Croatia digital nomad visa is travel authorization for remote workers who wish to live and work in this Eastern European country for a period of twelve months. Also known as the temporary stay for digital nomads, the visa allows freelancers, online entrepreneurs and their families to access a beautiful nation with pristine beaches, scenic villages and breathtaking architecture and delicious cuisine.
The country has a lot to offer digital nomads—an advanced infrastructure with stable internet available in all parts of the county and a fairly low cost of living. It’s no wonder that Croatia has catapulted itself to becoming a top tourist destination in Europe, even for non-EU citizens.
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Does Croatia Have a Visa for Digital Nomads?
Launched In 2021, Croatia offered a visa for remote workers who wanted to live in the county for an extended stay, but were not looking for employment in the country. The digital nomad visa was introduced by the government to bolster economic activity due to the reduced number of tourists.
Officially known as a temporary stay of digital nomads, the Croatia digital nomad visa is designed for remote workers who work online using technology and source their income from foreign sources other than those in Croatia. 1 It is valid for one year and allows the holder to bring in dependents.
Unfortunately, it cannot be extended; however, applicants can apply for a new visa six months after their expiration of their initial Croatia temporary stay visa. This means that once the visa expires, digital nomads must exit the country to be eligible to re-apply for a new visa.
Eligibility for the Croatia Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads
There are several criteria that remote workers must meet before they become eligible to apply for the visa—these include being a citizen of a non-EU country and income thresholds.
- Applicants must not be a citizen of an European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EAA) 2
- Work remotely and online for a company registered outside Croatia or have an online business.
- Have a monthly income of US $ 2,500; if planning on bringing dependents, an extra US $100 a month is required.
Document and Income Requirements for the Croatia Remote Worker Visa
Digital nomads will need to have several documents that satisfy the requirements set forth by the government of Croatia before lodging an application; these include having a valid passport and documentation showing the remote worker meets the minimum income requirements.
Application Form—A completed online application form if applying through the internet or a completed 1A application form (bilingual) if applying through the Croatian Embassy.
Valid Passport—The applicant’s passport will need to be valid for 3 months after the expiration of the visa.
Proof of Income— Digital nomads will need to provide documentation showing that they have a monthly income of US $2,500. This can be in the form of bank statements or pay stubs.
Health Insurance—As with most digital nomad visas, holders are required to carry health insurance for the duration of their stay in Croatia.
Criminal Record—A clean criminal record history is a requirement to be approved for the visa. This can be obtained from law enforcement in the home country of the applicant.
Secured Domicile—The applicant will need to prove that they have obtained housing in Croatia; they will need to submit a rental agreement or confirmed hotel booking.
How To Apply for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Remote workers have two ways of applying for the Croatia temporary stay of digital nomads; they may do so online, at a Croatian Embassy or through a local police station if already in Croatia. Both methods are outlined below; the same documents mentioned above will apply regardless of which way the digital nomad chooses to apply for the visa.
Online Application for the Croatia Remote Worker Visa
Applying for the digital nomad visa online is the quickest and most convenient as it eliminates the need to visit the embassy. It is done in 3 simple ways.
- Fill out the Croatian digital nomad visa application form online.
- Submit the application which will be processed by the relevant authorities. Additional documents may be requested.
- If the application has been approved, the applicant will receive an email.
- This visa will not solely allow the applicant to enter Croatia if they need a visa to enter the country. Most non-EU citizens for which the visa is designed need a separate visa to enter Croatia. Apply for an entry visa at the nearest Croatian Embassy.
- Upon entering Croatia, the visa holder must register temporary residence within three days for those that don’t require an entry visa. Those who do require an entry visa should do it within thirty days. This is done at a local police station and is described below.
Apply for the Croatia Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads at an Embassy or Police Station
For applicants who require an entry visa into Croatia, it may be beneficial to apply for both visas at the same time since a visit to the embassy is required.
- Gather all the required documents mentioned in the previous section.
- Download and print the 1A application form (bilingual).
- Schedule an appointment with the Croatian Embassy or police station if in Croatia, to lodge the application.
- The embassy or police staff will review the documents and if the documents have met the requirements, the application will be accepted. Leave contact information.
- Upon approval of the visa, the applicant will receive a blue envelope or a phone call.
- Obtain an entry visa if applying at the embassy. If you are already in Croatia, do not leave the country unless you obtain approval from the Ministry of Interior (MUP) as this could jeopardize the process.
