Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Guide (2023)

Over the past couple of years, Croatia slowly but steadily became a new digital nomad hotspot. 

By some estimations, Croatia sees as many as 10,000 digital nomads every month, which doesn’t come as a surprise, considering that this Mediterranean country has quite a few advantages that appeal to the average digital nomad. 

Of course, the fact that Croatia has a digital nomad visa is one of the most compelling ones. Well, we say “digital nomad visa,” but what Croatia actually introduced on January 1st, 2021 is a digital nomad residence permit. 

Colloquially known as the Croatia remote work visa, this permit is different compared to what other European countries offer to digital nomads due to several reasons:

• It has fewer requirements,
• It allows applicants to apply from Croatia,
• It has a very low minimum income requirement, and
• It cannot be extended (at least not immediately).

But, which requirements do you have to meet in order to qualify for the Croatia digital nomad visa and how hard is it to actually get one? In this guide, we’ll cover:

• All the details about the Croatia digital nomad visa,
• Step-by-step instructions on how to actually get one,
• The advantages and disadvantages of visiting Croatia as a digital nomad, and
• The top destinations in Croatia for digital nomads.

So, let’s see what Croatia has to offer, shall we?

Quick digital nomad visa facts for Croatia

Croatia visa questions	Croatia visa answers
Does Croatia have a digital nomad visa?	Yes, the Digital nomad residence permit
When was Croatia’s digital nomad visa introduced?	January 1st, 2021
Who can apply for Croatia’s digital nomad visa?	– Non-EU/EAA citizens who are salaried employees of a non-Croatian company. – Non-EU/EAA citizens who are freelancers working for non-Croatian clients and/or companies. – Non-EU/EAA citizens who are self-employed and providing services to non-Croatian clients.
How much does a Croatia digital nomad visa cost?	€80–€130 (~ $86–$140.71)
Croatia’s digital nomad visa length?	Up to 1 year
Minimum stay requirement?	None
Possible to extend the visa?	No, although you can apply for it again after you’ve been out of Croatia for 6 months
Minimum income requirements?	– €2,539.31 (~$2,737.43) per month or – €30,471.72 (~$32,849.12) for the whole year
Processing time for visa application?	Officially 3–4 weeks, but realistically between 3 and 4 months
Can I apply with family members for a digital nomad visa?	Yes, but the minimum income requirements increase by 10% for every family member that applies with you.

What to expect as a digital nomad in Croatia?

Croatia has quickly climbed to the very top of the “most liked” countries for digital nomads because it has quite a bit to offer. Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect as a digital nomad in Croatia.

Croatia digital nomad FAQ	Croatia digital nomad answers
Average Internet speed:	– 45.61 Mbps — Median download speed – 19.39 Mbps — Median upload speed
Best coworking space (highest Google rating and number of voters):	HUB385 in Zagreb (4,7 stars from 196 voters)
Friendly to foreigners:	Yes — a lot of the locals depend on tourism, which is why they welcome foreigners and are quite friendly and helpful to them.
Most popular place for digital nomads in Croatia:	Zagreb — as the capital of Croatia, Zagreb has an excellent infrastructure, which makes it the ideal spot for digital nomads. With a rich history, friendly locals, and an affordable cost of living, Zagreb is the most popular digital nomad spot.
Weather in Croatia’s most popular place for digital nomads:	– Average annual temperature 22.1°C (72°F); – Coldest month average temperatures (January) — -3°C–3°C (26°F–38°F); – Hottest month average temperatures (July) — 15°C–27°C (59°F–80°F); – 49 sunny days;  – 130 rainy days;  – Occasional urban floods and storms.
Type of climate:	– Mediterranean climate – Continental climate
Annual air quality average:	– US AQI — 78 (moderate quality, some health hazards) – PM2.5 — 5.1x the WHO annual air quality guideline value (unhealthy for sensitive groups)
Average cost of living:	– Family of four: €2,258 (~$2,391) per month – Single person: €977 (~$1,035) per month
Average coworking space cost:	€160 per month (~$170)
Crime per 100k population:	0.97
Interesting fact for digital nomads:	– Zadar has a digital nomad village. – Croatia has a Digital Nomad Association.

What digital nomad visas does Croatia offer?

Croatia was the second EU country to take the leap and introduce a visa strictly for digital nomads. After the pioneer move Estonia made in 2020 in order to attract more visitors in the midst of the pandemic, Croatia, a country that relies heavily on tourism income, was quick to jump on this bandwagon. 

The tourism sector is the most economically valuable in Croatia (around 19% of the gross national product), which is why the country’s economy took quite a hit during the peak of the Coronavirus outbreak. Eager to do something that would attract people to Croatia, the officials started looking into various solutions.

However, the current digital nomad resident permit that exists in Croatia was more a result of a “for the community by the community” effort, given that it was spearheaded by a Dutch entrepreneur living in Croatia who noticed that the country’s economy was struggling and invited the country’s officials to explore the digital nomad avenue. 

That’s how the idea for the Croatia digital nomad visa was born. The idea eventually ended up being refined so, today, we have the digital nomad residence permit at our disposal. 

Aside from it, Croatia also offers two other visa options that might suit the needs of digital nomads (but aren’t strictly digital nomad-related):

• Type C short-term visa, and
• Type D long-term visa.

Although a part of the EU and the most recent addition to the Schengen Area, Croatia still has quite a low cost of living compared to other EU countries. That makes it a perfect choice for everyone who wants to enjoy the perks of the Union without paying a small fortune for it and also explains (in part) why digital nomads love it. 

So, let’s see which requirements a digital nomad has to meet in order to obtain a Croatian visa.

Croatia digital nomad residence permit

Prompted by a foreign entrepreneur and developed with input from digital nomads, the Croatia digital nomad residence permit allows digital nomads to live and work in Croatia for up to a year.

Of course, it does have a couple of stipulations and requirements. 

Firstly, the permit that Croatia offers is only available to digital nomads.  According to Republic of Croatia Ministry of the Interior, a digital nomad is “a third-country national (this means a non EU/EEA/Swiss citizen) who is employed or performs work through communication technology for a company or his own company that is not registered in the Republic of Croatia and does not perform work or provide services to employers in the Republic of Croatia.”

To translate this into regular people talk, the Croatia digital nomad visa requirements are:

• You need to be a citizen of a country that isn’t a part of EU/EAA (or Switzerland),
• You need to be able to work remotely (by using communications technology like wifi), and
• You need to work for a company or own a company that isn’t registered in Croatia.

Aside from that, you’ll also need proof of:

• Travel insurance that covers the duration of your stay in Croatia, 
• Substantial finances, which give the government insight into your earnings for the past 6 months and prove that you earn at least €2,539.31 (~$2,737.43) per month or, alternatively, that you already have at least €30,471.72 (~$32,849.12) in your account,
• A clean criminal record, and
• A residence address in Croatia.

