In Montenegro, a group of employees of Željeznička infrastruktura Crne Gore (ŽICG) — more than 80 station attendants and dispatchers — announced a work stoppage, which led to the suspension of several trains at the Podgorica, Bar, and Bijelo Polje, according to the Serbian Economist Telegram channel.
According to the publication, a train traveling from Belgrade to Bar has already been stopped, and a train from Bijelo Polje has not continued its route; some passengers are being transported to their destinations by bus.
A representative of the group of workers, Andrej Kaludjerovic, said that the stoppage was linked to a demand that ŽICG management begin negotiations on raising wages and equalizing pay rates with other railway companies in the country.
According to him, the labor action will continue until management invites employee representatives to the negotiating table with the participation of two representative trade unions, the Ministry of Transport, and the chairman of the company’s board of directors.
Source: Serbian Economist.
Forest fires have engulfed Montenegro, coming close to resort areas and populated areas.
Among those affected is the Cana area, where the flames came within 50 meters of a hotel, forcing families to evacuate their homes in Gornji Rogami. Media reports indicate power outages in several towns.
Serbia quickly sent a Ka-32 helicopter from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and a team of seven people, including six air crew members and one emergency service representative. The aircraft arrived in less than two hours and began fighting the fire north of Podgorica.
Fires in Montenegro remain active, with the region battling the threat of the flames spreading.
According to MONSTAT, in 2024, tourists from Serbia accounted for 23.5% of all foreign overnight stays, making them the largest group of visitors to Montenegro.
According to other data, in 2024, Serbian tourists accounted for 859,932 overnight stays (about 860,000) from January to September, confirming their status as Montenegro’s leading tourist audience.
Montenegro is one of the most affordable countries in Europe in terms of real estate prices and one of the easiest in terms of legal formalities for foreigners. In recent years, it has become particularly popular among citizens of the CIS and EU countries due to its mild climate, sea, prospects for price growth, and loyal tax policy. However, when buying an apartment or house, it is important to understand what taxes and fees you will have to pay.
Main taxes when buying real estate in Montenegro
Rate: 3% of the market value of the property as determined by the tax authorities (not always the same as the price in the contract).
The tax is paid once, within 15 days after the conclusion of the agreement and submission of documents to the tax office.
Rate: 21%, already included in the contract price.
In this case, the property transfer tax (3%) is not levied.
Property ownership tax
The rate is set by municipalities and usually ranges from 0.1% to 1% of the cadastral value (depending on the location, type, and condition of the property).
For example:
Apartment in Budva or Kotor — approximately 0.25–0.5%
Properties on the coast and in tourist areas are taxed at a higher rate
The tax is paid once a year, usually by the end of March.
Important: a penalty is charged for late payment.
Additional costs
Renting real estate: taxes for the owner
If the property is rented out, the owner is obliged to:
Obtain a short-term rental permit from the municipality.
Keep a register of guests and pay tax:
Fixed tax on rental income — 9%.
Plus tourist tax per guest — approximately €1 per night.
From 2024, compliance with these requirements will be actively monitored (introduction of electronic accounting systems).
Example
Apartment in Budva for €150,000, purchased from a private individual:
Property transfer tax: 3% = €4,500
Annual property tax (0.4%): €600
Notary + registration fees: ~€1,000
In case of rental: income tax — 9% of profit
Montenegro offers a relatively simple and predictable tax system for real estate. One-time tax on purchase — 3% or 21% (for new construction), annual tax — low. Rental income is taxed at a moderate rate but requires compliance with formalities.
Source: http://relocation.com.ua/property-taxes-in-montenegro-what-buyers-need-to-know/
Montenegro’s Prime Minister Milo Đukanović has initiated a review of the practice of granting honorary citizenships, stressing that they should be awarded exclusively for specific services to the country, such as job creation, economic development, and the promotion of Montenegrin interests. He warned that if it turns out that passports were handed out as “personal favors” or without clear criteria, it would discredit state institutions and encourage corruption.
Spajic took this step amid the procedure to strip Kosovar businessman Naser Ramaj of his citizenship. This case has become a prime example of the review of the practice of granting honorary citizenship, especially against the backdrop of Montenegro’s active movement towards European Union membership.
