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Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa (Update Feb 2024)
Montenegro - digital nomad opportunities: What are the benefits of working as a digital nomad in Montenegro
In recent years, an increasing number of people have turned to digital nomadism as a way of life. Working as a digital nomad allows us to combine work and travel, enriching us with experiences and opening doors to new cultures and perspectives.
One of the countries that stands out in the offering for digital nomads is the beautiful Montenegro. This small but exceptional country in the Balkans offers incredible opportunities for those who want to work and explore.
One of the biggest benefits of working as a digital nomad in Montenegro is undoubtedly the beautiful
Why Choose Montenegro?
One of the biggest benefits of working as a digital nomad in Montenegro is undoubtedly the beautiful natural surroundings. Mountains, lakes, rivers, and the sea make Montenegro a paradise for those who enjoy nature and outdoor activities. During breaks from work, you can relax on the beautiful beaches of the Adriatic Sea or explore the endless hiking trails of Durmitor, Lovฤen, and Biogradska Gora National Parks. This natural beauty will inspire your mind and give you new energy for your professional endeavors.
Another significant benefit of working as a digital nomad in Montenegro is the friendly culture and openness of the people in this region. Montenegrins are known for their hospitality and willingness to help foreigners, which is crucial when it comes to adapting to a new environment. Furthermore, their kindness creates an inspiring work environment and helps you feel welcome and supported while working.
Photo: Mar Azul Apartments Petrovac
Montenegro national Parks
Another advantage that comes with working as a digital nomad in Montenegro is the low cost of living. Compared to many European destinations, accommodation, food, and transportation costs are significantly lower, allowing you to save money while enjoying all the charms this country has to offer. Additionally, digital nomads are particularly favorably taxed in Montenegro, meaning you can maximize your income and minimize expenses.
When working as digital nomads, being tied to one place is not our concern. However, in Montenegro, we can find digital nomad communities that allow us to meet and connect with like-minded individuals. These communities organize events, workshops, and gatherings, providing us with the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and develop new friendships. Moreover, these communities often have coworking spaces, allowing us to work in a stimulating environment and exchange ideas with other creatives.
Perhaps the most significant benefit of working as a digital nomad in Montenegro is the opportunity to live a life filled with adventures. This country offers a wide range of activities, whether it's hiking, diving, cycling, or exploring old towns. From Montenegro, you can easily plan weekend getaways to other beautiful destinations like Dubrovnik, Tirana, or Lake Skadar. These adventures create unforgettable memories that will accompany us throughout our lives.
By working as a digital nomad in Montenegro, you will enjoy beautiful nature, hospitable people, low costs, and opportunities for exploration. This adventure will provide you with the freedom and flexibility you've always dreamed of while simultaneously discovering and enjoying all the beauty that this country has to offer. Therefore, Montenegro is undoubtedly one of the best destinations for all digital nomads who want to break away from daily routines and ensure a life filled with unforgettable moments.
Kotor and Boka Bay
Biogradsko Lake
1.๐๐ข๐ฌ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐๐ฌ: Montenegro welcomes digital nomads with open arms, making it easy to work and live here hassle-free.
2. ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ญ๐: Enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters, perfect for year-round outdoor activities.
3. ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฌ๐ญ ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ : Compared to other European countries, Montenegro offers an affordable lifestyle without compromising on quality.
4. ๐๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ง๐ง๐๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง๐ฌ: Montenegro boasts excellent international flight connections, making it easy for you to explore the world.
5.๐๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ฐ๐จ๐ซ๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐๐ฌ: From modern coworking hubs to cozy coliving communities, you'll find the perfect place to work and connect with like-minded individuals.
6. ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐ฌ๐ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐ซ๐: Montenegro is a paradise for nature lovers. It's nestled between majestic mountains, pristine lakes, and the beautiful Adriatic Sea. Your outdoor office could be just a short drive or hike away!
7. Co-Working Spaces: Cities like Podgorica and Budva have seen a rise in co-working spaces, providing great environments for networking and productivity.
8. Affordable Accommodations: From apartments in urban areas to peaceful retreats in the countryside, there's a range of options to suit various preferences and budgets.
9. Cultural Experiences: Montenegro's rich history and vibrant cultural scene offer plenty of opportunities for exploration during your downtime.
10. Outdoor Adventures: Whether it's hiking in the Durmitor National Park, exploring the Bay of Kotor, or relaxing on the beaches of the Adriatic coast, there's no shortage of outdoor activities.
11. Vibrant Food Scene: Enjoy the blend of Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines, with plenty of fresh seafood, local wines, and organic produce.
12. Accessibility: Montenegro's compact size makes it easy to explore the country, even on short breaks from work.
Ada Bojana - Ulcinj
Lokalni hodaci- Prokletije Mountain
Digital Nomad Visa Information
The Montenegrin Cabinet, at the proposal of the Ministry of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media, adopted the Programme for Attracting Digital Nomads in Montenegro until 2025 with the Action Plan for 2022, which intends to increase the number of digital nomads residing in Montenegro, as well as the recognisability of Montenegro as an attractive tourist destination for their stay.
