Croatia Digital Nomad Visa: Your 2025 Guide to Working Remotely in Croatia

Croatia has come a long way in a short time. Since achieving independence in a bloody war in the 1990s, this country has gone on to become one of Europe's tourism hotspots. 

As remarkable as that is, it's not necessarily surprising. Croatia combines a rich history, including some of the world's most important Roman buildings, with beautiful Mediterranean scenery and a unique culture that is a joy to explore. And being a digital nomad in Croatia, thanks to the Croatian digital nomad visa, lets you take up temporary residence in Croatia and see what all the fuss is about.

Croatia is one of the more recent countries to offer digital nomad visas. Let's take a look at what you need to live and work in Croatia, how to apply for the digital nomad visa, and how to start a new life in the Republic of Croatia. 

What Is the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?

Croatia provides a temporary residence permit for digital nomads, introduced in early 2021. This visa allows non‑EU/EEA citizens to live in Croatia while working remotely for non‑Croatian employers or clients. Unlike a typical short‑term tourist stay or Schengen visa, this permit is designed for digital nomads and offers legal clarity and tax exemption on foreign‑source income.

Originally valid for up to 12 months, the permit now can be issued for up to 18 months, with a one‑time extension of six months (total maximum stay 18 months), after which the applicant must leave Croatia for at least six months before applying from outside of Croatia again.

Let's take a look at the requirements and application process.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be a non‑EU/EEA/Swiss national (EU/EEA citizens don’t need this permit, and can enter Croatia as a digital nomad or take up a regular job there anytime they like).

• Work remotely for a company, clients, or as a business registered outside Croatia. Working for a Croatian entity is not permitted unless you own a foreign-registered business and include Croatian clients.

• Provide proof of income or sufficient savings from a non-Croatian source. 

  
  

  You also need to:

• Present valid health insurance covering the duration of stay.

• Hold a clean criminal record from your home country or countries of residence.

• Have a temporary Croatian address (rental or accommodation booking).

Income & Savings Requirements

The law around the digital nomad visa for Croatia states that you need to make 2.5 times the average monthly salary.  At the moment, that's €3295 per month. 

You are also allowed to bring members of your immediate family to Croatia with you on this visa, but you will need to add an additional 10% to your monthly income for every family member you bring.

However, there is another option. If you plan to stay in the Republic of Croatia for 12 months and you have €39,540 (roughly US$46,000) in your bank account, you don't need to meet the minimum income. If you want to stay for 18 months, you need €59,310 (around US$69,000).

To prove  your income  when you submit your application, you'll need your last six months of payslips or bank transfers.  If you are using savings for your visa application, they will want to see 12 months of bank statements showing that you have consistent access to that amount. 

Benefits of Croatia’s Digital Nomad Permit

Why get a digital nomad visa in Croatia?  Well, I can think of lots of reasons. Here are some of the top reasons you might want to move to Croatia and apply for a digital nomad visa:

• Croatia is within the Schengen area, meaning you can travel through much of Europe without applying for any other visa.

• You can leave and enter the Republic of Croatia as many times as you want during the visa's validity.

• You can bring family members with you.

• Croatia does not collect income tax on foreign-sourced income. As a digital nomad, all of your income will be from a foreign source,  which means you can potentially pay no income tax while living and working in Croatia. Of course, your home country may tax foreign income, so make sure you are well aware of the rules before taking advantage of this scheme.

Costs & Processing Times

You can apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa from inside the country or from outside, and the costs vary depending on how you do it. 

If you go to the Croatian embassy or consulate in your home country, you will pay: 

• €55.74 for granting a temporary stay, and

• €93 for the long term visa D.

• €41.14 for the biometric residence card.

• There is also an additional fee for applying through the VFS visa service. 

  
  

If you apply for your visa at a police station inside Croatia, the costs are:

• €46.45 for granting the temporary stay, and

• €9.29 for admin fees

• €31.85 for the biometric residence card.

  
  

So it's cheaper to apply for a Croatian visa from within Croatia, but that requires you to already be in the country legally on a tourist visa or as part of a visa waiver program. So that's going to depend on what country you come from, as some don't need a visa to enter Croatia. 

Don't forget, health insurance typically costs €500–1,000/year.

Step‑by‑Step Application Process

1. Collect Documentation

   
   

   You're going to need:

   • A valid passport (valid at least 3 months beyond the expiration of your visa).

   • Six months of bank statements or payslips, or 12 months of savings statements.

   • Remote‑work contracts and proof of non‑Croatian employer or client.

   • Health insurance valid in Croatia.

   • Criminal record certificate from your current country.

   • Proof of temporary accommodation in Croatia.