Ramaj, who received a Montenegrin passport in October 2023 as an investor in the €80 million Porto Budva project, is now involved in a criminal case involving the embezzlement of €2.2 million. He is accused of systematic tax evasion in the implementation of this residential complex. It is noteworthy that citizenship was granted under the previous government of Dritan Abazovic, which calls into question the transparency of such decisions in the past.
Spajic emphasizes that such cases damage the country’s international image at a critical moment when Montenegro is seeking to complete EU accession negotiations by the end of 2025. European partners have long expressed concern about the corruption risks associated with economic citizenship programs. The government’s current actions are aimed at demonstrating its determination to bring all procedures into line with European standards.
This precedent could be a turning point in Montenegro’s citizenship policy. The authorities are not only reviewing the specific decision, but also conducting a systematic review of previously granted honorary citizenships in an effort to restore the trust of both their own citizens and the international community. The success of this initiative will be crucial for the country’s further European integration, scheduled for 2028.
Source: https://t.me/relocationrs/930
The residential real estate market in Montenegro in 2025 is showing steady growth due to high demand from foreign investors, limited supply, and positive economic expectations related to the country’s possible accession to the European Union in 2026.
Current market situation
According to the Tranio portal, the average price of apartments in Montenegro is around €3,800 per square meter, and houses are around €3,600 per square meter. However, prices vary significantly depending on the region and type of property.
Coastal regions
Tivat: apartment prices range from €3,500 to €5,500 per square meter, especially in areas adjacent to Porto Montenegro.
Budva: the cost per square meter in new buildings ranges from €3,000 to €4,200, and in finished properties — from €2,800 to €3,800.
Kotor: housing prices range from €2,400 to €3,800 per square meter.
Herceg Novi: the cost per square meter reaches €5,800.
Other regions
Bar: house prices average €1,300 per square meter, making this region more affordable for investors.
Podgorica: in the country’s capital, apartments start at €800 per square meter, and houses start at €1,000 per square meter.
Factors influencing price growth
High demand from foreign investors: Montenegro attracts buyers from Europe, Russia, and the Middle East thanks to its favorable tax policy and attractive geographical location.
Limited supply: The construction of new properties is not keeping pace with growing demand, especially in coastal areas, leading to a housing shortage. Economic growth and prospects for EU accession: Montenegro’s expected accession to the European Union makes the region more stable for long-term investment, which has a positive impact on the real estate market.
Forecast for 2026
Experts predict that real estate prices in Montenegro will continue to rise in 2026. In the most sought-after regions, such as Budva and Tivat, growth could reach 15%. This makes investing in Montenegrin real estate promising, especially given the limited supply and stable demand.
The residential real estate market in Montenegro in 2024 showed a significant increase in prices for both apartments and houses. The average cost of housing in new buildings increased by 20%, reaching EUR 1,844 per square meter.
Regional differences in prices:
Podgorica: In the capital, the average housing price increased by 11.5% to 1,763 euros per square meter in the second quarter of 2024.
Coastal areas: In the coastal region, prices for apartments and houses increased by almost 30% over the year to 2,028 euros per square meter.
Central region: In the central region, the average price of housing increased by 34.5% compared to the previous year and amounted to 960 euros per square meter in the second quarter of 2024.
Northern region: In the north of the country, the average cost of new housing rose by 7.1% to €1,306 per square meter.
Price growth factors:
Demand from foreign investors: Montenegro continues to attract foreign buyers due to its loyal tax policy and prospects of joining the European Union.
Limited supply: In popular tourist regions such as Budva, Tivat and Bar, there is a shortage of luxury housing, which contributes to the growth of prices.
Economic reforms: Montenegro’s accession to international organizations and expected accession to the European Union make the region more stable for long-term investment.
Forecast for 2025:
Experts predict continued growth in real estate prices in Montenegro in 2025, especially in areas with developed tourist infrastructure. Demand for luxury properties in coastal areas is expected to remain high, leading to further price increases.
Buyers are advised not to postpone their decision to purchase real estate, given the current market trends.
http://relocation.com.ua/analiz-rynku-zhytlovoi-nerukhomosti-cho/
