Favorable climate, access to European markets, low business tax rates, Slavic mentality — these are the main reasons why Russians obtain visas to Montenegro. The Balkan state is not an official member of the EU, and its territory does not fall under Schengen jurisdiction. If the planned stay in Montenegro does not exceed 30 days, no official entry permit will be required. In this case, a passport is needed for travel. However, the absence of a visa requirement does not negate the obligation to register after crossing the Montenegrin border (within 24 hours). The fact of legal residence in the country is confirmed by a "white card" — a migration card (paper forms have not been issued since 2015; all data on foreign visitors are entered into an electronic database). If a Russian plans to stay in a hotel complex, the management of the establishment will handle the registration process.
To reset the stamp in the passport, many resort to the "visa run" procedure when the 30-day visa-free stay has already expired. By leaving for a neighboring country for just 1 hour, one can return to Montenegro, and the visa-free period will start from zero. However, for those guests intending to stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days, authorities still provide a short-term visa of category "C". Such a document is obtained in situations where therapy courses are necessary or family reunification is required.
If a longer stay is needed, a Russian citizen is obliged to obtain an entry permit of category "D". Long-term visas are often obtained for employment, education, or business projects.
The processing time for the document varies from 3 to 30 calendar days, depending on the type of entry permit. The procedure can be initiated at the Embassy of Montenegro (Moscow, Mytnaya Street, 3).