Montenegro is a stunning Adriatic destination that has become increasingly popular among digital nomads. Despite not being an EU member, it uses the Euro and offers a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa program with favorable tax treatment. The country combines affordable living costs, reliable internet, beautiful coastal towns like Kotor and Budva, and a straightforward visa process. Its strategic location allows easy travel throughout the Balkans and Europe.
7
Visa Types
97
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:
Visa requirements vary by nationality
🎫 Available Visa Types
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist
Visa-Free Entry (90 days)
Citizens of EU countries, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and many other nations can enter Montenegro without a visa for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€80 additional
✅ Key Benefits
✓No application required before travel
✓Quick and easy entry process
✓No visa fees
✓Can enter multiple times within the 180-day period
✓Access to beautiful Adriatic coastline and mountains
✓Euro currency for convenience
✓Good base for exploring the Balkans
📋 Requirements (5)
•Valid passport with at least 3 months validity beyond intended stay
•Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
•Return or onward ticket (may be requested)
•Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
•Must register within 24 hours of arrival
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate entry at border
1Arrive at Montenegro border crossing (airport, land, or sea)
2Present your passport to immigration officer
3Answer any questions about purpose and duration of stay
4Receive entry stamp in passport
5Register your stay within 24 hours at Local Tourist Organization or have your hotel register you
•Keep your registration receipt as proof of legal stay
•Track your days carefully using a passport stamp tracker app
•Consider the Digital Nomad Visa if planning to stay longer
•Hotels automatically register you but private rentals require self-registration
•Tourist tax only applies for the first 30 days of each registration period
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program
Digital Nomad Residence Permit
Montenegro's dedicated visa for remote workers employed by foreign companies or self-employed internationally. Allows a 2-year stay with one renewal for another 2 years, plus tax exemption on foreign-sourced income.
2 years
Duration
€167
$181 fee
+€700 additional
💰 Income Requirement
Minimum $1,350/per_month
Alternative: Equivalent proof of income such as bank statements showing savings, investment income, or proof of consistent contract payments
✅ Key Benefits
✓Legal right to live and work remotely in Montenegro for up to 4 years
✓Tax exemption on foreign-sourced income
✓No social security contributions required
✓Can apply from within Montenegro if visa-free national
✓Family reunification possible for spouse and minor children
✓Access to Montenegro's beautiful lifestyle and low cost of living
Process: Apply for renewal no later than 30 days before your current permit expires. Submit updated income proof, renewed health insurance, and continued accommodation. After 4 total years (2+2), you must spend 6 months outside Montenegro before reapplying.
Renewal: The permit can be renewed once for another 2 years. After 4 years total, a 6-month gap outside Montenegro is required before a new application. Note that this visa path does not lead to permanent residency.
💡 Pro Tips
•The income requirement is 3x Montenegro's minimum wage - quite accessible
•SafetyWing and similar nomad insurances are accepted
•Consider hiring a local agency to help with the bureaucracy
•Kotor, Budva, and Podgorica are the most popular cities for nomads
•Start gathering documents early as some have validity periods
•The tax exemption makes this one of Europe's most attractive DN visas
•You can enter visa-free and apply from within Montenegro if you qualify
ID Card Entry (EU Citizens)
Tourist
EU citizens can enter Montenegro using only their national ID card for stays up to 30 days, without needing a passport.
30d
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€30 additional
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱Immediate entry at border
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Entry feeNo visa fee
€0<$1
Additional (estimated)
Tourist registration taxApproximately 1 EUR per day
€30$33
Required Total
€0<$1
+ Additional (estimated)
€30$33
Estimated Total
€30$33
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid national ID card issued by an EU member state
•Proof of sufficient funds
•Proof of accommodation
•Must register within 24 hours of arrival
📝 Application Steps
1Arrive at Montenegro border with your EU national ID card
2Present ID to immigration officer
3Receive entry stamp or record
4Register your stay within 24 hours
⚠️ Restrictions
•Limited to 30 days only
•Passport allows longer 90-day stay
•Must still register within 24 hours
•Cannot work locally
💡 Tips
•Bring your passport if you plan to stay more than 30 days
•ID card entry is best for short trips or weekend visits
•Citizens of Albania, Kosovo, Bosnia, and North Macedonia can also enter with ID cards
Entry with Valid Schengen Visa
Tourist
Holders of valid Schengen visas or residence permits from Schengen countries, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and others can enter Montenegro for up to 30 days.
