Open Call for the Second STAR Rural Residency Programme for Digital Nomads
Combine work, travel, and the exploration of the hidden gems of Herzegovina and Montenegro! With the support of the European Union through the STAR project, applications are now open for the second edition of the Rural Residency Programme for Digital Nomads, taking place from 15 September to 15 October 2026.
Trade your traditional office for a month of living with local hosts across the region. Work at your own pace while spending your free time discovering breathtaking landscapes, experiencing authentic local culture, and connecting with local communities. A unique experience that will inspire and enrich both your professional and personal journey awaits.
Ready for your next adventure? Read on.
About the STAR Project and Residency Programme
The STAR project contributes to the sustainable development of tourism by creating the conditions needed to attract digital nomads as a new target group in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro. Through its activities, the project strengthens the capacities of tourism operators to attract digital nomads, develops a cross-border tourism product tailored to this audience, and raises awareness among both the public and digital nomads about the potential of the two countries as attractive destinations for this growing form of tourism.
What to Expect
The programme is dynamic and includes frequent travel across both countries. During the one-month residency, participants will stay in several locations and visit numerous destinations throughout Montenegro and Herzegovina.
Planned destinations include:
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Ljubuški, Grude, Konjic, Čapljina (Hutovo Blato), Mostar, Stolac and Ravno.
Montenegro: Tivat, Herceg Novi, Nikšić, Plužine, Šavnik, Kolašin, Mojkovac, Danilovgrad and Podgorica.
More information about the Residency Programme is available in the following document: Digital Nomads Rural Residency Programme
What’s Included
Selected participants will receive support covering the main programme costs, including:
- reimbursement of travel expenses up to EUR 400 after successful completion of the programme and fulfilment of all obligations;
- airport transfers;
- transportation throughout the programme (two cars will be available for a group of five digital nomads), with a fuel budget of up to EUR 200 per vehicle;
- accommodation and two meals per day, including one drink with each meal;
- organised activities according to the programme itinerary. Participation in activities is optional but highly recommended to ensure the best possible experience. During the selection process and contract signing, participants will indicate which activities they wish to join to facilitate smooth programme implementation.
Selection Criteria
We are looking for digital nomads who can help promote the destination and local tourism operators through engaging content and active participation in the digital nomad community.
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- the reach and quality of the applicant’s social media community;
- activity and presence within the digital nomad ecosystem (platforms, events, communities, and created content).
A valid driver’s licence and willingness to drive throughout the region are mandatory, as mobility is an essential part of the programme logistics.
Participant Responsibilities
Selected participants are expected to:
- document their stay by creating authentic content promoting the cross-border region and local tourism operators;
- participate as speakers at meetup events in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro;
- complete agreed promotional activities (social media posts, blogs or articles, photography and video content), as well as media appearances in line with the organisers’ communication plan;
- submit a final report upon completion of the programme outlining the activities and obligations fulfilled.
Applications
The application form is available here.
Application deadline: 28 July 2026
Results announcement: No later than 14 August 2026
Important Information
This programme is not an organised tourist tour. Although the itinerary is predefined, participants are encouraged to explore the destinations and their tourism offerings independently, just as they would during a personal trip. Throughout the programme, the project team will be available to provide information, recommendations, and support whenever needed, while participants are encouraged to discover the destinations on their own and create their own unique experience.
As this is a pilot programme, participants are required to use the services of the selected tourism operators, visit the destinations included in the itinerary, and provide honest and constructive feedback. Their insights will contribute to improving service quality, enhancing the overall visitor experience, and further developing the cross-border region as an attractive destination for digital nomads.
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the IPA III Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027.
