Croatia started hosting remote workers with the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, launched in 2021. Today, it offers benefits such as family participation, tax exemption, and high living welfare for nomads with easy application processes.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa enables foreign citizens working remotely to stay in the country for 12 months. It can be issued for less time (6 months).
To obtain a Croatia digital nomad visa, you need to work in a registered country other than Croatia OR for your own company. You must also be a third-country national (outside the EU/EEA).
The conditions and benefits are not limited to these.
In this article, you will have a complete guide on what you need to do to start a 1-year adventure in this country that stretches to the Adriatic Sea.
History of the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
In Croatia, the digital nomad visa began to be discussed in 2020.
The story goes that Jan de Jong visited the country in 2020 and saw the devastation caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
At this time, he thought that a digital nomad visa would be a good way to develop the country, and met with ministers and shared his idea.
This proposal concerned the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Tourism.
The relevant ministries also got to work and defined the requirements. They then supported the introduction of the visa to foreigners.
Launched for the first time in January 2021, the Croatia nomad visa quickly gained a lot of interest from remote workers.
Eligibility Requirements
Firstly, let’s check your eligibility for the Digital nomad visa requirements.
- Being a national of a third country outside the EE and EEA
- 18 years of age or older
- Teleworking in a company registered outside Croatia or in one’s own company
- Income tax proving that they can support themselves (for Croatia it is at least 2,539.21€ per month).
- Proof of a valid private or travel health insurance policy in Croatia
- Government-issued background check from their home country (apostille/legalized, officially translated if not in English)
- Provide all documents required by the Ministry in apostilled form (documents such as employment contract, proof of income, passport, criminal record, language proof, if any)
The above are the precise rules that you must strictly comply with.
There are no clear language restrictions. However, showing proficiency in English or Croatian increases your chances.
Education is also not required, but having a bachelor’s degree will put you one step ahead.
Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa
Living in Croatia with a digital nomad visa Croatia allows you to protect your earnings and work freely.
The most important advantage is that you are exempt from income tax with this visa. So, you can live a pleasant life in this fascinating country of the Mediterranean while keeping all your earnings in your pocket.
If you want to take your family with you, you have the opportunity to include them in this process. We will talk about family participation in more detail soon.
As for the other beauties of Croatia, it offers a safe environment thanks to its low crime rate and community awareness.
In addition, although the official language is Croatian, many people speak English, which makes your daily life easier.
The rich culture of the country welcomes you with a unique blend of the Mediterranean, Central Europe, and the Balkans.
In addition, the low cost of living and stunning natural beauties both improve your quality of life and offer you plenty of opportunities to explore.
With these, Croatia is a good option for digital nomads who want to enjoy life while working.
Application Process Overview
When applying for a country’s digital nomad visa, it helps to have a complete guide.
We’ll provide a step-by-step guide for you to follow, and we’ll cover administrative fees under a different heading.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the Visa
A step-by-step guide to applying for a visa:
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria for a visa, including being a third-country national, having a valid passport, and doing remote work.
- Gather all necessary documents, including a valid passport, proof of remote work, proof of income, and health insurance.
- Complete the application form, which you can download from the Croatian government website or obtain from the Croatian embassy or consulate. (A1 Form)
- Submit your application and the required documents to the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country or to the police station in Croatia.
- Pay the administrative fee, currently 523,40€.
- Wait for your application to be processed, which can take up to 30 days.
- Once your application is approved, obtain the visa and register with the local authorities in Croatia.
Remember that you can complete the procedures both online and at the consulate.
You can view Croatia’s consulates around the world on the official website and go to any of them.
Required Documents for Application
Croatia requires you to submit the necessary documents for the digital nomad application to the institutions.
These documents are expected to be submitted in both English and Croatian. It is also important that they are signed and obtained from official institutions.
You can find the required documents below:
- Passport
- Clean criminal record
- Proof of income
- Completed application form
- Proof of health insurance
- Temporary residence document (rental contract etc.)
- Employment or service contract with a foreign employer outside Croatia
- A paper answering why you are here.
Providing supporting documents with your application increases your chances of being accepted. In particular, documents on education, a letter explaining the reason for your stay and proof of income with a high salary will be very good.
Also what you can offer for proof of livelihood:
- An account statement proving the required financial competence for one year,
- A document showing that you regularly receive the required monthly income,
- Documents proving that your income is sufficient, as stated in the payslips for the last six months.
Administrative Fees Involved
There are administrative fees that you must pay to obtain a Croatia digital nomad visa. Please make sure you have sufficient cash when applying for the visa.