30d
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
📍Apply: On Arrival
⏱Immediate entry at border
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Entry feeNo additional fee if holding valid third-country visa
€0<$1
Required Total
€0<$1
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Valid passport
•Valid Schengen visa (multiple entry) or residence permit from qualifying country
•Qualifying countries include Schengen area, USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Ireland, New Zealand, Bulgaria, Romania
•Visa/permit must be valid for duration of stay
•Must register within 24 hours
📝 Application Steps
1Arrive at Montenegro border
2Present passport with valid Schengen visa or third-country residence permit
3Immigration will verify visa validity
4Receive entry for up to 30 days (or until visa expires if sooner)
5Register your stay within 24 hours
⚠️ Restrictions
•Limited to 30 days maximum
•Stay cannot exceed your visa/permit validity
•Single entry Schengen visas may not qualify
•Cannot work in Montenegro
💡 Tips
•Double-check your Schengen visa is still valid before traveling
•Multiple-entry Schengen visas work best for this provision
•Keep a copy of your Schengen visa/permit handy at the border
•This is ideal for day trips or short holidays from neighboring countries
Short-Stay Visa (Type C)
Tourist
For citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Montenegro. Allows stays up to 90 days within 180 days for tourism, business, family visits, or other short-term purposes.
90d
Duration
€105
$114 fee
+€100 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Approximately 10 to 14 working days
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Visa application fee (single/double entry)Standard consular fee
€35$38
Visa application fee (multiple entry)For multiple entry visas
€70$76
Additional (estimated)
Document translation and notarizationIf documents are not in Montenegrin or English
€50$54
Travel insuranceMay be required depending on nationality
€50$54
Required Total
€105$114
+ Additional (estimated)
€100$109
Estimated Total
€205$222
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
•Purpose of visit documentation (invitation letter, business documents, etc.)
•Visa fee payment receipt
📝 Application Steps
1Check if you need a visa at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website
2Locate the nearest Montenegro embassy or consulate (Serbia or Bulgaria may process visas if no Montenegro mission)
3Complete the visa application form
4Gather all required documents
5Schedule an appointment at the embassy/consulate
6Attend interview and submit documents in person
7Pay the visa fee
8Wait for processing (typically 10-14 working days)
9Collect your passport with visa
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must apply before travel at embassy/consulate
•Cannot work in Montenegro
•Processing takes 10-14 days
•Limited to 90 days per 180-day period
💡 Tips
•Apply well in advance of your travel date
•If no Montenegro embassy in your country, check with Serbian or Bulgarian embassies
•Ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays
•Multiple entry visas are more flexible for repeat visitors
Long-Stay Visa (Type D)
Special Program
For those planning to stay in Montenegro for more than 90 days but less than 6 months, for purposes such as employment, education, business, family reunification, or other non-tourist activities.
180d
Duration
€100
$109 fee
+€300 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱Approximately 2 to 4 weeks
🔄Extendable +180d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Long-stay visa application feeFee may vary by embassy
€100$109
Additional (estimated)
Document translation and apostilleRequired for non-Montenegrin documents
€100$109
Health insurance6 months coverage required
€200$217
Required Total
€100$109
+ Additional (estimated)
€300$326
Estimated Total
€400$434
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.
📋 Requirements
•Completed visa application form
•Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
•Two recent passport-sized photos
•Proof of purpose (employment contract, university admission, business registration, family documents)
•Proof of accommodation
•Proof of sufficient financial means
•Health insurance valid for entire stay
•Criminal background check from home country
•Medical certificate (may be required)
📝 Application Steps
1Determine your purpose of stay and gather supporting documents
2Contact Montenegro embassy/consulate for specific requirements
3Translate and apostille all documents as required
4Complete visa application form
5Schedule appointment at embassy
6Attend interview with all documents
7Pay visa fee
8Wait for processing
9After arrival, proceed with temporary residence permit application if staying longer than 6 months
⚠️ Restrictions
•Must apply before travel
•Requires more documentation than C visa
•Must have clear purpose of stay
•Need to apply for residence permit after arrival for stays over 6 months
💡 Tips
•Start the application process 2-3 months before planned travel
•The D visa is your entry point for longer-term stays
•After arrival, immediately begin your residence permit application
•Keep all original documents for the residence permit process
Temporary Residence Permit
Special ProgramPopular
For foreigners planning to stay in Montenegro for more than 90 days for purposes including employment, business, property ownership, family reunification, or other approved reasons. Valid for one year and renewable.
