Consular services for Russians in Montenegro: passports and certificates
For Russian expats and long-term tourists in Montenegro, interaction with the consulate is an inevitable part of bureaucracy. Whether it is an expiring international passport, a criminal record certificate for residence permit purposes, or notarial services. In this guide, we will examine how the consular section in Podgorica works, how much the services cost, and what pitfalls exist in 2025.Location and working hours
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Montenegro performs all standard consular functions. It is important to understand: the consulate does not deal with residence permit issues (boravak) in Montenegro — this is the responsibility of the local Ministry of Internal Affairs (MUP). Address: Podgorica, Veliše Mugoše St., 1 (Veliše Mugoše 1). Emergency contact: +382-20-273-104. Email: consul.montenegro@mid.ru. Reception is strictly by prior electronic appointment. You cannot simply come and join a queue. The booking system opens slots for specific types of services.
Important: The internal passport of a citizen of the Russian Federation (domestic passport) cannot be replaced abroad. If you turn 20 or 45, or if the document is damaged, you must travel to Russia and apply in person at the Ministry of Internal Affairs or an MFC.
Replacement of an international passport
This is the most in-demand service. You can apply for either a new-generation (biometric) passport or an old-style passport.Types of passports
Biometric (10 years): Contains an electronic chip. You will be photographed and fingerprinted directly at the consulate (no need to bring your own photos). Old-style (5 years): No chip. You must bring 2 matte photos 3.5x4.5 cm.Procedure
Fill out the application on the specialized website of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation (different portals for biometric and old-style passports). Print the application (with QR code). Make an appointment in the electronic queue. Submit the documents in person at the appointed time.
Lifehack: Due to complex logistics and queues, the actual passport issuance time can reach 4–6 months. Start the replacement process at least six months before the expiration date of your current document.
Required documents
Printed application. Valid international passport (original). Internal passport of the Russian Federation (if available) + copies of pages with photo and registration. For children: birth certificate, parents’ passports. Receipt for payment of the fee (paid on site). If there is no valid international passport (lost or expired) and no internal passport available, the procedure becomes more complicated due to verification of citizenship, which takes additional time. In case of loss, a “Certificate of Return” (SNV) is issued to return home.Obtaining certificates
The most frequent request from expats is a certificate of no criminal record (required for obtaining and renewing a residence permit in Montenegro). Certificates of marital status (for marriage) and pension documents are also in demand.Criminal record certificate: new algorithm
Since March 2024, the procedure has become more complex due to preliminary validation: First, send scans of your passport (photo page and registration) to the consulate’s email. Wait for confirmation from the staff. Only after that make an appointment through the system. Timeframes and nuances: Official processing time: 30 days (the request is sent to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation). Document language: Russian (for use in Montenegro, a translation by a local court translator will be required). Apostille: can be ordered for an additional fee (indicate this immediately in the application).
Tip: All certificates can be ordered via a notarized power of attorney, but original passports of the authorized person are mandatory when receiving them.
Cost of services (Consular fees)
Payment is made at the consulate. Fees are pegged to US dollars, but payment is accepted in euros at the current cashier’s exchange rate. Approximate prices:- Biometric passport (10 years): $80 (adults), $40 (children under 14).
- Old-style passport (5 years): $30 (adults), $15 (children under 14).
- Criminal record certificate: ~$30–50 (depends on urgency).
- Apostille for certificate: +$30.
- Marital status certificate: ~$30.
Attention: Check the payment method before your visit. Terminals often may not work, so having cash euros (preferably exact amount) is strongly recommended.