Living in Montenegro
Information about moving to, living or retiring in Montenegro – including visas, working, healthcare and driving.
Getting help with living in Montenegro
Help from the Montenegrin government
For any questions about moving to or living in Montenegro, you may be able to get help from the:
The UK government and the British Embassy in Podgorica cannot give personalised advice on moving to, living or retiring in Montenegro.
Professional help in Montenegro
You can also get help from English-speaking professionals in Montenegro, including:
- lawyers
- translators
- notaries
- funeral directors
Help from the UK government
Read the travel advice for Montenegro to understand the risks you may face if you live in or visit Montenegro. This includes the latest information on:
- visas and entry requirements
- laws and cultural differences
- safety and security
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad.
Get help from the UK government abroad, including in an emergency.
Visas, residency and citizenship
Make sure you meet the entry requirements for Montenegro before you travel.
Visas and residence permits
Check which visa or residence permit you need to live in Montenegro. Read guidance on citizenship and residency in Montenegro for more information.
You can get a visa to:
- work
- study
- do research or training
- live with family in Montenegro
- live in Montenegro without working
If you want to extend your visa or residence permit, read the Montenegrin government’s guidance on temporary residence and stays of up to 90 days in Montenegro.
Permanent residency
You may be able to apply for permanent residency in Montenegro.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to apply, read the Montenegrin government’s guidance on permanent residence.
Citizenship
Montenegro generally does not recognise dual citizenship. This means that you may have to give up (renounce) your British citizenship to become a Montenegrin citizen.
To find out if you’re eligible for Montenegrin citizenship:
- read guidance on citizenship in Montenegro
- contact the Embassy of Montenegro in London
Help with visa, residency and citizenship applications
The British Embassy in Podgorica cannot help with Montenegrin visa, residency or citizenship applications.
For any questions or issues, contact:
- the Montenegrin government
- the Embassy of Montenegro in London
- an English-speaking lawyer in Montenegro
Passports and travel
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- apply for a British passport from abroad
- travel urgently without your British passport
Dual citizens travelling to the UK
When travelling to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. Read guidance on dual citizenship.
Resident children travelling without a parent or legal guardian
Children aged 17 and under must carry written consent if they’re travelling out of Montenegro without one or both of their parents or legal guardians.
If the child travels with only one parent or guardian, the other must give written consent. If the child travels without either parent or guardian, both parents or guardians must give written consent.
Consent must be given in front of a public notary (in Montenegrin) in Montenegro. If it’s written in a foreign language, it must be translated into Montenegrin by a certified court translator in Montenegro.
Healthcare in Montenegro
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- plan your healthcare
- take medicine abroad
Montenegro has a reciprocal health agreement with the UK. This provides some public healthcare for British nationals visiting Montenegro.
Read our guidance on UK reciprocal healthcare agreements with non-EU countries and health in Montenegro for information on:
- what types of healthcare are covered
- who’s eligible
- which documents you must provide to prove your eligibility
If you pay for medical treatment at public health institutions in Montenegro, you should get a receipt. You should pay the same fees as non-insured Montenegrin citizens. You may have to pay in cash at some medical facilities.
You’re entitled to the same health benefits as insured Montenegrin nationals if you’re registered as a resident in Montenegro, in employment, and make social security contributions. Your employer should help you get a local medical card, to cover you and your dependants. For more information, visit the Montenegrin National Health Insurance Fund website (in Montenegrin).
If you are not entitled to public healthcare, make sure you have appropriate health insurance to cover any healthcare costs. You can get insurance from Montenegrin or international providers.
To find out how to get medical treatment:
- contact your insurance provider
- read guidance on health in Montenegro
- find medical facilities and doctors in Montenegro
Working in Montenegro
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers working abroad, including documents you may need from the UK government.
To work in Montenegro, you need a work permit or work visa.
If you have not yet travelled to Montenegro, contact the Embassy of Montenegro in London to find out how to get a work permit or visa.
If you are already in Montenegro, contact the foreigners’ police in the municipality where you have registered your stay.
You must submit your application for a temporary residence permit and work permit at your local office of the Ministry of the Interior of Montenegro before the end of your 90 day visa-free stay. If you do, you can stay in Montenegro until the authorities make a decision on your application.
For more information, read the Montenegrin government’s guidance on labour and employment.
Recognition of qualifications
If you want to work in Montenegro, you may need to get your foreign qualifications recognised.
Driving in Montenegro
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- drive abroad legally
- take your UK vehicle abroad
- get driving licence letters
If you have a Montenegrin residence permit, you can drive in Montenegro for up to 6 months using your valid UK driving licence. To continue driving after 6 months, you must exchange your UK licence for a Montenegrin licence. Contact your local office of the Ministry of the Interior of Montenegro for information on how to do this.
The Ministry of the Interior will keep your UK driving licence when you apply for the exchange. They will return it to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in the UK.
For more information, read about road travel in Montenegro, in safety and security in the travel advice for Montenegro.