Does Montenegro have a dedicated digital nomad visa
Yes, Montenegro offers a Digital Nomad Residence Permit under the Program for Attracting Digital Nomads. It allows remote workers employed by foreign companies or working as freelancers internationally to stay for up to 2 years, with one renewal possible for another 2 years (4 years total). The main requirements include proof of remote employment or self-employment, minimum monthly income of 1350 EUR, health insurance, and proof of accommodation. A significant benefit is the tax exemption on foreign-sourced income.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in Montenegro as a tourist
Technically, remote work for foreign clients while on a tourist visa falls into a gray area in Montenegro. The 90-day visa-free entry does not explicitly authorize work activities. However, many digital nomads do work remotely during short visits. For longer stays or to be fully compliant, the Digital Nomad Residence Permit is the proper solution. It provides legal status, tax clarity (exemption on foreign income), and allows stays up to 4 years. Working for a Montenegrin company always requires a work permit.
Do I need to register my stay in Montenegro and what is the tourist tax
Yes, all visitors must register within 24 hours of arrival. If staying at a hotel or registered tourist accommodation, the property handles registration automatically. If staying in a private rental (like Airbnb) or with friends, you must register yourself at the Local Tourist Organization (LTO) in your municipality. The tourist tax is approximately 1 EUR per day for adults, 0.50 EUR for ages 12-18, and free for children under 12. The tax only applies for the first 30 days of each registration period. Failure to register can result in fines of 30 to 2000 EUR.
Can I do a border run to reset my 90 day tourist stay in Montenegro
Border runs do not automatically reset your tourist stay. Montenegro uses a 90 days within 180 days rule, meaning you can spend a maximum of 90 days in any rolling 180-day period from your first entry. Simply exiting to Albania or Croatia and returning does not restart the clock. If you need to stay longer, you should apply for the Digital Nomad Visa, a temporary residence permit, or a long-stay D visa. Montenegro borders Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, and Albania, all with active border crossings.
Can I open a bank account in Montenegro as a digital nomad or tourist
Since January 2023, most Montenegrin banks require a residence permit to open a personal bank account. Tourists and short-term visitors without residency will typically be unable to open accounts. Once you obtain a temporary residence permit or digital nomad visa, opening an account is straightforward and requires your passport, proof of residence, income documentation, and bank statements. Major banks include CKB, NLB, Addiko, and Erste. While waiting for residence status, most nomads use Wise, Revolut, or similar international services.
What are the tax implications of staying in Montenegro as a digital nomad
Tax residency in Montenegro is triggered by spending 183 or more days in a calendar year, having your domicile there, or maintaining your center of vital interests in the country. Digital nomads with the official DN Residence Permit are exempt from income tax on foreign-sourced income. Without the DN permit, if you become tax resident, you would owe taxes on worldwide income at rates of 9-15%. Montenegro has double taxation treaties with about 50 countries. Corporate tax is competitive at 9% on the first 100,000 EUR of profit if you establish a company.
Is health insurance required to enter Montenegro
Health insurance is not legally mandatory for short tourist visits from visa-exempt countries. However, it is strongly recommended as public healthcare may have limitations and private medical care can be expensive. For Digital Nomad Visa and residence permit applications, health insurance valid in Montenegro is mandatory. Popular options among nomads include SafetyWing, World Nomads, and Cigna Global. Coverage should include medical treatment, emergency evacuation, and repatriation.
Can I enter Montenegro with a Schengen visa instead of a Montenegro visa
Yes, holders of valid multiple-entry Schengen visas, as well as valid visas or residence permits from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Ireland, and several other countries, can enter Montenegro for up to 30 days without a separate Montenegrin visa. This is useful for travelers already in Europe. The stay cannot exceed the remaining validity of your Schengen visa. This provision is for short visits and transit; longer stays require a proper Montenegro visa or residence permit.
What is the path to permanent residency and citizenship in Montenegro
Permanent residence can be applied for after 5 continuous years of legal temporary residence in Montenegro. Permanent residence is valid for 5 years and renewable indefinitely. It grants nearly all rights of citizens except voting and a Montenegrin passport. Citizenship requires 10 years of legal residence in Montenegro, along with passing Montenegrin language and civic knowledge tests. Montenegro also has a citizenship by investment program with minimum investments starting at 250,000 EUR in approved real estate projects.
What currency does Montenegro use and is it part of the EU
Montenegro uses the Euro as its official currency despite not being a member of the European Union. It adopted the Euro unilaterally in 2002. Montenegro is an EU candidate country and has been in membership negotiations. Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas and tourist spots, but having cash is useful in smaller towns. ATM fees vary by bank. The country is part of the Western Balkans free movement agreement and aspires to EU membership, though the timeline remains uncertain.
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Important Disclaimer
Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 4, 2025