If you are considering living in Montenegro as an expat, there are a lot of questions that need to be answered, starting from the location you should choose as your base and the conditions you will need to fulfil in order to relocate to this beautiful country of sea and mountains.
Relocating to another country gives you a chance to start over and rebuild your life, and living in a beautiful Mediterranean country such as Montenegro can be ideal for a life full of harmony and great adventures.
For every good start, it can be useful to have a good guide. That’s why we created this useful Montenegro expat guide. Here you’ll find information and tips & tricks for living in Montenegro as an expat, such as the cost of living in different cities, as well as the pros and cons of living in Montenegro.
Save the precious time you would spend searching for answers on a Montenegro expat forum by reading our practical guide to expat life in Montenegro!
How to choose the best place to live in Montenegro?
Wondering what is the best place to live in Montenegro? You won’t be surprised that there is no exact answer to this question.
As an expat, the first thing you need to do when choosing where to live in Montenegro is to compare the cities in Montenegro. Start by looking at the options for real estate purchase and rentals, as well as schools and kindergartens, the cost of living and job opportunities in case you don’t come here for work, etc.
If you are considering becoming an expat, Montenegro has a lot to offer. Here’s a brief introduction to the Montenegrin cities popular among Montenegro expats.
Expats in Podgorica – living in the capital
Podgorica is the capital of our beautiful country and a place with a developed expat community. Living in Podgorica gives you the opportunity to live, work, and study, and most people fit in very easily.
The city is pretty modern, with the urban centre and City Square, which is the main place for companies, restaurants, bars, and retails. There is also a less urban part of the city, that is perfect for families. Unlike other capitals, Podgorica is not frenetic, and the traffic is really easy to deal with.
Geographically speaking, Podgorica is a good base for those who are looking for easy access to travel. Podgorica provides routes in all directions, from the sea to the mountains.
Budva – the city of opportunities and contrast
As a city of contrast, Budva combines a bustling modern city centre with a rustic and antique old town. That’s why it can easily become the best place to live in Montenegro for various groups of Montenegro expats.
Budva is a charming city, famous for its nightclubs, modern beach bars, and crowded restaurants during the summer season.
Over the years Budva has become one of the most notable commercial centres in the country, primarily due to the income from tourism. Choosing Budva as the place of their new life in Montenegro can be great for people who need excitement, modern places to go out, work opportunities, or even chances for business development.
If you are seeking a less crowded place but still want to be in touch with the urban world, you should check the Budva suburbs – areas such as Becici, Rafailovici, or Sveti Stefan.
Tivat – enriched with a luxury and abundant lifestyle
Living in Montenegro brings a whole new dimension, for those who choose Tivat as their home.
Thanks to Porto Montenegro and luxury tourism development, Tivat’s living conditions have been completely transformed. Living in Montenegro as an expat can be truly amazing in this gorgeous city.
Placed in the most beautiful part of Boka Bay, Tivat flourishes in the best way. For example, here you can find one of the most prestigious international schools in Montenegro, a peaceful neighbourhood, and a luxury resort development with an award-winning Superyacht marina nearby.
In this city, you will find some of the most luxurious real estate in Montenegro featuring opulent residences such as now-in-development Synchro Yards or Boka Place with its various amenities devising from wellness centres to modern galleries and luxurious shops.
When it comes to transport, Tivat is the only city on the Montenegrin coast that has an airport, which is an important advantage for foreign citizens.
Kotor – become a citizen of UNESCO World Heritage Town
With one of the most unique and preserved old towns, Kotor took its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. From a touristic point of view, it is one of the most popular places to visit, but also a favoured destination for living in Montenegro among many Montenegro expats.
If you want to live here, get ready for a lot of tourists and events every summer season. When it comes to nightlife, there are a few clubs at your disposal all year round. Additionally, living in Kotor Montenegro can be a really good choice for those who want to start and develop a business.
Being placed in the deepest spot of the bay, Kotor is a bit cooler than the rest of the cities on the coast, which is why it is considered one of the best places to live in Montenegro for those who find hot summers uncomfortable.
Living in the continental part of the country
Although not as popular as the seaside, the continental part of the country can also be a good place to start your new life. Areas with developed tourism, such as Cetinje, Durmitor, or even Lovcen are especially well-liked among Montenegro expats.
For nature and mountain lovers, the National Park of Durmitor is a beautiful place to live. You’ll be given a lot of outdoor space to create your home with easy access to the urban areas.
