Briefly about the law:
The Same-Sex Partnership Act (Zakon o životnom partnertvu lica istog pola) entered into force in Montenegro in July 2021.
Since then, Montenegro has become a unique hub in the Balkans where foreign citizens can legalize their relationships.
What rights does a Montenegrin partnership provide within the country?
Residence permit (Boravak): Possibility of obtaining a residence permit through family reunification.
Property rights: Joint ownership of property acquired during the partnership.
Inheritance: Right to inherit the partner’s property by law.
Social guarantees: Right to hospital visits (intensive care units) and making medical decisions for the partner.
Tax benefits: Status is taken into account for tax purposes.
International recognition and Apostille
Recognized countries: EU countries, Israel, USA, Canada.
Important clarification: in countries where same-sex unions are not legalized (for example, the Russian Federation), the document will have limited validity or be recognized only as a civil contract.
Partnership vs. Marriage – What’s the Difference?
Characteristics Partnership (Montenegro) Classic Marriage
Legal Force Identical to Marriage in Rights Identical
Terminology Partners Spouses
Recognition in the EU Yes (in countries with similar laws) Yes
Certificate Legalization Procedure for Other Countries
Step-by-Step Instructions after the Ceremony:
Obtaining an extract from the registry.
Affixing an Apostille stamp in court.
Court-issued translation into the language of the target country.
*We handle the entire legalization process with our «Legal Express» package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a partnership grant the right to citizenship?
No, only a residence permit; citizenship is granted under the general terms.
Do I need to change my last name?
If desired, the law allows it.
What legal force does a Montenegrin partnership certificate have?
Montenegro adopted the «Law on Same-Sex Life Partnerships» in 2021. The certificate you receive is an official state document. With an Apostille (international legalization stamp), it is recognized in all countries that have signed the Hague Convention as a document confirming your marital status.
Will this document be recognized in EU countries, the US, or Israel?
Yes. In countries where same-sex marriages or partnerships are legalized (e.g., Germany, Spain, Israel), a Montenegrin certificate with a translation and apostille serves as the basis for family registration, joint insurance, or obtaining a family reunification visa. In countries where such unions are not yet legalized, the document can be used in private law relationships (powers of attorney, medical decisions).
Does partnership registration entitle one to a residence permit in Montenegro?
Yes, registering a life partnership is a legal basis for applying for a residence permit (Boravak) for family reunification. One of the partners (a foreigner) can obtain a residence permit based on their union with another foreigner with a residence permit or a Montenegrin citizen.
Do I need to be a resident of Montenegro to get married?
No. This is what makes Montenegro unique: the law allows non-residents (tourists) to register partnerships. You don’t need a residence permit or to reside in the country for a specific period before the ceremony. A visit for 2-3 business days is sufficient.
Can I change my surname upon registration?
Montenegrin law allows partners to choose a common surname (one of the partners), keep their own, or add their partner’s surname to their own. However, we recommend that citizens of the Russian Federation and CIS countries consult in advance, as changing their surname will require changing their domestic and international passports at the consulate or in their home country.
What rights does a partnership provide regarding medical and inheritance matters?
Partners have the same rights as spouses in a traditional marriage: the right to visit in intensive care, to make decisions about medical interventions in emergency cases, and to inherit property first and foremost and to protect joint property.
Will this certificate help when immigrating to a third country?
Absolutely. If you are planning to move to, for example, Spain or Portugal, an official partnership certificate from Montenegro (with an apostille) will be the primary document confirming your relationship to immigration authorities when applying for a Type D visa or residence permit for family members of EU citizens.