Although quite straightforward at first glance, in practice, the process of getting the Croatia digital nomad visa residence permit can be somewhat convoluted. Digital nomads who want to apply are often left with a lot of questions that seemingly don’t have answers. 

Well, fret not, because we have them and we’ll provide some of them below.

How long is the Croatia digital nomad visa valid for?

Once approved, the Croatia digital nomad visa (or a residence permit) allows you to stay and work in Croatia for up to 1 year. 

After that year is up, you can’t just renew your visa. 

Instead, the Croatian law demands that you leave Croatia for at least 6 months.

There has to be at least 6 months between the day your permit expires and the day you apply for a new one. So, only after those 6 months are up can you try to get a new permit. 

But, do you really have to leave Croatia the day your residence permit expires?

That depends. If your permit expires and you still haven’t used up your allotted 90 days that you can spend in the Schengen area visa-free, then you can stay in Croatia for those additional 90 days. However, after that, you’ll have to leave not only Croatia but the entire Schengen Area since one can’t stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days in a 180-day period.

A digital nomad currently residing in Split, Croatia, Natalia Ivanikova, cites this as one of the few issues that Croatia digital nomad visa has. 

Can the Croatia digital nomad visa be used to gain citizenship or a permanent residence?

The fact that you can’t renew your Croatian digital nomad visa immediately might seem like a downside to most people. But, this visa was never created to be a long-term visa for people on a path to Croatian citizenship. 

According to the Croatian Law on Foreigners, to qualify for permanent residence that will eventually allow you to get citizenship, you must:

• Spend 5 continuous years in Croatia, and 
• Spend no more than 10 months outside of Croatia during those 5 years. 

The stipulations of the digital nomad visa (which demand you leave Croatia for 6 months after your residency permit expires) clearly block any attempts for permanent residence.

But, that’s not necessarily a bad thing because it’s, in part, what allowed the rest of the requirements to be somewhat straightforward. By removing the possibility of extension, the government essentially removed several layers of bureaucracy.

This is an excellent thing because, as you’ll probably find, dealing with the Croatian bureaucracy is a daunting task. 

We spoke to Andrea Woods, a Canadian digital nomad who first visited Croatia on a tourist visa in 2020. Since then, she’s had two digital nomad residency permits granted by the Croatian government. But, as she says, it hasn’t been easy.

What documents do I need for the digital nomad residence permit?

There are 3 different ways you can apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa:

1. Online, from abroad or from Croatia if you don’t need an entry visa,
2. By submitting an application in a Croatian consulate or embassy if you do need an entry visa, and
3. By visiting a local police station in Croatia.

This is actually one of the major advantages of the Croatian digital nomad visa. Ivanikova chimed in on that topic.

So, the option to apply online is a big hit among digital nomads. But, no matter which option you choose, you’re going to need the same, specific set of documents. But don’t worry — as Natalia said, there aren’t that many of them.

One of the most important things to remember is that if you’re applying online, all of your documents need to be submitted in PDF form. If they aren’t, they’ll most likely be rejected and you’ll be forced to repeat your application (or, at the very least, resend the documents).

Documents to include in your application

Your Croatia digital nomad visa application should include the following:

• A completed application form,
• A copy of your passport or another valid travel document, which must be valid for at least three months after your stay in Croatia is finished,
• Proof of travel or private health insurance (from a company that covers the territory of the Republic of Croatia),
• Proof of purpose — a contract or another official document that proves that you are able to conduct your work by using communication technology for a non-Croatian company (yours or owned by a third party),
• Proof of means of subsistence — proof that you either earn more than €2,539.31 (~$2,737.43) per month or that you have more than €30,471.72 (~$32,849.12) in your account (this number proves your means of subsistence for the full year), 
• Proof that you haven’t been convinced of any criminal offenses in your home country or in a country in which you have been living for a year or more prior to arriving in Croatia, and
• Proof of accommodation.

What to include as proof of purpose for the Croatia digital nomad visa?

Proof of purpose demonstrates to the Croatian government that you:

• Are indeed a digital nomad who is able to conduct work through communication technology,
• Work for an employer or employers who aren’t registered as a company in Croatia, or
• Own a company that isn’t registered in Croatia.

As proof of purpose, you can submit one of the following documents:

• A signed, official statement from your foreign employer that proves that you have permission to work remotely (by using communication technology), and
• A contract of employment or service with an employer who isn’t registered in Croatia (so a foreign employer), or
• A copy of the registration of your own company, if you’re providing services for clients through your own company. The company you own can’t be registered in Croatia.

It’s always better to have more documents than you need than fewer. That’s why you can also submit any company registration documents, the tax number of your company, contracts you have with clients, etc. — anything that proves that you won’t do business in Croatia. 

What to include in the proof of means of subsistence for the Croatia digital nomad visa?

Means of subsistence is just proof that you earn or have enough money to support yourself during your stay in Croatia. In other words, you need to prove that you’re earning more than the required monthly minimum (€2,539.31 (~$2,737.43) per month).

However, since the visa is issued for up to a year, the Croatian government allows digital nomads to also prove means of subsistence on a yearly basis. 

If you have more than €30,471.72 (~$32,849.12) in your account at the moment of submitting the application (which is enough money to support yourself for a full year in Croatia), then the Croatian government will find you suitable for the digital nomad visa.

As proof of means of subsistence, you can provide one of the following:

• A bank statement showing that you have enough money in your account for the full year, 
• A bank statement proving that your regular monthly income exceeded the required monthly minimum, or
• Payslips for the previous 6 months that prove that your regular monthly income exceeded the required monthly minimum.

What to include as proof of a clean criminal record for the Croatia digital nomad visa?

To prove you have a clean criminal record, you have to go through a background check. You must provide legalized documents from your home country or the country in which you were a resident for at least a year prior to arriving in Croatia. 

These documents have to be authenticated in accordance with the regulations of the country of their origin.

If you’re from the US, you’ll need to get a federal background check from the FBI (not one from the state you’re originally from). 

Citizens of the States can receive their background check in one of 2 ways:

1. Electronically via email — by submitting a form online, getting their fingerprints taken in any post office in the US, and receiving their background check via email, or
2. Via First-Class Mail (US Postal Service — by filling an online application, submitting fingerprints online, and receiving their background check via physical mail.

Keep in mind that the validity of the FBI background check expires after 6 months, so time it right when applying for the digital nomad visa.

How to deal with potential background check issues?

The law regarding this particular requirement isn’t exactly clear. What’s more, the interpretation of the law can also change from police station to police station. Therefore,  you might get various information regarding which documents you actually have to submit depending on where you go to apply. 

