minors and incapacitated persons, it is submitted by legal representatives. You will need to provide a valid foreign passport (overlapping the period of the boravak for 3 months or more). Additionally, the migration authorities will need:

• a photocopy of your passport (you can do it without notarization);
• registration document;
• confirmation of the necessary financial security;
• confirmation of the provision of foreigners with living quarters;
• medical insurance policy for at least 30 days;
• receipts for payment of residence permit.

You can confirm the family connection:

• marriage certificates (for foreigners - duplicates and originals of translations, which are supported by the signatures of court translators);
• photocopy (including unconfirmed) of the identity card of a citizen of Montenegro;
• a duplicate of the birth certificate (together with the original text of the translation, signed by the person in charge);
• from time to time biometric information (photos, index finger prints and personal signatures).

In this case, the request, along with the applicant himself, must also be submitted by representatives of an economic organization or a private entrepreneur. The main list of required documents is the same as for family reunification. Additionally, you will have to show a work permit. It is drawn up at the employment office.

Any company can submit an invitation. These are both Montenegrin firms and organizations owned by the applicants themselves. In this case, a boravak is issued for a period of 12 months. In essence, there is no difference from a regular work visa. You can open a company in Montenegro if you submit a certificate of no criminal record, health insurance, education document (with confirmation).

It will take 5-7 days to register a company, and a boravak is issued in two weeks. The process accelerates during the winter months. Registration fee is 300 euros. This amount includes state fees, registration of a legal address, opening accounts, registration with tax and other authorities. You will also have to pay for the production of seals, for the imputed tax, for the services of an accountant (the last two items of expenses are taken into account monthly).

The law, approved on April 1, 2015, allows obtaining a residence permit in Montenegro for up to 12 months when buying real estate. Its extension is possible without restrictions.But at the same time, one must remember that it is still impossible to obtain full-fledged citizenship. With a diligent search in Montenegro, you can purchase affordable housing. The costs of utility bills and other similar costs are less there than in other European countries.

Getting an education in Montenegro is also becoming another good way for immigration. In some curricula, there is no requirement to know the language. A visa is not required. Registration of a residence permit will take place already in the country when a person enters a university. This method is suitable for those who do not have the opportunity to purchase housing; permits are issued initially for 6-12 months, then they can be extended until the term of study ends.

This option can be considered the most promising and competent solution. After all, commercial activity, even a trial one, already characterizes a person from a certain side, increases his solidity. All other things being equal, it is the merchants who give preference to the authorities. This is important because there are unambiguous quotas for the number of issued residence permits.

You can open a new enterprise already on the 2nd day of your stay in Montenegro. Therefore, priority is given to those organizations that create jobs on the territory of the state. In addition, business requires much more knowledge of local laws and financial regulations than ordinary life. It is best to study many of the details on the spot.

The reality of the firm's existence, as in other countries, is confirmed by:

• hiring people;
• lease of premises;
• purchase of equipment, consumables, raw materials;
• sales of finished products and services;
• payment of taxes and fees.

There is a lot in the news about the floods of refugees flooding Europe. As is often the case, this is exaggerated. Including because it is difficult to make a step from forced resettlement to full citizenship. You will have to thoroughly prove your right to receive refugee status.

Conditions in the refugee camps are extremely poor. Only the minimum amount of food and basic hygiene is maintained. It is recommended, including at an almost official level, to look for real estate on your own. The interrogation in the migration authorities is very difficult, the behavior is very carefully evaluated. It is likely that in the coming years, the issuance of refugee status and the subsequent granting of citizenship will be tightened.

When immigrating to Montenegro, it is worth remembering that citizenship is given only to those who have lived in the country for at least 5 years. It is issued faster only in a few cases:

• when there is a family with a citizen of the republic for 3 years;
• when a person is recognized as a refugee;
• when the candidate is of Montenegrin origin;
• when he is a relative of a Montenegrin citizen or a foreigner who already has Montenegrin citizenship.

Most of the complaints of migrants to Montenegro are related to the poor standard of living. Most often, immigrants from Russia work in the field of tourism, photographers, programmers, freelancers (in the same or other industries). The cost of renting an apartment and paying for utilities does not hurt your personal budget too much. There is no need to accumulate large sums of money. It's just enough to think it over properly.

We must be prepared that when renting real estate, they immediately charge a fee for the first month and the same insurance deposit for the next month. The deposit is almost never returned, even if all the property is in perfect order. The high humidity near the coast requires a very careful inspection of all properties on offer. Mold infestation is quite common there.

The winter rains can lead to discouragement. But it is enough to go to another region of Montenegro to change the situation. Immigrants are pleased with the level of security in this country. To open a business, it is recommended to use the services of special agencies. It is quite possible to achieve success here, the main thing is to think over everything and act thoughtfully!

For how much money you need to immigrate to Montenegro, see the video below.