Croatia might be a perfect option for those who would love to live and work abroad. What’s a digital nomad visa? Is the Croatian digital nomad visa suitable for you? What’s the difference between the digital nomad and the regular work visa?
In this article, we’ll answer those questions and mention the advantages of living and working in Croatia. Also, we’ll share some points you should consider before applying for the Croatia digital nomad visa: your eligibility, cost of living, etc.
This guide also includes how to apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa and all the required documents. Let’s get started with the Croatian digital nomad visa guide.
What is a Digital Nomad Visa?
A digital nomad is someone who can work from anywhere in the world. Digital nomads only need an internet connection to get work done. They don’t have to work from a specific location.
In short, a digital nomad visa is for those who work remotely and independently. So, the digital nomad visa is suitable for entrepreneurs, remote workers, etc. A digital nomad visa gives you the right to live and work in the country of your choice.
Various countries offer a digital nomad visa. Digital nomad visas have different names: freelancer visa, remote work visa, temporary stay visa, etc. Some countries also have untraditional names for the digital nomad visa, for example, the Bahamas, which calls their digital nomad visa “BEATS.”
What is the Difference Between a Digital Nomad Visa and a Regular Work Visa?
So, what’s the difference between a digital nomad and a regular work visa? You get a work visa when you have a full-time job in the country where you apply for the visa. You receive a work visa only when you have a full-time contract from an employer residing and registered in the country where you wish to apply for the visa.
As for the digital nomad visa, you don’t have to provide a full-time contract from an employer registered in the country to get this visa. You could be a remote worker or a freelancer working for a company registered in a different country.
You can apply for a digital nomad visa if you work for a foreign employer. Your employer, for example, can have their business registered in European countries, and you could be working in Asia.
It works the same for business owners. A business owner can register their company in the United States of America and live and work in the Bahamas.
A digital nomad visa, in short, gives remote workers the freedom and flexibility to work wherever they like. It’s for those who can work from anywhere: marketers, software programmers, etc.
Now, let’s learn more about the digital nomad Croatia visa. Before mentioning the criteria and the requirements for a digital nomad visa for Croatia, let’s start with the advantages of living and working in Croatia.
Advantages of Living and Working in Croatia
Living and working in Croatia has many advantages, and one of the perks of being a digital nomad is choosing where you want to live. Is Croatia a great place to live? We’ll help you decide if Croatia is the right choice for you as a digital nomad.
#1 Safety
Croatia is ranked number 14 on the Global Peace Index 2023, and it’s among the safest countries to live in and visit in Europe. The US State Department has added Croatia to the safe list: Level 1 (exercise normal precautions).
Croatia, of course, has low crime rates like petty theft and non-violent offenses. Overall, when it comes to safety, Croatia is a good choice.
#2 Location
Croatia, an EU member, is in the northwestern part of the Balkan Peninsula, and its coast is on the Adriatic Sea. The country shares borders with many countries: Slovenia, Hungary, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. Croatia also shares maritime borders with Italy.
Its location makes it close to Europe and the Mediterranean. From there, you can visit beautiful Mediterranean countries and other European countries.
#3 Croatia has joined the Schengen Area
Croatia joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, and the Croatian government lifted the air borders on March 26, 2023. Non-EU residents living and working in Croatia can freely travel across the Schengen Area.
Living and working in Croatia grants you access to most EU countries like France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, and Switzerland. A Croatian visa allows you to travel to many European countries in your free time without unnecessary paperwork and hassle-free.
#4 The Healthcare System
In Croatia, health insurance is mandatory. Citizens and residents have to pay their share in the health insurance system. So, health care is available to everyone. In addition to public health insurance, there is private health insurance. In Croatia, medical care is satisfactory. Quality varies, but as a general rule, healthcare standards are good in major cities and tourist areas.
#5 The Educational System
Education is always an issue for those taking their families, but not in Croatia. Overall, Croatia offers a good quality of education at reasonable costs. In Croatia, there are different options for education to suit the needs of many people. In Croatia, the primary and secondary are free for the citizens and foreigners living in Croatia. For those who prefer private schools, international schools are available in Croatia.
