Montenegro, hidden along the Adriatic Sea, is a truly undiscovered gem that appeals to explorers and those seeking a peaceful lifestyle. Moving to a new nation may be an exciting and challenging experience. If you are considering living in Montenegro, you are in for a treat. This little Balkan country has gained popularity as a growing destination for individuals searching for a perfect mix of breathtaking natural vistas, a colorful past, and a laid-back Mediterranean lifestyle. In this article, we will look at the appeal of living in Montenegro and the special characteristics that make it a growing favorite for expats and global citizens looking for their new Eden.
What Do I Need to Know About Life in Montenegro?
Montenegro might have caught your attention due to its favorable tax regime or as part of your long-term plan to obtain a European Union passport. You might also view it as a promising real estate investment. Regardless of your strategic considerations, you likely have some questions. What does life in Montenegro look like? What is the cost of living in Montenegro? Are there other expats or digital nomads in Montenegro? As API Investment, we researched the responses to these concerns and are pleased to share them with you here.
A Welcoming Environment for Living in Montenegro
Living in Montenegro entails adopting a more leisurely way of life and a coveted Mediterranean lifestyle. Montenegro has an improved standard of living at a lesser cost than most Western European countries. Montenegro’s property sector varies, ranging from picturesque stone cottages in old towns to contemporary apartments with sea views, such as those available at our brand-new upscale complex in Royal Town Kotor. The country’s attractive tax laws and visa programs, especially the Montenegro Residency by Investment Program, have attracted international investors and expats looking to settle in this outstanding region.
Is Montenegro Safe?
Thanks to its low crime rate, Montenegro is considered a safe place to live. Violent crime, in particular, is relatively uncommon compared to other countries. The US State Department rates Montenegro as a level 1 country, indicating that it is safe for travel and residence. However, like anywhere, it’s wise to take basic precautions for safety, like staying alert in crowded or touristy places and looking after your belongings.
Residency in Montenegro
The Montenegrin government incentivizes overseas investors through its excellent Montenegro residence by investment program, recognizing immigration as a driver of future economic development. Obtaining residency is straightforward: purchasing a developed property automatically qualifies you to apply. Like other golden visa options, the program requires a €250,000 purchase of an approved property development scheme, a €100,000 donation to the Montenegrin government, and application and processing fees.
Cost of Living in Montenegro
The cost of living in Montenegro is quite affordable compared to other European countries. Estimated monthly expenses for a single person are around €650, while for a family of four, it’s approximately €1,700. Whether you’re working or retired, your money will stretch further here.
Compared to the UK and the USA, the cost of living in Montenegro is significantly lower. Rent, for example, is 60% to 70% lower than in the UK and the USA. While prices may vary between cities, overall, living expenses in Montenegro are relatively low.
Healthcare in Montenegro for Foreigners
Public Healthcare in Montenegro
Mandatory contributions from both employees and employers fund Montenegro’s public healthcare system. As an expat and a legal resident employed in the country, you can contribute to this fund, granting you access to the public healthcare system and its essential medical services. Remember that the public system still has limitations, including facilities, waiting times, and language barriers.
Private Montenegro Healthcare for Expats
If you’re an expatriate in Montenegro, you’ll find that the private healthcare sector has seen remarkable growth, providing access to specialized and efficient medical services. Private clinics and hospitals, primarily located in major cities like Podgorica and coastal towns favored by tourists, are well-equipped and staffed by English-speaking healthcare professionals.
Cost of Healthcare in Montenegro
Expats in Montenegro have two main healthcare options. The first is enrolling in the public system, which requires residency or a temporary residence permit. This can be cost-effective for long-term stays. The second option is private health insurance tailored for expats. Plans like those offered by Uniqa provide coverage for private healthcare facilities without needing residency, ensuring prompt access to medical services.
The annual cost of private health care is approximately 300 Euros. However, many expats pay as they go since a doctor’s visit typically costs around 25 euros, and you can get most medicines for less than 10 Euros.
Education in Montenegro for International Residents
Expats can enroll their children in local schools when living in Montenegro. However, a challenge arises due to the predominant language of instruction, Montenegrin. This might be especially problematic for older children unfamiliar with the language. As a result, many expat families prefer to enroll their children in international schools. These schools adhere to international curricula, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or the British Curriculum, and provide English or other language education. Knightsbridge Schools International in Tivat and QSI International School of Montenegro in Podgorica are outstanding examples of international schools in Montenegro.
Banking in Montenegro for Expats
Owning a bank account in Montenegro is essential, especially if you plan to buy property in Montenegro or explore business opportunities there. Most large banks offer convenient online banking, reducing the need for frequent branch visits. ATMs are widely available, and card payments are accepted in many places.
Foreign nationals, including expats, can open bank accounts in Montenegro, even if they are non-residents. Banks offer two types of accounts: national accounts for local transactions and international accounts for transfers in and out of the country. Most banks offer free transfers between these accounts, making them ideal for foreigners and Montenegrins involved in international business or travel. With many nationwide branches, low-interest rates, and multi-currency accounts, NLB Banka Podgorica and CKB are favorable options for expats living in Montenegro.
What is the Expat Community like in Montenegro?
If you plan on living in Montenegro, you will naturally seek other people who have made the same bold move. Tivat boasts a vibrant expat community, making it a hub where English is widely spoken, and you’ll find more diverse dining options, including an Asian restaurant. The town also hosts frequent expat and nomad meetups, offering a welcoming atmosphere for newcomers. Herceg Novi, on the other hand, is beloved by expats for its intimate expat community, abundant sunshine in winter, picturesque 7km coastal promenade, and stunning mountain backdrop. In contrast, Budva has a significant Russian-speaking expat population but fewer English speakers.
While digital nomad meetups and events are not as prevalent as in other countries, this is likely to change with the introduction of the new Montenegrin digital nomad visa. The capital city, Podgorica, is currently the best place in Montenegro for digital nomads. Although the community is still developing, Podgorica offers numerous coworking spaces and cafes catering to remote workers.
Where is the Best Place to Live in Montenegro?
The Bay of Kotor is one of Montenegro’s most desirable places to live for several reasons. Its stunning natural beauty features dramatic mountains framing a tranquil bay, creating an unmatched picturesque setting. The region boasts a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, ideal year-round. Steeped in history, charming medieval towns like Kotor and Perast offer a glimpse into Montenegro’s rich cultural heritage.
The bay’s strategic location also provides easy access to the Adriatic Sea and rugged countryside, offering diverse outdoor activities from sailing and swimming to hiking and exploring. With its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and recreational opportunities, living in Kotor offers an exceptional quality of life in Montenegro.
At API Investment, we’ve successfully developed a complex of luxury apartments in Tivat with our first Montenegro real estate project, Royal Blue Montenegro. We offer international clients Montenegro real estate investment opportunities through our serviced rental apartments in Tivat. But we’re not stopping there! Our second upscale development, Royal Town Kotor, is currently in progress, and you can take advantage of pre-launch deals. This new luxury apartment complex in Kotor features cutting-edge design and deluxe amenities. It offers numerous studios and apartments, all with beautifully decorated interiors.
Your New Life in Montenegro Awaits
Now that you’ve learned all about living in Montenegro, it’s time to think about your next steps for exciting opportunities in the country. If you’ve been captivated by everything life in Montenegro has to offer, you’re likely interested in accessing the Montenegro real estate market. The dedicated team at API Investment is here to assist you! You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the perfect Kotor apartments for sale and a plan to start a new life of Montenegrin wonder. Contact us today to begin your dream of living in Montenegro.