Administrative fees:
- Application Fee: €55,74 (~$61,66)
- Type D Visa Fee: €93 (~$102,87)
- Biometric Residence Card Fee: €41,14 (~$45,51)
- Health Insurance Fee: Approximately €500-1,000 per year
- Background Check Fee: Approx €50-100
- Translation and Notary Fees: Approximately €50-200
We recommend that you check the official government website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees and payment methods.
Also, keep in mind that some costs, such as health insurance, may vary depending on your situation and the insurance provider you choose.
If you intend to live as a digital nomad in Croatia, it is a good idea to plan a budget for your daily expenses such as accommodation, food, and transport.
Processing Times and Expectations
The processing time for a digital nomad Croatia visa varies depending on the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted.
This period is 8-30 days on average. However, when additional documents or verification are required, the processing time may be extended.
In order for your application to proceed smoothly, it is essential to get information from the embassy or consulate site and submit complete documents.
Family Accompaniment Options
One of the advantages that the Croatia digital nomad visa gives you is family participation.
Under the visa program, you can relocate without having to leave your family behind while working remotely.
Moreover, if you want to come with your lover, marriage is not required.
What you need to do for this is simple:
- A marriage certificate to come with your partner,
- A birth certificate to come with your child,
- You must also provide a document for your unofficial union.
But remember, the financial qualification limit will increase by 10% for each person you bring with you.
Tax Obligations for Digital Nomads
Tax processes are complicated. Fortunately, we have good news for remote workers.
Digital nomad visa holders do not pay the Croatian state during their stay in Croatia. So you are completely exempt from tax under the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa tax rules.
This can be great, but you are still responsible for your home country’s tax obligations. America, for example, is not interested in its citizens living in another country. This means that US citizens living in Croatia must continue to pay US taxes.
Popular Destinations for Digital Nomads in Croatia
Below we will briefly introduce 6 popular cities that digital nomads prefer most often.
1. Zagreb
This is the heart of Croatia. It will impress you with its vibrant cultural structure and historical architecture. Especially with its fast internet connection, you will have no problem working remotely. Wander the streets of the city, enjoy your laptop in the cafes, and definitely stop by the Mimara Museum.
2. Split
A coastal city that attracts you with its history and beaches. You can start your day at the beach and end your evening with a local networking event. Join Split’s growing community to meet digital nomads or sip a coffee alone on the Riva Promenade.
3. Dubrovnik
If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll love this place. The medieval city walls, stunning architecture, and social scene will immediately draw you in. Take a walk around the Old Town during your work breaks and enjoy the Adriatic views.
4. Hvar
If you fancy a tranquil island atmosphere, Hvar is the perfect getaway with its cozy beaches and digital nomad community. There are plenty of cafes to work in.
5. Rovinj
The small but artistic atmosphere will definitely fill you with inspiration. This is a great option to focus on your creative projects.
6. Osijek
In this city surrounded by nature, you can work in neighboring areas and balance your budget with affordable living.
List of the popular destinations for digital nomads in Croatia
If you are looking for different alternatives, here are the popular destinations in the top 15:
- Zagreb
- Split
- Dubrovnik
- Hvar
- Rovinj
- Zadar
- Pula
- Rijeka
- Šibenik
- Trogir
- Makarska
- Opatija
- Korčula
- Bol
- Rab
Conclusion
The Croatia digital nomad visa offers the opportunity to live in a unique Mediterranean country while working remotely.
With benefits such as income tax exemption, low living costs, and a safe environment, this visa improves your quality of life, not just work.
In addition, the visa can be extended to family members, giving you the opportunity to enjoy the experience with your loved ones.
The vibrant culture of Zagreb, the historical texture of Dubrovnik, or the tranquil islands of Hvar… Whichever city you choose, Croatia is an ideal destination for both working and exploring.
Finally, although the application process is clear and straightforward, it is very important to prepare the necessary documents in full.
You have learned all the steps in this guide; now it is time to take action. In order not to miss the visa opportunity, you can apply to the relevant authorities immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a US citizen work remotely in Croatia?
Yes, US citizens can work remotely in Croatia. The Croatian Digital Nomad Visa is designed for non-EU/EAA citizens, including American citizens who are eligible to live and work remotely within the country with the digital nomad visa.
How much is a digital nomad visa in Croatia?
There might be some costs to get Croatia Digital Nomad Visa including visa processing fees or translation and legalization costs.
Do digital nomads pay tax in Croatia?
If you are a digital nomad in Croatia, you are generally exempt from paying your Croatian income tax when you earn from your employer or clients outside of Croatia. It means that the Croatian government will not tax you on your foreign-sourced income. However, it is also important to check if your home country requires tax payments when you are living abroad. You can also check out our article “Digital Nomad Taxes for Americans” if you want to explore more.
