Visas & Residency
Demystifying the "Boravak" process. How to legally live, work, and stay in Montenegro.
First Step: Tourist Registration (Bijeli Karton)
You MUST be registered with the police within 24 hours of arrival. If staying in a hotel/Airbnb, they do this for you. If staying with friends or in your own property, you must go to the Tourist Info booth yourself.
Paths to Residency ("Boravak")
Most expats apply for Temporary Residence (Privremeni Boravak), which is valid for 1 year and renewable. Here are the main ways to qualify:
Employment (Work Permit)
The most common route. Requires a job offer from a Montenegrin company (or your own company). Renovated annually.
Real Estate Ownership
Owning a habitable residential property (no minimum value required!) allows you to apply for temporary residence.
Family Reunification
Spouses and children (under 18) of a resident can apply. Requires marriage/birth certificates.
Digital Nomad Visa
A newer program for remote workers earning €1,350+/month. (Note: Implementation is still rolling out/complex).
The Application Process
You apply at the local MUP (Ministry of Interior) branch in your municipality.
Gather Documents
Get your police check from home (apostilled!). Translate everything into Montenegrin.
Submit in Person
Go to the MUP early (queues can be long). Submit papers, give fingerprints, and photo.
Wait & Pick Up
Legally 20 days, realistically 30-45 days. You receive a credit-card sized ID.
Document Checklist
The "Holy Grail" of paperwork. Missing one usually means rejected application.
- Valid Passport (must expire at least 3 months after requested permit)
- Proof of Solvency (€3,650 in a local bank account OR proof of salary)
- Proof of Accommodation (List Nepokretnosti or Notarized Rental Contract)
- Police Background Check (From your home country, not older than 6 months)
- Health Insurance (30-day travel insurance for application + local policy later)
- Educational Diploma (Original + Translation) for work permits
Need a Visa?
Tourist (90 Days)
EU, US, UK, CAN, AUS citizens can enter visa-free for 90 days. Others need a Type-C visa.
Type-D (Long Stay)
Required if you intend to apply for residency but come from a country that requires a visa to enter.