🇲🇪

Montenegro

Digital Nomad Residence

Europe

Eligibility note: Program is time-limited: founding document says 'until 2025', current sources treat 31 Dec 2026 as the operative deadline, permits are still being issued mid-2026, and no official extension/termination has been published. Apply by ~October 2026 to clear the ~2-month processing before the presumed deadline.

Last verified 19 July 2026

About this visa & living in Montenegro

Montenegro's Digital Nomad Residence offers a four-year permit on the Adriatic coast at prices that have largely disappeared from neighbouring Croatia. Kotor Bay, Budva and the mountains around Žabljak give you sea, hiking and skiing within a couple of hours of each other. Nomads on this visa benefit from a temporary income tax exemption, and the country is on a clear (if slow) EU accession path, which adds long-term upside.

Visa at a glance

Minimum income: €1,800/month (3× minimum wage without a degree) — €2,400/month if applying with a bachelor's+ (3× the higher-tier minimum wage). Sources still quoting €1,350 use the pre-2026 wage.
Length of stay: 2 years + one 2-year renewal (4 years max), then a mandatory 6-month cooldown outside the country.
Processing time: ~2 months
Application fee: ~$60
Tax treatment: 0% Montenegrin tax on foreign-source income for non-tax-resident nomads — the program's headline benefit.
Family members: Allowed
Renewable: Yes
Path to residency: No
DNV years do NOT count toward permanent residence — use Montenegro's property-ownership route (≥ €150k tax-assessed value under the Jan 2026 law) if PR is the goal.
Apostille required: Yes
Background check: Required
Where to apply: Either abroad or in-country
Local bank account: Can typically open one
Healthcare: Insurance required
Savings requirement: No lump-sum requirement
Cost of living: CheapGeneral affordability for a single nomad.
Bureaucracy: ●●●●●Heavy paperwork
Nationality restrictions: Open to all nationalities

Required documents

Passport valid 6+ months
Proof of remote work for foreign employer/clients
Income proof ≥ €1,800/month (or €2,400/month if applying with a bachelor's+)
Private health insurance
Clean criminal record
Proof of accommodation

Things to know

Sunset unresolved: founding programme said 'until 2025', 31 Dec 2026 is the operative deadline in current sources, and permits are still being issued mid-2026 — no official extension or termination has been published. Apply by ~October 2026 to clear ~2-month processing.
Does not lead to Montenegrin PR — use the property-ownership route (≥ €150k tax-assessed value under the Jan 2026 law) if PR is the goal.
Income requirement is 3× the Montenegrin minimum wage; the 2026 wage is tiered by education (€600 without a degree, €800 with a bachelor's+), so the floor is €1,800 or €2,400 depending on your tier.
Visa-free for many nationalities for the first 90 days.

Visit official source

Always verify current requirements on the official government source.

Frequently asked questions

What is the minimum income requirement for the Montenegro Digital Nomad Residence?

The Digital Nomad Residence requires applicants to show a monthly income of roughly €1,800/month (3× minimum wage without a degree) — €2,400/month if applying with a bachelor's+ (3× the higher-tier minimum wage). Sources still quoting €1,350 use the pre-2026 wage.. This can usually be proven via employment contracts, freelance client agreements, or bank statements.

How long can I stay in Montenegro on this visa?

You can stay for 2 years + one 2-year renewal (4 years max), then a mandatory 6-month cooldown outside the country.. The visa is renewable, so you may be able to extend your stay beyond the initial period.

How long does the application process take?

Processing typically takes ~2-4 weeks. We recommend applying well in advance of your planned move, as embassy workloads and seasonal spikes can cause delays.

Where do I apply for the Digital Nomad Residence?

You can apply either from abroad or after arriving in Montenegro.

Can I bring my family on the Digital Nomad Residence?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are generally allowed to accompany you, though you may need to prove additional income or provide family relationship documents.

Will I have to pay local taxes in Montenegro?

Foreign-source remote income is generally exempt from local income tax while on this visa. You should still confirm your home-country tax obligations.

Is the Digital Nomad Residence renewable?

Yes, the visa is renewable. Check the official source for any limits on total stay length or cooling-off periods between renewals.

Does the Digital Nomad Residence lead to permanent residency or citizenship?

No, the Digital Nomad Residence is a temporary permit and does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship in Montenegro.

What documents do I need to apply?

Typical requirements include: Passport valid 6+ months; Proof of remote work for foreign employer/clients; Income proof ≥ €1,800/month (or €2,400/month if applying with a bachelor's+); Private health insurance; Clean criminal record; and other supporting documents. Always check the official source for the latest list.