Why Montenegro Is the New Nomad & Expat Hotspot

I was born in a country that no longer exists: Yugoslavia. Back then, Montenegro was one of its republics, nestled between Croatia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia, and Albania. It was a place of rugged landscapes, an Adriatic coastline, and a proud heritage.

For families across Yugoslavia, summers often meant road trips to the coast of Montenegro or Croatia, where the Adriatic beauty felt untouched and timeless. After Yugoslavia dissolved in 1990, Montenegro stayed in a union with Serbia until it gained independence in 2006.

During this period, more than 90 percent of tourists visiting Montenegro were Serbian, reflecting the close cultural bond between the two countries. For Serbians, Montenegro was more than a beautiful vacation spot; it was a shared cultural space, where traditions, language, and family ties were deeply interwoven.

The connection between Montenegro and Serbia runs deep, rooted in history, language, and kinship. Even after Montenegro’s independence, the relationship remained strong, with Serbians continuing to visit the Montenegrin coast each summer, drawn by its beaches and mountain vistas.

This enduring relationship allows Montenegro to retain a unique blend of Balkan culture— with Serbian influences enriching the cuisine, language, and traditions–while maintaining its own distinct identity.

From Russian Investments to Global Appeal

In the early 2000s, Montenegro’s beauty and potential as an underdeveloped gem caught the eye of international investors—most notably Russians. Drawn by favorable investment conditions, relaxed visa policies, and Montenegro’s natural beauty, Russian investors began purchasing coastal properties, sparking a wave of international interest. Luxury developments, hotels, and high-end amenities soon emerged, transforming Montenegro into a place where old-world charm met modern sophistication.

One of the most striking developments from this era was Porto Montenegro in Tivat, a luxurious marina and yachting village that put the country on the global map. With high-end boutiques, fine dining, and a picturesque marina, Porto Montenegro showcased the potential of Montenegro as an Adriatic paradise. Other Europeans soon took notice, and Montenegro’s reputation as an idyllic yet accessible destination continued to grow.

Welcoming Investors from All Over the World

From the initial wave of Russian investments, Montenegro has evolved into a jewel of the Adriatic. Today, investors from across the globe, including Americans, Scandinavians, and other Europeans, are drawn to Montenegro’s unique charm and opportunities.

These international influences have contributed to a cosmopolitan atmosphere along the coast, with new developments, eco-friendly resorts, and luxury accommodations that enhance Montenegro’s appeal.

A Digital Nomad’s Dream

As Montenegro’s profile broadened, it began to attract a new kind of visitor: digital nomads. The rise of remote work, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, has prompted millions of people to combine their work and their wanderlust.

Montenegro, with its stunning seaside views, low cost of living, and international culture, has quickly become a top destination. While many countries have introduced digital nomad visas in recent years, most of these programs are quite expensive, requiring applicants to prove they earn a significant income.

Read More on Journey through Life Abroad

But in Montenegro, the requirements are refreshingly simple and affordable, which helps explain why the country has made several lists of top 2025 destinations for digital nomads. To qualify for the visa, you need to earn €1,300 per month, with your income coming from a remote job or foreign company. This makes Montenegro a truly accessible option for those looking to live and work in a stunning environment without the financial burden imposed by other countries’ visa programs.

The digital nomad visa allows remote workers to stay for an initial two years, with the option to extend for an additional two years, offering up to four years of residency. And best of all, digital nomads are exempt from taxes on income earned outside of Montenegro, creating an ideal scenario for those wishing to live tax-free while enjoying the country’s coastal beauty and rich natural landscapes.

As a result of the blooming digital nomadism in Montenegro, we’re also witnessing the rise of co-working spaces, especially around the scenic Bay of Kotor. These co-working hubs, like My Good Stay, offer the perfect balance of productivity and breathtaking views, providing a great environment for remote workers to network, collaborate, and work with ease.

