How to marry a Montenegrin, open your own business and obtain a residence permit. Interview with the owner of the Polako cafe in Budva

In this interview we will talk with Tatiana, a business owner in Budva, about the family traditions of Montenegrin families, how to open a business in Montenegro and how to win the heart of a Montenegrin.

Tatyana always dreamed of life by the sea, away from the bustle of the metropolis. And then, one day, fate threw her from Sochi to Montenegro, where she not only fell in love with this enchanting country, but also found her love, opened a business and found a new family.

- Tatyana, hello! Please tell us about your move to Montenegro. What brought you here?

- Hello! I moved to Montenegro from Sochi about two years ago. This country has always attracted me with its enchanting nature, rich history and Mediterranean climate. Budva, where I live, is very similar to Sochi, but with a milder climate.

- How do you like life in Montenegro? What do you like and what don't?

- I really like it here! The people are hospitable and friendly, the atmosphere is calm and measured. There's nothing I don't like, but there's a lot that I love. In first place I would put live communication with people, the custom of spending a lot of time with loved ones in a cafe or gathering at home. There is no digitalization here, as in Russia, so people communicate more with each other. Even if you go to the store, the saleswoman will always ask how you are doing and what’s new. In Budva we all know each other, which creates a sense of community. And the second advantage for me is that there is a mild climate and beautiful nature. It's really warmer here than in Sochi.

How to meet a Montenegrin

- Tell us about your love story. How did you meet your husband, Alexander?

- We met on a dating site, although I did not expect to find my love there. Alexander is a photographer and restaurant worker. Born here. He is very kind, caring and hardworking.

- How did you win Alexander’s heart?

- I think he appreciated my hardworking nature.

- How was your wedding?

- We had two weddings: a Russian one with friends and a Montenegrin European one. Everything was atmospheric and fun.

- Tell us about your life.

- We don’t have strict responsibilities: we share the cleaning and take turns cooking. Alexander helps me a lot around the house, especially with repairs; now we are setting up our new home together.

- What character traits do you like in Montenegrins?

- Montenegrins are very open and hospitable, responsive. If something happens to you and you need help, you can always count on their support.

- Are there any differences in mentality?

- Montenegrins are freedom-loving, temperamental people who value family traditions. Family life with a Montenegrin is a kaleidoscope of emotions, where love and passion are intertwined with temperament and traditions. I accept and respect these characteristics. Family for Montenegrins is sacred. The country even has a family holiday, “Slava,” with an official day off. On this day, families gather and communicate. Also, the family can actively participate in our lives and shower children with gifts. Montenegrins are also very proud of their country and history and love to argue, but this is not a reason for offense.

- Share the recipe for your husband’s favorite dish.

- Oh, there are a lot of them! Let's talk about the national dish "Pleskavica". To do this you will need:

• 500 g minced meat (beef, pork)
• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 egg
• Salt, pepper to taste
• Paprika (optional)

Preparation:

You need to mix the minced meat, finely chopped onion, garlic, egg, salt and pepper. Form the minced meat into flat cutlets. Next, we fry pljeskavica on a grill or frying pan until cooked.

- Does your husband like Russian national dishes?

- Yes, we prepare a variety of cuisine. Alexander likes to cook risotto with seafood, fish, and pancakes.

How to get married in Montenegro

- What do you need to get married in Montenegro?

- To get married in Montenegro you must:

• Passport: Both partners must have valid passports.
• Birth Certificate: Both partners must provide birth certificates.
• Certificate of marital status: Both partners must provide a certificate stating that they are not married.
• Application for marriage registration: An application for marriage registration is submitted to the Civil Registry Office of Montenegro.
• Payment of the state fee: A state fee is charged for registering a marriage.

And if you register a marriage in a local community, then witnesses must be present.

- You and Alexander have children from your first marriage. Tell us about their upbringing.

- Love and communication are the basis of education. There is no severity, punishments are replaced by conversations. Children obey and are not forced to do unloved activities.

