As you consider a move to Montenegro, research and comprehensive planning will be essential.

In this guide we detail the benefits of living in Montenegro, offer provisional guidance on visas and permits, and share our thoughts on rental versus property investment for long-term residents.

Montenegro – An amazing place to be!

Montenegro is a diverse and beautiful country. Located on the Balkan Peninsula, this Southeastern European nation sits at a fascinating crossroads. This is a place where Eastern and Western Europe meet, and where neighbouring Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Albania, each influence and enrich the Montenegrin cultural experience.

With Italy just 42 miles across the Adriatic, the architecture, cuisine, language, art, and lifestyle of Montenegro also enjoys a distinctly Mediterranean feel. Life here offers a chance to enjoy the very best of la dolce vita – the good life.

Added to Montenegro’s great location and cultural richness is the county’s unrivalled geography and heritage. From dramatic mountain ranges, to the unspoilt coastline, breathtaking bays, and UNESCO historical towns. There is always something to discover and enjoy here.

Population and Language of Montenegro: One of the smallest countries in Europe, both in terms of area and population (an estimated 620,000 people – World Bank, 2022), this is a country that enjoys a relatively low population density. The positive impact of this is that much of the country’s impressive countryside and coastline remains relatively unspoilt and uncrowded. The official language is Montenegrin – closely related to Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian. Many Montenegrins are fluent in English, especially in tourist areas, and Russian, Italian, and German are also widely understood.

Economy & Stability: In 2024, Montenegro’s economy is steadily growing, driven by tourism, energy, and infrastructure development, with a notable 6% growth in 2023. The country’s membership in NATO, and anticipated future integration into the EU (2028) also provides a stable economic environment. Compared to many Western European countries, Montenegro has a lower cost of living, making it an attractive option for retirees and expatriates.

Currency of Montenegro: Introduced in 2002, the official currency of Montenegro is the Euro (EUR).

Location and Accessibility: Montenegro is impressively accessible by air, with two main airports: Podgorica Airport, located in the capital, and Tivat Airport, which serves the coastal region. For many travellers, flying into Dubrovnik Airport in neighbouring Croatia is another convenient option. Located less than one hour’s drive from the Montenegrin border, Dubrovnik Airport is a particularly convenient option for visitors and residents that want to explore or live in the southern parts of Montenegro. 

Additionally, the port of Bar is one of the largest seaports in the Adriatic, and provides ferry services that connect Montenegro to Italy and beyond.

Weather and Climate in Montenegro: Montenegro’s climate is varied, and region-by-region the variations can be considerable, but overall the climate is perfect for year-round outdoor living. The Adriatic coast enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate – warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Mild/warm sea temperatures from June to September make swimming and water sports a truly enjoyable experience. By contrast, inland areas, especially those at higher elevations in the north of the country, experience cold winters with substantial snowfall – making these areas among the region’s most popular skiing and winter sports destinations.

Visas & Montenegro Residence Permits: Visitors from the EU, US and other designated countries are welcome to Montenegro for up to 90 days.

For those planning to stay in Montenegro longer than that, a temporary residence permit is required. These permits are valid for one year, and are renewable annually*. This offers the legal right to live in Montenegro for an extended period.

For those that are planning to live in Montenegro on a more permanent basis, a five-year residence permit (renewable*) can be applied for. While permanent residents enjoy most of the privileges of Montenegrin citizenship, such as access to healthcare and education, they are not entitled to vote or hold a Montenegrin passport. Full Montenegrin citizenship is possible after living in the country for 10 years+.

For those considering retirement in Montenegro, obtaining a Montenegro retirement visa is required. These permits offer retirees a renewable* residency visa and access to local healthcare services. The application process for retirees differs slightly, and involves demonstrating evidence of a stable income and health insurance coverage, while in Montenegro.

Accommodation Options: Expatriates who choose to live in Montenegro for longer than 90 days do not have to purchase property to do so. However, with the Montenegrin real estate sector demonstrating globally impressive returns, record numbers of people are choosing to buy a home in Montenegro rather than rent here.

Rent versus Buy

For prospective long-term residents, finding the right community to join is essential and renting a home does offer a degree of flexibility to those that are actively investigating neighbourhood suitability. However, a well-informed property purchase – with a reputable developer in a desirable location – can offer a compelling ROI and stability upside to those that choose to make Montenegro their future home. 

Montenegro offers a wide range of accommodation and property options – from luxury coastal villas to apartments in integrated communities. However, it is the critically acclaimed Luštica Bay that is uniquely offering a comprehensive range of property options to residents – from marina apartments to golf residences, and more.

Considered to be Montenegro’s leading coastal community, off-plan and completed properties are now available to rent or buy, with 600+ residents already calling Luštica Bay home. 

To learn more about the properties available to rent or purchase at Luštica Bay, go to www.lusticabay.com.

Luštica Bay: A Town in the Making

One of Montenegro’s most exclusive and integrated coastal communities, Luštica Bay is located on the Luštica Peninsula. This new town will have 3,000 apartments, villas, and townhouses, and offers a world-class residential experience. From fine dining, to primary schools. Facilities here are world-class, and amenities are designed to offer every resident, of every age, what they might need. Residents can also enjoy access to its seven hotels, two world-class marinas, an 18-hole championship golf course, a 4.9 km boardwalk, and five pristine Adriatic beaches.