Woods gave us some additional input regarding these difficulties.

Woods continued by saying that, aside from being a bit unnecessary in some cases, the criminal background check is also a lengthy process.

That’s quite a runaround. So, if you’re planning on applying for the visa from any other country than your own, be prepared to jump through some hoops.

Do I need to book or rent a place in Croatia as part of the visa application?

Proof of accommodation is one of the necessary documents that you’ll need to apply for the visa. 

For proof of accommodation, you need to provide the authorities with a valid Croatian address. At first, the address can be:

• Permanent, in which case, you’ll need to provide proof of booking or a rental agreement, or 
• Temporary, in which case they’ll need proof of booking from your hostel or hotel.

The address is a necessity because, based on your address, you’ll be assigned to a local police station that has jurisdiction of the area. They will be in charge of processing your application on a local level.

If you opt to apply with a temporary address (like a hostel or a hotel booking), know that you’ll have to get a permanent address once your residence application gets approved. You’ll need to supply the authorities with a notarized contract that proves you have a permanent place to stay for the duration of your visa.

Keep in mind that booking a place might be more difficult than you’re used to. Ivanikova warns about potential issues with the accommodation.

Do I need a Croatian bank account for the digital nomad visa?

A Croatian bank account isn’t a necessity for the visa. You can open one, but all the authorities really need from you are documents that prove you have enough money to sustain yourself in Croatia for the duration of your stay. 

Can I apply for the digital nomad visa if I’m already in Croatia?

Yes, there is an option to apply while you’re in Croatia. 

Quite a few digital nomads opt to go this route and arrive in Croatia as tourists or on a type D visa (of which we’ll talk more later on), only to apply for the digital nomad residence permit later on.

However, keep in mind that this could potentially be risky. The wait time for the visa is quite long (even though the official website states the wait is only 3–4 weeks) and can last for up to 4 months (sometimes even longer). 

That might mean you won’t have enough time to gather all the necessary documents, submit them online or in the police station that has jurisdiction of your area, and wait for the visa to get approved.

Can freelancing digital nomads with short-term contracts apply for the digital nomad visa? 

Yes, you can apply for a Croatia digital nomad visa even if you’re a freelancer. However, you will need to provide the authorities with:

• Contracts you have with your clients that prove you’re working remotely,
• Proof that all of your employers/clients are not Croatian nationals (and that their companies aren’t registered in Croatia), 
• Proof that your company isn’t registered in Croatia, and
• Proof that you meet the minimum income requirements (on a monthly or a yearly basis).

Can my family apply for the digital nomad visa with me if I’m the breadwinner?

Under the family reunification rules of the Croatian law, your immediate family members can join you in Croatia. They don’t have to apply for the digital nomad visa separately, as you can include their documents along with your application. 

For each family member that you apply with, your minimum income requirement will increase by 10%.

Under the Croatian law, immediate family members are:

• Spouse,
• Common law partner, and
• Minor children.

If you apply along with your family members, aside from the standard documents that are required, your application must also include:

• A marriage certificate for your spouse,
• An extract from the birth register or proof of adoption for each minor child, and
• Proof of a civil union. 

Keep in mind that Croatia has some specific requirements regarding what can and can’t be classified as a “common-law partner.”

How can I apply with my common-law partner?

To be able to apply with your common-law partner, you must be with them for at least 3 years (shorter if you have a child together, in which case, you’ll have to provide that child’s birth certificate, even if you aren’t including the child on the application). 

Furthermore, your common-law partner can only come to Croatia with you if you can provide:

• An extract from the register of common-law partnerships,
• A statement by both you and your partner regarding your shared life together,
• Statements from witnesses who can confirm that you’re actually partners and that you’ve been together for at least 3 years,
• Proof that you’ve been living together in Croatia or any other country for at least 3 years prior to applying for the visa, or
• Any other proof that you’re in a common-law partnership and that you’ll continue to live together once you arrive in Croatia.

Of course, you don’t actually need to provide all of these documents. If you’re a registered common-law partnership, then all you really have to do is prove that, just like you’d prove a marriage with a marriage certificate. 

However, it’s important to keep in mind that all these documents need to be valid according to the Croatian standards. Here’s what Woods had to say about that.

Who is eligible to apply for Croatia’s digital nomad visa?

Like other countries in the EU, Croatia aimed this digital nomad residence permit at non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens. Citizens of these areas and countries don’t have to apply for the digital nomad visa, since they already have the right to live and work in Croatia.

However, citizens of the EU/EEA/Switzerland can apply for residency in Croatia. There are two different types of residency available to them:

• Short-term residency — that regulates their stay for up to 90 days, and
• Temporary residency — that regulates their stay for more than 90 days.

Digital nomads from other countries need to apply for the digital nomad visa.

Are you eligible if you are a United States citizen?

US citizens can apply for the digital nomad visa. Just like the members of the EU/EEA/Switzerland, citizens of the US can enter Croatia without a visa no matter what their purpose of travel is and spend up to 90 days there.

Of course, the US isn’t the only country with this privilege. Other third-country nationals can also enter Croatia without a visa. Here are a few examples: 

• Australia,
• Canada,
• Peru
• Brazil,
• Israel, and
• Malaysia.

Are you eligible if you are a US Green Card holder?

All citizens of non-EU/EEA countries can apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa. The only question is whether you can do it from within Croatia or not. 

Unfortunately, having a US green card doesn’t automatically mean that you can enter Croatia without a visa. 

For example, if you’re a US green card holder but originally a citizen of one of the following states, you might not be able to entire Croatia without a visa:

• China,
• Ghana,
• India,
• Lebanon,
• Morocco,
• Philippines,
• South Africa, or
• Thailand.

So, while you are eligible to apply for the digital nomad visa no matter which country you’re from (as long as you meet the requirements), you might only be able to do it online or in a Croatian consulate or embassy in your home country.

Are you eligible if you are an EU citizen?

EU citizens don’t have to apply for the digital nomad visa. Instead, they can live and work in Croatia for up to 90 days (with a short-term residency permit) or for longer than 90 days (with a temporary residency permit).

Are you eligible if you reside in any other country?

As mentioned, all third-country nationals can apply for a digital nomad visa in Croatia. However, some might not be able to enter Croatia and apply from within the country without first obtaining a D type visa (short-term stay visa or a temporary stay visa).

There are a few exceptions though. 

For example, if you’re a third-country national that holds certain valid documents that were issued to you by a Schengen member state, then you won’t need a D type visa for Croatia. These documents are usually either residency permits or C type visas issued by a Schengen member state. 

Furthermore, if you are a third-country national that holds a Bulgarian, Romanian, or Cypriot visa, you won’t need a Croatian visa for a stay shorter than 90 days.

