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Moving to Montenegro: Guide on How to Move to Montenegro

If you’ve finally decided to fulfil your dream and purchase a property on the Adriatic coast of Montenegro, and are eagerly waiting to enjoy all the benefits of living by the sea in your new, superbly equipped home, no one can blame you for that.

But before realising these long-awaited, beautiful moments, have you ever really thought about what moving to Montenegro really looks like? What are the necessary steps without which moving to Montenegro is an almost impossible mission? How to move to Montenegro without missing one of those steps?

Although it might look like a piece of cake, relocating to Montenegro can be challenging especially if you are not properly informed about the whole process. However, many living in Montenegro as expats today find the effort well worth it, as they now wake up each day to the stunning views of the Adriatic Coast. In order to make the whole relocation process go smoothly and without any problems, here is what you need to know before relocating to Montenegro.

#1 Moving to Montenegro - All the Necessary Documents

In the last decade, the Adriatic coast has become one of the world’s most popular relocation destinations. People from across the globe have been dreaming of living by the sea, and Montenegro has become at the top of their lists.

However, moving to Montenegro requires thorough preparation, often months or even years before the final move. Being a relatively small country, Montenegro has specific and strictly enforced immigration rules that must be followed closely.

Moving to Montenegro for Work

Relocating to Montenegro for work is one of the most common reasons international citizens choose to settle in this stunning country. There are opportunities to obtain either a temporary or permanent residency permit, typically tied to employment.

To apply for a work and residency permit, you will need the following documents:

A valid passport with at least three months’ validity beyond the intended stay.
A diploma or certificate proving your professional qualifications.
A criminal record certificate from your country of origin, no older than six months.
A birth certificate and, if applicable, a marriage certificate.
Proof of health insurance covering the territory of Montenegro.
Evidence of accommodation in Montenegro, such as a lease agreement or property ownership certificate.

Additionally, all required documents must be translated into Montenegrin by a certified translator. This is a critical step to ensure your application meets legal requirements.

Relocating to Montenegro for Study, Marriage or Retiring

Moving for study will allow you to obtain a residential permit to live in Montenegro. There are several international schools in Montenegro to choose from. Porto Montenegro, for example, offers an opportunity for youth to learn on a high level in KSI-Montenegro (Knightsbridge Schools Montenegro) for students aged 3 to 18 years.

If your reason for relocation is marriage, and you’re marrying a Montenegrin citizen, you can apply for a temporary residence permit under family reunification. Permanent residence can typically be obtained after five years of continuous legal residence.

For those relocating because they are purchasing property, owning real estate in Montenegro allows you to apply for temporary residency. However, while the value of the property is not the sole criterion, applicants must meet other requirements, such as proof of ownership, health insurance, and sufficient financial means, to be eligible for a residence permit.

Montenegro is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees due to its mild climate, relatively affordable cost of living, and natural beauty. Those who choose to retire in Montenegro can apply for temporary residency by providing evidence of regular income, such as a pension, sufficient to support themselves during their stay.

By meeting these conditions, relocating to Montenegro for study, marriage, or retirement becomes a feasible and appealing opportunity.

Can a US citizen move to Montenegro?

Yes, US citizens can move to Montenegro, and the process involves several steps depending on the purpose of the move. If you’re relocating for work, retirement, or investment, Montenegro offers various types of residency permits.

Visa Requirements for US Citizens: US citizens do not need a visa to enter Montenegro for short stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. During this period, you can explore your options, but for a longer stay, you must apply for a temporary residence permit before the 90-day period expires. This requirement applies whether you’re moving for work, study, retirement, or family reunification.
Montenegro Work Permit for US Citizens: If you’re moving to Montenegro for work, a valid work contract with a Montenegrin employer is typically required. The company hiring you must submit the application for your work permit. The process typically involves submitting your passport, proof of education (such as diplomas), a certificate of no criminal record, and evidence of health insurance. All documents must be translated into Montenegrin and certified by a licensed court translator.
Living and Working in Montenegro: The cost of living in Montenegro is more affordable compared to many Western countries. You can enjoy a high quality of life with relatively lower costs for housing, food, and transportation. Healthcare services are available through the public healthcare system, but many expats opt for private healthcare.

Can a UK citizen move to Montenegro?

