This beautiful European country on the Adriatic coast has gained significant attention from expats over the last few years, because of its beauty, but also due to its favourable tax system and low cost of living.

Montenegro – also known as “Black Mountain” thanks to its Mount Lovćen – is a Balkan southeastern European country, sharing its borders with Bosnia, Herzegovina, Serbia, Albania and Croatia. It was part of Yugoslavia, but gained independence in 2006, meaning it’s a very new country in the grand scheme of things.

Montenegro’s beauty has long been appreciated. The Romantic poet Lord Byron famously wrote in the 19th-century: “At the birth of our planet, the most beautiful encounter between land and sea must have been on the Montenegrin coast”.

The climate also makes it very appealing. Montenegro has a temperate climate with warm dry summers and short cool winters, reaching average highs of 31℃ in July and lows of 5℃ in January. It also experiences heavy rains from September to April.

Besides its natural beauty, Montenegro has much to offer for those looking to move. The cost of living is comparatively low for Europe, when compared with other countries like Germany, France and Italy. Those moving can decide whether to live cheaply, or splash out on luxuries.

In fact, Montenegro is home to a platinum-rated superyacht marina, which is fast “becoming the new Monaco with the largest superyachts and billionaire visitors, making it the most sought-after resort for the world’s wealthiest individuals,” according to Forbes.

Today, the population of Montenegro is just over 617,000. The cheapest housing can be found in the capital of Podgorica, while the coastal areas are much more expensive, particularly due to the high volumes of expats. It is unlikely to find much for under £232 per month, with utilities usually costing between £42 and £84 a month. In comparison, the average monthly cost of utilities for a flat or one-bedroom house in the UK is £55.34.

A monthly bus pass can typically be purchased for under £16, depending on the area. Eating can also be done staggeringly cheap, from as little as £8 at local eateries. Shopping and cooking for yourself is also economical, with a budget of about £21 per week per person, according to Evisa.

What entices many expats to Montenegro is the competitively priced Montenegrin real estate, especially when it is compared with its neighbour, Croatia. As well as this, there is a very favourable tax system, with low capital gains tax. There are even some reciprocal agreements allowing retirees to keep some, or all, of their health and pension benefits from their home country, according to Montenegro Guides.

The path to citizenship is also much clearer and more certain than other European countries. While it may take a while, all that is required to become a citizen is to satisfy the requirements to become a temporary resident, spend five years at this level, apply for permanent residency, spend another five years at this level, and then apply for citizenship and the passport.

To speed up the process, Montenegro offers a citizenship-by-investment programme, open to high net-worth individuals looking for a golden visa. It comes at a high price, but greatly reduces the time frame.

Montenegro is generally considered a safe country, with a low crime rate. However, it does increase during the summer tourist season, especially street crime. It is also deemed safe for women, and organised crime and corruption are the biggest concerns, meaning it is unlikely to affect the day-to-day life of expats.

Montenegro has two international airports, with Podgorica Airport located in the heart of the country. Tivat Airport is a more seasonal airport. For those who prefer a road trip, the country is well-connected by roads that cross picturesque terrains. Thanks to its location in the heart of Europe, you can drive from Montenegro to Greece in about 11 hours. Closer to home, the journey time between Croatia and Montenegro can be as little as an hour by bus.

“For retirees, Montenegro is a paradise. The country’s laid-back lifestyle, complemented by its scenic landscapes and pleasant climate, provides a serene environment to enjoy the golden years,” said Investropa.