How do I get a digital nomad visa for Croatia?

Obtaining a Croatia digital nomad residence permit isn’t easy. As Woods already testified, it can be a difficult and arduous process. 

To make things easier for you, we’ve made this 7-step guide on what you should do. 

Step #1: Pick an application method

Before doing anything, you need to pick your method of application. If you don’t need a visa to enter Croatia, you can apply:

• Online, 
• In a Croatian consulate or embassy in your home country, or 
• Directly in Croatia. 

If, however, you do need a visa to enter Croatia, you must apply either in a consulate or embassy or online. 

If you’re applying in a consulate or embassy, make sure to call them and check on the current requirements. As mentioned, rules and minute requirements can change from consulate to consulate, so make sure you know what yours will demand from you.

Step #2: Gather all the documents

Gathering the necessary documents will take time. If you’re already in Croatia and are applying for the digital nomad visa during your 90-day visa-free stay, keep in mind that some documents might take longer than others to arrive. 

The FBI criminal check, for example, takes a few weeks or even more than a month to arrive via mail to you. 

Step #3: Pay the application fees and submit your application

After you’ve ensured that you have all the documents (translated and notarized), you can submit your application online or in person. 

If you’re doing it online, remember that all your documents must be in PDF form. 

Those who apply in person should remember to make extra copies of their documents.

The application fees differ depending on the method you’ve chosen. 

If you’ve applied through a consulate or embassy, you’ll have to pay:

• €55,74 (~$59) for the temporary stay permit,
• €93 (~$98) for a D-type visa (if it was necessary), and
• €41,14 (~$44) for the biometric residence card. 

You’ll pay the same fees if you apply online as well.

If you’ve applied directly at a police station, you’ll have to pay:

• €46,45 (~$49) for the temporary stay permit, 
• €31,85 (~$34) for the biometric card, and
• €9,29 (~$10) for the administrative fees.

Step #4: Wait for the application to get processed

The Croatian government states that the waiting period typically doesn’t last more than 3–4 weeks. In extreme cases, it can take up to 12 weeks. 

However, Ivanikova says that the visas rarely get processed that quickly.

That’s quite the wait. However, waiting to get your visa processed and approved doesn’t have to be that big of an issue. Ivanikova continued:

So while you can wait for the visa to be approved from within Croatia, you can’t really use that time to backpack across Europe, it seems.

If you’ve applied online or in a consulate, you’ll receive an email when your application gets processed. If you’ve applied in person, you’ll most likely get a call or an SMS to the Croatian number you provided during the application.

Your chances of getting the Croatia digital nomad visa are fairly decent. In 2022, the Croatian government received 1223 applications. Out of those, 595 were approved and only 24 were refused. The rest, presumably, were not complete or had some other issues that prolonged their approval.

Step #5: Travel to Croatia

Once you get the green light, if you’re not following in Ivanikova’s footsteps and patiently waiting for your visa from within Croatia, you can finally travel there. 

You have to arrive in Croatia within 30 days of the application approval. If you don’t need a visa to enter Croatia, you can simply go and enter the country without an issue. 

If, however, you do need a visa, you will need to apply for a type D visa that allows you to enter Croatia multiple times over a period of 6 months. 

It’s actually smart to apply for this visa at the same time as for the digital nomad residency permit, so you don’t have to wait for two visas. That way, you will be able to head down to Croatia immediately after your D-type visa is approved and wait for your digital nomad residency permit there.

Step#6: Register a temporary address

Once you arrive in Croatia, you’ll have 3 days to register a temporary address. To do that, you’ll have to go to the nearest police station (MUP). There, you will:

• Fill out Form 8a (called Obrazac 8a in Croatian), and
• Present proof of accommodation (a rental agreement or a booking confirmation).

If you only have a temporary address (as in, a short hotel or hostel booking), don’t worry. You can always change the address later by doing the same process again at the nearest police station.

Step #7: Apply for the biometric residency card

Finally, the last step of the process is to apply for the Biometric Residence Permit. This permit (or a card) is necessary for all digital nomads who intend to stay in Croatia longer than 3 months. 

Issuing of this card costs €31,85 or €59,73 if you want the process to be done quickly (the accelerated procedure). Aside from that, you also need to pay a €9,29 administrative fee.

Can I live in Croatia without a digital nomad visa while working remotely?

You can work and live in Croatia if you’re a citizen of:

• EU,
• Switzerland,
• Norway,
• Iceland,
• Liechtenstein, or
• Principality of Andorra.

However, you do need to get a residence permit in order to do so. 

Third-country nationals need to obtain a visa (a work visa or a digital nomad residence permit) in order to live and work in Croatia.

What other types of visas suitable for digital nomads does Croatia offer?

If you can’t obtain a digital nomad residence permit in Croatia, there are a few other options you can explore. Sadly, neither of them can provide what the actual digital nomad visa is offering — a legal way to work and live in Croatia for up to a year. 

However, if you’re interested in a shorter stay, you can try for one of these two visas:

• Type C short-term visa, or
• Type D temporary visa.

The first is a typical Schengen area visa while the other is a national Croatian visa.

Type #1: Type C short-term visa

The short-term visa is valid for 90 days during a period of 180 days. 

It’s valid for all countries that are members of the Schengen Area, so if you’re planning on visiting multiple Schengen Area members, you need to be careful not to run out of time on your visa. 

If you’re not sure how many days you’ve already spent in the Schengen Area (and how many you got left), you can check out the short-stay visa calculator. 

Type #2: Type D long-term visa

Type D visa is a national Croatian visa that’s usually granted to people who have applied for other visas (such as the work visa or the digital nomad visa). It allows them to enter Croatia one or more times for a period of up to 30 days. 

It’s usually used by people who want to sort out their paperwork (like registering an address and getting a biometric card) before they get the actual visa they originally applied for.

Which Croatia visa type is best for digital nomads?

Since it was made specifically for digital nomads (and with input from digital nomads), the digital nomad residency permit is the best choice for anyone looking to work and live in Croatia for more than 3 months. 

Aside from being tailor-made, this residency permit also doesn’t cut into the time you’re allowed to spend in the Schengen Area. What’s more, it actually prolongs it, given that the Croatia digital nomad visa holders can enjoy all the privileges of EU nationals for the duration of their visa.

Costs you need to consider as a digital nomad in Croatia

As a member of the EU with quite a lower standard of living than most of its other members, Croatia serves as an affordable gateway into Europe for digital nomads. 

It’s conveniently located and cheap compared to some other countries. For instance, Germany has a 28% higher cost of living than Croatia does. Similarly, in France,  the cost of living is 29% higher than in Croatia. That makes Croatia a perfect choice for digital nomads who want to travel on a budget. 

