Buying property in Montenegro as a foreigner is straightforward, but there are important nuances to understand before you commit.
Who Can Buy?
Foreign nationals can purchase apartments and commercial spaces directly. For land and houses, you'll need to establish a Montenegrin LLC — a simple process that takes about a week and costs around €500.
The Buying Process
- •Find your property** — Work with a verified agent or browse Adria Nest's listings
- •Due diligence** — Verify ownership, check for encumbrances, review building permits
- •Pre-contract** — Sign a preliminary agreement, typically with a 10% deposit
- •Notarization** — The main contract must be notarized by a Montenegrin notary
- •Registration** — Register the property with the Real Estate Administration
Costs Beyond the Price
- •Transfer tax: 3% of the property value
- •Notary fees: 0.01–0.1% (minimum €20)
- •Agent commission: typically 3% (paid by seller)
- •Legal fees: €500–1,500 depending on complexity
Residency
Property ownership qualifies you for a temporary residence permit (1 year, renewable). This gives you the right to live in Montenegro and travel within the Schengen zone for 90 days per 180-day period.