As for most international schools, students expect to find the same standards and system anywhere, and it’s a good choice for those who frequently travel. Private universities are also available in Croatia at a low cost.
#6 Helpful Locals
Most Croatians are fluent in English. You can move around without issues. Communicating with Croatians means you can easily make friends. It’s always good to know you’re moving into a welcoming environment with people who will do their best to help you.
#7 Fantastic Weather
One of the perks of living and working in Croatia is its fantastic weather. Croatia has a pleasant Mediterranean climate. It is warm and sunny most of the year, a perfect destination for those who would love to live in Europe and enjoy warm and sunny weather. It still snows in Croatia in winter. But it’s not extremely cold like in other European countries.
#8 Landscape and Nature
Croatia is simply stunning. It’s one of the most beautiful destinations in Europe, with wildlife, mountains, islands, and national parks. The Plitvice Lakes National Park has many waterfalls and more than 90 lakes. Croatia is also famous for the Krka National Park. So, if you’re fond of nature and beautiful landscapes, Croatia is the perfect choice for you.
#9 History
Besides nature, history is among the attractions of the country. If you love history, the Croatia digital nomad visa is a good choice. So, what are the historical sites that Croatia is known for? There are plenty, but the most famous are Dubrovnik, Pula Arena, Walls of Ston, and Zadar Roman Forum.
Dubrovnik’s old city, for example, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was a merchant town in the thirteenth century. Many buildings in the city are still standing. Pula Arena is a Roman amphitheater from the 1st Century AD.
The Walls of Ston, also known as the Great Wall of Croatia, is a historical site from the 14th and 15th Centuries. The Zadar Roman Forum contains numerous monuments. Croatia is a rich place full of history.
#10 Music Festivals
Croatia is the perfect spot if you’re fond of music, as it’s known for its music festivals. There are many festivals held annually. So, if you’re living and working in Croatia, this is something else you would enjoy during your stay there.
#11 Best Road Trips
Taking a road trip to Croatia is both easy and fun. The roads are smooth, and the driving conditions are generally perfect. Petrol stations are available, and some stations are open 24/7. And speaking of road trips, you can drive with a foreign driver’s license.
#12 You can drive with a foreign driver’s license
In Croatia, you can drive with a foreign driver’s license as long as it’s written in Latin letters, meaning you can’t use a Chinese driving license in Croatia, for example. Verify if your driver’s license allows you to drive in Croatia and whether or not you need an international driving license.
#13 Digital Nomad Village
Croatia has introduced the digital nomad permit and built a village for digital nomads in Zadar to make the country more welcoming and accommodating to digital nomads. The village for digital nomads creates a sense of community and provides services to digital nomads. In this village, you can rent apartments at a reasonable price, less than the average rent in most of Europe. Plus, you have access to coworking spaces and the chance to attend events organized there.
Points to Consider Before Applying to the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
While Croatia seems interesting enough, there are some points you should consider before you apply for a visa or relocate there. Let’s see some of the main points.
Eligibility
To be eligible to apply, you should have a monthly income of around €2500 or $2700 to ensure you have enough to support yourself in Croatia. Also, to be eligible for a digital nomad visa, the company you own or work for should be outside Croatia.
You’re ineligible for a digital nomad visa if you’re a citizen of an EU/EEA country or have a Swiss passport. If you are, you’ll need a temporary residence permit.
Can you take your family?
You should consider if the country allows you to take your close family members on a digital nomad visa. In Croatia, you can take your family (family reunion residency permit). You have to provide documentation like a birth certificate or a marriage certificate. If you bring a dependant, add 10% to the minimum monthly income of the digital nomad visa.
Taxes
No income tax. With a Croatia digital nomad visa, you are exempt from paying income tax in Croatia for your remote work. You may still need to pay taxes in your home country. We recommend you check with a tax consultant on your situation and whether Croatia has double taxation agreements with your home country.
