Expatriation in Montenegro: everything you need to know to settle in

Are you thinking of starting a new expat life in Montenegro? Whether for personal or professional reasons, the country has something to love!

Located on the Adriatic coast, it offers an exceptional natural living environment, a growing economy and a relatively advantageous tax system compared to many European countries.

But living there also comes with some challenges. The atmosphere changes depending on the city, certain administrative procedures must be anticipated, and it is necessary to have appropriate health insurance.

To help you, here are our best expat tips for a successful move to Montenegro.

A few words about Montenegro

• Montenegro is a small Balkan country with a population of almost 600,000
• Located on the Adriatic coast, between Croatia and Albania, Montenegro is recognized worldwide for the beauty and diversity of its landscapes, as well as for its quality of life and contrasting climate
• The main cities are Podgorica (the capital), Nikšić, Bijelo Polje, Bar, and Budva
• The official currency is the euro, although Montenegro is not currently part of the European Union
• The official language is Montenegrin, but Serbian, Bosnian, Albanian, and Croatian are also spoken depending on the region

• The minimum wage is €670 per month and the average salary is around €1,200 euros per month (index May 2026)
• Coffee culture is no joke! You can enjoy domaća kafa (Turkish coffee) and džoč kafa (espresso with milk) at any time of the day

Pros and Cons of Living in Montenegro

What we like

• Omnipresent nature: we are constantly amazed by an exceptional natural heritage. National parks, forests, mountains, beaches…
• The many activities available: in addition to the lively districts of the big cities, you can reach fine sandy beaches or go hiking in less than 30 minutes
• The cost of living in Montenegro is affordable: the budget to be planned in the country is often lower than in many European countries, especially in Western Europe
• Advantageous taxation: the system is competitive, with a progressive tax rate ranging from 9% to 15%
• Steady growth: Montenegro is experiencing steady post-Covid economic growth, driven mainly by tourism

What we don’t like

• Limited air connections: In the low season, it may be necessary to fly through Istanbul or Belgrade to find direct flights
• The language barrier: Montenegrin is a rather complex language to learn and, outside the main cities, English is still not widely spoken
• The health system: medical staff rarely speak English and the provision of public care remains quite limited, with services of average quality

Administrative procedures for moving to Montenegro

If you are a citizen of the European Union, the United States, the United Kingdom or Ireland:

You can stay in Montenegro visa-free for 30 days with your national identity card, and up to 90 days with your passport.

For stays longer than 3 months, you must apply for a D (long-stay) visa. There are several, including:

• Work visa: to carry out a professional activity in the country, as an employee or self-employed
• Nomadic digital visa: for remote teleworkers
• Student visa: for students wishing to continue their studies in Montenegro

To apply for it, you must go to the Montenegrin embassy or consulate in your country of residence, with a file that may require proof of resources, health insurance, and an extract from the criminal record, depending on the case.

If you are a national of a country not listed above:

Nationals concerned must obtain a visa to be allowed to stay in the country.

You can then apply for a temporary residence permit (Privremeni boravak), which is usually valid for 12 months and renewable, depending on your status.

If you have a professional contract with a company based in Montenegro, you can obtain a permit related to your activity and then benefit from a temporary right of residence.

Since the beginning of 2026, Montenegro has also implemented an investment policy that allows the acquisition of permanent residency, called stalni boravak, for any foreigner buying a property worth 150,000 euros or more in the country.

Note: if you are thinking of moving to Montenegro, you should anticipate the administrative procedures and check the most recent official information, as processing times can be quite long depending on the period!

Where to live in Montenegro?

Podgorica: the economic heart of Montenegro

Unsurprisingly, the Montenegrin capital is the No. 1 option for those looking for professional opportunities. It is the most dynamic city in the country.

It concentrates the main companies, two large shopping malls, international schools, and the best medical infrastructure in Montenegro.

The only downside is that it is not a coastal city. However, it is less than an hour’s drive from several beaches, including those in Bar.

Here are some neighbourhoods to consider:

• Novi Grad (New Town)
• Stara Varoš (Old Town)
• Gorica
• Ljubović

Budva: between beaches and lively life

Nicknamed the “Miami of the Balkans“, Budva is a coastal city par excellence. Its picturesque Adriatic coast offers a lively living environment, day and night, especially in summer.

It attracts many expats, especially digital nomads and entrepreneurs who want to live near the sea.

The main disadvantage remains the influx of tourists in high season, with frequent traffic jams in summer.

