Croatia digital nomad visa: everything you need to know in 2025

Croatia is one of the few European countries offering a dedicated digital nomad visa, making it an increasingly popular destination for remote workers worldwide. Designed for non-EU citizens, the Croatia digital nomad visa allows you to live and work remotely from one of Europe’s most scenic and affordable countries for up to a year.

With its coastal towns, high-speed internet, and growing community of remote professionals, it’s no wonder digital nomads are flocking to this country in the Balkans. Here’s everything you need to know about Croatia’s digital nomad visa.

Does Croatia offer a digital nomad visa?

Yes, Croatia offers a digital nomad visa in the form of a temporary residence permit. Launched in 2021, this visa is designed for non-EU/EEA nationals who work remotely for companies or clients based outside of Croatia. It allows digital nomads to legally live in Croatia for up to 12 months while working online, without needing a local employer or sponsor.

The Croatian government was one of the first in Europe to formally recognize and support the digital nomad lifestyle. The visa is part of the country’s effort to attract remote workers by leveraging its affordable cost of living, reliable infrastructure, and high quality of life.

Whether you apply online, through a Croatian consulate, or upon arrival in the country, the process is relatively straightforward and well-documented, making Croatia a leading choice for remote professionals in the United States and around the world looking to live and work abroad.

What is the Croatia digital nomad visa?

The Croatia digital nomad visa is a type of temporary residence permit that allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Croatia for up to 12 months while working remotely for a foreign employer or running an international business. Introduced in 2021, the digital nomad visa was created to attract remote professionals by offering a legal path to live and work in Croatia without needing local employment.

One of the key benefits of this visa is that it exempts holders from paying Croatian income tax, as long as their income is earned from sources outside Croatia. It’s a single-entry permit that cannot be renewed consecutively, but applicants may reapply after spending at least three months outside the country.

With a straightforward application process and clear eligibility rules, the Croatia digital nomad visa has quickly become a favored option for remote workers looking to experience life along the Adriatic coast.

Who is eligible for Croatia’s digital nomad visa?

Croatia’s digital nomad visa is available to non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens who work remotely and earn income from outside the country. It is open to a variety of professionals, including employees, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, as long as they meet specific criteria and are not employed by a Croatian company. Eligible applicants include:

Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens

Only individuals who are not citizens of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland can apply. The digital nomad visa is specifically intended for third-country nationals.

Remote employees of foreign companies

If you are employed by a company headquartered outside of Croatia and perform your work remotely, you are eligible to apply. You will need to submit proof of employment and income.

Freelancers or self-employed business owners

Independent professionals who offer services to international clients or operate a business registered abroad can also qualify. Documentation such as client contracts or proof of business registration is required.

Entrepreneurs or consultants with international clients

If you manage a business or provide consulting services to companies located outside Croatia, you are eligible. Evidence of ongoing business activity and income is needed.

Applicants with no prior criminal history

All applicants must provide a background check from their home country or current country of residence, confirming a clean criminal record.

To be approved, applicants must show that they have a stable source of income, valid health insurance, and suitable accommodation in Croatia.

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What are the requirements for a remote work visa in Croatia?

To qualify for the Croatia digital nomad visa, applicants must meet several specific criteria. Each requirement ensures that nomads can support themselves and comply with Croatian regulations:

1. Valid passport

Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay in Croatia. This is non‑negotiable and applies to all non‑EU/EEA/Swiss nationals.

2. Proof of remote work

Applicants for the Croatian digital nomad visa must demonstrate that they work remotely for a company or clients based outside Croatia. Acceptable documentation includes employment contracts, freelancer agreements, or proof of business registration abroad.

3. Proof of sufficient income

As of May 2025, you must earn at least €3,295 per month, or alternatively, show savings of approximately €39,540 if you plan to stay for a year. If applying with dependents, you’ll need an additional  10 % of your income per family member.

4. Health insurance valid in Croatia

A comprehensive international or travel health insurance policy must cover your entire stay in Croatia and be valid within the country.

5. Clean criminal background check

You must provide a certified background check from your country of residence or citizenship, confirming no criminal record. Documents must be apostilled or notarized as applicable.