Disabled drivers
You may be able to apply for a Montenegrin disabled parking card. Contact your local municipal authority responsible for traffic for more information and to apply. This is usually the Municipal Secretariat for Public Utilities and Traffic.
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Montenegro, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Tax
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers tax, including paying UK tax and National Insurance.
The UK has a double taxation agreement with Montenegro so that you do not pay tax on the same income in both countries.
Contact the Montenegrin Tax Administration (in Montenegrin) for any questions about double taxation relief.
Consider getting professional advice on paying tax in Montenegro. To do this, find an English-speaking lawyer in Montenegro.
Pensions
Claiming your UK pension
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- how to claim your UK State Pension
- where the UK government pays an annual increase in the State Pension
Claiming a Montenegrin pension
To find out whether you can claim an old age pension in Montenegro, contact your local office of the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund of Montenegro (in Montenegrin).
Benefits
Claiming UK benefits
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to claim UK benefits abroad, including Child Benefit.
Claiming Montenegrin benefits
You may be entitled to some Montenegrin benefits.
To find out if you’re eligible and how to claim, contact:
- your local Centre for Social Work (in Montenegrin)
- your local office of the Pension and Disability Insurance Fund of Montenegro (in Montenegrin)
Buying and renting property in Montenegro
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers buying and renting property abroad.
Contact an English-speaking lawyer in Montenegro if you’re considering buying property or land.
Voting in Montenegro
UK elections
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- vote in UK elections from abroad
- register as an overseas voter
Montenegrin elections
You cannot vote in Montenegrin elections unless you hold Montenegrin citizenship.
Studying in Montenegro
If you plan to study in Montenegro, you must meet all visa and residency requirements. Read about temporary residence for high school or higher education in the Montenegrin government’s guidance on temporary residence.
For more information:
- read guidance on travel grants for students studying abroad or on placements (England)
- read about higher education in Montenegro
- contact your higher education provider in the UK or Montenegro
- contact the Montenegrin Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation
Children
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers moving abroad with children, including:
- getting permission to take your child abroad
- claiming UK Child Benefit abroad
- child maintenance payments if a parent lives abroad
If you have a valid temporary or permanent Montenegrin residence permit, you have rights to child and social protection in Montenegro. Contact your local Centre for Social Work (in Montenegrin) for advice and support.
Schools and education
The European Commission provides information about the school system in Montenegro.
All children aged 6 to 15 must attend school in Montenegro.
For more information, read the Montenegrin government’s guidance on education in Montenegro.
Childcare
The Montenegrin Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation is responsible for early childhood education and care in Montenegro.
For more information, read the European Commission’s guidance on preschool education in Montenegro.
Births, deaths, marriages and civil partnerships
Births
If your child is born in Montenegro, register the birth with the Montenegrin authorities. You can do this at your local office of the Ministry of the Interior of Montenegro.
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to:
- register the birth with the UK authorities to get a UK birth certificate
- apply for your child’s first British passport
Deaths
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers:
- what to do after someone dies abroad
- how to register the death with the UK authorities
If someone dies in Montenegro, read guidance on:
Marriages and civil partnerships
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get married or form a civil partnership abroad.
For more information, contact your local municipality in Montenegro.
Divorce and separation
Read our guidance on moving, living or retiring abroad. This covers how to get a divorce or end a civil partnership.
The Montenegrin Centre for Social Work also offers guidance on how to get a divorce in Montenegro (in Montenegrin).
Consider taking legal advice from an English-speaking lawyer in Montenegro.
Documents for British people in Montenegro
Read our guidance on documents for British people abroad. This covers:
- getting a copy of your police records
- legalising and certifying UK documents
- marriage and civil partnership documents
- affirmations and affidavits
Lawyers, translators and notaries
To find an English-speaking lawyer, translator or notary in Montenegro, read guidance on professional services if you’re abroad.
Pets
If you want to bring your pet with you to Montenegro, read:
- the Montenegrin Customs Administration’s frequently asked questions (in Montenegrin with English translation) and information for travellers (in Montenegrin with English translation)
- guidance on taking your pet dog, cat or ferret to a non-EU country
Returning to the UK
Read returning to the UK permanently. This includes information on bringing family members back to the UK, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
We provide this information as a guide only. For definitive information, contact the Montenegrin authorities.
Read our consular information disclaimer.
Updates to this page
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Rewrote guide to make it easier to read and understand. Includes new information about dual citizens travelling to the UK ('Passports and travel' section).
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Updated details on rights and obligations in relation to contact with the local police in Montenegro.
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The guidance has been fully reviewed and updated where necessary.
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Updated links to the latest information on the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Montenegro.
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General update of information for UK nationals living in Montenegro
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Coronavirus section updated with a link to guidance on vaccines
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Updated information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) measures.
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Added phone number for Institute for Public Health in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19).
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Updated information on driving licences and vehicles
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Editorial changes to the "Living in Montenegro" guide.
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Update of list of medical facilities in Montenegro.
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First published.