The programme defines strategic priorities and goals of creating an environment to make Montenegro an attractive destination for digital nomads, conditions for approval/issuance of temporary residence permits for digital nomads, activities and analysis to assess economic and social potential, as well as competent institutions, success indicators, sources of funding and other issues relevant to the implementation of the Programme and the accompanying Action Plan.
Montenegro has excellent preconditions for the stay of digital nomads. Some benefits are well connected by airlines to many countries. Then the proximity of mountains and sea, national parks, lakes, beaches. So in Montenegro it is possible to come from the Mountain to the sea or national park in just a few hours, and return home in the same day.
Especially cheap life outside the summer season, and great opportunities to explore a large number of natural beauties are what have the most potential. Also should be noted that every day there are more and more coworking spaces in all cities around Montenegro. For those who like to work in nature, away from the crowds and people, the possibilities are numberless around the all country.
Budva Old Town
Features of the Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa (Residence Permit)
- 2 Years The Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa would be valid for up to 2 years, with the possibility to extend for another 2 years
- Non-EU So far it has been announced that only non-EU citizens will be able to apply
- Cost - 67 Euros The proposed application fee is 67 Euros
- Tax Breaks has not yet been confirmed how digital nomads will be considered under existing income tax regulations.
Who Can Apply for the Digital Nomad Visa for Montenegro
Anyone who is a citizen of a country that is not part of the European Union is permitted to apply for the Montenegro digital nomad visa. Your spouse and children may also apply on the grounds of family unification.
If you do not meet the conditions for obtaining a visa for digital nomads, there is another solution, which is a permitted stay for 30 or 90 days without the need to obtain a visa.
Citizens of the following countries may enter Montenegro and stay for up to 30 days, without a visa, with a valid identity card
Citizens of the Republic of Belarus, the Republic of Ecuador, the Republic of Cuba, the Republic of Peru and the Russian Federation.
Citizens of the following countries may enter Montenegro with a valid travel document (passport) without a visa and stay for up to 90 days:
Citizens of the Republic of Albania, the Principality of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, the Argentine Republic, Aruba, Azerbaijan, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Republic of Austria, the Bahamas, Barbados, the Kingdom of Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Federal Republic of Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, the Republic of Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Republic Chile, the Kingdom of Denmark, Dominica, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Finland, the French Republic, Grenada, Georgia, the Republic of Guatemala, the Greek Republic, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Netherlands Antilles, the Republic of Honduras, the Republic of Croatia, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of Iceland, the Republic of Italy, the State of Israel, Japan, Canada, Qatar, Republic of Cyprus, Kiribati, Colombia, Republic of Korea, Republic of Kosovo, Republic of Costa Rica, Kuwait,
Republic of Latvia, Principality of Liechtenstein, Republic of Lithuania, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Hungary, Republic of North Macedonia, Malaysia, Republic of Malta, Mauritius, Republic of Marshall Islands, Micronesia, United Mexican States, R Republic of Moldova, Principality of Monaco, Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of Norway, New Zealand, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Palau, Republic of Panama, Republic of Paraguay, Republic of Poland, Republic of Portugal, Romania, Republic of El Salvador, Samoa, Republic of San Marino, Seychelles Islands, Republic Singapore, United States of America, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Republic of Serbia,
Saint Lucia, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Holy See, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Sweden, Swiss Confederation, Taiwan, Timor-Leste, Kingdom Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Republic of Turkey, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Vanuatu, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Ukraine, Eastern Republic of Uruguay and Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, as well as holders of valid travel documents issued in British Overseas Territories: Anguilla, Bermuda , British Antarctic Territory, British Territory In Indian Ocean, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn Island, Saint Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan de Cunjom, South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region People's Republic of China and Macao of the People's Republic of China.
Currently The Type D Visa for Digital Nomads in Montenegro
The changes to the existing legislation around Type D (Business) Visas in Montenegro are something that will likely cause confusion due to the terminology used. It will be possible to apply for a Montenegro Type D visa as a Digital Nomad with the process being exactly the same as all other cases, except that the formal invitation letter (actually a letter of guarantee) will not be required. This visa will be granted for up to 180 days in a 1 year period. Many digital nomads will find that they are not eligible to apply for this visa, due to the fact that they are already eligible to enter Montenegro visa-free which usually makes a person ineligible to apply for a Montenegro visa.
Visa type for foreigners and a list of embassies in Montenegro and also Montenegro embassies abroad - Blog
Criteria for the Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa (Residence Permit)
Digital nomads โ persons who work remotely online for foreign companies can obtain a residence permit in Montenegro. Unlike the "standard" residence permit, this one can be valid for up to two years. Additionally, it can be extended for up to two more years. Therefore, the total period of stay in Montenegro for digital nomads is up to four years. Considering this, digital nomads are not eligible for permanent residence applications.
