Moving to Montenegro: Everything You Need to Know

Moving to a new country is a big decision that requires a lot of planning and preparation. It’s not an easy decision, and therefore it shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Montenegro is a nice country that deserves more recognition. It’s abundant with gorgeous sea coast and wonderful mountains that offer plenty of opportunities for adventure. Therefore, here are some helpful tips that you should know about if you want to move to Montenegro.

They have strict immigration rules

Montenegro is a small country, so it makes sense that they have strict immigration rules. Hence, it’s crucial to prepare all the relevant paperwork in advance. Also, although it’s a tourist-oriented country, you should learn a few phrases in the local language, because the majority of older people there don’t speak English that well.

There are different ways to immigrate to Montenegro, mainly, work, study, marriage, or owning valuable properties. Each one of them has its own set of rules and required criteria that need to be met. So be sure to do your research before you decide to move there permanently.

There are some international schools for children

If you’re moving with the rest of your family, then it’s important to find the best international schools for children. The good news is, there are a few, most of them located in the capital city, Podgorica. Since there is a large expat community there, that makes complete sense. The language of instruction in these schools varies, but most of them opt for English, French, or German.

The national currency is the euro

Euro is the national currency of Montenegro, adopted in 2002. So if you’re coming from another European country that also uses the euro, then you’re in luck, as you won’t have to transition to a different currency. Yet, it would still be advisable to learn more about Montenegro banking system in order to be more prepared regarding various financial transactions and other monetary-related topics. Using the euro is quite convenient here if you want to make a quick trip to Italy or Slovenia, or basically, any other European country, as they all pretty much use the euro nowadays.

Be prepared for the language gap

As we mentioned previously, English is spoken in Montenegro, but not as widely as in other Western countries. The elder population isn’t that well-versed in English. So learning the local language (Montenegrin) can help you a lot when it comes to integration into the new society. Getting familiar with it beforehand can help you have a smooth transition, as you won’t be that focused on language differences.

Sort out your legal and financial matters

Montenegro is a beautiful country that has so many places worth visiting. However, despite the stunning nature, moving there will require you to sort out your legal and financial matters. That mainly includes taxes, especially if you live in the USA. Your main goal is to make sure you’re not getting double taxed, so consult the best tax attorney that you can find. Instead of IRS, Montenegro has the Department of Public Revenues, so if you have any tax worries, then this is the place that you should contact first. The country is known for its low capital gain tax, which makes it a favorable tax system.

The crime rates are pretty low

If safety is your top concern, then there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to Montenegro and crime. Montenegro has quite low crime rates, which makes it a safe place. The US State Department rated Montenegro as a Level 1 country when it comes to safety, Which means that its crime rates are relatively low compared to other countries. However, from May till September street crime tends to increase for a bit, since that’s the tourist season. In case you’re planning to visit crowded places, then be sure to exercise good judgment and precaution.

Final thoughts

Montenegro is a beautiful, although small country. This makes it a unique gem of the Mediterranean. The Adriatic Sea is definitely worth checking out, so moving to Montenegro will be a great decision if you enjoy beaches, mountains, and water activities. As long as you do your research and prepare accordingly, you’ll be able to have a safe and fun-filled immigration experience.