Combine Work, Slow Travel, and Authentic Rural Experiences in Montenegro & Herzegovina
Are you a digital nomad who loves stepping off the beaten path? Ready to swap your conventional desk for a month-long journey through local households, eco-villages, and breathtaking nature-based tourist hubs?
With the support of the European Union, the STAR Project has officially opened applications for the Second Edition of the Rural Residency Programme for Digital Nomads, running from September 15 to October 15, 2026.
🌿 About the Programme & The STAR Project
The main goal of the STAR Project (Strengthening tourism offer in cross-border area through attracting digital nomads to the rural areas) is to foster sustainable tourism in the cross-border region of Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
The program has mapped and built the capacities of 30 local tourism operators to adapt to the needs of remote workers. Over the course of one month, 5 selected digital nomads will stay with, test, and co-create promotional stories for these service providers.
⚠️ Not a Guided Tour: This is a pilot, self-guided program. While the itinerary is predefined, you are expected to explore destinations independently, test the hosts' remote work infrastructure, and provide honest, constructive feedback to help the region optimize its nomad-friendly offerings.
🎒 What is Included?
Selected participants will receive extensive support to make their stay seamless and productive:
- Flight Reimbursement: Up to €400 per person (refunded upon successful completion of the program and reporting).
- Transportation: 2 rental cars provided for the group to travel between destinations, including fuel allowances of up to €200 per car.
- Meals: Two meals per day (lunch and dinner) plus one beverage included.
- Accommodation: Private, single-room/separate sleeping spaces across various rural and unique host organizations.
- Recommended Activities: Fully covered activities such as rafting, historic tours, cave visits, and safaris (not mandatory, but highly recommended).
🎯 Selection Criteria
To be selected, applicants must m]eet the following criteria:
- Digital Nomad Status: Active engagement and presence within the global remote work/nomad ecosystem (conferences, programs, platforms).
- Community Reach: A solid social media presence or professional blog/platform with an active community.
- Mobility: Must possess a valid driver's license and be fully willing to drive in the region, as rental cars are the primary mode of travel.
📝 Participant Obligations
As a resident, your primary role is to document your experiences and evaluate local infrastructure:
- Community Meetups: Deliver a presentation or speech at two key meetups (one in BiH at Code Hub Mostar and one in Montenegro at Code Hub Nikšić). PDF
- Service Testing: Stay with and use the services of all designated operators on the route. PDF
- Content Creation & Promotion:
- At least 5 social media posts. PDF
- At least 1 detailed blog post or article on your website, LinkedIn, or other professional platforms. PDF
- At least 1 photo per host operator demonstrating their services (with rights for future project promotion). PDF
- At least 1 promotional video featuring destinations in both countries. PDF
- At least 1 local media appearance (TV, radio, or online) in each country, arranged by organizers. PDF
- Willingness to meet local tourism boards or authorities if requested.
🗺️ Programme Itinerary (Autumn 2026)
| Dates | Destination | Key Activities & Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 15 – 18 | Ljubuški (BiH) | Stay at Adria Centar Koćuša; canoe safari. PDF |
| Sept 18 – 20 | Grude (BiH) | Stay at Marića Gaj; joint activity & lunch at Obećana Zemlja Permaculture Homestead. PDF |
| Sept 20 – 23 | Konjic (BiH) | Organized by Visit Konjic; guided tour of Mostar; rafting on Neretva river or hiking. PDF |
| Sept 23 – 25 | Čapljina (BiH) | Stay at Hotel Park Karaotok; Meetup at Code Hub Mostar; boat ride in Hutovo Blato. PDF |
| Sept 25 – 27 | Stolac / Ravno (BiH) | Historical tour (Group 1) & Vjetrenica Cave visit (Group 2). PDF |
| Sept 27 – 30 | Tivat / Herceg Novi (MNE) | Stay at Hostel Anton (Group 1) / Eco Village Klinci (Group 2). PDF |
| Sept 30 – Oct 2 | Nikšić (MNE) | Stay at Đed Radoš / Gea Retreat; Meetup at Code Hub Nikšić; joint lunch. PDF |
| Oct 2 – 5 | Plužine (MNE) | Stay at Grab Ethno Village; Jeep safari and canyon tours. PDF |
| Oct 5 – 7 | Šavnik (MNE) | Stay at Eco Village Nevidio. PDF |
| Oct 7 – 9 | Plužine (MNE) | Stay at Ethno Village Montenegro; hiking in Mrtvica Canyon or Crno Jezero/Žabljak tour. PDF |
| Oct 9 – 11 | Kolašin (MNE) | Stay at Monte Chalet. PDF |
| Oct 11 – 14 | Mojkovac (MNE) | Stay at Ethno Village Štitarica; Tara Canyon tour or hiking. PDF |
| Oct 14 – 15 | Danilovgrad / Podgorica (MNE) | Stay at Rural Household Kamengrad / Hotel Terminus. PDF |
📅 Key Dates & How to Apply Tehnopolis
- Application Deadline: July 28, 2026. Tehnopolis
- Results Announcement: By August 14, 2026. Tehnopolis
- Residency Dates: September 15 – October 15, 2026. Tehnopolisи још 1
The application form and further details can be accessed via the official portal at Tehnopolis.me.
🔗 Official Resources & Applications:
- Apply Here: You can read the official open call details and access the registration forms on the Tehnopolis Portal Open Call Page.
- Official Program Info Pack: Download and review the comprehensive STAR Digital Nomads Rural Residency PDF Brochure for all terms, host overviews, and guidelines.
The project is co-financed by the European Union through the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina - Montenegro 2021-2027, and is jointly implemented by INTERA Technology Park (Mostar), IEC Tehnopolis (Nikšić), and the National Tourism Organisation of Montenegro.
LINKS
Tehnopolis Portal Open Call Page.
STAR Digital Nomads Rural Residency PDF Brochure
Why Montenegro is an ideal destination for digital nomads - Blog
Playworking Montenegro: Coliving place Where Work and Play Meet in the Heart of the Adriatic - Blog