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Europe · Montenegrin · updated 2026-10

Moving to Montenegro: visas, cost of living & citizenship

A single person needs about $1,400 a month to live in Podgorica / Budva, and a family of four about $3,050, including rent. Montenegro usually lets you apply for permanent residence after 5 yrs, with citizenship after 10 yrs, and dual citizenship is not allowed. You can move here without a job offer through the Digital nomad residence.

Monthly budget
$1,400
Very low cost
Safety
73
Safe
Stability
55
Moderate
Family
66
Very good
Main city
Podgorica / Budva
Language
Montenegrin
Permanent residence
5 yrs
Citizenship
10 yrs
Dual citizenship
Not allowed
Digital nomad visa
Yes
What can your passport do in Montenegro?Pick your nationality to see your exact access, visit rules and personal score.
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Cost of living in Montenegro, per month in US$

One person
$1,400
Family of four
$3,050
RentGroceriesTransportUtilities & internetEating out & leisureOther
1-bed flat, Podgorica / Budva centre
$650
Estimate
3-bed family flat
$1,200
Estimate
Price level
50
US = 100
Income per person
$1,179
GNI ÷ 12, World Bank

Safety

Safety score
73
Safe
Homicides per 100k
0.79
US 5.8 · UK 1.0 · Japan 0.2

Political stability & governance

Political stability+0.45
Rule of law+0.21
Control of corruption+0.08
Government effectiveness+0.47
−2.5 weak0strong +2.5

Worldwide Governance Indicators, World Bank. Moderate overall (55/100).

Family-friendliness

Family score
66
Very good
Child outcomes (HCI)
0.633
Health & schooling, 0–1
Under-5 mortality
2.4
per 1,000 births
Life expectancy
77.9 yrs
at birth
Health spending
$1,148
per person / year
Education spending
n/a
of GDP

Visa & residence routes

Remote work
Digital nomad residenceAbout $1,500/month; up to 2 years. The programme is set to run to the end of 2026.
Job offer
Work permitWith a Montenegrin employer or your own company.

Who gets easier access to Montenegro

Montenegro is not part of a free-movement area in the index.

Visiting: 100 passports can visit visa-free, 0 with an electronic travel authorisation, 0 get a visa on arrival, 0 can apply for an eVisa and 98 need a visa in advance (Passport Index dataset).

Road to permanent residence & citizenship

ArrivePRCitizen024681012+ yrs
Permanent residence
5 yrs
Citizenship
10 yrs
Dual citizenship
Not allowed

Montenegro uses the euro.

Last checked 2026-10.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to live in Montenegro?

About $1,400 a month for one person and $3,050 for a family of four in Podgorica / Budva, including rent. A city-centre 1-bedroom flat costs around $650 a month and a 3-bedroom around $1,200. Prices are 50% of US levels. Montenegro is the 27th cheapest of the 76 countries in the index.

Is Montenegro safe to live in?

Montenegro scores 73/100 for safety (safe), ranking 29th of 76. The homicide rate is 0.79 per 100,000 people (US 5.8, UK 1.0, Japan 0.2).

Is Montenegro politically stable?

Montenegro scores 55/100 for stability (moderate), ranking 49th of 76, based on the World Bank's indicators for political stability, rule of law, control of corruption and government effectiveness.

Is Montenegro good for families?

Montenegro scores 66/100 for family-friendliness (very good), ranking 39th of 76. Life expectancy is 77.9 years and under-5 mortality is 2.4 per 1,000 births.

How long does it take to get permanent residence in Montenegro?

Usually 5 yrs of legal residence.

How long until I can become a citizen of Montenegro?

Usually 10 yrs of residence. Dual citizenship: not allowed.

Can I move to Montenegro without a job offer?

Yes. Digital nomad residence: About $1,500/month; up to 2 years. The programme is set to run to the end of 2026.

Does Montenegro have a digital nomad visa?

Yes: the Digital nomad residence. About $1,500/month; up to 2 years. The programme is set to run to the end of 2026.

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See also: cheapest countries to live · safest countries · most stable countries · best countries for families · where citizens of Montenegro can move