Montenegro government sets new criteria for Ukrainian military-age men

Changes to status grant procedures

The Government of Montenegro has approved updated rules regarding the granting of temporary protection to Ukrainian citizens subject to military service. Under the new wording, the status will be assigned exclusively to individuals who, at the time of their arrival in the republic, actually resided in Ukraine and have fulfilled their military duty or been exempted from it.

Impact of restrictions on existing residents

The government noted that the introduced restrictions do not affect Ukrainian citizens who are already in Montenegro and hold temporary protection status. The current conditions remain unchanged for them.

Alignment with EU regulations

The government explained that the decision fully complies with Implementing Decision 2026/1912 of the Council of the European Union, adopted on 30 July 2026. These measures are part of a Europe-wide process of adapting migration legislation. EU member states and neighbouring countries regularly review the rules governing the stay of forcibly displaced persons from Ukraine to ensure a unified approach to the registration of citizens and the harmonisation of domestic regulations with decisions at the Union level.