Foreign nationals residing in Bar appreciate the sea, Mediterranean climate, and warm hospitality, though they mention drawbacks such as inadequate public transportation, lack of children’s facilities, unfriendly state administration employees, and excessive bureaucracy in the city beneath Rumija.

Bar has increasingly become a popular choice for foreigners seeking long-term residency in Montenegro in recent years. They enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere throughout the year, feeling a sense of safety as they go about their daily lives.

Hearing various languages spoken in markets, along the promenade, and in parks has become a commonplace experience for Bar’s residents. Some café staff are still learning Montenegrin, resulting in orders often being placed in English or Russian.

The latest census results from 2023 show that Bar is home to 7,534 foreign citizens, with the majority being Russian (2,853), followed by Serbian (1,861) and Ukrainian (941).

A One-Way Ticket

Some immigrants shared with “Vijesti” that they chose Bar for its good reputation, despite having never visited Montenegro before.

Olga Lukomčenko, originally from Odessa, Ukraine, lived in Russia for a decade due to work obligations before relocating to Bar with her husband and two sons in June 2022. At that time, her children were five and two, and they now attend school and kindergarten in Bar.

“We arrived in Montenegro planning to stay indefinitely. Our move wasn’t temporary or experimental; we purchased a one-way ticket and committed to starting anew here,” Lukomčenko recounted to “Vijesti”.

Deciding on a city was challenging since they had never explored Montenegro prior. They relied on online information, experiences shared by others, and distant learning.

The attractions of Bar were numerous, as Lukomčenko explains. They preferred a city that “lives” year-round, as they wanted more than just a seasonal lifestyle. The warmth and friendliness of the people, along with friendships formed at supermarkets, have reinforced their positive experience.

“Family infrastructure is also commendable here, with plenty of schools, kindergartens, playgrounds, and activities for kids. Safety was paramount, as Bar has proved to be a tranquil and secure place to nurture children,” she noted.

She particularly loves the natural surroundings, especially the sea she cherishes from her coastal upbringing, as well as the mountains adored by her husband, who hails from the Caucasus. They spend much of their leisure time in nature, by the sea, in forests, and exploring Old Bar.

“After living here for more than two and a half years, we can confidently affirm that we made the right choice. We truly feel at home, and Bar continues to amaze us daily.”

In Love with the City, My Wife Came Along Too

Twenty-two-year-old Aljanur Masoničić moved to Bar last year from Almaty, Kazakhstan, and expresses that she fell in love with her new city from the very first day, where she also met her husband.

She appreciates how everything is conveniently close – shops, cafés, the beach, and playgrounds. This proximity is especially important to her as a mother of a small child. Her favorite activity is strolling along the promenade with her family, savoring the sea air and joyful ambiance.

The most significant distinction between Bar and her hometown is the presence of the sea, making Bar special in her eyes.

“Another remarkable difference is the kindness of the people. They are far more compassionate and attentive here, especially towards expectant mothers, parents with children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. This welcoming atmosphere is felt everywhere, and I genuinely enjoy living in such kindness.”

Masoničić feels quite comfortable, particularly after marrying a local and discovering her true home in Bar.

“The warmth of the people is overwhelming. They embraced me with open arms, making my life here comfortable and joyous.”

The Opposite of Cold and Huge Moscow

A 37-year-old expatriate from Moscow, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned that he relocated to Bar last summer from Turkey. The decision was based on Bar’s international school and its coastal setting. They sought a spacious city filled with walking and relaxation spots, which Bar provided.

He and his family particularly enjoy the promenade, often visiting local cafes and restaurants.

Contrasting Bar with Moscow—a city of 20 million, thirty times larger than all of Montenegro—he remarked, “Bar lacks public transport, skyscrapers, and a wide selection of products found in Moscow stores. Additionally, extracurricular activities for children are limited to sports like football and basketball. We may have overlooked other options, but the international school offers alternative activities for our child beyond the standard curriculum.”

He appreciates Bar’s low population density as a significant advantage.

“Traffic jams are nearly nonexistent here compared to Moscow, where average commutes can take up to two hours, and even longer if venturing outside the city.”

“Bar’s climate is far more enjoyable than in Moscow, where winter temperatures can plummet below -30 degrees.”

Unkindness of Civil Servants

When asked about their grievances or unmet needs in Bar, many respondents reflected similar sentiments—insufficient public transport, a shopping center with a broader selection of clothing and footwear, and unfriendliness from state employees.

Other foreign residents echoed these frustrations in comments made to the journalist via Telegram groups, which help them communicate in Montenegro.

Some expressed concerns over a lack of fresh fruits and vegetables available, noting that those in stores are often spoiled and considerably pricier at markets.

“There’s also a need for local language courses provided by the municipality or state. We attended similar classes in Turkey, which helped us significantly in language acquisition and cultural understanding,” one interviewee explained.

According to this resident, Beach infrastructure has long needed repairs and upgrades.

Bureaucratic hurdles also contribute to dissatisfaction, alongside experiences of unkindness from civil servants and shop staff.

“Thus far, the only negative experience we’ve had has been related to administrative personnel.”

One person suggested that bicycle rentals would enhance mobility in Bar, creating a more varied and practical means of transport. They also yearn for a quality ice rink for rollerblading in summer and ice skating in winter.

Several respondents highlighted a significant issue: the waste left by tourists on the beaches detracts from the atmosphere, even for those now considering themselves “locals”.

There’s also noted potential for improvement in organizing parking during the tourist season.