Yes, UK citizens can move to Montenegro, and many have done so due to the country’s natural beauty, affordable lifestyle, and favourable climate.

Visa Requirements for UK Citizens: British citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in Montenegro within any 180-day period. During this time, they can explore they can explore options for long-term residency, find accommodation, or prepare documents for a temporary residence permit. For stays exceeding 90 days, UK citizens must apply for a temporary residency before the end of this period.
Montenegro Work Permit for UK Citizens: If you’re relocating to Montenegro for employment, a valid work contract with a Montenegrin employer is required. The employer is responsible for submitting your work permit application to the Employment Bureau of Montenegro. The process typically requires providing your passport, a certificate of no criminal record from your home country, proof of education (such as diplomas), and evidence of health insurance.

#2 Make a Checklist Before Moving to Montenegro

After a good preparation that includes all the necessary documents, making a detailed checklist of the moving steps is preferable to have reasonable control of the whole process.

Here’s what that list should look like:

Apply for a residence permit on time, months before your arrival
Hire a real estate agent to assist you in finding a property
Find a reliable moving company
Get informed about the taxes in Montenegro and all the legal requirements
Set up a bank account in Montenegro
Familiarise yourself with how the administrative and legal system works in the country.

Once you’ve made the checklist, it is time for action!

#3 Decide Which Type of Property You Want to Buy

Before moving to Montenegro, you need to decide which type of property you would like to purchase. There is a wide range of properties available for sale, and many of them are located in tourist areas.

Some of the most popular types of properties in this country are:

Luxury apartments on the Adriatic coast with a panoramic sea view
Villas located near larger cities, featuring beautiful gardens
Plots of land offering unlimited possibilities for building your dream home

Montenegro’s luxury real estate market has been steadily growing in recent years, mainly due to the country’s increasing popularity as both a tourist destination and a retirement haven. Cities like Kotor, Tivat, and Budva have seen significant development, particularly in high-end residential areas like Porto Montenegro, where luxury residences attract foreign buyers.

Whatever you choose to buy, it is good to set a budget limit that you are willing to spend on real estate. When you find a perfect kind of property, you’ll have to pay a standard set of taxes.

#4 Hire a Professional Real Estate Agent in Montenegro

The best and easiest way to find the perfect property in Montenegro is to hire an experienced real estate agent. An agent will save you from wasting time and aimless searching, ensuring you find a property that best suits your needs.

As a foreigner, you are allowed to purchase property in Montenegro exclusively through a reputable agency, with the professional assistance of their trained agents. This ensures that you avoid unnecessary expenses and complications during the process.

A good agent will negotiate the best price for you and will always be available to address any questions or concerns you may have throughout the entire procedure.

The fee for a real estate agent in Montenegro typically ranges between 3% and 6% of the property value.

#5 Moving Services in Montenegro Can Be Very Helpful

Once you’ve purchased your dream home and arranged all the necessary documentation before moving to Montenegro, the final step is to find an excellent moving service to relocate all your belongings to your new property.

Moving agencies operate worldwide and provide air, land, and sea transportation for their clients’ belongings. They are specialised in providing full-service relocation in the most efficient way possible.

Experience Life in Montenegro Like a Domestic Citizen

Relocating to Montenegro is one of the best decisions you can make in your lifetime for various reasons. Living on the coast, surrounded by the beautiful Montenegrin nature, while experiencing their culture, traditional Montenegrin food, and drink, can be perfect for your soul and mind.

This European country, nestled along the Adriatic Sea, is an amazing place to relax and explore the rich history of Montenegro and important historical sites. You can enjoy numerous fun activities on the water or land and feel like a real domestic citizen among the kind people of Montenegro.

So, what is Montenegro known for? Beautiful nature, rich history and some of the kindest people in the world. If you decide to move to Montenegro, prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!

Visiting or Moving to Porto Montenegro

If you are visiting or relocating to the residences of Porto Montenegro, you can enjoy its luxurious marina, which is a perfect place for your yacht or boat, eat in the best restaurants on the Adriatic coast, shop the clothes of your favourite luxurious brands, relax at some of the most beautiful beaches in Montenegro, etc.

Whatever you dream of doing in Montenegro, you can make that dream come true and live your life to the fullest in this miraculous country unlike any other.