Thinking about where to spend comfortable, peaceful, and fulfilling retirement years? Montenegro offers the perfect combination of Mediterranean climate, affordable living costs, rich cultural heritage, and accessible real estate. Discover why more and more people are choosing Montenegro as an ideal place to retire and enjoy a high-quality, relaxed lifestyle through 12 reasons to retire in Montenegro.
Retirement is a new phase of life in which you finally have the time to choose how you want to live. For many, this means a slower pace, more sunshine, less stress, and an inspiring environment. For this reason, Montenegro is becoming an increasingly popular retirement destination, both among local and foreign retirees.
Below, we present 12 key reasons why retiring in Montenegro is both a smart and a beautiful life choice.
1. Exceptional quality of life in a beautiful natural environment
Montenegro offers what is becoming rare — nature within easy reach. The Adriatic Sea lies to the south, mountains are close to the coast and in the north, and beautiful, clean rivers and lakes are just a short distance away, allowing for daily walks, time outdoors, and an activity-filled lifestyle.
For retirees, such an environment means less stress, better sleep, and a sense of calm that comes from living in harmony with nature. The air is clean, and outdoor activities are within easy reach — from swimming, sailing, and walking to skiing or sledding, which you can even enjoy with your grandchildren.
See also: Historic houses for sale in Montenegro - unique opportunities in the luxury real estate market
2. Mediterranean climate as a guarantee for a healthy and long life
Mild winters in the south of the country and long, sunny summers make Montenegro ideal for people who want stable weather conditions without extreme temperatures.
For those planning retirement in southern Europe, the coast is particularly attractive, with a Mediterranean climate and a high number of sunny days throughout the year.
This climate has a beneficial effect on rheumatic conditions, the respiratory system, and overall physical and mental well-being, which is especially important in the later years of life. The diet aligns with this lifestyle, as fresh ingredients that form the basis of the Mediterranean diet are readily available in markets, supermarkets, and restaurants. Healthy meals in restaurants are affordable, and it’s easy to find freshly caught fish served with freshly picked vegetables and a fruit-based dessert.
Read also: What to do in Budva? See our guide for visiting and living in Budva
3. Low cost of living
One of the key reasons many choose to spend their retirement in Montenegro is the lower cost of living compared to other European countries that offer similar safety and comfort but at a higher price.
Two retirees can live comfortably on a monthly budget of €1,500, as the costs of food, utilities, local transport, and services remain affordable, and the average pension earned in Europe or the United States allows for an exceptionally comfortable lifestyle.
Read also: Life in Montenegro: Cost of living and quality of everyday life
4. Affordable real estate market in Montenegro
Montenegro offers a diverse real estate market — from smaller apartments in cities, to houses in quieter areas, and seaside apartments. Compared to many European destinations, property prices remain competitive.
Retirees often choose long-term rentals or property purchases as a secure investment, and portals like nekretnina.me make it easy to search and compare listings across the country.
Read also: The best cities for investing in real estate in Montenegro (Budva, Kotor, Tivat, Podgorica)
5. Safe and peaceful environment
Montenegro is considered a safe country, with a relatively low crime rate, especially in smaller towns and coastal areas. The 2025 Global Peace Index (GPI) ranked Montenegro 34th out of 163 countries worldwide. A peaceful lifestyle, friendly environment, and sense of community further contribute to the safety and comfort of retirees.
6. Hospitality and warmth of the local population
One of the most frequently mentioned reasons people quickly fall in love with Montenegro is the kindness and openness of the locals. Retirees often integrate easily into the local community, make new friends, and feel welcomed.
This social dimension is extremely important for a high-quality and fulfilling retirement life.
7. High-quality and accessible healthcare
Montenegro has a well-developed public and private healthcare system, with a growing number of private clinics and specialists. Healthcare services are more affordable than in many Western countries, and modern medical care is available in larger cities and along the coast.
8. Simple procedure for obtaining a residence permit for foreign retirees
It is possible to arrange temporary or permanent residence in Montenegro based on pensioner status, property ownership, or long-term rental. For retirees who wish to stay in Montenegro for more than 90 days, a temporary residence permit is required, usually granted based on proof of regular pension income and health insurance. Citizens of the EU and the United Kingdom can also obtain a “retirement visa.”
The residence permit can be renewed, and there is also the possibility of obtaining a five-year permit for longer-term stable residence, which makes it easier to enjoy all the benefits available to Montenegrin residents, except for the right to vote.
This flexibility in obtaining a residence permit further enhances Montenegro’s appeal as a destination for a peaceful, comfortable, and secure retirement.
9. Rich cultural and social life
Retirement does not mean withdrawing from society. On the contrary, Montenegro offers a rich cultural life — festivals, concerts, theater performances, local events, and traditional celebrations throughout the year.
Coastal towns are particularly popular, where social life continues even outside the tourist season, but at a calmer and more pleasant pace.
