Montenegro, often called the “Jewel of the Adriatic,” is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees looking to live their golden years in a picturesque Mediterranean setting. With its stunning coastline, rich history, and favorable tax policies, Montenegro offers an attractive option for foreign retirees seeking a peaceful and affordable retirement destination. In this blog, we’ll guide you through the steps and considerations on how to retire in Montenegro as a foreigner.
Steps to Retire in Montenegro
#1 Research and Planning
Before making the move, conducting thorough research and planning your retirement in Montenegro is essential. Start by learning about the country’s culture, lifestyle, and regions. Consider factors such as the type of Montenegro real estate you desire, your budget, desired lifestyle, and healthcare requirements. Montenegro offers a range of options, from bustling coastal cities like Budva and Kotor to tranquil villages in the mountains.
#2 Get your Montenegro Retirement Visa and Residency
As a foreign retiree, you’ll need to navigate the visa and residency requirements to live in Montenegro legally. Montenegro offers a temporary residence permit for retirees, valid for one year and renewable. To obtain this permit, you’ll typically need to demonstrate a stable source of income and secure health insurance coverage. Consulting with a local immigration expert or lawyer can help streamline this process to retire in Montenegro.
There are several Montenegro visa options to choose from:
- Tourist Visa: As a tourist, you can stay in Montenegro for up to 90 days within 180 days. This option suits those who wish to spend part of the year in Montenegro.
- Temporary Residence Permit: If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for a temporary residence permit. Requirements may include statements showing your income methods, health insurance valid for Montenegro, and criminal record reports.
- Investment-Based Residency: Montenegro offers a Citizenship by Investment program, where you can obtain residency by investing in approved projects, such as real estate or a business.
All retired expats are qualified to receive a Montenegrin passport after they become citizens of the country, whether by investment or after ten years of residence. The Montenegrin passport is rated highly on the Passport Index as it allows visa-free travel to 129 nations, with many in the Schengen region. The value of the Montenegrin passport will also rise due to Montenegro’s anticipated EU membership in 2025.
#3 Organize your Financials and Cost of Living in Montenegro
Managing your finances as a retiree in Montenegro involves understanding the local banking system, currency (Euro), and tax regulations. Montenegro is known for its favorable tax policies, making it an attractive destination for retirees. However, it’s essential to understand the country’s tax regulations and consult a financial advisor to optimize your financial situation. Montenegro does not tax worldwide income for non-residents, but local income may be subject to taxation. Consult a financial advisor specializing in international taxation to ensure compliance with Montenegrin and your home country’s tax laws.
Compared to many Western European countries, the cost of living in Montenegro is low, especially in smaller towns and rural areas. However, living costs vary depending on your lifestyle choices and location. Housing, utilities, and groceries are generally affordable while dining out and entertainment may be slightly more expensive in tourist areas.
#4 Arrange Healthcare in Montenegro
Access to healthcare is a crucial consideration if you plan to retire in Montenegro. The nation has both public and private healthcare systems. While the public system is generally affordable, many expats and retirees opt for private healthcare to access higher-quality services and English-speaking medical professionals. Montenegro has a public healthcare system, but private healthcare facilities are also available, offering high-quality medical services. It’s advisable to purchase comprehensive health insurance to ensure access to quality healthcare during retirement. For detailed information, see our blog on healthcare in Montenegro.
#5 Find your Dream Montenegro Real Estate
The abundance of real estate alternatives available in Montenegro is another fantastic benefit of retiring there and living in this beautiful European nation. You may choose from a wide range of homes for sale in Montenegro to make your new residence; all you have to do is find the one that most closely matches your requirements and preferences. Montenegro’s real estate market offers various options, from coastal town pads like our apartments for sale in Kotor to charming rural homes. Working with a reputable Montenegro real estate company like the team at Royal Town Kotor to navigate the property market and ensure a smooth purchase process is essential.
If you are looking for inspiration for the best place to retire in Montenegro, then the Bay of Kotor is one of the most picturesque bays in the world. The impressively high mountains starkly contrast the Adriatic Sea’s alluring beauty. It is preferable to select between apartments in Tivat and our Kotor apartments for sale if you want to take in these breathtaking sights every day.
Other Considerations when You Retire in Montenegro
Language and Cultural Integration
While English is spoken and understood in urban areas and tourist hotspots, learning the local language, Montenegrin, can enhance your experience and interactions with the local community. Immerse yourself in the culture, attend local events, and explore Montenegro’s rich history, which includes influences from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman empires.
Embracing the local culture and engaging with the community can enrich your retirement experience in Montenegro. Montenegro offers a vibrant social scene with various activities for retirees to enjoy. You can participate in local festivals, join expat groups, take up hobbies like hiking, sailing, or wine tasting, and dine at traditional Montenegrin restaurants.
Safety and Security
Is Montenegro a safe place to live? is just one of the numerous queries foreign retirees have while considering living in Montenegro. As a retiree planning to live in Montenegro, you will be pleased to know that the crime rate is relatively low, and like many other places in Europe and the world, crime rates are lower in small towns than in the metropolis of Montenegro.
Embark on a Journey to Retirement in Montenegro with Royal Town Kotor
Retiring in Montenegro as a foreigner can be a rewarding experience, offering a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, natural beauty, and favorable tax policies. However, planning your move carefully is crucial, considering visas, financial matters, healthcare, and the perfect property in Montenegro. With our luxury Kotor apartments for sale at Royal Town Kotor, you can make your retirement in this Balkan paradise a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Montenegro awaits you with open arms and stunning vistas for your golden years, so get in touch with our experts immediately!
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