6. Proof of Croatian address

Applicants for the Croatian digital nomad visa must show a local address via a lease agreement, hotel reservation, or short-term rental booking in Croatia. This document determines your regional immigration office.

7. Passport‑style photos

Include two recent passport photos (45 × 35 mm) suitable for a Croatian biometric residence card.

8. Completed application form and visa fee

Submit the official visa form (Form F‑1a if applying in Croatia) and pay the administrative fee, which typically ranges from €80 to €150, depending on where you apply.

How to apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa

Applying for the Croatia digital nomad visa is a straightforward process, whether you're applying from abroad or within Croatia. Here are the key steps to follow:

Step 1. Choose how and where to apply

You can submit your application in one of three ways:

• Online through Croatia’s official government portal

• At a Croatian embassy or consulate in your home country

• In person at a local police station if you're already in Croatia on a valid visa or tourist entry

Choose the option that best matches your current location and travel plans.

Step 2. Prepare all required documents

Gather all the necessary documentation, including:

• A valid passport

• Proof of remote work or business activity

• Proof of sufficient income

• Health insurance coverage

• Criminal background check

• Proof of accommodation in Croatia

• Two passport-sized photos

Make sure all documents are translated into Croatian and properly certified if required.

Step 3. Submit your application and pay the fees

Submit your completed application form along with your documents. Fees vary slightly depending on where you apply, but typically include administrative processing, residence card issuance, and possible consular charges.

Step 4. Wait for approval

Processing time can range from a few weeks to over a month. If your application is approved, you’ll receive a notice and be invited to collect your temporary residence permit. If applying from abroad, you may also be issued a visa to enter Croatia and complete the process in person.

Once approved and registered with the local authorities, you’ll receive a biometric residence card allowing you to stay in Croatia legally for up to 12 months.

Croatia digital nomad visa quick facts and considerations

Before applying for the Croatia digital nomad visa, it’s helpful to understand how the permit works in practice. Here are some key facts to keep in mind:

Valid for up to 12 months

The Croatian digital nomad visa grants temporary residence in Croatia for a maximum of one year. The length of stay granted depends on your application and supporting documents.

Not renewable consecutively

This visa is not renewable back-to-back. Once it expires, you must leave Croatia for at least 90 days before submitting a new application.

Must work for a non-Croatian company or clients

You cannot use this visa to work for Croatian businesses or clients. All income must come from sources based outside of Croatia.

No Croatian income tax obligation

Digital nomads with this permit are exempt from paying local income taxes, as long as their earnings come solely from foreign entities.

Temporary residence card issued

Once approved, you’ll be issued a biometric residence card, which serves as your legal ID in Croatia for the duration of your stay.

Visa holders can bring family members

Spouses and children may accompany you, but they must apply for their own temporary residence permits through a family reunification process.

Reapplication is possible after a break

If you’d like to return after your visa expires, you may reapply, so long as you’ve been outside Croatia for at least three months.

These rules make the Croatia digital nomad visa a flexible and attractive option for remote workers seeking a temporary base in Europe.

What is it like to be a digital nomad in Croatia?

Living as a digital nomad in Croatia offers a blend of Mediterranean charm and practical remote-work support. The country delivers reliable internet, making video calls and cloud-based work seamless.

Coastal and city lifestyles

Digital nomads in Croatia often choose to live in cities like Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, or Zadar. These offer a mix of coworking spaces, cafes, and cultural events. Croatia’s Adriatic coastline, with over 1,200 islands, offers an ideal outdoor escape, particularly from April to October, making it perfect for weekend trips.

Affordable living

Overall living costs in Croatia are lower than those in many Western European cities. Excluding housing costs, you can expect to spend between $1,000 and $1,300 per month in coastal hubs and even less in smaller towns like Osijek or Bjelovar. 

Coworking and community

Croatia has a growing digital nomad scene, with coworking hubs, meetups, and even digital nomad villages such as in Zadar. This vibrant ecosystem offers plenty of opportunities for networking and socializing.

Seasonality and travel

Summer draws tourists, so places like Dubrovnik and Hvar can become crowded and more expensive between June and August. Winters are quieter and more affordable, though some ferry routes and seasonal services wind down.

