In this guide to being a digital nomad in Montenegro, we’ll explore everything you need to know about living and working in this beautiful country—from safety and top places to live, to the best coworking spaces and fun activities.
Montenegro, literally meaning ‘Black Mountain,’ is a small country nestled between Croatia and Albania along the Adriatic Sea. It also shares borders with Serbia, Kosovo, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite its small size and a population of just over 600,000, Montenegro offers stunning scenery, including mountains, ancient caves, ski resorts, glacial lakes, and beautiful beaches. The country’s compactness means you can ski and hit the beach on the same day. Its cities, particularly the capital Podgorica, boast cool bars, restaurants, and a vibrant café culture.
Montenegro’s friendly people, affordable food, drink, and accommodation make it a hidden gem for digital nomads. After spending over two months living here, I’m sharing what I learned about the ease of being a digital nomad in Montenegro. High-speed WiFi and coworking spaces are more commonly found in towns and cities, but cheap SIM cards can serve as hot spots in more remote areas.
While cafes are plentiful, they’re often small and not ideal for large groups of freelancers. However, coworking spaces are available in major towns along the coast and in the capital. The rise of all-in-one coworking and coliving spaces, like Playworking, is encouraging. Montenegro has an emerging digital nomad scene, appealing to those who love the outdoors, beautiful scenery, and mild weather at affordable prices.
Safety is generally not a concern in Montenegro, with low crime rates, especially violent crime. Common sense precautions are advisable in tourist hotspots during the summer, but I always felt safe, even when walking alone. Although organized crime and corruption exist, they’re unlikely to affect remote workers.
For digital nomads, various places in Montenegro offer distinct advantages:
– Tivat: Close to Kotor and Budva, with its own airport, Tivat has many bars, restaurants, and cafes. While Porto Montenegro is a luxurious neighborhood, it may not suit budget travelers. However, there are deals to be found, especially outside the summer months.
– Donja Lastva: Close to Porto Montenegro, with beautiful beaches, restaurants, and high-speed internet.
– Mazina: More affordable and close to attractions, although some areas may require a car to get to the town center.
– Sedam Petaka: Offers workstations, events, and fast WiFi, located a short walk from Porto Montenegro.
– Innovation Center: Provides high-speed internet, comfortable workstations, and outdoor seating.
– Playworking: Combines affordable accommodation with coworking spaces and perks like free yoga lessons and use of paddle boards and bikes.
Podgorica, often underrated, is an excellent base for digital nomads with its vibrant city vibe, plenty of coworking options, and lower tourist numbers. Suburban areas like Zelenika and Novi Grad offer convenient access to the city center and nearby national parks and coastal towns.
In Budva, known as Montenegro’s party capital, digital nomads who enjoy nightlife will find plenty of clubs, bars, and restaurants. However, accommodation in the Old Town is limited, and it gets crowded in the summer. Areas like Podmaine and Becici Beach offer more budget-friendly options and a quieter environment.
Kotor, with its charming Old Town and beautiful prom, is a popular tourist destination. However, living outside the Old Town during the peak tourist season might be more comfortable. Areas like Dobrota and Škaljari provide peace and quiet while still being walkable from Kotor.
Coworking spaces in the region include:
– Kotor Nest: Offers cozy living spaces, fast WiFi, and social areas.
– ITbranch.house: Located in Budva, with a bar and outside terrace, high-speed internet, and modern workstations.
– Hubrela: Offers social meetups and workshops, located a short walk from the beach.
Accommodation in Montenegro is affordable, with various options from Airbnb, Booking.com, Realitica, and local websites. Monthly discounts are often available, making extended stays more budget-friendly. Grocery shopping is cheaper compared to other European countries, and dining out is also affordable, with a variety of local dishes and wines.
Transportation in Montenegro is easy and affordable. Buses connect major cities, and ride-sharing apps and taxis are available in urban areas. Car rentals and rail travel provide additional options for exploring the country.
Montenegro’s weather varies with its geography, offering both alpine conditions for skiing and a Mediterranean climate for beachgoers. Long summers and mild winters make it an appealing year-round destination for digital nomads. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant times to visit, with fewer tourists and moderate temperatures.
Although Montenegro does not yet have a specific digital nomad visa, citizens of the UK, USA, and Canada can enter on a Short Stay Visa for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Time spent in Montenegro does not count towards Schengen Zone visa limits, making it a great base for exploring Europe.
Overall, Montenegro is a fantastic destination for digital nomads, with stunning scenery, a mild climate, and a reasonable cost of living. With careful planning, it can be a wonderful place to work remotely while enjoying everything the country has to offer.
