Digital Nomad Visa Comparison: Montenegro vs. United Arab Emirates
Digital Nomad Visa Requirements: Montenegro vs United Arab Emirates
About Montenegro
Located in the Balkans, Montenegro is a small country that offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and ancient architecture. It is quickly emerging as a popular destination for digital nomads due to its low living costs, friendly locals, and ease of doing business.
About the Digital Nomad Visa Program in Montenegro
Listed below are the key requirements you need to know to apply for a digital nomad visa program in Montenegro:
| Cost of Visa | EUR 67 (for issuing a permit for temporary residence and work) |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | 2 years (renewable for another 2 years) |
| Income Requirement | At least EUR 1,350 per month (equivalent to 3 minimum wages in Montenegro) |
| Income Tax | Personal Income Tax exempt for foreigners earning as a freelancer serving abroad and earning in Montenegro above three times of the average gross salary in the country. |
| Criminal Record | Applicants are required to have a clean criminal record. Submission of police clearance or non-conviction proof from native country is a requirement for applicants. |
| Proof of Accommodation | Applicant is required to have a proof of accommodation, which can be any of the following: Proof of ownership of a real estate in Montenegro for residing, Notarized lease agreement, Confirmation from registered accommodation provider, Other corresponding documents. |
| Working Basis | He/she must reside in Montenegro in accordance with the basis for which he/she was granted temporary residence (digital nomad). A digital nomad cannot work on another basis (e.g. local employment). |
| Passport Requirements | Applicant's passport or travel document must have validity for at least 3 months more than visa’s validity. |
| Proof of Purpose of Stay | Applicant needs to provide proof of purpose of stay. |
| Proof of Payment of Consular Fee | Applicant must provide proof of payment of consular fee to process visa application. |
| Medical Insurance | Valid medical insurance. |
About United Arab Emirates
Located in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates is a country that offers an exceptional blend of modernity and tradition. It is known for its luxurious lifestyle, excellent infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology and attracts millions of tourists and expats every year.
About the Virtual Working Program in the United Arab Emirates
Listed below are the key requirements you need to know to apply for the Virtual Working Program in the United Arab Emirates:
| Cost of Program | US$611 (including application fees, processing fees, pre-application medical exam, and emirates ID) |
|---|---|
| Length of Stay | 1 year (renewable upon re-application) |
| Income Requirement | A minimum of US$5,000 per month salary |
| Criminal Record | No criminal record required |
| Proof of Employment | Proof of employment from current employer with a one-year contract validity |
| Proof of Ownership of Business | Business owners must provide proof of ownership of their business, and should have an average monthly income of US$5,000 along with 3 preceding months' bank statement. |
| Working Basis | Virtual Program document holders and their dependents cannot perform work for a local employer in Dubai or provide any services to any person or entity carrying out business in Dubai. |
| Passport Requirements | Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. |
| Proof of Health Insurance | Must have a health insurance with UAE coverage validity. |
Conclusion
Both Montenegro and the United Arab Emirates offer enticing visa programs for digital nomads, each with its own set of requirements and benefits. Montenegro provides flexible visa requirements, low living costs, and ease of doing business. The United Arab Emirates offers luxury living with excellent infrastructure, leading technology, and high standards of living. Choose the country that aligns best with your personal preferences, work style, lifestyle, and desired cultural experience.