Still, living in another country — even one that’s so much cheaper than the rest of the Western Europe — comes at a cost. 

Let’s take a look at some expenses that digital nomads can expect in Croatia.

Expense #1: Rent/Accommodation

Accommodation is the biggest expense any digital nomad has. Unless you’re touring Croatia by couch surfing, you’ll need to rent out at least a room. 

Depending on where you want to be and which month of the year you pick to visit Croatia, the accommodation costs will vary drastically. Your rent expense won’t be as high in Osijek as it will be on the coast.

Most digital nomads opt for coastal towns or, alternatively, the capital, Zagreb. These spots are typically more expensive than smaller towns that aren’t on the coast. Take a look at how prices vary in different Croatian cities.

City	Average cost of rent for a one-bedroom apartment (per month)
Zagreb	€600–€1,000 (~$630–$1,050)
Dubrovnik	€500–800 (~$525–840)
Osijek	€550 (~$580)
Zadar	€500 (~$525)
Rovinj	€650 (~$685)
Split	€500–€700 (~$530–$740)

Keep in mind that these prices might be completely different during high season, especially in coastal towns. 

During spring and summer, most property owners opt to rent out their houses and apartments on a nightly basis to cater to tourists (and earn more money). During those months the prices go up and the availability goes down. 

Our expert Andrea Woods adds:

Although most extreme in cities like Dubrovnik, the rise of prices that happens as soon as summer rolls around is evident everywhere. Woods commented:

Expense #2: Utilities

On average, you’ll pay between €140 and €170 (~$147–$180) for utilities every month. That includes:

• Electricity,
• Heating,
• Cooling,
• Gas,
• Water, and 
• Garbage.

Utilities are sometimes bundled with rent. That’s something you definitely need to pay attention to as it can affect the overall price you pay for a rental. 

Aside from the basic amenities, your utilities can sometimes include cable and internet. The cost of a flat, unlimited internet and cable combo package is between €30 and €40 (~$32–$42). 

Expense #3: Transportation

Out of all the expenses, transportation will be the most affordable one. Croatia has quite a well-developed infrastructure, and the towns (especially those on the coast) are well-connected with bus and ferry routes. 

With over 1700 km of coastline, more than a thousand islands, and several dozens of towns inland, having such an extensive public transportation network is quite a feat. 

Big cities like Zagreb and Zadar have excellent public transportation services. On average, a daily card costs around €0.53 (~$0.60) for a 30-minute ride and €3.98 (~$4.20) for an all-day pass. 

City in Croatia	Single fare ticket	Multi day ticket	Monthly pass
Zagreb	€0.53–€3.98 (~$0.60–$4.20)	€3.98–€26.54 (~$4.20–$28)	€53,09 (~$56)
Zadar	€1.32 (~$1.1)	/	€17,91–€33 (~$18,90–$35)
Osijek	€1.32 (~$1.1)	/	€17,91–€33 (~$18,90–$35)

Expense #4: Groceries

Although it may seem unbelievable, Croatians spend only 20% of their income on rent (during low season). In comparison, around 33% of their income is spent on groceries. 

Considering how high rent is in some places (we’re looking at you, Dubrovnik), this might seem like a surprising number to some. 

However, take into account that big tourist hubs like Dubrovnik don’t see a lot of native renters. Natives aren’t really keen to spend half of their earnings on rent, but they are more than happy to spend money on food.

Take a look at the average distribution of expenses of a typical Croatian.

Prices of food in Croatia vary depending on where you’re shopping. Local markets that offer fresh produce from local distributors are often the cheapest (and, coincidentally, the healthiest). 

But, overall, the prices of food in Croatia look something like this:

• €1.04 (~$1.10) — 1l (~34 fl oz) of milk, 
• €1.06 (~$1.12) — 1 loaf of bread, 
• €8.15 (~$9) — a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of chicken filets, and 
• €9.94 (~$10.50) — a kilogram of red meat. 

Expense #5: Restaurants, cafes, and bakeries

Croatia is famous for its food. Although the same can be said for a lot of countries, Croatia has easy but exciting cuisine that’s both distinctive and typically Mediterranean. Not everyone will like everything Croatia has to offer, but the people have come to appreciate and even celebrate that. 

Of course, the prices of Croatian dishes vary depending on where and what you’re eating. 

A meal for two in a typical, mid-range restaurant will be around €40 (~$42) while a soiree in a high-end restaurant won’t cost under €100 (~$110).

Not everything is that pricey. A cup of coffee in a coffee shop will cost you €1.65 (~$1.74), while you’ll be able to get a bottle of Coca Cola for just over €2 (~$2.10).

If you like to party, you’ll be happy to hear the prices of drinks in bars and clubs are more than decent. A mid-range bottle of wine is just over €6 (~$6.32) while imported beer is around €5 (~$5.30)

Expense #6: Internet

The most important item on this list (and one where we spare no expense) is the internet. As remote workers, we depend on having a stable internet connection to keep us going throughout our work day. 

As mentioned, you won’t pay more than €30 to €40 (~$32–$42) for a cable and internet bundle package.

The internet in Croatia is decent or more than decent (depending on how lucky you are). According to a global survey, Croatia ranks 53rd when it comes to internet affordability and 31st when it comes to internet quality. Our expert Woods didn’t really have any complaints:

Expense #7: Coworking space

For those of you who prefer to start your day in an actual office, Croatia has plenty of coworking spaces. On average, you’ll pay around €150 (~$160) for a monthly pass in a Croatian coworking space. 

Croatia ranks 55th in the world when it comes to the average coworking space price. 

If you like to work from a rented office, keep in mind that Zagreb and Zadar are the cities with the most coworking spaces. Small towns, especially those that kind of die down during low season, won’t have as many amenities to offer. 

Do digital nomads pay tax in Croatia?

One of the major benefits for digital nomads is that they don’t have to pay taxes in Croatia. Considering that most European countries have laws that demand residents to pay taxes after spending more than 183 days in the country, Croatia really went off the beaten path there. 

When the Croatian tax and immigration legislation were amended to include digital nomads and make regulations for the new visa, the decision was made that digital nomads aren’t going to be taxed in Croatia based on their status. So, by obtaining the digital nomad residency permit, you’re essentially getting a special status and are exempt from taxes in Croatia. 

Of course, you’ll probably still have to pay taxes at home (depending on the rules and regulations of your country).

However, there is one taxation rule that you will have to pay attention to in Croatia. 

When you obtain a digital nomad visa, you have to go to the police to register your address in order to get a residency permit and a biometric card. Registering your address means showing proof of a rental agreement or a booking. As Ivanikova says, that has specific financial consequences.

What are the benefits of being a digital nomad in Croatia?