No wonder Montenegro is exploding in popularity. The combination of coastal living, a lower cost of life compared to most European countries, and the freedom to work tax-free while enjoying breathtaking landscapes is a rare treat.

Montenegro offers a lifestyle that blends relaxation with productivity, where digital nomads can work from a café overlooking the Adriatic or take a mountain hike during a break. Here, personal and professional dreams truly meet in one extraordinary destination.

A Lifestyle Like No Other—The Spirit of the Balkans

One thing that sets Montenegro—and the broader Balkan region—apart is the lifestyle, deeply rooted in a culture that truly knows how to enjoy life. People from the former Yugoslavia, including Montenegrins, are famous for their passion for good food, humor, warm human connections, and a zest for celebration.

If you’re a digital nomad considering Montenegro, get ready for more than stunning landscapes—you’ll discover a way of life that’s vibrant, welcoming, and wholly unique. In the former Yugoslavia, each republic had its own character and quirks, and a bit of playful teasing was part of the culture. Montenegrins were lovingly labeled as “lazy,” not because they don’t want to work, but because they have an innate talent for slowing down, savoring the moment, and finding joy in the simple things.

In Montenegro, “lazy” means knowing how to prioritize pleasure over pressure—a philosophy that might be enviable to stressed-out western visitors! Here, life isn’t meant to be rushed; it’s meant to be enjoyed, with time set aside to relax, connect with others, and soak in the natural beauty.

This appreciation for life shows up in everything Montenegrins do, from their cooking to their social gatherings. Traditional Montenegrin cuisine is a mouthwatering fusion of Mediterranean and Slavic flavors, featuring  grilled seafood, hearty stews, smoked meats, and local cheeses.

Meals are meant to be savored, and it’s common to see locals lingering for hours over coffee and rakija—a potent fruit brandy that I like to call “liquid cocaine” for its intense kick! Sipping rakija is a Balkan tradition, best enjoyed with friends and a healthy dose of laughter, and it’s bound to make you feel like part of the culture.

As a digital nomad, finding a place where you can feel at home is key, and Montenegro offers exactly that. With its warm hospitality, easy-going vibe, and genuine connections, you’ll feel embraced by the local community as if you’ve been living here for years.

Whether you’re sharing a meal with new friends at Lustica Bay, or enjoying a sunset by the sea, Montenegro has a way of making visitors feel like family. Don’t be surprised if you’re invited to join a beachside barbecue or an impromptu street party in the old town—Montenegrins are always ready to include new friends in the fun.

The Balkans have a unique flair for festivals, live music, and dancing, where every gathering is a chance to celebrate life. While the hot scene tends to change all the time, beaches like Galija are quite popular these days. For digital nomads looking to balance productivity with a fulfilling lifestyle, Montenegro offers the best of both worlds.

You’ll have access not only to Montenegro’s incredible natural beauty but also to the intangible magic that makes the Balkans so special. Here, life is about more than work; it’s about fully experiencing each moment, connecting with others, and enjoying everything this beautiful world has to offer.

Wild Beauty for Adventurous Spirits

Throughout my life, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to visit Montenegro, exploring every corner of this stunning country. The more I explored, the clearer it became to me why Montenegro is called “wild beauty.”

Despite being a small country with a population of just around 620,000 citizens, Montenegro is an absolute treasure trove of natural beauty and monumental landmarks. From the breathtaking coastline along the Adriatic Sea, with the mesmerizing Boka Kotorska Bay, to the charming cities of Tivat, Kotor, and Perast, the beauty of Montenegro captivates every visitor.

Tune in next week for our 17 Must-Visit Spots in Montenegro.

—————
Milica Tepavac has a master’s degree from the University of Technical Science (Department for Industrial Engineering) in Novi Sad, Serbia. She is a licensed in hypnotherapist, and has a rich background in marketing, art, design, and photography. She currently works as Director of Marketing for ECI Development, combining all her talents, passions, and work experiences.