"Is it possible for a foreigner to open an account in a Montenegrin bank?" - MonteGlobal

"Is it possible for a foreigner to open an account in a Montenegrin bank?"

Published

Is it possible for a foreigner to open an account in a Montenegrin bank?

Buying a property in Montenegro is often accompanied by the need to open a bank account. This is important for paying utilities, taxes, receiving rental income, and making settlements during transactions. The good news is that foreigners can indeed open an account in Montenegrin banks, but there are certain nuances that you should know about in advance.


Can a foreigner open an account

Yes, foreign citizens have the right to open a bank account in Montenegro. This is possible both with and without a residence permit, but the conditions may vary depending on the bank.

In practice, banks are more likely to open accounts for those who:

  • has a residence permit in Montenegro
  • owns real estate
  • can confirm the source of income

Which banks can I open an account with?

Among the popular banks working with foreigners:

  • Crnogorska Komercijalna Banka
  • NLB Banka
  • Hipotekarna Banka
  • Erste Bank Montenegro

Conditions may vary slightly, so it is important to clarify the requirements in advance.


What documents will be needed?

The standard package of documents includes:

  • foreign passport
  • confirmation of the residential address
  • sometimes — a real estate purchase and sale agreement or a non-disclosure sheet
  • confirmation of the origin of funds
  • Contact phone number

Some banks may request additional documents, especially when opening an account without a residence permit.


Types of accounts

Foreigners can open:

  • personal account for daily operations
  • an account for receiving rental payments
  • foreign currency accounts (most often in euros)

Montenegro uses the euro, despite the fact that it is not a member of the eurozone, which greatly simplifies payments for European clients.


Opening dates

The procedure usually takes:

  • from one to several business days
  • in some cases — up to a week

If all the documents are available, the process is fast enough.


Possible difficulties

Despite the accessibility of the procedure, there are points that should be considered:

  • not all banks open accounts without a residence permit
  • Document requirements may vary
  • Sometimes a personal presence is required
  • additional checks of the source of funds are possible

Why would a real estate owner need an invoice?

Opening an account in Montenegro makes it much easier:

  • payment of property tax
  • payment of utilities
  • Generating rental income
  • settlements with contractors and management companies

This is especially true for homeowners in cities such as Budva, Bar and Kotor, where the rental market is actively developing.


How can we help

Our real estate agency in Montenegro accompanies clients not only when buying properties, but also in solving all related issues.

We are helping:

  • choose a bank with optimal conditions
  • prepare a complete package of documents
  • make an appointment to open an account
  • to accompany the process in the bank
  • resolve issues with further maintenance

In addition, we take over the payment of utilities, taxes and property management, which is especially convenient for owners living abroad.


Conclusion

It is quite possible for a foreigner to open an account in Montenegro, especially with proper preparation of documents and the support of specialists. This is an important step for comfortable property ownership and financial management in the country.

By contacting our agency, you will not only be able to select and purchase an object, but also receive full support — from opening an account to servicing real estate without the need for permanent presence in Montenegro.

Recommendations

NEW RULES OF ENTRY TO MONTENEGRO FOR FOREIGNERS FROM OCTOBER 2025

TAX WHEN BUYING REAL ESTATE IN MONTENEGRO. HOW TO PAY AND HOW MUCH?

How to get from Montenegro airports to your holiday destination

How comfortable is winter in Montenegro? What is the climate like?

How to open a company in Montenegro

City of Bar

How to buy a car in Montenegro

Are there Russian schools and kindergartens in Montenegro?