Digital nomads are flocking to Croatia, which is why Nomad List named it the most liked country in the world by digital nomads for 2023.

But, why do digital nomads like Croatia so much?

Benefit #1: Easy to get to and get around 

One of the major benefits of Croatia is its location. It serves as a link between Western Europe and the Balkans, thus providing digital nomads who come to visit the best of both worlds. They can hop pretty much anywhere they want for a day or two or even for an extended weekend. 

Croatia has 9 international airports, and all the biggest tourist (and digital nomad) destinations have one. That means it’s easy for nomads to find their way to Croatia and their chosen micro-location (no matter what it may be).

However, keep in mind that just because a town has an airport doesn’t mean you’ll be able to hop on a flight to anywhere. 

Ivanikova says:

While not all airports offer international flights, they are all well-connected to the capital, Zagreb, which makes Croatia easy to get to and use as a traveling base.

Benefit #2: Safe and stable

Croatia is, overall, quite a safe country. It ranked 17th on the Global Peace Index scale for the second year in a row, besting Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy.

Safety and stability are among the vital factors for digital nomads. Unfriendly locals, social unrests, and political turbulences aren’t something that is particularly alluring to digital nomads.

Thankfully, Croatia is anything but. A member of both the EU and NATO, Croatia is stable and protected. Although it does leave something to be desired when it comes to the safety of minorities, Croatia is an overall safe country. 

Our trusted expert Andrea Woods confirms this:

Ivanikova agrees with her:

So, the safety levels for digital nomads (especially women) seem to be satisfactory. Unfortunately, POC and LGBTQ+ minorities don’t really enjoy the same privileges as the rest of the people in Croatia, as indicated by the Equaldex index of LGBTQ rights. 

Benefit #3: Ideal for island hopping

Who can resist a bit of island life, are we right? 

Croatia is known as the land of 1,000 islands (1244, to be precise). Of course, not all of them are inhabitable or even fit for a visit, but the scattered Croatian coast looks beautiful, so at least all of them are gorgeous to look at. 

Aside from island hopping, you can also enjoy the Croatian riviera from the main coast. Each coastal town has its own riva or the seaside promenade that you can strut down in the evenings after you spend the sunny, warm days on one of the country’s 93 Blue Flag beaches.

Benefit #4: Warm and with mild winters (usually)

Croatia technically has 2 different climates:

• The Mediterranean climate on the coast, and 
• The continental climate inland. 

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, although the mild Mediterranean climate is what most people visit Croatia for.

Warm summers and cold winters are typical for the continental parts of Croatia. If you like to experience all four seasons during the year, Zagreb or another inland city are the ideal places for you. 

However, if you prefer to have more than 200 sunny days, you should consider spending them on the coast. If you like to be active while nomading, you can spend your days hiking through Croatia’s rugged coastal topography.

Many people pick Croatia as both a summer and winter destination because of its climate. In fact, Woods and her husband were first drawn to Croatia because of the mild weather. 

Benefit #5: Affordable 

Overall, Croatia has a lower cost of living than quite a few countries of Western Europe. 

For example, Croatia has 56.2% lower costs of housing than the EU average, while restaurants and hotels are 18.8% cheaper than in the EU (on average). 

Food prices are 5.5% lower than the EU average, and transportation services are 12.4% lower. 

Overall, you’ll buy more for less in Croatia than you would in most other EU countries. 

However, the exact costs vary depending on where in Croatia you are and the time of the year. As mentioned, the high season sees an increase in prices of pretty much everything across the country.

However, comparatively, even during high season, Croatia is still an affordable country.

Benefit #6: Hospitable

Croatians are typically quite friendly and helpful. They love to joke around and have a laidback lifestyle that they cherish. Their relaxed approach to life isn’t surprising, given that they rank 40th on the Global Prosperity Index. 

You’ll often find a typical local drinking coffee for a couple of hours and chatting the day away. Luckily, you’ll just as often hear them inviting you to join in on their daily ritual.

A relaxed lifestyle and a positive approach to foreigners is something you’ll mostly find in all major Croatian cities. 

As a country that heavily relies on tourism, Croatia has a very high English proficiency ranking. They are currently the 11th country in the world when it comes to proficiency in English. Their readiness to talk to you in English (or even attempt to chat in a number of other languages) definitely contributes to the overall feeling of acceptance that digital nomads and tourists tend to experience in Croatia.

What are the drawbacks of being a digital nomad in Croatia?

It’s clear that Croatia has quite a lot to offer to digital nomads. But, does that make it perfect?

No, of course not. So, let’s take a look at some of the drawbacks that might make some digital nomads think twice before immediately booking that ticket to Croatia.

Drawback #1: Bureaucracy

Bureaucracy is something that all digital nomads struggle with in Croatia. Namely, a lot of so-called “gray areas” in the law lead to various interpretations and allow police stations and police officials to make individual decisions. 

You’ll often hear digital nomads exchanging tips and tricks on how to jump through various hoops of the Croatian bureaucracy as painlessly as possible. 

It’s safe to say that Croatia would definitely benefit from a more consistent system.

What’s more, although gathering the necessary documentation might not seem like a huge task at first glance, it often ends up being difficult due to specific stipulations. 

All documents have to have an apostille and can’t be older than 6 (or sometimes even 3) months. Considering that a lot of digital nomads arrive in Croatia from a third country (and not their country of origin), getting those documents in time to Croatia is challenging.

Another difficult aspect of the Croatian bureaucracy is the fact that it’s quick to change. Rules and regulations change fast and if you want to be in accordance with the law, you better adapt!

Drawback #2: Difficult language

According to the Foreign Language Training Institute, Croatian falls into the “Hard languages” category because it’s so difficult for English speakers to pick up. On average, it takes around 44 weeks for an English speaker to wrestle their way through all the rules of Croatian language. 

Living in a country with a native language so foreign to their own (be it English or any other one) can prove quite difficult for digital nomads. 

Although Croatian people have an admirable rank when it comes to English proficiency, the fact that the native language is so difficult to learn and understand can prove to be a hurdle. That’s especially true when you’re dealing with officials of any kind (like, say, when you’re trying to apply for a digital nomad residency permit).

Drawback #3: Crowded in spring and summer

According to the Croatian Ministry of Sport and Tourism, 2022 saw a 37% increase in the number of people who visited Croatia. More than 18.9 million people decided Croatia was the perfect destination to spend a couple of nights (at least). In total, tourists had 108,4 million overnight stays in Croatia. 

Out of those 108,4 million, the most were in the following counties:

• Istria (29.5 million overnight stays), 
• Split-Dalmatia (19.5 million overnight stays) 
• Primorje-Gorski Kotar (18.3 million overnight stays), 
• Zadar County (14.9 million overnight stays), 
• Dubrovnik-Neretva County (8 million overnight stays)
• Šibenik-Knin County (6.8 million overnight stays)

As you can imagine, most of those stays happened during spring and summer. So, if you don’t like crowds, either avoid the high season or the counties we listed above during it.

