Why More North Americans Are Moving to Montenegro in 2026
TL;DR
If rising costs, polarization, and the grind back home are wearing you down, Montenegro offers a calmer, lower-tax, euro-based lifestyle on the Adriatic—with straightforward residency routes via property, employment, or company setup. Visa-free entry for Canadians and Americans is up to 90 days per 180; temporary residence is typically one year and renewable, with a clear pathway to permanent residence and—over time—citizenship. Book a paid consultation to map your route with precision.
Taxes & Cost Structure
Montenegro’s corporate tax is progressive: 9% up to €100,000 profit, 12% on the portion from €100,000 to €1.5 million, and 15% above €1.5 million. Personal income tax is generally 9% and 15% by brackets. Standard VAT is 21%, with reduced 15% and 7% categories. For founders, consultants, and small teams, this is one of the most competitive tax environments in Europe.
Euro, Connectivity, and Lifestyle
Montenegro uses the euro, has short flights to the rest of Europe, and mixes coastal hubs like Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Bar, and Herceg Novi with the capital Podgorica. Expect a slower pace, café culture, strong community ties, fresh food, and a daily rhythm that’s easier on the nervous system than big-city North America.
Montenegro issues temporary residence (usually 12 months, renewable) for several purposes. Below are the routes most relevant to North Americans.
1) Real Estate Ownership (Property Basis)
Owning a home—an apartment or house—in Montenegro can support a one-year temporary residence permit that you renew annually as long as conditions remain met. However, time spent on a property-based permit does not count toward the five-year clock for permanent residence. If long-term settlement is your goal, consider combining property with another eligible basis such as employment or company ownership.
Typical requirements include proof of ownership (extract from the real estate cadastre), sufficient means, accommodation (your property qualifies), and health insurance. Decisions are generally issued within statutory timelines once a complete application is filed.
2) Employment or Your Own Company (Combined Permit)
You can be hired by a Montenegrin employer or register a company and employ yourself. In both cases, you apply for a combined temporary residence and work permit, valid for up to 12 months and renewable. Quotas, proof of role or qualification, and employer notifications apply. The employer must hold a copy of your permit at the worksite. This route counts toward permanent residence if maintained continuously.
3) Family Reunification
Spouses and minor children of Montenegrin citizens or qualifying residents may obtain temporary residence for family reunification, typically tied to the principal’s permit validity. Authorities scrutinize “marriages of convenience,” so expect documentation of a genuine family life.
4) Study, Research, Training, Medical, or Religious Service
Montenegro also grants temporary residence for secondary or higher education, research, professional training, medical treatment, and religious service—each with specific documentary proofs such as enrolment letters, contracts, or treatment plans.
Permanent Residence (PR)
You can apply for permanent residence after five consecutive years of lawful residence on an eligible basis, with limited allowances for short absences. Time on the real-estate-ownership basis does not count toward this five-year threshold, but time as an employee or under a combined residence-and-work permit typically does.
Citizenship (Naturalisation)
The standard route to citizenship by naturalisation requires 10 years of continuous lawful residence, secured accommodation and income, no serious criminal record, and usually renunciation of previous citizenship. Marriage to a Montenegrin can shorten timelines once you hold permanent residence—for example, if married at least three years and meeting residence requirements. The Citizenship by Investment program is closed.
Housing & Cost of Living
Coastal property is competitive around Boka Bay (Kotor–Tivat–Herceg Novi) and new-build resorts. Inland options such as Podgorica, Cetinje, and Nikšić are generally more affordable. Expect seasonal fluctuations in rent along the coast.
Health Care
Montenegro has both a public health system and a growing private sector in Podgorica and coastal cities. Many expats carry private insurance, which is also required for residence.
Banking & Compliance
You’ll open a local account for daily living and company operations. Montenegro participates in the OECD’s Common Reporting Standard (CRS) for automatic exchange of financial account information, so plan accordingly with proper cross-border tax advice.
Entrepreneurs and remote teams seeking a euro-based, lower-tax base within an easy flight of the EU
Consultants and creatives who value scenery, time-zone overlap with Europe, and a sane pace
Families who want safety, community, and access to international schooling options
Retirees looking for coastal living, walkable towns, and reasonable costs
Entry plan: Confirm your visa-free status and 90/180-day limits; schedule your residence filing well before day 90.
Route selection: Choose property, employment/own company, or family—keeping in mind how each route affects permanent residence and citizenship timelines.
Document preparation: Gather passports, apostilles, police clearances, health insurance, proof of means, and employer or property documents as applicable.
File and register: Submit your temporary residence (and work permit if relevant), complete address registration, tax numbers, and social insurance if employed.
Build stability: Lease or close on property, set up utilities, banking, and plan how your chosen basis will lead to permanent residence and citizenship.
Do Americans and Canadians need a visa?
Yes. Montenegro participates in the CRS, meaning financial institutions exchange account information with participating jurisdictions. Make sure your tax planning is compliant.