Culture and convenience

Croatians, especially younger generations, commonly speak English, making daily life and business interactions easier. The country boasts a warm Mediterranean culture, complete with delicious cuisine, friendly locals, and weekend festivals like the Dubrovnik Summer Festival and Rijeka Carnival.

Healthcare and insurance

Healthcare is accessible, and digital nomads typically purchase private or travel insurance that covers care in Croatia. Coverage through Croatian providers ensures access to modern clinics and hospitals, often with English-speaking staff.

Benefits of living in Croatia as a digital nomad

Croatia offers a great mix of professional and lifestyle advantages for remote workers. From tax benefits to natural beauty, here are some of the top reasons digital nomads are choosing to base themselves in Croatia:

No local income tax for remote work

Digital nomads approved for the temporary residence permit are exempt from paying Croatian income tax, as long as their income comes from non-Croatian sources. This tax advantage makes Croatia especially appealing for remote professionals.

Affordable cost of living

Compared to many other European destinations, Croatia offers excellent value. Daily expenses, rent, and transportation are reasonably priced, especially in smaller towns or during the off-season.

Mediterranean climate and beautiful coastline

Croatia is known for its warm summers, mild winters, and breathtaking coastal scenery. With more than 1,000 islands and countless beaches, it's easy to enjoy a relaxed, outdoor lifestyle year-round.

Growing digital nomad community

Since launching the visa program, Croatia has seen a steady rise in its digital nomad population. Coworking spaces, local meetups, and nomad-friendly hubs, especially in cities like Split, Zadar, and Zagreb, make it easy to connect and collaborate.

Good internet and coworking infrastructure

High-speed internet is widely available throughout the country, even in coastal and island locations. A growing number of coworking spaces and digital nomad-friendly cafes offer reliable work environments.

Easy access to Europe

Located in Southeast Europe and now part of the Schengen Area, Croatia makes a great base for exploring the rest of the continent. Regular flights, buses, and ferries provide convenient travel options to nearby EU countries.

Whether you're seeking a quieter seaside lifestyle or a vibrant urban scene, Croatia offers digital nomads a flexible, affordable, and inspiring place to live and work remotely.

Hire employees and contractors in Croatia with Rippling

Whether you’re building a distributed team or supporting employees relocating on a digital nomad Croatia visa, Rippling makes it easy to hire, pay, and manage talent in Croatia, without setting up a local entity.

With Rippling’s global payroll and hiring software, you can:

• Hire full-time employees or contractors in Croatia in compliance with local labor laws

• Run global payroll in minutes in Croatian kuna or other currencies

• Automatically generate localized contracts and collect required documents, such as Croatia residence permit copies or proof of health insurance

• Manage time off, benefits, expenses, and device access from a single unified platform

Rippling simplifies the complexity of cross-border employment. Whether you’re hiring full-time employees or independent contractors in Croatia,  we help you stay compliant and agile.

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Croatia digital nomad visa FAQs

What is the acceptance rate for the Croatia digital nomad visa?

While official acceptance rates are not published, most applicants who meet all of the digital nomad visa Croatia requirements, such as valid health insurance, proof of income, and a clean background check, are likely to be approved. Submitting complete and accurate documentation can help speed up the process.

What is the easiest country to get a digital nomad visa?

Several countries, like Colombia, Portugal, Greece, Mexico, and Japan, offer visa options for remote workers, but Croatia stands out for its balance of simplicity, affordability, and lifestyle appeal. The Croatia nomad visa application process is clearly defined and doesn’t require a local job offer or business incorporation.

How long does it take to get a digital nomad visa for Croatia?

Processing time for the Croatia digital nomad visa varies depending on where you apply. On average, expect it to take between four4 and six6 weeks from submission to approval, especially if all documents are in order.

Can I bring my family with me to Croatia?

Yes. If you’re granted a Croatia remote work visa, your immediate family members can apply for temporary residence based on family reunification. Each family member must meet specific documentation requirements.

Do I need a local address to apply for the visa?

Yes. One of the key requirements for the Croatia digital nomad visa is providing proof of accommodation. This can be a lease agreement, hotel reservation, or written confirmation from a host in Croatia. Your local address will also determine the jurisdiction of your application review.