Housing
Montenegro's rental market has seen a sharp increase in prices since 2022, with an average rise of 60% since 2021. For most foreigners, the cost of living, including rent, is at least €1,000 per month. Podgorica and coastal cities like Budva and Kotor are the most expensive areas, while smaller towns remain more affordable. The market remains strong due to Montenegro’s appeal as a tourist and investment destination.
Average monthly rates in Podgorica
Studio
$550–$770
$950–$1,900
$2,000–$2,500
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$700–$1,300
Three-bedroom apartmen
Key Trends:
- A growing number of modern residential complexes, particularly in coastal cities like Budva, Tivat, and Kotor.
- Increasing openness to long-term rentals due to demand from expats and digital nomads.
- Rentals in prime areas offer beaches, marinas, schools, and business hubs, making Montenegro a convenient and desirable place to live.
- In Podgorica, the city center and Moraca area are in high demand for their proximity to business hubs, cultural sites, and modern amenities.
- Podgorica’s City kvart is popular for its vibrant urban lifestyle, while Blok 9 and Blok 5 offer quieter, family-friendly environments with excellent infrastructure.
Challenges:
- Many landlords prefer cash payments over bank transfers.
- Short-term summer rentals drive up prices in coastal areas.
- Few landlords allow pets, often with restrictions or extra deposits.
- Lack of transparency on property ownership and legal issues.
- Many landlords and agencies lack professional leasing standards.
Immigration
Montenegro's visa policy aligns closely with the European Union, allowing citizens of 72 countries, including Schengen members and partner nations, to enter visa-free for up to 90 days in a 180-day period. Some countries, such as Belarus, Russia, Kosovo, Peru, Ecuador, and Cuba, also qualify but with varying stay limits—for example, Belarusian citizens can stay up to 30 days.
Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits, as well as those with national visas or residence permits from Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Romania, the U.S., and the U.K., can enter for up to 30 days. APEC Travel Card holders also get 30 days visa-free.
Montenegro issues Visa C for short-term stays, including tourism, business, and medical visits, while Visa D is for long-term stays related to work, study, or family reunification. A Visa D holder must later apply for a residence permit. To work, foreigners need a temporary residence and work permit, valid for up to a 1 and renewable. Employers must apply for annual quotas, though some professionals, such as executives and managers, are exempt.
The Digital Nomad Program allows remote workers from foreign companies to stay for up to 1 year, with renewal options, if they meet a minimum monthly income of €1,350. All foreign visitors must register their residence within 24 hours at a Local Tourist Organization or police station, though hotels usually handle this for guests.
After a foreigner, employed or works electronically for a foreign company or his own company not registered in Montenegro, enters Montenegro following the law, they may apply for a temporary residence permit for a digital nomad. The request is submitted personally to the Ministry in place of residence on the prescribed form, for which a certificate is issued. A digital nomad's residence permit is valid for up to 2 years, extendable for the same period. A new one can be issued 6 months after its temporary residence permit expires.
Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits, as well as those with national visas or residence permits from Australia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, Romania, the U.S., and the U.K., can enter for up to 30 days. APEC Travel Card holders also get 30 days visa-free.
Montenegro issues Visa C for short-term stays, including tourism, business, and medical visits, while Visa D is for long-term stays related to work, study, or family reunification. A Visa D holder must later apply for a residence permit. To work, foreigners need a temporary residence and work permit, valid for up to a 1 and renewable. Employers must apply for annual quotas, though some professionals, such as executives and managers, are exempt.
The Digital Nomad Program allows remote workers from foreign companies to stay for up to 1 year, with renewal options, if they meet a minimum monthly income of €1,350. All foreign visitors must register their residence within 24 hours at a Local Tourist Organization or police station, though hotels usually handle this for guests.
After a foreigner, employed or works electronically for a foreign company or his own company not registered in Montenegro, enters Montenegro following the law, they may apply for a temporary residence permit for a digital nomad. The request is submitted personally to the Ministry in place of residence on the prescribed form, for which a certificate is issued. A digital nomad's residence permit is valid for up to 2 years, extendable for the same period. A new one can be issued 6 months after its temporary residence permit expires.
Moving
Transportation: Montenegro’s household goods transportation relies primarily on trucking. Seaport is the Port of Bar, Montenegro. The primary airport is Podgorica Airport (TGD).
Customs Duties: personal items up to €300 are exempt from customs duties when traveling by land, and up to €430 when traveling by air or sea. Items exceeding these allowances are subject to customs duties and taxes. Temporary import is allowed for a period of up to 2 years if a client provides a bank guarantee during the period of stay.
Customs clearance typically takes 1-3 business days.
Customs Duties: personal items up to €300 are exempt from customs duties when traveling by land, and up to €430 when traveling by air or sea. Items exceeding these allowances are subject to customs duties and taxes. Temporary import is allowed for a period of up to 2 years if a client provides a bank guarantee during the period of stay.
Customs clearance typically takes 1-3 business days.