The climate here is convenient with fresh summers and snowy winters. A truly magical place for life in Montenegro, in case you want to be completely immersed in its stunning nature.
And the best part?
When it comes to the cost of living, Montenegro is a great option, but the continental part of the country might be what you are looking for if your priority is affordability. Continental Montenegro has lower real estate prices compared to the previously mentioned tourist centres. Since there are fewer tourist destinations in the continental part, naturally, life in Montenegro is generally more favourable here.
The Pros & Cons of Living in Montenegro as an Expat
If you’re moving to Montenegro from the UK, the US, or any other country for that matter, you may have difficulties choosing among all the amazing places Montenegro has to offer. In that case, a good old pros and cons list can help you make your decision and identify all the conditions you’ll have to consider while living in Montenegro as an expat.
Here’s the “living in Montenegro pros and cons” list!
Pros of living in Montenegro
- Access to Montenegro citizenship – not only that the country have a clear and arranged path for those looking for a temporary residence permit, but it’s the same for those who need to obtain citizenship as well.
- Affordable cost of living – compared to EU countries, Montenegro has an attractive low cost of living and affordable utilities. Whether you are choosing to retire in Montenegro and are looking for a peaceful place to settle or a digital nomad wanting to balance work and lifestyle, Montenegro provides an affordable alternative to many European destinations.
- Easy to find housing in Montenegro as an expat – when it comes to finding housing, Montenegro offers a wide range of options, from modern apartments in the cities to traditional stone houses in rural or coastal areas. Tivat, Kotor, and Budva are among the most popular towns for expats due to their vibrant communities, proximity to the sea, and growing infrastructure. Montenegro real estate investment options are almost limitless, so everyone can find something to their taste.
- Good healthcare options – healthcare is an important aspect of expat life, and Montenegro healthcare for expats provides both public and private options. The public healthcare system is accessible to residents, but many expats in Montenegro prefer private healthcare for faster service and more specialized treatment. Private health insurance is recommended for those relocating, as it grants access to top-tier medical facilities. Expats in Montenegro can easily find English-speaking doctors, particularly in larger cities like Podgorica, Budva, and Tivat.
- Low taxes – for the living standard that this country offers, taxes in Montenegro are surprisingly low and it has a tax system without any hidden surprises. Montenegro boasts one of the lowest tax rates in Europe, with a flat personal income tax rate of just 9%, making it particularly attractive to entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers.
- Quality education for expats in Montenegro – for expat families moving to Montenegro, education is a key consideration. While the local education system may differ from what expats are used to, several international schools cater to foreign students, particularly in larger cities and coastal areas. The Knightsbridge International School in Tivat and the QSI International School of Montenegro in Podgorica offer English-language education following international curriculums, which are popular among expat families. These schools provide a high standard of education, but tuition fees can be quite high. On the other hand, local public schools are free but are taught in Montenegrin, which could be a barrier for non-native speakers.
- A country with beautiful nature – stunning Montenegro nature with both seaside and mountains is a rare attribute for a country of this size. From the rugged peaks of the Dinaric Alps to the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, Montenegro is a paradise for nature lovers. Expats living in Montenegro have easy access to these natural wonders, making it ideal for those who enjoy hiking, cycling, sailing, or simply spending time outdoors.
- A place for everyone – whether you are seeking adventure, luxury boat sailing, hiking, eating in fancy restaurants, or drinking a beer at a beach bar – you can find it all in Montenegro.
Cons of living in Montenegro
- Touristic country – as in every tourist country, you can see a big difference in and out of the season.
- Language – touristic employees speak English, Russian, Italian, and other international languages but when it comes to local people the language barrier can be a challenge.
Montenegro quality of life – choose the best for yourself
There are a lot of EU and US expats living in Montenegro, but given all of the above, it is no wonder many of them choose Montenegro for retirement, studying and working! Whether you are relocating with your family or alone as a digital nomad Montenegro can provide you with everything you need to feel at home.
When it comes to living in Montenegro – the quality of life can be very high. As we previously mentioned, Porto Montenegro brought a new point of view when considering living conditions, creating a life less ordinary. This is a big shift not only for Tivat but for the whole country. Following Porto Montenegro’s example, a lot of seaside towns raised their living standards.
As for those looking to relocate to Porto Montenegro, being part of this luxury community comes with an abundance of advantages – a high social status, as well as business and life opportunities for the whole family. There is no doubt that Porto Montenegro is one of the best places to live in Montenegro.