- What advice can you give to those who want to move to Montenegro and marry a Montenegrin?

- Learn the language and culture: This will help you adapt to your new life faster. Don't be afraid to communicate with people, Montenegrins value sincerity and openness, they are very friendly and always ready to help. Follow your heart!

How to find housing in Montenegro and how much repairs cost

- Tatyana, share where and how newlyweds can look for housing in Montenegro.

- You can search both through advertisements on social networks and through real estate websites. It is best to turn to professionals to secure the deal and draw up a correct contract. If you are looking for an apartment for rent in Montenegro, pay attention to areas remote from the tourist center, where prices will be lower. To purchase real estate, you need to carefully choose a city, study the infrastructure and services.

Top tips on how to find housing in Montenegro:

1. Decide on the type of housing: Apartment, house, villa, apartments
2. Decide on the location: What city or region do you want to live in: Close to the sea or in the mountains
3. Area: How many rooms do you need and what area do you need?
4. Think about what amenities are important to you (swimming pool, parking, Wi-Fi, etc.)
5. Determine your budget: How much are you willing to pay to rent or buy

- Do you rent property in Montenegro or do you own property?

- We rented an apartment and are now doing renovations in our own apartment.

- Tell me how much it costs to renovate your apartment.

- Repairs in Montenegro can cost from 400–700 euros/m². We did a major overhaul: leveling the walls and floors, installing heated floors, plastering and painting. We also bought new furniture and lighting fixtures. The area of ​​the apartment is approximately 90 sq.m., we did 60% of the renovation and it cost us about 10,000 euros, taking into account that we did some of the work ourselves. We are currently at the stage of renovating the bathroom and kitchen.

How to open a business in Montenegro and obtain a residence permit

- You have a business in Budva. Tell us how to open a business in Montenegro. It's complicated?

- In 2023, we opened a small cafe "Polako" in the old town of Budva, where we make takeaway drinks. I also have my own small business: I create animations for business accounts. The entire bureaucratic procedure for starting a business is no more complicated than in Russia. The difference is that in Russia you can do this online, but in Montenegro you need to go through all the authorities yourself or contact specialists. It is also necessary to obtain a license for a coffee shop, which is issued for the rental period of the premises. The cost of such a license is 30 euros. Monthly taxes: coffee, food, profit, rent, salary, sign, tables, utilities. The most interesting tax is the tourist tax, which is levied for tourists walking around the old city.

- What do you need to get a residence permit for business in Montenegro?

- The procedure for obtaining a residence permit for business in Montenegro is:

1. Company registration
2. Collection of necessary documents
3. Translation and notarization of documents
4. Payment of state duties
5. Submitting documents for obtaining a residence permit

- What documents are required to open a business in Montenegro and obtain a residence permit?

- A diploma of education, a certificate of no criminal record from the place of your stay, a notarized rental agreement, a medical report on your ability to work, medical insurance for 30 days, payment receipts, registration with the tax office. It is also necessary to find an accountant who will do the reporting.

Where is the most delicious coffee in Budva

- What drinks are the most popular among foreign guests?

- The most popular coffee: latte, cappuccino, flat white.

- What would you advise to those who want to start their own business in Montenegro?

- Patience, strength and not succumb to the lazy resort atmosphere! In the summer, the atmosphere is not at all working, you want to lie on the beach, it’s difficult to work.

- Thank you for the interesting conversation, Tatyana! We wish you success in your business!

- Thank you!

The most delicious coffee in Budva is, of course, the Polako cafe. Here they will prepare for you not only coffee from freshly ground beans, but also cool cocktails and smoothies. If you like walking through ancient cities or taking a leisurely stroll on the embankment and watching the sunset, then be sure to check out the Polako cafe in the old town of Budva. Search on the map using coordinates here: maps.app.goo.gl

Read also our other articles on the topic of life in Montenegro:

Residence permit in Montenegro based on the purchase of real estate: gomonte.me/blog/post/47

Renting apartments in Budva: 7 steps to a successful transaction: gomonte.me/blog/post/31