Buying property in Montenegro as a foreigner

Foreign nationals can buy an apartment or a house in Montenegro in their own name, with no special permit. Below are the main steps and costs. For each purchase we confirm the current rules with a lawyer and a notary.

Who can buy

Foreign nationals buy apartments, houses and commercial property on the same terms as Montenegrin citizens. Restrictions apply to agricultural land, forests and some border areas. Such purchases are usually made through a company registered in Montenegro.

Steps to buying

1. Choose and view. Send us the listing code and your agent arranges a viewing in person or by video call.
2. Document check. Before any payment we check the title deed: the owner, any mortgages or encumbrances, and the status of the building.
3. Reservation and pre-contract. A deposit takes the property off the market and the terms are set out in a pre-contract.
4. Contract at the notary. The sale contract is signed before a notary and payment goes through a bank account.
5. Registration. The notary files the transfer with the Real Estate Administration. Once registered, you are the legal owner.

Costs

• property transfer tax, for properties that are not new builds,
• notary fees,
• land registry fee,
• translation and a court interpreter if the buyer does not speak Montenegrin,
• agency commission, as agreed.

When buying a new build from the developer, VAT is normally included in the price and transfer tax does not apply. We calculate the exact costs before the pre-contract is signed.

Podgorica prices by neighbourhood

Average asking price per m² for apartments for sale, from active listings.

This guide is for information only and is not legal advice. Rules and rates change, so we confirm the current terms for every purchase.