- Register for temporary residence and biometrics.
Courtesy : Photo by Hrvoje_Photography ðŸ‡ðŸ‡· on Unsplash
Registering Temporary Residence and Obtaining a Biometric Residence Card
Upon arrival in Croatia, holders of the digital nomad visa will need to register their temporary address or residence. If a visa is not required to enter the country, this needs to be completed within three days, if the holder acquired a visa to enter Croatia, they will need to register temporary stay after thirty days of the D visa approval.
This is done at the local police station—the holder will need to furnish:
- An application form Obrazac 16a
- Provide a rental agreement, title deed or hotel/hostel booking
- A statement from the landlord if there is no rental agreement
- A document from the land registry if the property is owned
All residents must have a biometric residence card known as the biometrijska dozvola boravka once residence is approved. 3 This is also done at the police station where the applicant will need to take passport photos and have their fingerprints captured—they must provide proof of payment of the administrative fees.
The applicant will be issued with a temporary white card as a temporary proof residence—it is very important to not misplace this card. After three weeks, present the white card and passport, and you will be issued with a residence permit card.
This is the last step in the process, and the remote worker becomes a fully legal resident.
Costs and Processing Time for the Croatia Freelancer Visa
The table below summarizes the costs for obtaining the Croatia digital nomad visa dependent on where the application was made. This visa takes 3-4 weeks to process but may also take up to three months in cases where the offices are busy processing applications.
| Type of Document | Applying at Embassy (US $) | Applying at Police Station (US $) | Applying at Online(US $) |
| Granting Temporary Stay | 60 | 50 | N/A |
| Digital Nomad Visa | 65 | N/A | 65 |
| Administrative Fees | N/A | 10 | 50 |
| Residence Card | 44 | 34 | 34 |
| Urgent Resident Card | N/A | 64 | 64 |
Does the Croatia Nomad Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
It is not possible to obtain permanent residence with the Croatian freelancer visa. This is due to the fact that you cannot extend or renew the Croatia digital nomad visa—applicants have to wait six months before they can apply for another visa. When their initial visa expires, they must leave Croatia.
To be eligible to apply for Croatian permanent residency, individuals must have continuously resided legally in the country for five years and they must not have left that country more than a cumulative 10 months during this period. Due to the wait time imposed on digital nomads to apply for another resident permit, it is impossible to apply for permanent residency as with other remote worker visas such as the Portugal digital nomad visa.
Courtesy : Photo by Partha Narasimhan on Unsplash
Life in Croatia as a Remote Worker
Croatia is a county of awe-inspiring beauty that is famous for its crystal-clear azure beaches along the Adriatic coastline and gothic towns and villages. It is also well known for being the location of the Game of Thrones, the popular medieval fantasy epic shot on the Croatian coast in Split and Dubrovnik.
The country is awash with an ancient culture hosting a mind boggling seventeen UNESCO Intangible Goods including lacemaking, Sinjska Alka. A Knights’ Tournament In Sinj and Gingerbread Making. 4
Time spent in Croatia should be memorable and the country also has the necessary infrastructure to support the digital nomad, from excellent internet connectivity to a thriving digital nomad community. Croatia is affordable compared to the rest of Europe which implies that it can attract a larger number of remote workers.
Cost of Living of Living in Croatia
The biggest cost that stands out while living in Croatia is the average rental prices—remote workers can expect to pay a whopping 71% lower rent than they would in the United States. To put this in perspective, remote workers who choose to live outside the city, can rent a one-bedroom apartment for only US $420 and in the city, the same apartment can rent for US $546 which is still very reasonable.
The cost of living on average is 36.4% lower than it is in the U.S. with average monthly expenses for one person without rent averaging US $750. These numbers make Croatia an attractive European option for digital nomads. Croatia is a safe country and has a Level 1 Rating issued by the U.S. Department of State. 5
Weather in Croatia is acceptable for those who are used to warm and cold temperatures. Summer is hot and dry with temperatures ranging from 79 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters have an average high of 41 degrees Fahrenheit and lows below zero. Digital nomads can choose if they want to live an entire year or for 6 months in the country to choose the weather that most suits them.
Courtesy : Photo by Marko Hankkila on Unsplash
Tourist Attractions in Croatia
Croatia does not disappoint the millions of tourists who flock to its borders, and while it may not be a major visitor powerhouse such as France, Spain or Italy, Croatia was visited by 19 million tourists in 2022. 6 This is a testament to the many attractions it offers visitors. Croatian tourist attractions include its award winning beaches, historic villages and town and mouth watering cuisine.
