Expat Communities: Overview and Adaptation

Expat Communities: Overview and Adaptation

Montenegro actively attracts digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and retirees thanks to its mild tax climate and affordable cost of living. The main hubs for expats are Budva, Tivat, Kotor, Herceg Novi, and Podgorica. Well-established communities of immigrants from Russia, the United Kingdom, and Germany have formed here.

Facebook: Main Groups for Connection

Facebook remains the primary platform for finding housing, solving everyday issues, and networking. Groups are often divided by geography or interests. General questions and adaptation:

• Montenegro Expat Community — suitable for families and travelers. Discussions include setting up “home bases” and long-term stays with children.
• Expats living in Montenegro — exchange of everyday life experiences, organization of spontaneous hikes and trips.
• Montenegro Expat Hub — connects expats and locals (work, leisure).
• Expat Living Montenegro — a forum for immigration-related questions and experience sharing.

Local city-based communities:

• Life in Bar, Montenegro and Expats in Bar — the most active groups in Bar. Dinner organization, meetups, service recommendations.
• Expats in Podgorica — for the capital (diplomats, students, business).
• Budva Expats and Kotor Expats — specialized groups for residents of the Budva and Kotor Riviera.

Telegram and Messengers

Messengers are used for quick problem-solving and announcements. Chats often form as extensions of Facebook groups.

• Chat Montenegro — an aggregator of event announcements, meetups, and community rules.
• Montenegro Tower (Telegram/Discord) — assistance for nomads, Q&A.
• Digital Nomads Montenegro — thematic discussions for remote workers.

Events and Networking

Integration takes place through festivals, sports, and business meetings. The organization InterNations hosts monthly events, including online formats. Key calendar events (seasonality based on 2025):

• February: Mimosa Festival (Herceg Novi) — a traditional flower festival.
• April: Cultural exhibitions (e.g., Dado Djuric).
• May: International Budva Tourist Carnival (Budva) and Independence Day (national holidays).
• June: Southern Soul Festival (Ulcinj/Velika Plaža) and Made in New York Jazz Festival (Porto Montenegro).
• July: Game Changer Montenegro (Tivat, Regent Hotel) — technology and business.
• September: Ocean Race Europe Finale (Bay of Kotor) — sailing.

Outdoor activity enthusiasts should pay attention to the Ocean Lava Triathlon competitions and the Prokletije Skyrunning races. Current announcements are best tracked via AmCham Montenegro or tourist portals.

Coworkings and Workspaces

Coastal cities offer a developed network of coworking spaces with coliving options. Prices range from 8 to 15 euros per day.

Herceg Novi

• Kolektiv Novi: Wi-Fi, printer, terrace, conference room.
  Price: 15 €/day or 125 €/month.
• Impact Coworking: 24/7 access, pet-friendly.
  Price: 15 €/day or 100 €/month.

Tivat

• Innovation Center: Standing desks, parking.
  Price: 15 €/day or 176 €/month.
• Playworking: Coliving format with kitchen and garden.

Bar

• Montenegro Tower: On-site bar, phone booths.
  Price: 8 €/day or 120 €/month (one of the most affordable options).

Podgorica

• Work Hub: Pet-friendly, postal services.
  Price: 15 €/day or 150 €/month.
• Nest Coworking: Streaming equipment, printer.
  Price: 12 €/day or 150 €/month.

Budva and Kotor

• Hubrela (Budva): Projector, conference room.
  Price: 10 €/day or 150 €/month.
• Kotor Nest (Kotor): Coliving with work zones (on request).