Montenegro

1. Montenegro is a country with a stable political trajectory toward European Union integration, making it institutionally predictable and aligned with EU standards. To date, 33 out of 35 negotiation chapters have been opened, reflecting tangible progress. Its NATO membership since 2017 has strengthened regional stability and investor protection. Although Montenegro is not part of the Eurozone, it officially uses the euro as its legal tender, simplifying international transactions and minimizing currency risks.


2. Montenegro's tax system is one of the most competitive in Europe. The corporate income tax rate is 9%, and the dividend tax is only 5%. In many cases, capital gains for individuals are exempt from taxation, especially when investments are made through local entities. VAT is set at 21%, with a reduced rate of 7% applied to selected categories of goods and services. These fiscal advantages actively attract international holding structures, IT companies, and private capital.


3. Montenegro demonstrates steady growth in tourism, with a consistently appreciating real estate market. In 2023, the country welcomed over 2.6 million tourists — 4.3 times its population of approximately 620,000. Average annual returns on short-term rental properties in Budva and Tivat range from 6% to 8%. The value of high-end properties in developments like Porto Montenegro and Luštica Bay has increased by over 40% in the past five years.


4. Montenegro’s geographic location makes it logistically strategic. The deep-sea Port of Bar is a key transit hub on the Adriatic, with a direct connection to the Belgrade–Bar railway, currently undergoing modernization with European and Chinese investment. International airports in Podgorica and Tivat offer direct flights to dozens of European cities, including Istanbul, Venice, Frankfurt, and seasonal routes to Dubai via FlyDubai.


5. The renewable energy sector in Montenegro is among the most promising in the region. As of today, more than 60% of the country’s electricity is generated from hydropower. Since 2022, there has been accelerated development in solar and wind energy projects, including investments from Germany and the UAE. Montenegro is also connected to the EU power grid through an underwater cable to Italy (Trans-Balkan Electricity Corridor), opening the door to electricity exports to the EU.


6. The government actively promotes digital transformation and IT sector development. Company registration takes just 1–3 days, there are no currency controls, and labor and rental costs are significantly lower than in Central Europe. The number of digital nomads continues to grow, and the government is preparing a new tax incentive program for IT expats. According to OECD data, Montenegro’s information technology sector is growing at over 11% annually.


7. Montenegro is attractive not only in terms of returns but also as a safe and desirable location for living and wealth preservation. The country has one of the lowest crime rates in the region, high environmental standards (over 13% of its territory consists of national parks), a mild Mediterranean climate, and a high level of personalized service in the premium real estate sector. Increasingly, high-net-worth individuals are viewing Montenegro as a destination for second citizenship, business, and personal relocation.

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