An Expat’s Guide to Living in Montenegro

Montenegro is a destination quickly rising in popularity, both with tourists and ex-pats. It has a favorable tax system, great real estate prices, pleasant weather and gorgeous nature and coast—what more can you need! However, before you start packing, there are a few things you need to know and prepare for in Montenegro:

Prices are fair and affordable

Let’s start with the cost of living, which is something that most people find crucial when moving somewhere. When compared to EU countries and Western world standards, Montenegro is not an expensive country. According to statistics, a family of four needs between €450 and €1,500 to live in the country, so no matter if you’re retired or employed, your money will go far here. Living in Montenegro is on average 43% cheaper than living in the States or UK, with rent being 63% and 71% cheaper than in the UK and USA. Sure, cities are always more expensive, but even when you count that in, it’s still relatively cheap to live in Montenegro.

Taxes are super favorable

One of the main things that attract expats to Montenegro is its fantastic tax rates. Personal income tax and capital gains tax are both 9%, with is great for savers and investors. If you’re planning to start a business in Montenegro, you’ll be welcomed with a 9% corporate tax, which is also great. And finally, you most likely won’t be taxed twice on your income since Montenegro has a double taxation treaty with 46 various countries on income and property. When you take all of these tax benefits into account, it’s easy to see why this little country attracts so many investors and expats.

There are various amazing living spots

Even though tiny, Montenegro has a spot for everyone. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose between villages and cities, mountains and plains and inland and coastal destinations. Naturally, many expats automatically choose the biggest city, which in this case is Podgorica, the country’s capital. This lively and diverse city has a thick network of expat communities from the UK, Russia, Germany, France and other countries. There’s also Budva, a coastal town popular among retirees from abroad. It’s a popular tourist destination so you can expect crowds in the summer.

Bar is another great expat spot. It’s the second-biggest city in the country, with a vibrant scene, lively port and a location that’s close to everything important in the country. You’ll also get to enjoy beautiful beaches, different architecture, modern promenades and wide boulevards lined with palms, pines and agaves. It’s also very easy to find apartments for sale in Bar Montenegro with all the commodities and amenities you might need. Expect to live lavishly in Bar all year round.

Safety is relatively high

Like much of Europe, Montenegro is a safe country with fairly low crime rates. Most crime happens in major cities, but villages and small towns are usually peaceful with a minimal crime. If you feel safe living in an average US, Australian or UK town, you’ll have no problem with Montenegro. Most crime is in the capital like everywhere else in the world, but crime in Podgorica mostly comes down to burglary, theft and drug-related crime. Coastal towns like Bar, Porto Montenegro and Budva have better safety and lower crime.

You’ll enjoy the mix of cultures

Like most of the Balkans, Montenegro manages to find a nice combination of Western and Eastern culture. In art and architecture in Montenegro, you can clearly see Italian influences, but when it comes to food, Turkish and Greek, Montenegrins heavily borrowed from Turks and Greeks. If you love to experience a blend of cultures on a daily basis, this country will satisfy your cosmopolitan cravings.

If you like what you see in this expat guide, you’re ready to start looking for a place in Montenegro and planning your new life.