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Head to head

Montenegro vs Philippines: the digital nomad visas compared

Low confidence Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Montenegro grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Montenegro — foreign income exempt; Philippines — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Montenegro DNV and the Philippines DNV.
Criteria Montenegro DNV Philippines DNV
Minimum income / month €1,800 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 2 years (better) 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 4 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Digital-nomad foreign-income exemption (Personal Income Tax Law; commonly cited as Art. 32d)) Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €30,000 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €47 —
Where to apply In country, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, Online
Processing time 6–8 weeks —

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Montenegro DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Philippines DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Montenegro → Insurance for Philippines →

Sources