- Walls of Dubrovnik
- Plitvice Lakes National Park
- Old Town
- Palazzo di Diocleziano
- Sea Organ (Morske Orgulje)
- Marjan Park
- Old Split
- Dubrovnik Cable Car
Ideal Locations To Reside in Croatia
Croatia provides a refreshing breath from the popular and established European destinations; most digital nomads would start their journey in the capital Zagreb. It is a vibrant city with an active nightlife containing 17 districts and is not surprisingly expensive to live in. It has an excellent communication and transportation infrastructure.
Split is Croatia’s second largest city and is known for breathtaking scenery and friendly people. Located in the southern part of Croatia, it has mountains, beaches and plenty of walking trails.
Other cities that digital nomads can consider are:
- Dubrovnik
- Osijek
- Rijeka
- Hvar
- Rovinj
- Pula
- Orebic
- Zadar
Courtesy : Photo by Stjepan Motušić on Unsplash
Is There an Income Tax for Remote Workers in Croatia?
The Croatian government does not require individuals who have been approved for the temporary stay of digital nomads to pay tax as they are considered to be non-residents. They may be required to pay taxes on the income back home as in the case of U.S. citizens. Remote workers may also be charged tax on other items such as those imposed on items known as VAT (value added tax) which is set at 25%. Additionally, there is a VAT of 13% imposed on accommodation, newspapers and food.
Amenities for Remote Workers in Croatia (Internet Connectivity, Coworking Spaces, Banking, Healthcare)
Digital nomads require vital amenities and services to make their lifestyle possible and these niceties including internet connectivity and a sound infrastructure often play a key role in determining the location and country they choose. Fortunately, Croatia as can be expected from an advanced economy has world class facilities that make the life for a remote worker possible and easy.
With the advent of the Croatia digital nomad visa, several amenities that support the freelancer worker such as coworking spaces have sprung up in many of the major cities. While Croatia ranks 22 out of the 28 member states according to the European Union (EU) Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), this low ranking masks the true digital potential of the country. 7 8
The most powerful computer in the Adriatic region, the most used and robust robotic system is produced by a Croatian company—the country also produces the fastest electric hypercar concept. This carries tell-tale signs of Croatia’s grip on a digital economy, vital for a remote worker.
Courtesy : Photo by Geio Tischler on Unsplash
Internet Connectivity in Croatia
Over 70% of the Croatian population uses the internet and over 97% of individuals aged between 16 and 24 have basic or above basic digital skills which is the highest in the EU. 9
Croatia has good and adequate broadband coverage having an 86% average coverage on a national level. Internet speeds are however not very impressive, with average fixed broadband download speeds of 56.51—however, mobile speeds are much better at an average of 89.51 Mbps.
Internet cafes are everywhere offering free Wi-Fi and digital nomads can always tether their computers should they choose to obtain Croatian mobile data plans.
Coworking Spaces in Croatia
Croatia has a well-developed coworking space ecosystem with major cities all having this facility that is becoming undependable to the digital nomad. Coworking spaces provide ideal environments for remote workers to get their work done as they are equipped with features such as ergonomic sitting, Wi-Fi, free beverages and sometimes reception services. 10 They also permit digital nomads to network by providing a common platform to work off.
The country has several options for the digital nomad; here are a few examples of popular coworking spaces with varying monthly fees. Many of these are found in Zagreb and Split; some offer mixes of daily and monthly rates.
- BIZkoshnica
- COIN Zadar
- CoCreative Coworking
- Wespa Spaces
- InstantOffice
- ZICER
- Traven&Tech Hub
- Virtual Office Croatia
- HUB385
- Impact Hub Zagreb
- Saltwater
- AmoSfera
- Spaces
- Regus
Banking in Croatia
The banking sector in Croatia is a strong pillar of the country’s economy due to its stringent regulations and borrowers who are disciplined in fulfilling their obligations. 11 This vibrant sector consists of twenty banks and three home savings with a notable foreign ownership of 90%. 12 At the helm of the banking system, is the Croatian National Bank (CNB), which has the task of maintaining stability in the overall financial sector.
