Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa: A Practical Guide to Applying in 2025
We show you how you can apply for a Montenegro digital nomad visa and reside in the Balkan country for at least two years.
Montenegro, situated on the Balkan Peninsula in southeastern Europe, has introduced a digital nomad visa through its government. For nomads eager to explore the world while working remotely, this country is an excellent choice. The visa permits residency and remote work for up to two renewable years. With its affordable cost of living and an expanding network of coworking spaces in cities like Podgorica, Kotor, and Budva, Montenegro offers an ideal environment for digital professionals.
In this article we are going to give you all the details about the Montenegro digital nomad visa. This way, you will be able to decide if it is the place you were looking for to move your home office and discover all that this country has to offer. If you are still not sure if your job qualifies you as a digital nomad, we help you to solve your doubts with our post: What is a digital nomad?
With Holafly, you save +30% compared to roaming fees
Plans that may interest you
What is the Montenegro digital nomad visa and how does it work?
Montenegro’s digital nomad visa was created in response to the global demand for temporary residence options for remote workers. This initiative is part of a government strategy to attract international professionals, contribute to economic growth and foster innovation in the country. You will be able to have an excellent, unlimited internet connection with Holafly’s eSIM and work remotely in any city in Montenegro.
The Government of Montenegro, together with the Ministry of Public Administration, strongly commits to promoting a modern, inclusive, and efficient public administration. Through practical and value-driven policies, they aim to achieve tangible improvements through clear initiatives. Digital nomads can contribute to the development of innovative ideas and the implementation of technological solutions. This approach boosts competitiveness and strengthens the country’s economy.
Legally backed by the Montenegrin government, this visa allows digital nomads to live in Montenegro for up to two years, with an option to renew for another two years. This visa targets foreign workers who hold employment contracts with companies outside Montenegro or work independently for international clients.
In addition, it is particularly aimed at professionals in technology, marketing, consulting and other areas of remote work. The visa facilitates temporary residence and also offers tax advantages, such as an income tax exemption for the first period. This tax benefit makes it even more attractive to settle in a European country without the high costs of other similar destinations.
Features of the digital nomad visa in Montenegro
The Montenegro digital nomad visa caters to professionals seeking to work remotely while immersing themselves in Montenegrin culture, nature, and lifestyle. This visa provides numerous advantages, ensuring an extended and stable stay in the country. Key features include details on the duration of stay, permitted activities, and renewal options, all tailored to meet the needs of digital nomads.
- Duration of stay: Allows digital nomads to reside in the country for an initial period of up to two years, with the possibility of extension depending on the fulfilment of certain requirements and the purpose of the stay.
- Permitted activities: Holders of this visa can perform work activities for jobs or clients outside Montenegro, taking advantage of the benefits of working remotely. However, this visa does not allow working for Montenegrin workers or performing local economic activities that may compete with the domestic labour market.
- Renewal conditions: This visa is often renewable if applicants continue to meet key criteria, such as maintaining financial self-sufficiency and ongoing remote work. Renewing typically involves providing additional documentation and verifying the absence of any recent criminal record.
- Additional benefits: In some cases, the visa may provide facilities for access to banking services and other resources necessary to live and work in the country. It also provides access to emergency medical care in the public health system through approved health insurance.
- Flexibility in income requirements: Generally, the digital nomad visa requires a verifiable level of income that ensures the applicant’s self-sufficiency during his/her stay in Montenegro.
General requirements for applying for a digital nomad visa in Montenegro
To obtain a digital nomad visa in Montenegro, applicants must meet certain criteria to prove that they can support themselves financially. This is a way to ensure that these workers are not dependent on local services. Here are the key requirements:
- Minimum income level: Proof of sufficient income to cover living expenses in Montenegro is required. The authorities determine this minimum level to ensure a self-sufficient stay.
- Valid health insurance: Applicants must have international health insurance or local insurance to cover illness and accidents during their stay in the country.
- Criminal record: It is necessary to provide a recent criminal record certificate issued in the country of origin, demonstrating that the applicant has no convictions.
- Employment contract or documentation of self-employment: The visa is intended for people who can work remotely. To prove this, the applicant must present an employment contract with a foreign company or, if self-employed, documentation certifying his/her professional activity.
- Proof of housing: Proof of temporary residence in Montenegro is required, such as a lease agreement or a letter of confirmation of accommodation.
If you don’t yet meet these requirements, now is the perfect time to explore how you can fulfill them and embark on the adventure of living in Montenegro. Check out our article on the best health insurance options for digital nomads in 2024 to help you select the right coverage before applying for this visa.
