Following Trump’s second victory in November 2024, a few celebrities have packed their bags and left for Europe. Rosie O’Donnell is in her ancestral home of Ireland and seeking residency and citizenship based on her grandparents’ citizenship. Ellen DeGeneres has moved to the Cotswolds in England. However, you do not have to be a vehement anti-Trumper to recognize the appeal of retiring in Europe. As more Americans explore international relocation options, two European countries—Montenegro and North Macedonia—stand out for their accessible residency pathways. Both nations offer streamlined processes for U.S. citizens seeking a new home base in the Balkans.

Montenegro: Residency Through Property Ownership or Business Formation

1. Property Ownership
Montenegro provides a straightforward route to temporary residency for individuals who purchase residential property, regardless of its value. The property must be habitable, and the buyer must maintain a deposit of €3,650 in a Montenegrin bank account. This residency permit is valid for one year and can be renewed annually, provided the property remains in the applicant's possession. However, to maintain eligibility for renewal, residents must not spend more than 90 days outside Montenegro in any 12-month period.

2. Business Formation
Alternatively, establishing a limited liability company (LLC) in Montenegro offers another pathway to residency. By registering as the executive director of the company, applicants can obtain a temporary residence permit. This method requires a minimum monthly salary of €570, which includes taxes and social contributions. Unlike the property route, there are no restrictions on time spent outside the country, and it allows access to the national healthcare system. You simply create the company and pay yourself from your savings through the company to show “income.”

After five consecutive years of temporary residency through either method, individuals become eligible to apply for permanent residency in Montenegro. Permanent residents enjoy rights similar to citizens, excluding voting rights and passport issuance. It's important to note that Montenegro is not part of the European Union, although it is a candidate country. So the timing could not be better. By the time your residency becomes permanent, you would likely be in the E.U.

North Macedonia: Residency via Company Formation

North Macedonia offers a residency option through the formation of a limited liability company (LLC). By appointing oneself as the director or shareholder of the company, applicants can apply for a temporary residence permit valid for 12 months. The process involves registering the company, opening corporate and personal bank accounts, and providing necessary documentation, including a business plan, health insurance, and proof of accommodation.

While the company is not required to be actively operational, it must be maintained throughout the residency period, with associated costs averaging around €300 per month. The temporary residence permit can be renewed annually, and after five consecutive years, individuals may apply for permanent residency. North Macedonia's strategic location and favorable business environment make it an attractive option for entrepreneurs and remote workers seeking residency in Europe

Both Montenegro and North Macedonia present viable residency options for Americans looking to relocate to Europe. Whether through property investment or business formation, these countries offer accessible pathways to establish a new life abroad.