The fact that the high and low seasons are so different poses several different issues (crowds being just one of them). Ivanikova offered another insight regarding this.

5 Best destinations for digital nomads in Croatia

Now that you know the ins and outs of getting the Croatia digital nomad visa and all the reasons to start packing your bags immediately, it’s time to see which spots are fan-favorites among digital nomads.

As mentioned, Croatia is a country that only seems small. With over 1,000 islands, Croatia has plenty of nooks and crannies you can explore. But not every island is fit to be a digital nomad hub, no matter how devastatingly beautiful. 

So, let’s see which destinations rank as best for digital nomads like you!

Zagreb — best for solo nomads looking for a community 

Population: 806,341

City area: 247mi² (641 km2)

Time zone: GMT+1

Average internet speed: 79.17 Mbps (median download speed), 25.43 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €2,324 (~$2,490) per month for a family of four, €658 (~$705) per month for a single person (rent not included)

Average rent: €600–€1,000 (~$630–$1,050) per month for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center

Biggest advantage: A huge expat and digital nomad community

Biggest drawback: Colder than it is on the coast

The capital of Croatia, Zagreb, is the biggest city in the country. It is also one of the most developed. The infrastructure is amazing, and there are plenty of amenities, especially in the city’s historic center (Donji Grad).

Zagreb isn’t a coastal town, and it doesn’t have that signature Mediterranean climate like coastal towns in Croatia have. On the other hand, it also doesn’t have fluctuating prices. 

It’s strategically located and has an international airport, which makes it a great connection to the rest of Europe — something digital nomads greatly appreciate. Other popular European destinations are just a plane ride away from Zagreb. 

What’s more, its already impressively well-developed infrastructure is constantly being improved — Zagreb is soon to get a direct train line from the city center to the airport, which will make traveling from and to Zagreb even easier for digital nomads.

There’s something to do year-round in Zagreb, like:

• Take a historical tour of the city,
• Visit the Nikola Tesla Technical Museum,
• Go on funicular rides,
• Do a bike city tour, 
• Hike up the Medvednica mountain, 
• Hit up the frequent digital nomad get-togethers, etc.

With plenty to do and people to do it with (thanks to Zagreb’s massive digital nomad community), you’ll never be bored in Zagreb!

Where to work in Zagreb

Since it’s the capital, Zagreb has plenty of coworking spaces, but the best one is HUB385. It has a 4,7 star ranking on Google, made by 16 voters.

Dubrovnik — best for those with a bigger budget

Population: 42,615

City area: 8.25mi² (21.35 km2)

Time zone: GMT+1

Average internet speed: 28.28 Mbps (median download speed), 12.42 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €2,192 (~$2,310) per month for a family of four, €700 (~$740) per month for a single person (rent not included)

Average rent: €500–800 (~$525–840) per month for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center

Biggest advantage: Popular, especially with the younger crowd

Biggest drawback: Expensive

Potentially one of the most famous places in all of Croatia, Dubrovnik was a hot destination even before Game of Thrones decided to turn it into King’s Landing. A not-so-hidden gem of the Croatian coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is full of gorgeous wonders of architecture. 

However, as beautiful as it is to marvel at, some might have to do it from afar. Dubrovnik is one of the most (if not the most) expensive places in all of Croatia. Of course, if you’ll remember what our expert told us, that only gets worse in the summer. 

So, if you’ve got your heart set out for going to Dubrovnik during the high season, prepare a hefty budget. 

Where to work in Dubrovnik

Since it’s such a small coastal town, Dubrovnik doesn’t have many coworking spaces. Yet, you can always work from coffee shops and restaurants (yes, even the Michelin-star ones). Since Dubrovnik gets visited by 1.5 million people every year, the locals are quite accustomed to foreigners and will welcome you with open arms (and steep bills).

Split — best for those who love historic architecture

Population: 161,312

City area: 30.65mi² (79.38 km2)

Time zone: GMT+1

Average internet speed: 45.82 Mbps (median download speed), 18.20 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €2,123 (~$2,237) per month for a family of four, €595 (~$627) per month for a single person (rent not included)

Average rent: €500–€700 (~$530–$740) per month for a one-bedroom apartment 

Biggest advantage: Excellent cuisine and gastronomic scene

Biggest drawback: Expensive during the high season

The biggest city on the coast, Split is well-connected both to the rest of Croatia and, thanks to its international airport, to the rest of Europe. 

A town known for its devotion and adoration of food, Split, has some of the best restaurants in Croatia. 

The old town is full of historic buildings you’ll enjoy touring, as well as cafes and bars in which you’ll easily be able to work. Thanks to its large community of expats and digital nomads, as well as availability of housing, Split might be the place to be.

Ivanikova agrees, stating that Split is also particularly alluring to everyone who loves nature. 

Of course, it’s not all perfect in the charming town of Split. During the high season, the prices will leave you shocked.

Where to work in Split

Since it’s so popular with the younger crowd (and nomads), Split has quite a few coworking spaces. The best rated one is The Works Coworking, with 4.9 stars based on 58 reviews.

Zadar — best for outdoor activities

Population: 75,082

City area: 9.7mi² (25 km2)

Time zone: GMT+1

Average internet speed: 51.01 Mbps (median download speed), 19.22 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €2,458 (~$2,590) per month for a family of four, €711 (~$750) per month for a single person (rent not included)

Average rent: €500 (~$525) per month for a one-bedroom apartment outside of the city center

Biggest advantage: Surrounded by national parks

Biggest drawback: Gets quite cold in the winter

If you’re looking for a smaller town that still has plenty of activities, Zadar is the ideal place for you. Located 2 hours north of Split, Zadar still has a great location while being a bit away from the main tourist routes. 

Quiet, ideal for sightseeing on foot, and surrounded by greenery, Zadar is the ideal destination for digital nomads who like to spend their time in nature. Two national parks, Kornati and Plitvice are quite close, and the hiking tours that are available to those who reside in Zadar are practically life-changing. 

There’s also a digital nomad village in Zadar and, although small, the digital nomad community in Zadar is supportive and evergrowing.

Where to work in Zadar

Out of all the coworking spaces in Zadar, the COIN Coworking Zadar has the highest ranking — 79 people ranked this space with 4.8 stars.