Cost of Living
The cost of living index ranges depending on the city you live in. For Zagreb, it’s 53.3, Zadar 51.9, and Dubrovnik 51.2. Generally, the cost of living in Croatia is 35% lower than in the US, and rent is 75% lower than in the US. For example, rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €750.
Services Offered
One of the services you should check before relocating as a digital nomad is the speed and stability of the fixed internet connection. In Croatia, the fixed internet connection speed reaches around 46 Mbps, which is a bit slow. As for mobile internet connection, it is 70 Mbps.
How to Apply for a Visa?
The digital nomad visa is for any third-country national (a non-EU/EEA/ Swiss Citizen). Temporary residence is for up to a year or less and is non-renewable. Digital nomads can apply again once their temporary residence expires.
You can apply for a temporary residence as a digital nomad in Croatia through an online application or by visiting the nearest Croatian embassy. You can check this link for more information.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
For Croatia, you need the following documents:
- A valid passport
- An application form
- Health Insurance – You can purchase private health insurance or travel insurance as long as it provides coverage in Croatia.
- Clear criminal record
- Visit purpose (digital nomad) – employment or service contract, etc.
- Bank statement to prove you match the income of around €2400.
- A temporary address of residence (booking confirmation or a rental agreement)
- Marriage certificate and birth certificates if you intend to bring your family members
- You must submit a 30×35 mm photo for the biometric residence permit application.
After you arrive in Croatia, third-country nationals should register their temporary address (temporary residence address) at a local police station to avoid the revoking of their temporary stay.
Note: You need to translate and notarize your documents.
How Much Does the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Cost?
The cost of the Croatian digital nomad visa varies according to where you apply. If you visit the consulate, you pay $66 for temporary residence, $73 for the visa, and $49 for the residence card.
As for applying for the digital nomad visa from a local police station in Croatia, you pay $55 for temporary residence, $38 for the biometric residence card, and $11 for administrative fees.
Conclusion
Most digital nomads think of the perks of living in a foreign country before they choose one. We’ve shown in this guide why the Croatia digital nomad visa is a good choice for many digital nomads.
The Croatian digital nomad visa is affordable, with a reasonable monthly income requirement and not too much paperwork. Since Croatia has recently joined the Schengen Area, you’ll have free travel access to any European country you wish to visit.
We hope you find this guide a helpful starting point in your journey to get the Croatia digital nomad visa.
FAQs about the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa and Living in Croatia
Does Croatia have a digital nomad visa?
Yes, Croatia offers a digital nomad visa in addition to other perks. They have built a village for digital nomads. They’ve also hosted the Zagreb Digital Nomad Week to encourage digital nomads.
How much does the Croatia digital nomad visa cost?
The cost of the digital nomad visa varies, but it’s around $70.
What’s the monthly income required for a digital nomad visa in Croatia?
To apply for the digital nomad visa in Croatia, you must have a minimum monthly income of €2400.
Where to live as a digital nomad in Croatia?
Zadar, Zagreb, and Dubrovnik are all good options.
What is the cost of living in Croatia?
Croatia’s cost of living index differs according to the city you pick. For Zagreb, it’s 53.3
How much does rent cost in Croatia?
A one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around €450.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, you can bring your family to Croatia with your digital nomad visa. However, You have to provide documentation like birth or marriage certificates.
Do they speak English in Croatia?
One of the perks of living in Croatia is that many locals speak English. So, you won’t have any problem with communication.
Do digital nomads pay tax in Croatia?
No income tax. With a Croatia digital nomad visa, you are exempt from paying income tax in Croatia for your remote work. You may still need to pay taxes in your home country.
Do I have to visit the Croatian embassy for the digital nomad visa?
No. You don’t have to visit the closest Croatian embassy for a visa. You can apply online.
Can Croatia’s digital nomad visa be extended?
The Croatia digital nomad visa is valid for one year and can’t be extended afterward. If you intend to stay in Croatia, you can apply again after six months from your expired visa.
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