French Settlements in Montenegro: Prime Locations

Published on September 30, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

As Montenegro increasingly attracts French people seeking stunning landscapes and quality of life, the question of where they actually settle in this country remains intriguing. From historic towns like Kotor, with its medieval alleys, to the paradise beaches of Budva, each region offers a unique living environment and attracts a diverse French population. Whether they’re looking for tranquility in the Durmitor mountains or coastal dynamism, French expatriates are gradually shaping the Montenegrin cultural landscape while enjoying this booming nation.

Mapping French Communities in Montenegro

The French community in Montenegro is experiencing continuous growth, drawn by pleasant living conditions, an attractive tax environment, and the country’s natural beauty. The geographical distribution of French expatriates remains concentrated around a few major hubs:

City/Region	Estimated Number of French Residents	Main Reasons for Settling
Podgorica	~100	Administrative and economic capital, access to services
Bay of Kotor	~80	Quality of life, coastal landscapes, tourist appeal
Budva	~50	Tourist and real estate dynamism
Tivat	~40	Airport proximity, international port

Main Reasons for Settling

• Favorable taxation: low income tax rates (9% to 11%), agreements to avoid double taxation
• High quality of life: Mediterranean climate, safety, affordable cost of living
• Real estate opportunities: attractive market with competitive prices per square meter
• Easy access to Europe thanks to geographical proximity

Infrastructure for French Residents

– Active French-speaking associations organizing cultural events and mutual support among expatriates

– Consular services attached to the French Embassy in Serbia with honorary consuls present locally to assist with administrative procedures

– Presence of international schools in some cities (notably Podgorica), although no accredited French school is currently established

Recent Migration Trends

Over recent years, the number of French expatriates has steadily increased. This trend is explained by:

• The rise of remote work allowing increased mobility toward destinations offering better value for money.
• The growing attractiveness of the local real estate market.
• Prospects related to Montenegro’s future integration into the European Union.

However, the French community remains relatively discreet compared to those in major neighboring countries; its growth continues to be supported by positive word-of-mouth about Montenegrin quality of life.

Key takeaway: the community fabric is gradually strengthening thanks to local association initiatives and the constant development of infrastructure adapted to newcomers’ needs.

Neighborhoods Favored by French Expatriates

Neighborhoods favored by French expatriates in Montenegro mainly concentrate along the Adriatic coast and in certain dynamic urban areas. Among the popular cities and neighborhoods are Budva, Kotor, Tivat (particularly Donja Lastva), as well as Herceg Novi and Perast. The capital Podgorica also attracts a minority of professional or family profiles.

Neighborhood/City	Main Attractions for French Residents	Testimonials / Anecdotes
Budva	Lively beach life, proximity to beaches, international restaurants	“You can easily find a baguette there!”
Kotor	UNESCO heritage, medieval village atmosphere, active foreign community	A family recounts joining an expatriate club to organize boat outings
Tivat/Donja Lastva	Proximity to Porto Montenegro (high-end marina), international schools, modern infrastructure	“Our children attend an international school in Tivat”
Herceg Novi	Relative calm outside tourist season, easy access to Croatia	A retired couple appreciates the peaceful atmosphere of the old historic center

Reasons Explaining These Neighborhoods’ Appeal:

• Immediate proximity to the Adriatic Sea and exceptional landscapes
• Presence of international or bilingual schools (especially in Tivat)
• Varied real estate offerings with prices still affordable compared to France
• Modern services: European stores/French food imports available
• Structured foreign communities enabling mutual support and cultural exchanges

Comparison with Other Areas Less Sought After by French Residents:

Less Popular Areas	Reasons for Lower Appeal
Rural interior	Relative isolation; lack of modern infrastructure; increased language barrier
Small towns far from the coast	Fewer professional opportunities; limited nightlife

Franco-Montenegrin gatherings exist mainly as informal associations or through online groups. These networks regularly organize friendly get-togethers (“French apéros”), joint hikes, or bilingual children’s workshops to facilitate integration.

Statistics on French Presence in Montenegro:

Although the exact number varies according to sources and periods (approximately a few hundred officially registered with the French consulate), it’s notable that over 70% settle in the coastal sector between Budva and Kotor/Tivat. This geographical choice is explained by local economic dynamism (high-end tourism) but also by a highly appreciated natural setting.

“Here everything reminds you a bit of Southwest France but facing the black mountains… We often get together with French families for a drink at Porto Montenegro,” testifies an expatriate who’s been settled for three years.

Finally, several specialized real estate experts now specifically assist French speakers wishing to invest or settle in Montenegro—additional proof of this community’s recent dynamism in these emblematic coastal neighborhoods.

Expatriate Networks for Better Integration

Several French expatriate networks are active in Montenegro, playing a key role in newcomers’ integration. Among the best known are InterNations, Expat.com, and specific groups like “Passeport Monténégro.”

Main Present Networks:

• InterNations: international community grouping many French people established in Podgorica, Bar, Nikšić, and elsewhere.
• Expat.com: social platform facilitating experience and advice exchanges among French-speaking expatriates.
• Passeport Monténégro: private network offering support and practical resources for French expatriates.

Role in Facilitating Integration

These networks provide essential support on several levels:

Support	Description
Social	Organization of informal meetings (get-togethers, cultural outings), daily mutual assistance
Professional	Sharing local job or business opportunities, professional recommendations
Cultural	Maintaining connection with French language (language cafés), celebrating holidays

Organized Activities and Events

Networks set up various events to facilitate interaction between local and expatriate communities:

• Themed evenings around French gastronomy
• Franco-Montenegrin language workshops
• Sports meetings or group discovery walks
• National celebrations (July 14th) open to locals

“Thanks to an evening organized by InterNations in Podgorica right after my arrival, I quickly met a French family settled for several years. They helped me with all my administrative procedures,” testifies Claire D., settled since 2022.

Collaboration with Local and French Institutions

Networks regularly collaborate with:

• The French embassy or consulate to relay official information or organize citizen forums
• Montenegrin associations to promote intercultural dialogue during public events

Concrete example: during the last international market organized in Bar by the local town hall, the stand animated by members of the “Français au Monténégro” network allowed Montenegrin visitors to discover French culinary specialties while promoting exchanges about bilingual education.

Another member mentions: “The network’s WhatsApp group has become my reference: you can find tips on where to buy ‘French-style’ bread as well as announcements for bilingual babysitting.”

This dynamic associative fabric thus contributes not only to maintaining the connection with French culture but also to successful integration into the Montenegrin social fabric.