Osijek — best for those who want to go off the beaten path

Population: 96,848

City area: 67.50mi² (169 km2)

Time zone: GMT+1

Average internet speed: 47.08 Mbps (median download speed), 19.28 Mbps (median upload speed)

Average cost of living: €1,930 (~$2,033) per month for a family of four, €558 (~$587) per month for a single person (rent not included)

Average rent: €550 (~$580) per month for a one-bedroom apartment 

Biggest advantage: Affordable

Biggest drawback: Not a lot of nomads and expats

The capital of Slavonia, Osijek, isn’t a town that will be on any tourists list of must-visits. However, it should be. Aside from being not only charming but also rich in history, Osijek is also quite affordable.

That makes it perfect for those traveling and nomading on a budget. Compared to Zagreb, Osijek has 43% lower prices of rent and 15% lower prices of groceries. 

An average digital nomad who earns at least 2,000 euros (or ~$2,122) per month (as per the requirements of the visa) could live quite comfortably in Osijek. 

Where to work in Osijek

Although there aren’t that many coworking spaces in Osijek, the city offers plenty of cafes and bars with friendly staff who will let you plug your laptop into their outlets and work your day away. And, given how friendly everyone there is, they’ll probably agree to practice Croatian phrases with you.

Tips for digital nomads in Croatia

Digital nomads in Croatia sometimes have to find their own way through layers of muddy, never clear enough to be understandable bureaucracy. To make things easier and to give you more insights into what living in Croatia is like, we prepared some additional tips for you!

Tip #1: Submit your documents in Croatian

If you take a close look at the requirements for the visa, you’ll see it clearly says on the page: “Copies of documents should be submitted in the Croatian or English language.”

That “or” between Croatian and English is there just for show. If you want to make things easier for yourself, submit the documents in Croatian (officially translated, of course).

Now, that doesn’t mean that an application in English will be automatically rejected. However, the whole process might be a bit quicker or even easier if the documents are in Croatian.

Tip #2: Go during the low season

We’ve already mentioned this, but it does bear repeating. Try to avoid high season (spring and summer). Instead, visit Croatia (or even time your arrival) between October and April. 

You’ll encounter fewer tourists and you’ll probably pay less for everything (accommodation and food included). 

Tip #3: Croatians are still adjusting to the euro, so check your change

As of January 1st, 2023, Croatia officially became the 20th member of the Euro Area and switched from the Croatian kuna to the euro. 

Even before the switch, Croatians accepted euros in quite a few establishments and were used to dealing with that currency. However, the complete switch to the euro still took some of them by surprise. 

A lot of people are struggling to adjust to the change. So, if you plan on visiting Croatia any time soon, make sure to count your change when you get it.

Further reading for digital nomads in Croatia

Overall, this guide should give you a (more than) clear idea of what it takes to be a digital nomad in Croatia. We did our best to cover everything you might need to know — from the standard requirements to savvy tips we picked up from other nomads in Croatia. 

However, one guide simply can’t cover every little detail. That’s why we prepared a list of additional sources where you can find more information about digital nomading in Croatia.

• If you’re looking for a community of digital nomads in Croatia, as well as some help, check out DNACroatia. This NGO was founded by no other than Jan de Jong, the Dutch entrepreneur who sparked the idea of a Croatia digital nomad visa in the first place. 
• You can also take a peek at Expat In Croatia, a digital community of (if you’d believe it) expats in Croatia, that might give you a hand or advice on how to fit in. 
• Another great resource is Work Remotely Croatia, an interconnected community of digital nomads in Zadar (and beyond).
• Although some might deem it outdated, Facebook will probably be one of your main tools when it comes to figuring out your way around Croatia. Groups like Digital Nomads Croatia and Digital Nomads Split Croatia are full of members who have gone through the process you’re planning on going through, and who know all the tips and tricks that will help you come out the other end with your sanity intact. 

Croatia: A great central European location for digital nomads 

The new opportunity for digital nomads in Croatia is truly one that you shouldn’t let slip through your fingers. As a European country that just recently joined the Shengen area, Croatia has a lot to offer and is still more affordable than most of its EU neighbors. 

What’s more, the digital nomad visa in Croatia doesn’t have that many requirements. All you need is:

• To be a citizen of a non-EU/EAA country,
• To be a remote worker who can use communication technology to work,
• To work for a company not registered in Croatia (or own one),
• To earn more than €2,539.31 (~$2,737.43) per month or have at least €30,471.72 (~$32,849.12) in your account,
• A clean criminal record, and
• Travel insurance.

The new digital nomad visa might require you to cut through a lot of layers of bureaucracy, but it’s worth it in the end. Exploring Croatia will probably be one of those things you end up telling your grandkids about, so don’t wait too long to apply for the new Croatia digital nomad visa!

Croatia digital nomads visa guide disclaimer

We hope this Croatia digital nomad visa guide has been helpful and that you enjoyed reading it. Throughout the guide, we have given you various links that might lead you to new interesting data or simply to articles that will expand your knowledge on various Croatia-related topics.

Please bear in mind that our article has been written in Q2 of 2023, so any changes made in the Croatia digital nomad visa procedures or laws after that time have not been included. 

Before you start the application process, we advise you to consult with certified representatives, lawyers, and institutions that can provide you with all the information needed. 

Pumble is not responsible for any negative responses, losses, or risks incurred, should this guide be used without further guidance from legal and other official advisors.

References:

• EF EPI 2022 – EF English Proficiency Index. (n.d.). EF Epi 2022 – EF English proficiency index. Retrieved February 2023, from https://www.ef.com/wwen/epi/  
• Environmental Performance Index. (n.d.) Croatia Report. Yale University. Retrieved February 2023 from https://epi.yale.edu/epi-results/2022/country/hrv 
• Equaldex. (n.d.) LGBT Rights In Croatia Report. Equaldex.com. Retrieved February 2023 from https://www.equaldex.com/region/croatia 
• FreedomHouse. (n.d.) Portugal: Freedom in the World 2021 Country Report. FreedomHouse. org. Retrieved February 2023 from https://freedomhouse.org/country/croatia/freedom-world/2022 
• Global Peace Index 2021: Measuring Peace in a Complex World. Institute for Economics & Peace, Sydney. (2021, June). Retrieved February 2023 from https://www.visionofhumanity.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/GPI-2021-web-1.pdf 
• Global Prosperity Index 2022. Legatum Prosperity Index: Croatia. The Legatum Institute. Retrieved February 2023 from https://www.prosperity.com/globe/croatia 
• Republic of Croatia Ministry of Interior. (n.d.) Temporary stay of digital nomads statistics for 2022. Retrieved February 2023 from https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/statistika/digitalni-nomadi/2023/4/2022%20digitalni%20nomadi%20travanj%202023.pdf 
• Republic of Croatia Ministry of Interior. (n.d.) Temporary stay of digital nomads statistics for 2023. Retrieved February 2023 from https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/statistika/digitalni-nomadi/2023/4/2023%20digitalni%20nomadi.pdf