Montenegro

Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa opens the door to a unique blend of stunning landscapes and a thriving digital work environment, inviting remote professionals to embrace the freedom of working from this picturesque Adriatic gem.

In December 2021, Montenegro's government unveiled the Program for Attracting Digital Nomads, a digital nomad visa initiative slated to extend until 2025. This program signifies the country's commitment to welcoming remote professionals seeking to work in the picturesque Montenegro.

Enjoy the perks of working as a digital nomad in Montenegro with a visa that grants a two-year stay, extendable for an additional two years; however, after four years, a six-month departure is required for renewal. Benefit from a robust internet connection, boasting speeds of 87.87 MBps, along with affordable and reliable mobile internet options. Safety is a highlight, as Montenegro maintains an impressively low crime rate, ensuring a secure environment day and night. Explore the breathtaking landscape, featuring over 115 beaches, unique flora and fauna, and must-visit locations like Kotor Old Town and the Bay of Kotor. Experience a cost-effective lifestyle, with monthly apartment rentals ranging from €170 to €250, and utility costs potentially under €100, depending on the city of residence.

The Montenegro digital nomad visa is open to individuals who work remotely and wish to reside in Montenegro. It is designed for digital nomads, freelancers, and remote workers who can perform their professional activities online.

To be eligible for the Montenegro digital nomad visa, applicants must fulfill the following prerequisites:

1. Possess valid travel insurance.
2. Present proof of an onward or return ticket, indicating plans to depart Montenegro after the visa duration.
3. Hold a passport with at least 6 months of validity.
4. Provide a valid email address for communication purposes.
5. Be employed as a remote worker with a company outside Montenegro.
6. Secure accommodation arrangements within Montenegro.
7. Maintain access to online communication platforms such as Google Hangouts, Google Meet, Zoom, etc.
8. Obtain a Montenegrin mobile number.
9. Have an online payment system for receiving income.

The essential documents required for the digital nomad visa application include:

1. Verification Certificate: To validate that you haven't been incarcerated for over 6 months for any criminal offense in your home country.
2. Employment Proof: Demonstrate your current employment with a non-Montenegro based entity.
3. Accommodation Confirmation: Provide documentation confirming your secured accommodation in Montenegro, such as a lease or rental agreement.
4. Income Proof: Present evidence of your income for the preceding 12 months.
5. Valid Passport: Display a passport with a minimum validity of six months.
6. Travel Insurance: Show documentation of travel insurance coverage for the entire duration of your stay in the country.
7. Proof of Pension and Health Insurance: Provide evidence of pension and health insurance coverage in your home country, ensuring health insurance remains valid throughout the 30-day application period.

To meet the eligibility criteria for the Digital Nomad Visa in Montenegro, applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of no less than EUR 1,350.

Montenegro's digital nomad visa initiative extends the possibility of family reunification, enabling digital nomads to bring their spouse and children to join them in their work in this Balkan nation. While each family member is required to submit individual applications, these applications can be interconnected with the primary applicant's. It is essential for applicants to provide valid documentation confirming familial relationships and meet the stipulated income thresholds to sustain the entire family.

While the application process for the digital nomad visa in Montenegro is pending confirmation, it is anticipated to involve similar steps:

1. Embassy Visit
2. Form Completion
3. Fee Payment
4. Document Compilation
5. Await Response

The anticipated cost for the Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa is €25, though it's essential to stay informed, as this fee may be subject to change.

As for the timeline for applying for the Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa, the precise processing duration has not been publicly disclosed at this time.

Montenegro, while not classified as a tax haven, presents an attractive fiscal environment with reasonable and highly competitive tax rates, which can significantly influence your decision to relocate.

For individuals, the income tax rate stands at 9%, but if the salary surpasses approximately €750 per month, the rate increases to 11%. Corporate entities in Montenegro are subject to a flat 9% corporate income tax. Additionally, new goods and services carry a 21% Value Added Tax (VAT).

Taxes on interest, capital gains, and land transfers remain below the national average, contributing to the overall favorable tax landscape. Discussions about potential tax breaks for digital nomads, possibly exempting them from income tax, are underway, though specific details are currently limited.

If you discover that you do not qualify for the Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa, there are alternative residency options to explore:

1. Tourist Visa: For foreign citizens, the tourist visa provides a straightforward option, allowing a stay of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa closely mirrors the digital nomad visa in terms of duration and flexibility.
2. Temporary Residence Permit: This permit grants a one-year stay and is usually attainable through employment or entrepreneurship. However, acquiring this permit may have tax implications, transforming a digital nomad into a Montenegro taxpayer, diverging from the original intent of the Digital Nomad Visa Scheme, where remote workers typically pay employment taxes in their home country.
3. Company Formation: An alternative to the Montenegro digital nomad visa is registering a company in Montenegro. This avenue provides the opportunity to obtain a temporary residence permit. As the company's director, residency can be secured, offering additional advantages such as low corporate and personal income taxes.