Neighbourhoods to favour:

• Bečići
• Rafailovići
• Podkošljun
• Babilonia

Kotor: living in a unique medieval town

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kotor is a medieval coastal town renowned for the Bay of Kotor.

To settle there is to live in a unique setting between the mountains and the seaside, facing the waters of the Adriatic, in a setting often considered idyllic.

However, the city is very touristy in summer, while winter is much quieter. Professional opportunities are also more limited.

Expatriates mainly settle in these three districts, due to their good residential standing:

• Dobrota
• Muo
• Prčanj

Bar: the right balance between sea and local life

Bar is a coastal town located about an hour from Podgorica, further south than the Bay of Kotor. It is an excellent compromise for those who want to work in the capital while living near the sea.

Unlike Budva, Kotor, Tivat, or Herceg Novi, Bar is inhabited all year round and remains less touristy in summer.

Here are the neighbourhoods to choose, alone, or with your family:

• Topolica
• Šušanj
• Bjeliši
• Polje

Cost of living in Montenegro

A person living alone should budget around €1,000 per month, while a family of four needs around €3,100 per month on average. These estimates cover major items of expenditure, including housing, shopping, transportation, health, and education.

Montenegro ranks among the most accessible countries in Europe, for example it is 34% cheaper than France.

But be careful, it all depends on your lifestyle: some more upscale neighborhoods, with premium housing and shops, can quickly increase the cost of living in Montenegro. In real estate in Montenegro, this pressure also varies according to coastal areas and construction programs. Unlike Budva and Kotor, Tivat and Herceg Novi can also be good coastal options depending on whether you’re looking for a livelier, more residential, or more family-friendly setting.

Getting around Montenegro

• Buses: Public transport in Montenegro is generally adequate in the main cities. The bus is very present, with a fairly developed urban and interurban network, which makes it easy to travel over both short and long distances.
• We advise you to use the bustickets4me website, in particular to check the timetable and book your tickets. In Podgorica, we find the Moovit app  to be essential to have when getting around!
• Taxis: This means of transport is widely used in the country. But we strongly recommend that you always agree on the price before departure.
• The train: An option to consider for long-distance journeys, but comfort is sometimes limited…
• The car: Getting around by car remains the most convenient way in Montenegro. The main roads are in good condition, but some secondary roads are less maintained, so caution is advised.

Working in Montenegro

The Montenegrin economy has been growing relatively steadily for several years. The State has set up facilities for foreign investors, including the possibility of owning 100% of the shares of a company.

Expatriates can find job opportunities in several developing sectors, where the demand for qualified profiles is high:

• Infrastructures
• Energy
• Computer science and new technologies
• Tourism
• Health

Regarding taxation, the tax policy is rather advantageous compared to other European countries. The monthly personal income tax is progressive:

• 0% for gross income up to €700;
• 9% for income between €700 and €1,000;
• 15% for incomes above €1,000.

The health system in Montenegro

The Montenegrin health system is based on public health insurance supplemented by private insurance. It has several limitations, including:

• Aging public infrastructure;
• Waiting times that are sometimes long;
• Medical staff are sometimes insufficient and rarely English-speaking.

Many expats therefore choose international health insurance in order to be treated in the facility of their choice, benefit from multilingual assistance and an emergency repatriation option.

Global Health, the benchmark for health insurance for expatriates

At Global Health, we specialize in personalized health coverage plans for expatriates.

As a community of mobile people, we understand the real needs of this lifestyle. That’s why, by joining us, you benefit from tailor-made services:

• Teleconsultation and online medical advice
• Fully digitized management
• 24/7 multilingual support
• Emergency repatriation option
• Team with local expertise to direct you to the best care and doctors in Montenegro
• Complementary wellness programs (fitness and mental health coaching)

What is family life like in Montenegro?

Although sometimes underestimated, Montenegro is a country that is conducive to family life. First of all, it is home to several quality schools:

• QSI International School of Montenegro
• Adriatic College
• The British Academy, Montenegro
• L’École Française Européenne de Podgorica (EFEP)

The many green spaces, beaches and natural sites offer the opportunity to enjoy many activities with the family.

We recommend a few must-sees, such as visiting the island of Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks) in Kotor, hiking in the Durmitor and Lovćen National Parks, as well as discovering the Lipa Cave, a real must for children!

Daily life in the city is also pleasant. Teenagers often study in cafes, extracurricular activities are plentiful, and residential neighborhoods are generally very safe.

Frequently asked questions