Documentation to be submitted
To apply for a digital nomad visa in Montenegro, interested parties must gather and submit a number of documents. These have to demonstrate your eligibility and ability to reside in the country without relying on local resources. Each document is crucial to certify that you meet the necessary requirements to reside in Montenegro as a digital nomad and reinforce the commitment to comply with local regulations.
- Valid passport: Have a passport valid for at least six months from the estimated date of entry to Montenegro. Some countries may require up to one year of validity, so it is advisable to verify this requirement with the Montenegrin consular authorities.
- Proof of minimum income: To prove financial self-sufficiency, the applicant must provide evidence of regular income that covers the cost of living in Montenegro. This can be in the form of bank statements for the last six months, or a letter from the foreign company confirming the monthly salary, ensuring that the income exceeds the required minimum threshold.
- International medical insurance: Medical insurance must cover the entire stay in Montenegro and include both emergencies and treatment for illness. It is important that this document details the coverage and meets the standards of the local authorities.
- Criminal record certificate: The applicant must provide a criminal record certificate issued in the country of origin or current country of residence. This document must be recent, generally issued within the last three to six months. It must also demonstrate that the applicant does not have a criminal record that would prevent entry into the country.
- Employment contract or proof of self-employment: The applicant must provide documentation that confirms they work for a foreign company or are self-employed. In the case of employees, a contract specifying the possibility to work remotely is sufficient. For self-employed, this can be a record of professional activity or letters from international clients confirming services rendered.
- Proof of accommodation in Montenegro: This proof may include a rental contract, a letter of confirmation of accommodation or a valid accommodation reservation. This document proves that the applicant has a temporary place of residence in Montenegro for the duration of the visa.
- Completed application form: Each applicant must complete an official form. This document is available at Montenegrin consular offices or on the official immigration website. The applicant must complete the form accurately and sign it.
- Passport photo size: Some embassies also request a recent passport size photo. The image must meet the requirements for an official ID photo (white background, no accessories covering the face, etc.).
- Proof of payment of fees: It is common for the application process to include an administrative fee. You must submit proof of payment of the fee along with the other documents. The amounts may vary, so it is advisable to check the current fee at the Montenegrin embassy or consulate.
Where to apply for a digital nomad visa in Montenegro?
The application for a visa for digital nomads in Montenegro can be processed through the official authorities of the country and consular services abroad. There are two main ways to apply for a digital nomad visa in Montenegro:
- Montenegrin embassies and consulates abroad: Interested citizens can contact Montenegrin embassies and consulates in their respective countries. These centers will guide you through the process, verify documentation and, in many cases, offer specific forms for the digital nomad visa.
- Official Montenegrin government websites: At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Administration of Montenegro. These agencies usually have sections on their websites dedicated to visas and residence permits for foreigners. These pages include updated requirements, downloadable forms and guidelines on how to apply for a visa. To access these resources, you can visit the immigration section of the official Montenegro website.
For applicants from other countries, it is common that the process can also be initiated through immigration platforms or digital embassies where Montenegro is represented. It is advisable to visit the website of the nearest embassy or contact directly to confirm specific details.
Where to receive personalized advice?
The visa application process can be complex, especially in terms of document verification and compliance with specific requirements. For this reason, specialized companies and consultancies exist. These services are aimed at making the process more fluid and tailored to the needs of each applicant. Below are some of the most notable options:
Company | Language | Customer service hours | Communication channels | Services |
Global Citizen Montenegro | English, Montenegrin | Monday to Friday, 9:00h – 17:00h | Phone, email, online chat | Visa applications and document review. |
Visa Center in Europe | English, Spanish | Monday to Friday, 10:00h – 18:00h | Phone, email | Document collection, entry into the country and application follow-up. |
Montenegro Immigration Services | English, Montenegrin | Monday to Friday, 9:00h – 17:00h | Phone, whatsApp | Legal formalities, obtaining visa and consultations. |
Frequently asked questions when applying for a digital nomad visa in Montenegro
No, this visa exclusively targets individuals who work remotely for companies or clients abroad. It does not allow you to perform work activities for Montenegrin companies.
Yes, medical insurance is a prerequisite. It must cover emergencies and general medical care in Montenegro for the entire period of stay.
The approval process can take anywhere from four to eight weeks, depending on availability and document review by immigration authorities.
Yes, the applicant must demonstrate a constant and sufficient source of income to cover his/her stay in Montenegro. Although the minimum amount may vary, it usually ranges between €1,500 and €2,000 per month (about $1,650 and $2,200).
People consider Montenegro a safe country with a low crime rate, especially in residential and tourist areas. The friendliness of its people and the stability of its environment make it an attractive option for those seeking peace of mind while working online.
Some visa types may allow this, but family members must meet certain additional requirements, such as proof of relationship and medical insurance. We recommend consulting the specific regulations on this matter.