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Banking for Non-Residents in Montenegro: real experience from chats

Short answer
Opening a bank account in Montenegro is generally impossible for non-residents without a residency permit (boravak). Alternatives include using existing foreign-issued cards, relying on remittances, or opening an account in Serbia.

From real experience

Opening a foreign bank account for use in Montenegro can be challenging, especially for short-term tourist stays.
For long-term residency or employment, opening an account in a CIS country that offers multi-currency cards might be simpler. Obtaining a Montenegrin bank account typically requires a residency permit (VНЖ), and even then, it can be difficult without proof of local employment. For purely tourist purposes, using an existing foreign-issued card or arranging for remittances is usually more practical than attempting to open a new, dedicated account.
✓ 1 report from chats
Opening a bank account in Montenegro as a Russian tourist is generally not possible without a residency permit (VНЖ).
While some banks might have offered options for tourists in the past (e.g., Adriatic Bank for a fee), these are often inconsistent. It is recommended to consider opening an account in Serbia as an alternative, which is typically easier for Russians and allows for ruble transfers.
✓ 1 report from chats
Opening a bank account in Montenegro for non-residents (including Russian citizens) is extremely difficult without property ownership or a residency permit (boravak).
Some banks charge high fees (up to 500 EUR) for account opening, and management often requires proof of the specific purpose for the account (e.g., paying for property, school fees).
✓ 1 report from chats
Non-residents without a residence permit (boravak) in Montenegro are generally unable to open bank accounts in local institutions like Lovćen Banka.
Accounts opened for foreigners usually require a valid residence permit; losing that permit status leads to the mandatory closure of the account.
✓ 1 report from chats

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