As can be expected, banks are modern, efficient and have all the niceties that someone can expect from a developed country such as online, mobile banking and the ability to open accounts remotely. Digital nomads who have resident permits are eligible to freely open bank accounts in the country. Croatia recently adopted the Euro as its currency on January 1, 2023 adding to the stability of its economy. 13
Courtesy : Photo by Stephen Phillips – Hostreviews.co.uk on Unsplash
Healthcare in Croatia
Access to an efficient and modern health care system is something that many remote workers see as an important aspect of the time they will spend in a country. There is an abundance of healthcare institutions in the country including 79 hospitals and clinics.
Health insurance is mandatory in Croatia and covers citizens and residents; there is no opting out of insurance and the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (CHIF) is the primary and only provider of mandatory health insurance (MHI) and is tasked with providing universal healthcare coverage. 14 Digital nomads are required to carry health insurance for their duration of stay in the country and need not be concerned about healthcare costs.
Croatia’s healthcare market is experiencing exponential growth and is known for medical tourism centering around rehabilitation, orthopedics, dermatology, and aesthetic surgery. 15
Benefits of the Croatia Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads Visa
The Croatian remote worker visa which is a temporary stay visa confers several benefits to its holder including allowing the holder to live in the country for up to a year and low-income requirements.
- The Croatia remote worker visa has among the lowest income requirements in Europe at US $2,500 making it an attractive option for most digital nomads.
- The country has the highest approval of digital nomad visas in Europe; 97% of applicants receive a favorable decision.
- Croatia does not tax digital nomads since their income is derived from foreign sources and they are considered as temporary residents.
- The country has a low cost of living; compared to the other popular European destinations such as France of which Croatia has a 40% less cost of living.
- Croatia is a country of immense beauty that straddles the Mediterranean coast; it is also rich in culture with many tourist attractions.
Courtesy : Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
Alternative Destinations in Europe for Digital Nomads
There are several other destinations in Europe for remote workers who want to continue their journey through the continent or simply prefer a different destination—these include Estonia, Portugal and Greece who all have a digital nomad visa.
Georgia—Georgia has two visas that are ideal for digital nomads and allow the remote a stay for up to a year. The first one needs the digital nomad to make US $2,000 a year but after 183 days of consecutive residency, they will be taxed 20% if their income. The second option is the Individual Entrepreneur Program that taxes only 1% of business incomes that top US $155,000.
Czech Republic—The Czech Republic’s digital nomad offering is the Zivno which is valid for 1 year that is free to apply but the applicant must have a trade license from one of these trades. Monthly income requirements is at US $1,500.
Estonia—Estonia was the first country in Europe and the world to offer a digital nomad visa known as the digital nomad and freelancer visa. The visa has two options, one being valid for 90 days and costing US $80 and the other having giving remote workers twelve months of residency in the country and priced at US $100. The Estonia digital nomad visa gives remote workers access to a digital economy of unparalleled beauty.
Iceland—Iceland’s long term visa can be utilized by digital nomads and is valid for 6 months if applied within Iceland and 3 months if sought in the Schengen area. It has a very high monthly income requirement at US $7,777, well beyond the reach of many nomads.
Germany—Germany’s answer to a remote visa is the Aufenthaltserlaubnis für selbständige Tätigkeit that is valid for a whooping 3 years but with an alternative 6 months option that is renewable. The visa costs US $106 but there are no clearly defined income requirements. However, since Germany has a high standard of living, it must be assumed the income prerequisites would incline towards the higher side.
Norway—Norway has a visa that is not catered but is rather suited to the digital nomad known as the Independent Contractor Visa and is valid for 2 years, but can extended to make it 3 years. It costs US $610 and has an annual income requirement of US $39,000, well within the reach of many remote workers and freelancers.
Portugal—The Portugal digital nomad visa is valid for one year and requires the remote worker to make US $3,300. Total costs to procure the visa and resident permit is US $265. This visa can be renewed for up to 5 years and allows the holder to transition into permanent residency or acquire Portuguese citizenship.
Spain—Spain has finally launched a digital nomad visa in 2023. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for up to 5 years, which means just like its neighbor Portugal, a digital nomad can transition into permanent residency and eventual citizenship. Monthly income requirements for now is set at US $2,600 and it costs US $90 to procure the visa.
Malta—This Mediterranean nation’s digital nomad visa known as the Nomad Residency Permit is issued for one year but can be renewed. Applicants have to prove they make US $3,000 every month and the visa costs US $300.
