Montenegro
Quick facts about Montenegro
A Strategic Geographic Location
Montenegro is a land of geographic diversity and unspoiled nature. Although it is one of the smallest countries in Europe, it boasts an enviable geographic location with direct access to the Adriatic Sea and a 293 km-long coast.
As the world’s first ecological state, Montenegro is home to five national parks, four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the largest freshwater lake in the Balkans, and one of the deepest canyons in the world.
Climate and Quality of Life
Montenegro enjoys more than 240 annual days of sunshine. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The average summer temperature is 27 degrees Celsius, while the average winter temperature is 13 degrees Celsius.
For those seeking a lifestyle beyond the ordinary, Montenegro is an opportunity not to be missed. The country nurtures elite tourism, with world-class, full-service marinas (Porto Montenegro, Luštica Bay, Porto Novi, Dukley Gardens), luxury resorts, and residences designed and built according to international standards of excellence.
Montenegro’s unique geographic and climatic diversities set the stage for a host of outdoor activities for all ages and interests. The coast provides the perfect setting for swimming, fishing, snorkeling, sailing, yachting, and kite surfing. During the warmer months, the rugged terrain of the mountainous hinterland transforms into an idyllic environment for golf, biking, cave exploration, climbing, fly-fishing, and hiking, as well as thrilling whitewater rafting.
In winter, the highlands provide excellent conditions for snow sports, with high altitudes and long pistes for skiing and snowboarding, and scenic trails for cross-country skiing. The main ski resorts are in Kolašin and Žabljak, located within the National Parks of Biogradska Gora and Durmitor, respectively.
For fishing enthusiasts, Montenegro provides excellent conditions, a variety of fishing spots, and more than forty species of fish and other inhabitants that live in the Adriatic Sea, lakes, and the fast and clean mountain rivers.
Throughout the year, Montenegro hosts a variety of prestigious lifestyle events, such as the International Carnival in Kotor, Budva – City Theatre, Porto Montenegro Polo Tournament, World Match Racing Tour, Thousand Island Race, International Fashion Festival and much more.
Since 2009, the number of large cruise ships and passengers has steadily increased. Globaly-renowned companies such as Royal Caribbean, MSC, Celebrity Cruises, Star Clipper, Norwegian Cruises, and many others sail into the port of Kotor throughout the year, with the Port of Bar also firmly established for cruise tourism.
Invest in Montenegro
Montenegro is a reliable and secure investment haven for renowned international companies that have and continue to develop major residential projects, hotels, and resorts, such as Porto Montenegro, Luštica Bay, and Porto Novi. These investments contributed to establishing Montenegro on the world map as a modern country and an attractive destination for direct foreign investments.
The state’s long-term commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration, its aspiration to embrace modern economic trends, and the implementation of numerous reforms have contributed to the creation of a business-friendly environment with minimal inference.
Some of the advantages and incentives of investing in Montenegro:
- Montenegro is the first country in line for EU membership – by 2028
- Reformed according to the EU legal framework for investment
- NATO member since 2017
- The euro has been the official currency since 2002
- One of the most competitive corporative tax regimes in Europe, from 9 to 15%
- Free transfer of profit, dividend, and interest
- Liberal trade regime
- Free access to EU and Russian markets
- Land laws that grant foreign and local investors equal status, with full deeds and titles to land and real estate property
- Simplification of procedures and reduction of costs for registration of companies and obtaining building permits
Attractive Tax Incentives
Montenegro is a well-established safe haven for foreign direct investments, as well as a business-friendly environment with minimal state inference. The country’s tax rate of 9% to 15% (progressive rate) makes it one of the most favourable in Europe, which applies to capital gains, company profits, personal income, and withholding tax. Inheritance tax is zero-rated, with free transfer of assets to immediate family members, and only 3% tax on other property transfers.
Getting There
By plane – international airports in Montenegro are located in Podgorica and Tivat. Additionally, the international airport in Dubrovnik, Croatia, is located only 40 km from the Montenegrin border and offers excellent connections with major international destinations.
By boat – Port of Kotor (cruise line hub), Port of Bar (cruise line hub, high-quality connections with the hinterland, free zone regime, flexible legislation, simplicity business procedures); yacht marinas in Porto Montenegro and Luštica Bay in Tivat, and Porto Novi in Herceg Novi.
By car – the Adriatic motorway connects Montenegro with Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Albania. The new Bar-Boljare highway connects the coast with the country’s mountainous north and with Serbia.
By train – a scenic railway line between Serbia and Montenegro connects Belgrade with Podgorica and Bar.
