The government introduced the Montenegro digital nomad visa at the end of last year. This is an exciting step for the country and fantastic news for digital nomads worldwide.
As of now, Montenegro’s campaign to attract digital nomads is set to last until 2025. So, you’ll want to get in on this invitation early. Known as the Programme for Attracting Digital Nomads in Montenegro, we can expect applications to be accepted at some point this year.
So far, we know that the Montenegro digital nomad visa will allow you to live in the country for one year. There will be an option to renew it.
There is a possibility for tax breaks for digital nomads who hold this visa, as well. Although we are waiting to hear for more details.
Digital nomads have traveled to Montenegro in previous years, but it’s still considered a hidden gem amongst the community. As the perfect escape from the Schengen Area with beautiful nature and friendly people. It’s a definite must-visit for digital nomads.
Montenegro is yet another European country to jump on the bandwagon of attracting digital nomads. They join Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Malta, Spain, and Portugal at the moment.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad visa is intended for remote employees, company owners, and freelancers who want to stay in a foreign nation for a longer period of time than a tourist visa permits.
These visas are technically resident permits, allowing digital nomads to live in the country.
To be eligible, you must work for a foreign company, operate a business, or work as a freelancer. Essentially, you cannot work for a company in the country where you’re applying for a visa.
This is ideal for digital nomads who wish to establish a base without worrying about overstaying their tourist visas.
Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
As we wait for more information about the requirements to apply for the Montenegro digital nomad visa, this is what we know so far.
- Valid Passport – Must be valid for the duration of your visa
- Proof of Remote Work – You must prove you are a freelancer with foreign clients, entrepreneur, or an employee of a foreign company located outside of Montenegro
- Income Requirement – We are still waiting to hear about the set amount
- Proof of Health Insurance – You must have coverage in Montenegro for the duration of the visa
There isn’t much information about the requirements for the Montenegro digital nomad visa. We can expect more details within the next few months.
Steps to Apply for the Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa
[COMING SOON!]
Why Montenegro?
Montenegro has been a long-time favorite destination amongst digital nomads who explore the Balkans and Eastern European cities. The country is not only attractive for the very affordable cost of living but also for the inspiring and unreal natural beauty it offers.
There are over 115 different beaches within Montenegro, making it an ideal destination for the warmer months. With a Mediterranean climate, you can surely find peace and relaxation here. Plus, the seafood cuisine you’ll find at restaurants will surely be memorable.
Since the digital nomad community is still growing in Montenegro, you’ll find a handful of coworking spaces, mostly in the capital city, Podgorica, or in cities along the coastline. However, there are plenty of cafes with free wifi where you can set up your workspace for a couple of hours.
One of the details digital nomads love to mention about Montenegro is how safe they feel when living in the country. They can walk around cities at all hours of the day without feeling nervous or anxious. For solo travelers, this is a huge benefit.
Let Us Help You Apply for the Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa
Montenegro isn’t accepting applications for the digital nomad visa yet. As more information is released about the requirements and process, we will update this article.
Once the government releases and accepts applications, Nomads Embassy can help create a seamless and streamlined process for you.
Stay tuned for updates and more information!
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The Montenegrin Cabinet, at the proposal of the Ministry of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media, adopted the Program for Attracting Digital Nomads in Montenegro until 2025 with the Action Plan for 2022, which intends to increase the number of digital nomads residing in Montenegro, as well as the recognisability of Montenegro as an attractive tourist destination for their stay.
Through the development of a program for attracting digital nomads, and in cooperation with line ministries, it was recognized that certain normative amendments are needed, in terms of regulating the status of digital nomads, approving their stay in Montenegro, but also defining tax breaks for this category of foreign residents. Our goal is to recognize Montenegro as a globally attractive destination for digital nomads. Therefore, we plan the implementation of the campaign “Montenegro – a destination for digital nomads, but also creating a web platform that will become a central place for all the information and digital interaction of nomads with our country, said Minister of Public Administration, Digital Society and Media Tamara Srzentić.
According to Srzentić, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, the necessary amendments to the Law on Foreigners and accompanying regulations have been identified, in terms of recognising the category of digital nomads and approving their stay in Montenegro for up to a year with the possibility of extension.
Also, in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance and Social Welfare, through amendments to the Law on Personal Income Tax, certain amendments to the law that need to be applied have been identified.
The goal, as she pointed out, is to improve the digital environment, not only for nomads, but also for all citizens, so the introduction of new electronic services was also recognized through the program.
The program defines strategic priorities and goals of creating an environment to make Montenegro an attractive destination for digital nomads, conditions for approval/issuance of temporary residence permits for digital nomads, activities and analysis to assess economic and social potential, as well as competent institutions, success indicators, sources of funding and other issues relevant to the implementation of the program and the accompanying Action Plan.
Resource: https://www.gov.me/en/article/programme-for-attracting-digital-nomads-in-montenegro-adopted