Greece—This popular tourist European destination has two digital nomad visa programs, but the Greece digital nomad visa for non-EU/EEA citizens has an appeal for many remote workers since they mostly tend to come from outside the Eurozone. It is valid for one year but can be extended up twice giving it a grand total of 3 years. Applicants must prove they make US $3,700 and the visa costs US $160 inclusive of administrative costs.
Romania—Romania’s digital nomad visa is valid for one year and requires the holder to prove they make US $3,500 per month. This is relatively a high-income requirement especially when compared to other Eastern European countries.
Hungary—Hungary’s white card has a low monthly income requirement of US $ 2,200 and is valid for one year and can be extended for another year. It is only ideal for single remote workers as it does not give the option to move with dependents whether spouses or children.
Cyprus—Cyprus’s digital nomad visa program is unique in that has limited number of permits that are issued to just 500 making it an exclusive offering. It is valid for one year but has an option to extend it for two more years. It costs US $75 for the visa and additional fee that is applied to the alien registry.
Latvia—Latvia’s digital nomad visa is only eligible for remote workers whose employer or business is registered in a Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) country. Examples of OECD countries include the U.S., U.K. and Canada. The visa is valid for 12 months but can be extended for another year. This digital nomad visa costs US $65 and US $130 for an expedited application; the applicant should make 2.5 times the average wage of a Latvian which is US $1,050.
Albania— This Eastern European nation has launched a that is valid for 1 year and can be extended up to 5 years. Remote workers are eligible for permanent residency after 5 years. Cost for the program and income requirements have still not been published, but will updated as soon information is out.
Courtesy : Photo by Johnny Africa on Unsplash
Remote workers and freelancers can now live and work in Croatia due to the Croatia digital nomad visa for up to twelve months giving them access to a land of immense beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Validity of the Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia?
The Croatian remote worker visa is valid for one year with no possibility of extending it. However, digital nomads may apply for a new visa six months after the expiration of the old one.
Can the Freelancer Visa in Croatia Be Extended?
No, the Croatia digital nomad visa cannot be extended.
Can I Apply for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa While in Croatia?
Yes, it is possible to apply for the remote worker visa while in Croatia—this holds especially true for nationals who can enter Croatia without needing a visa. For example, U.S. citizens can enter Croatia without a visa, and can therefore apply for their nomad visa whilst in the country.
Is the Croatia Remote Worker Visa Easy To Obtain?
The visa is fairly easy to obtain once the requirements are met, with the primary one being that digital workers must make 2.5 times the net average salary of Croatians which comes to about US $2,500.
Can Apply in Person Through a Croatian Diplomatic Mission?
Yes, you may apply for the Croatia remote worker visa at a diplomatic mission. If you need a visa to enter Croatia, a visit to the mission or embassy is a requirement.
What Are Income Requirements for the Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads?
Digital nomads and freelancers need to make 2.5 times the average salary of a Croatian which comes to US $2,500 a month.
What Is the Processing Time for the Croatia Remote Worker Visa?
The visa typically takes eight days to a month to process; it may take longer when embassies and missions are processing many applications. The Croatian government recommends to apply three weeks prior to planned travel.
Can the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Holder Travel in the Schengen Area?
No, as the Croatia digital nomad visa grants the holder temporary and not permanent residence in Croatia, its holder cannot unfortunately have travel access to the Schengen area.
Spain vs. Portugal: Which Is Better for Digital Nomads?
It depends on the goals of the remote worker. Portugal has a slightly lower cost of living and has a more lucrative tax protocol for longer time residents; it also allows nomads to become permanent residents or citizens quicker. Spain has a better tax set up having a rate of 15% for the first four years compared to Portugal’s flat rate of 20%. It takes longer however to become a permanent resident or become a citizen in Spain than it does in Portugal.
What Is the Least Expensive Nomad Visa in Europe?
The least expensive remote worker visa is the Hungarian digital nomad visa that has an income requirement of only US $2,500 and allows the freelancer to live in the country for up to two years.
What Digital Nomad Visa Has the Highest Approval Rate in Europe?
The Croatia digital nomad visa has the highest approval rating coming at a staggering 97%. The visa gives the holder up to 12 months in the country, but is not renewable. Instead, applicants have to wait six months before applying for a new visa.
Are Remote Workers Taxed in Europe?
This depends on the country. Nevertheless, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) recommends EU member states to tax remote workers only when they have exceeded spending more than 96 days in an EU country.
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