The Investment Migration Council (IMC) hosted a workshop in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro on the planned Special Investor Program of Montenegro on Thursday, 20 July 2017

 The informative workshop explored opportunities for the proposed Special Investor Program in order to provide the Government of Montenegro and other key stakeholders in the region with access to the international expertise that can assist them in critically examining what program model will be the most beneficial to the country. The workshop compared international citizenship-by-investment programs, best practice and the factors that contribute to the success or failure of such programs. International experts in the investor migration field also participated in a panel discussion on the proposed Special Investor Program.

Generally speaking, citizenship-by-investment programs are designed to attract wealthy investors, successful businesspeople, entrepreneurs and high net worth individuals to a country by offering them citizenship in exchange for a significant investment in the economy or a contribution to the development of the country.

The world’s leading citizenship-by-investment programs require applicants to either make a non-refundable contribution to the country or to invest in real estate, and the IMC is hopeful that the information and expertise shared at the workshop will provide the Government of Montenegro with useful insights and a framework for success.

IMC Chief Executive Officer Bruno L’ecuyer says, “In our opinion, the options to invest in real estate or make a non-refundable contribution to the country would also be the best solution for proposed Special Investor Program of Montenegro. Foreign investors are already attracted to Montenegro’s strategic location, skilled workforce, natural beauty and attractive real estate investment opportunities. The implementation of a citizenship-by-investment program will provide further incentives for high net worth individuals to invest in the country.”

Speakers at the workshop included Pavle Radulović, Minister of Sustainable Development and Tourism of Montenegro; Peter Vincent, General Counsel, Thomson Reuteras Special Services; and Nadine Goldfoot, Partner and Head of Investor Immigration Practice Fragomen Worldwide; among others.

The workshop was followed by an exclusive gala dinner, which featured a private performance by acclaimed Montenegric singer, Sergej Ćetković, who was chosen to represent the nation at the renowned Eurovision Song Content in 2014.