The minimal monthly income a digital nomad needs to present is โฌ1,350.00 per month. This needs to be shown in the work agreement and bank records.
Notably, since their income is technically generated abroad, digital nomads are not eligible for paying any taxes in Montenegro. Considering this, if you want to use Montenegro's favorable tax system and become a tax resident, you'll need to choose another form of temporary residence permit.
When it comes to the documentation for the application, you need to prove that you fit the definition of the "digital nomad", have a clean police record, and have accommodation in Montenegro.
Here is a list of documents you need for the digital nomad residence permit in Montenegro:
- Passport copy;
- Non-conviction proof from your native country, not older than six months;
- Accommodation in Montenegro โ a notarized apartment rental agreement;
- Accommodation proof โ an original ownership document of the apartment owner;
- Employment proof โ a work contract with a foreign company, stating your salary, signed at least three months before your application;
- Income proof โ a bank statement or a company payroll showing a minimum monthly income of โฌ1,350 in the year prior to the application date;
- An excerpt from the company registry of the country in which your employer is registered, not older than three months;
- 30-day health insurance valid in Montenegro;
- Residence permit police fees.
- Application fees and taxes are thought to be the same as other types of residence permit applications: ะ67 Euros
Temporary residence
The layout of the residence permit document (which, of course, should include Your information and photo)
Application for Obtaining a Temporary Residence Permit
A foreigner shall submit in person an application for the temporary residence permit to the Ministry, at his/her place of residence. With the application a foreigner is obliged to enclose all evidences justifying the reasons for applying for a temporary residence permit. A foreigner who submits a complete application for temporary residence before the expiry of 90 days of stay may stay in Montenegro until the final decision.
Form for obtaining a resident permit and document
Enter your text here ...
Photo: ICT HUB Porto Montenegro
Application process
The application process for both the Type D visa and the Digital Nomad residence permit will follow the existing procedure for all other types of visa and permit applications.
Visa applications need to be made at a Montenegro embassy, or a Serbian embassy if a Montenegrin one is not accessible or send the application by mail.
One of the catches of the Montenegro digital nomad visa is that you have to apply for the visa within your home country. This means that you have to visit the embassy or consulate of Montenegro in your country or send the application by mail. This process can be a bit complicated, especially if you don't live near an embassy or consulate. Also, it can take time for your application to be reviewed and approved, so it's important to apply early and be patient.
Digital Nomad resident permit applications will take place inside Montenegro at the Ministry of Interior Affairs application center (MUP) of the chosen city.
All documents must be in the Montenegrin language and notarised or apostille in line with legal requirements. When we have further confirmation of the document requirements we will be able to elaborate further. If the application process is the same or similar to other residence permit applications, the applicant will likely find that they need the assistance of a local agent to navigate the process for them.
So let's make a short cut about the options that exist for digital nomads
1. Stay in Montenegro up to 30 days for countries (No visa required)
2. Stay in Montenegro up to 90 days for countries (No visa required)
3. Digital nomad visa (Temporary Resident permit document)4. Visa D for those countries that must applicate for a visa D first, then a resident permit (digital nomad visa)
More options links below..
Living in Montenegro as a Digital Nomad from 30 to 90 Days Without Visa Hassles - Blog
Visa types and a list of embassies in Montenegro and Montenegro embassies worldwide - Blog
Temporary residence permit in Montenegro, types and process of obtaining the permit - Blog
Living in Montenegro as a digital nomad
Montenegro is a fantastic destination for digital nomads. Many remote workers who visit the Balkans and Eastern European cities are attracted to Montenegro because of how beautiful and affordable the country is.
Montenegro is ideal for those seeking a warmer destination for their next leg in their digital nomad journey. The Mediterranean climate makes it the perfect spot for relaxing and working simultaneously.
There are many things to explore in Montenegro. With over 115 beaches and lots of exotic and unique flora and fauna, you'll never spend a day without something to do. The local cuisine is exceptionally delicious, and the locals are friendly and helpful. Plus, Montenegro is one of the safest places. You can freely walk around the city at all hours without feeling anxious or unsafe.
You can find more information about the prices of life in Montenegro, places for coworking and coliving, natural beauty that can be visited, as well as the impressions of digital nomads who visited Montenegro in our articles.
Photo: Playworking
Photo: Playworking
In short, the Montenegrin digital nomad visa is a great way to work and stay in Montenegro. Although there are some catches and required documents, with a little planning and patience you can successfully apply for this visa. Let this visa enable you to enjoy the beautiful nature of Montenegro, meet new people and work on your digital projects.
Sources:
Montenegro Government
Montenegro Travel
Citizen Remote
Any Question?
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