10. Healthy and high-quality diet
We have already mentioned the appeal of the Mediterranean diet, which is available everywhere here, both for the richness of flavors in fresh ingredients and for their benefits to health and life expectancy. Mediterranean cuisine, fresh fish, olive oil, and locally grown fruits and vegetables make the diet in Montenegro healthy and varied. Few destinations in Europe offer all of this in such a compact area, and it is nearly impossible to find such high-quality ingredients at such affordable prices, whether you choose to cook at home or dine out. Even restaurants in prestigious marinas like Porto Montenegro, where some of the world’s most expensive yachts are moored, offer reasonably priced meals prepared by renowned chefs using top-quality ingredients, as the community policy ensures the marina remains accessible to everyone.
11. Excellent connection with European capitals and tourist destinations
Montenegro has good transportation connections with European cities through flights from Podgorica and Tivat. There is a ferry line from Bar to Bari, connecting Montenegro with southern Italy, and daily ferry services operate to Dubrovnik.
The Bar–Belgrade railway line is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in Europe.
All of this allows retirees to travel easily and stay connected with family and friends abroad.
12. Rich cultural heritage
Montenegro is not just a place for a peaceful life and relaxation, but also a country with an exceptionally rich cultural heritage that can be felt at every turn. From ancient ruins to medieval towns, and authentic coastal and mountain villages, culture here is not confined to museums — it is a part of everyday life.
See also: Villas as part of Roman and Venetian architecture in Montenegro
Cities like Kotor, which is under UNESCO protection, offer a unique blend of history, architecture, and vibrant urban life. Stone streets, old city walls, churches, and squares tell stories that span centuries, while the sound of the sea can be heard in the background. Cetinje, the former capital, exudes cultural and historical significance, with museums, galleries, and medieval captaincies that testify to Montenegro’s rich past.
For retirees, this means daily life surrounded by history, without the need for long trips or planning special cultural excursions. Walking through the city often becomes a walk through time.
A special advantage of Montenegro is its exceptional geographical location, which makes it easy to organize trips to some of Europe’s most attractive destinations. From the Montenegrin coast, Dubrovnik in Croatia is just a short drive or boat ride away, making it ideal for day trips or weekend visits. Its rich cultural scene, festivals, and historic setting are easily accessible without major logistical effort.
Another favorite destination among retirees is Puglia in southern Italy, known for its slow-paced lifestyle, authentic cuisine, and beautiful coastal towns. Thanks to ferry and flight connections, Italy is closer than it seems, giving Montenegro additional value as an excellent base for exploring the Mediterranean.
This proximity to other countries and cultures allows retirees to enjoy a diverse yet unhurried lifestyle — a peaceful walk by the sea today, a trip to a historic town nearby tomorrow, all without stress or long journeys.
It is precisely this combination of local identity and international connectivity that makes Montenegro an ideal place for those who want to spend their retirement actively, living a healthy and truly fulfilling life.
Retirement is a time for a life without rush.
Find your ideal property by the sea or in a peaceful setting and start a new chapter of life with the help of our portal Nekretnina.Me.
Why retire in Montenegro – Frequently Asked Questions
Is it a good idea to choose Montenegro for retirement?
Yes. Montenegro offers a high-quality and peaceful lifestyle, affordable living costs, a pleasant climate, safety, and a natural environment, making it a very attractive destination for retirees.
What are the living costs for retirees in Montenegro?
The cost of living in Montenegro is lower than in most Western European countries. Food, utilities, local transport, and services are affordable, allowing for a comfortable life even on an average pension. A monthly budget of €1,000 to €1,500 for two retirees generally provides a very comfortable lifestyle, including renting a cozy apartment or house, healthy meals, daily cultural and recreational activities, and occasional travel.
Can foreign retirees live in Montenegro?
Yes. Foreign retirees can arrange temporary or permanent residence in Montenegro, usually based on their pensioner status, long-term rental, or property ownership.
Is healthcare accessible to retirees if I choose to retire in Montenegro?
Yes. Montenegro has both public and private healthcare systems, and private medical services are affordable. Modern medical centers and specialists are available in larger cities and along the coast.
Where do retirees most commonly settle in Montenegro?
Retirees most often choose coastal towns such as Budva, Kotor Herceg Novi and Tivat as well as quieter inland towns, depending on their lifestyle and budget.
Is Montenegro safe for elderly people?
Yes. Montenegro is considered a safe and peaceful country, especially suitable for older people seeking a stable environment and a sense of community.
What is the climate like in Montenegro for retirees?
Montenegro has a mild Mediterranean climate along the coast and a temperate climate inland. A large number of sunny days throughout the year has a positive effect on health and overall well-being.
Does it make sense to buy property in Montenegro for retirement?
For many retirees — yes. The real estate market offers a wide range of options at still competitive prices, and purchasing or long-term renting often represents a secure and long-term decision.
Is Montenegro well connected with the rest of Europe?
Yes. Montenegro has good air and road connections with European cities, as well as proximity to destinations like Dubrovnik and southern Italy, making travel and visits to family and friends easy.
If you want to explore the real estate offerings in Montenegro and the possibility of spending your retirement years in this Mediterranean country, visit our office in Mediteranska street in Budva or contact us. Our team will provide you with full support in the purchase and investment process, with clear advice, market insights and a personalized selection of the best options available on the market.
