This comparison exists so the position is clear. Neither route is open to new applicants. Ireland closed its Immigrant Investor Programme in 2023, and Montenegro closed its citizenship by investment route at the start of 2023.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
The Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme, run by Immigration Service Delivery within the Department of Justice, granted residence to investors who backed approved projects or made endowments. The government closed it to new applicants on 15 February 2023, citing wider concerns raised about investment migration.
Existing approvals were not affected, but new applications are no longer accepted.
Montenegro ran a citizenship by investment programme combining a government donation with an approved investment. It closed to new applicants on 1 January 2023.
Montenegro has since introduced a property based residence route, which is residence rather than citizenship and does not deliver a passport on the same terms.
With both routes closed, the realistic choices are open residence by investment programmes in other countries, some of which can build toward citizenship over years, or open citizenship routes elsewhere. Costs, timelines and obligations vary widely.
Because closed routes are still widely advertised, it is worth getting matched with vetted, independent advisors who can confirm what is genuinely open for your circumstances.
| Item | Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme | Montenegro Citizenship |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Closed to new applicants since 15 February 2023 | Closed to new applicants since 1 January 2023 |
| Outcome if it were open | Residence | Citizenship and passport |
| Official authority | Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice | Ministry of Interior of Montenegro |
| Available to new applicants | No | No |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Ireland: Immigration Service Delivery, Department of Justice. Montenegro: Ministry of Interior of Montenegro. publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. It closed to new applicants on 15 February 2023. Existing approvals continue, but new files are not accepted.
No. It closed to new applicants on 1 January 2023. A separate property based residence route exists, but it does not grant citizenship on the same terms.
Open residence or citizenship routes in other countries. Verify any route against its official authority and seek matched, independent guidance, since closed schemes are still advertised.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
This route is reported closed or paused. Do not rely on older figures. Get the current position, and the routes that are still open, before you commit time or money.
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