Residence Permit for Scientific Research in Montenegro
You are eligible to apply for a residence permit for scientific research (researcher visa) if you hold a PhD (or an equivalent higher-education degree), have the credentials to participate in postdoctoral programs, and are coming to Montenegro to conduct research for universities, research organizations, or private companies.
As with most other temporary residence permits in Montenegro, the researcher visa is valid for one year, and can be renewed annually for up to 9 months after the end of the research contract period. Citizens of countries without visa-free access to Montenegro must first obtain a type-D business visa before applying for a residence permit for scientific research.
The Program’s Requirements
With a residence permit for scientific research, you are allowed to work in academia or research in Montenegro, provided that you meet the following requirements:
1. You are a researcher with a PhD
You hold a doctoral (PhD) degree
- You have signed a research agreement with a recognized research organization or institution in Montenegro
2. Income requirement
You must prove that you have adequate financial resources (at least 3,650.00€ kept in your Montenegrin bank account) to cover your stay for the entire duration of your research.
3. Meet the General Residency Requirements
- You hold a valid passport (with at least 3 months’ validity beyond the end of your research period)
- You provide a criminal background check (issued within the last 6 months and apostilled)
- You have proof of accommodation in Montenegro (such as a notarized rental agreement)
- You hold travel health insurance issued by a Montenegrin insurance company
- Third-country nationals must have an approved type-D visa before entering Montenegro
Right to Work
After obtaining your temporary residence permit for scientific research in Montenegro, you are allowed to work up to 15 hours per week as a professor or lecturer in addition to your research assignment. However, you must always fulfill your contract terms to work full-time as a researcher, proving that scientific research in Montenegro is the primary purpose of your stay.
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