Montenegro is widely recognized as the most advanced European Union accession candidate in the Western Balkans. With accelerated reforms and multiple closed negotiation chapters, EU membership by 2027–2028 is increasingly viewed as realistic.

For foreign real estate investors, Montenegro’s EU accession represents more than a political milestone — it marks a structural shift that historically reshapes property values, ownership security, and long-term investment stability.

Is Montenegro Joining the European Union?

Yes. Montenegro is officially an EU candidate country and is currently the most advanced in accession negotiations among Western Balkan states. EU institutions consistently reference Montenegro as the frontrunner for the next enlargement wave.

Montenegro EU Accession Progress (2025 Update)

As of December 2025, Montenegro has provisionally closed 12 of 33 EU negotiation chapters, placing it ahead of all regional peers.

These chapters directly affect foreign property ownership, capital transfers, and business structuring for international investors.

https://www.americansecurityproject.org/will-montenegro-become-the-next-eu-member/
https://www.americansecurityproject.org/will-montenegro-become-the-next-eu-member/

Why EU Membership Matters for Investors

EU accession historically strengthens property rights, judicial enforcement, and regulatory transparency.

Investors researching residency-linked property investment prioritize EU-aligned jurisdictions due to lower legal risk.

Will EU Membership Increase Property Prices?

Historical precedent from Croatia and Bulgaria shows that EU membership often results in increased foreign buyer demand and price appreciation in prime locations.

Montenegro remains below post-accession pricing benchmarks, particularly in coastal hubs such as Kotor Bay and the Budva Riviera — creating a unique pre-accession investment window.

Is It Better to Invest Before Accession?

Many investors prefer entering markets before official entry. Early entrants benefit from lower entry prices and capital appreciation before institutional capital floods the market.

For more, see our analysis on ROI expectations in Montenegro.

Conclusion

Montenegro’s path is increasingly time-bound. For foreign investors, this represents a rare opportunity characterized by rising international visibility and improving legal certainty.