Moving to Montenegro from the USA

Checklist for Americans relocating to Montenegro — property or company-based residency, the new Digital Nomad visa, banking, leases in Kotor or Tivat, and your first 30 days.

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Visa & legal right to stay

Pick a route: Property-based residency, company-based residency, work permit, or the new Digital Nomad visa (2025)
Must
Americans can enter visa-free for 90 days — apply for residency from inside the country with a local lawyer
Must
Hire a local lawyer — virtually required for company setup and property purchase
Must

Paperwork to gather before you fly

Apostilled FBI background check (under 6 months)
Must
Apostilled birth and marriage certificates
Certified Montenegrin translations by a court-certified translator
Must
Proof of accommodation (property deed or lease)
Private health insurance valid in Montenegro
Must

Money & banking

Get a Montenegrin tax ID via your lawyer
Open a Montenegrin bank account (CKB, NLB, or Erste)
Personal income tax is flat 9% up to ~€8,400, then 15% — among Europe's lowest
No US-Montenegro tax treaty, so coordinate with a US cross-border accountant.
Keep US accounts open for FBAR + retirement contributions

Housing

Stay in a short-term Airbnb in Kotor, Tivat, or Budva for the first 30–60 days
Use Realestate.me or local Facebook groups for long-term leases
Budget 1 month deposit + 1 month rent + agency fee
Confirm utilities are in your name or accounted for in the lease

Healthcare

Carry expat insurance — public system enrollment requires local employment contributions
Must
Use private clinics in Tivat, Podgorica, and Budva for routine care
Plan to travel to Croatia or Serbia for serious specialist care

First 30 days on the ground

Submit your residency application within the 90-day visa-free window
Must
Register your address (prijava boravišta) at the local MUP
Must
Get a Montenegrin SIM (Telekom, m:tel, or One)
Open the bank account in person with your residency permit
Convert your US license at the local MUP within 1 year

FAQ

Is buying property required for residency?

No — you can also incorporate a Montenegrin LLC (D.O.O.) for ~€1 capital and employ yourself, which grants temporary residency that renews annually.

When does Montenegro join the EU?

Accession is targeted for ~2028 but timelines slip. Buying property or establishing residency now is partly a bet on that future EU access.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.