For many German citizens, Montenegro means the Adriatic a short flight away, the euro as everyday currency, and a calmer pace by the sea. You can buy an apartment in your own name — no residence permit is required for the purchase. Here are five practical steps as they usually look with ADRIOM DOO in Bar.

In short on ownership: foreigners freely acquire apartments and residential houses. Restrictions mainly concern agricultural and forest land, the land-border belt and a few special categories — they do not stand in the way of a normal apartment in Bar or Utjeha.

Step 1. Choose the apartment and check the documents

First clarify the goal: live there, come for holidays, or both. That shapes the area, floor and view. Near Bar, many German buyers look at Utjeha: the sea close by, pines, quieter than Budva.

Once you shortlist a flat, ADRIOM requests and checks the papers: the cadastre extract (List nepokretnosti) — who owns it and whether there are encumbrances; for new builds — the building permit and match to the project. We prepare professional photos and up-to-date floor plans so you see the apartment as it is.

An example from our catalogue: a one-bedroom apartment of 53 m² in Utjeha — about 290 m to the sea, sea and mountain views.

Step 2. Obtain your Montenegrin identification number

A private buyer normally needs a JMBG — the unique personal number used for tax and registration. Companies use a PIB (tax ID). In practice ADRIOM, together with the notary and local authorities, helps you obtain the right number with your passport. A residence permit is not required for the purchase itself.

Step 3. Pay through a bank

Payment goes through a bank — clear and secure for both sides; amounts from €10,000 go by bank transfer. For a property deal at or above that amount, the payment goes through an account at a Montenegrin bank on at least one side of the transaction. A local buyer account is convenient for transfer tax, utilities and later payments; sometimes the seller’s account is enough — the notary will fit the setup to your deal. The source of funds must be clear for the bank.

Step 4. Preliminary contract and the notary

When the documents are in order, the parties fix the terms in a preliminary contract (predugovor): price, timing, deposit, what is included. The main sale contract is then executed before a Montenegrin notary (javni bilježnik) as a notarial deed — that is what makes the deal solid. The contract is in the official language; a court interpreter is arranged for you. If you cannot travel, a notarised power of attorney is possible.

Notary support is always included in ADRIOM’s service. We speak German and walk you through the appointment calmly and clearly.

Step 5. Transfer tax, cadastre and life after purchase

After signing, the buyer files the return and pays real-estate transfer tax (porez na promet nepokretnosti) to the municipality — usually within 15 days. Rates on the secondary market are progressive:

• up to €150,000 — 3%;
• above €150,000 — €4,500 + 5% on the excess;
• above €500,000 — €22,000 + 6% on the excess.

Example: an apartment at €121,900 → tax about €3,657 (3%).
On a first sale of a new build from a VAT-registered seller, 21% VAT typically replaces transfer tax and is usually already in the advertised price — we confirm per object.

Ownership arises on registration in the cadastre, not on the notary signature alone. The notary forwards the deed; after the decision you receive an updated extract in your name.

Ongoing costs:

• annual property tax in Bar for a secondary / non-resident dwelling — 0.60% of the municipal valuation (0.26% if it is your main residence in Bar); file within 30 days of purchase;
• utilities, internet and building maintenance — depend on the complex; we check the real figures for your building.

Ready for the first step?

Message us on WhatsApp +382 68 752 559 or write to info@adriom.me. We will shortlist options in Bar and Utjeha, check the documents and take you through to the keys. Catalogue: adriom.me/listings.