An emigrant's guide: how to choose a country to move to and not regret it

Psychologists often compare moving to another country to the loss of a loved one on the stress scale. This is no exaggeration: along with our familiar home, we lose our familiar social circle and way of life. An expat is faced with endless bureaucratic tasks, waiting for documents, searching for housing and work, the need to deeply immerse themselves in a new environment, and learning the mentality, language, and customs.

The GoMonte team has been helping expats relocate and obtain residence permits in Montenegro for over 10 years. In this article, we will share our experience on choosing a country to emigrate to, finding inner strength, and adapting to a new place without unnecessary stress.

5 Stages of Emigration: How to Survive the Journey from "Euphoria" to "Home"

Every expat's journey inevitably goes through five stages: "tourist" delight (euphoria), gradual disillusionment upon encountering everyday life, acute culture shock (the rejection stage), slow adaptation, and, finally, full integration. To embrace this cycle, it's important to recognize that the low mood and homesickness in the second and third stages aren't a mistake in choosing a country, but a natural psychological reaction to the enormous burden. Embracing these stages requires careful self-care: don't rush things, celebrate small victories over bureaucracy, and remember that a "low point" is always followed by a period of stability, when a foreign shore finally becomes home.

How to choose the right country to live in?

Choosing a country isn't just about finding beautiful views, it's also about analyzing the "compatibility" of life. To avoid disappointment six months later, consider the following factors:

• Legalization and residence permit: Research the difficulty of obtaining documents. For example, Montenegro remains one of the most favorable European countries for obtaining a residence permit based on work, business, or property ownership.
• Cost of living and taxes: Compare your income with local prices for rent, food, and insurance.
• Mentality and language: Are you prepared to learn a difficult language, or do you prefer countries with a similar culture?
• Infrastructure and climate: The quality of healthcare, education, and weather conditions directly impact your daily well-being.

Why is Montenegro the perfect choice for a start?

Montenegro is deservedly considered one of the most comfortable countries for first-time immigrants. It's not perfect; it has its pros and cons, its own challenges, but compared to other European Union countries, it's the easiest to move to. Citizens of Ukraine, Russia, and many former CIS countries, as well as citizens of Turkey, the European Union, and the United States, don't need visas, and you can obtain a residence permit in 30 days.

Here, you'll find a unique combination of a mild Mediterranean climate, safety, and a hospitable mentality reminiscent of Slavic peoples. The main advantage is transparent and accessible legalization rules: you can obtain a residence permit (boravak) by opening a company, purchasing real estate, or finding employment, while the entry threshold remains significantly lower than in EU countries. Life on the Adriatic coast allows for an ideal balance between work and leisure, and learning the Montenegrin language poses no significant difficulties for Russian-speaking expats.

Psychological adaptation: Where to find support?

Emigration is a test of endurance. To start a new life successfully, it's important to:

• Embrace the "newbie" stage: Allow yourself to make mistakes and to be unaware of things.
• Cultivate a new environment: Join expat communities and attend local events.
• Stay connected to your roots: Support from loved ones will help you through periods of homesickness.
• Create your own haven of peace: Creating a cozy home has been proven to have a positive effect on reducing anxiety. Surround yourself with houseplants, create a cozy atmosphere to your liking, and don't forget to bring your favorite things that make you happy when you move: a mug, a blanket, or your favorite home decor items.

5 Tips to Reduce Anxiety When Moving

Living without worry doesn't mean waiting for the world to be perfect. It means building an internal filter that filters out unnecessary details and a system that provides support. GoMonte specialists, who help dozens of people adapt to Montenegro every day, have prepared a checklist for your peace of mind:

• Create a "financial cushion": At least six months of living without income. This will alleviate the basic fear of survival.
• Delegate bureaucracy: Consult professional lawyers and consultants. Knowing that your documents are in order eliminates 70% of your stress.
• Don't cut ties abruptly: Call friends, take mementos with you—these are your "anchors" of stability.
• Learn the language in advance: Even the basic phrases "thank you" and "good afternoon" in the local language open doors and hearts.
• Plan your vacation: It's easy to burn out while chasing home comforts. Give yourself time to simply be a tourist in your new country.

Planning a move to Montenegro? The GoMonte team will handle all the hassle of obtaining a residence permit and help you feel at home on the Adriatic coast.

Phone/WhatsApp/Telegram: +382 67 322 888. Email: gomonte3000@gmail.com

Learn more about our services in Montenegro: gomonte.me/blog/post/68

Read our other articles on relocation:

Imigrating to Montenegro 2026: Cost of Residence Permit, Housing Rentals, Products, and Services: gomonte.me/blog/post/92

Documents required for application and support costs in this section: gomonte.me/services/residence-permit

Montenegro Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Which Remote Professions Can Receive a 2-Year Residence Permit: gomonte.me/blog/post/94

Top Beautiful Vacation Spots in Montenegro: gomonte.me/blog/post/90