   • Completed application form 1a (available from embassies and consulates abroad) or online equivalent.

   • Passport photos, CV, and purpose letter (optional).

   
   
   
   

2. Submit Application

   
   

   • From abroad: to a Croatian embassy/consulate (you may need a Type D visa first, which you can also apply for at the consulate).

   • From inside Croatia: apply in person at a local administrative police station (if you have the legal right to stay in Croatia, for example on a tourist visa).

     
     
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3. Pay Fees at submission time.

   
   

4. Register Residence within 30 days of arrival

   
   

   You can do this inside Croatia, using rental contract or accommodation confirmation for your temporary address in Croatia.

   
   

5. Receive Biometric Residence Card

   
   

   You'll have to submit your fingerprints for this.

   
   

6. Leave & Reapply

   After the permit ends, you must leave Croatia for at least six months before reapplying.

   
   

Cost of Living in Croatia

Croatia is not the bargain it was 20 or even 10 years ago. But it still offers a comparatively affordable standard of living versus Western Europe. Here's a rough monthly budget:

Cities like Zagreb, Split, Zadar, and Dubrovnik have growing nomad communities and coworking spaces. Off‑season winter prices are significantly lower, especially outside the coastal zones. If you meet the visa requirements that allow for the stay of digital nomads, especially the income requirement, you can live quite well in Croatia.

Tax in Croatia

Digital nomad permit holders:

• Are exempt from Croatian income tax on foreign‑source income, as long as you don’t earn from Croatian businesses or clients.

• May have to remain tax residents of your home country, following double‑taxation treaties. Always consult a tax advisor if your stay crosses thresholds or you earn in multiple jurisdictions.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of Croatia’s digital nomad visa program?

This remote work visa is valid for up to 12 months, with a one‑time extension of six months possible. The total maximum is 18 months, after which a six‑month absence is required before you can start a new application.

Must I earn €3,295 net per month?

Yes. The current monthly income threshold for 2025 is €3,295 net (or equivalent). If applying with family members, this increases by 10% per person.

Digital nomads and remote workers who don't make this much can still get in, though. The Croatian digital nomad visa allows you to qualify if you have enough savings in the bank: €39,540 (for a 12-month entry visa) or €59,310 (for 18 months).

Can I bring my spouse or children?

Yes. Dependents can accompany you, but you must show an additional 10% income per family member, and provide their documentation (birth/marriage certificates, health insurance).

Can I extend the permit beyond 18 months?

No. The permit can only be extended once, up to a total of 18 months. After that, you must leave Croatia for at least six months before filing a new application.

Do I have to pay Croatian income tax?

No—digital nomads are exempt from Croatian income tax on income earned from any company registered outside of Croatia. Working for Croatian companies or clients may trigger tax obligations, and the nomad visa does not allow you to work for Croatian companies. You may also have to pay tax in your home country.

Can I apply from inside Croatia?

Yes, if you’re already legally in Croatia (for example, as a tourist or other permit). Police stations can handle a digital nomad visa application. Otherwise, your application must originate from abroad or through a consulate.

Is switching to permanent residency possible?

Not via this permit. The nomad permit does not lead to permanent residence or citizenship. You must wait at least six months after the permit ends, and even then it’s unlikely to qualify as long‑term residency.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros:

• The Croatia digital nomad visa allows you to legally live and work remotely in Croatia for up to 18 months.

• Holders of a Croatian digital nomad residence permit are exempt from income tax.

• Croatia is part of the Schengen travel area, so you can easily explore Europe beyond Croatia on a digital nomad visa

• You can bring your family with you if you have the required income and pay the visa and administration fees.

Cons:

• The income requirement is strict, and fairly high.

• You can't work for Croatian companies.

• You have to leave after 18 months, even if you intend to re-apply.

• No pathway to permanent residence.

Is Croatia Right for You?

A wonderful place to visit for a vacation, Croatia offers a digital nomad visa that lets you apply for temporary residence based on foreign income. The Croatia digital nomad visa program is designed to attract foreign workers to the country, especially with its zero income tax requirements. Combine that with access to the EU, a high standard of living, great weather, and gorgeous scenery, and it's easy to see the perks of being a freelancer or entrepreneur in Croatia. 

Is Croatia one of the best countries for digital nomads to live in? It's not perfect. Living in Croatia is considerably more expensive than it used to be, and much more expensive than other countries in the Balkans. Prices are higher than they used to be and getting higher all the time, and English is not always widely spoken outside of tourist areas. 

It can also be tricky to secure accommodation before you get your visa, and it's a pain to have to leave after 18 months and stay away for six months before you can apply again. But if that doesn't put you off and you meet the income requirements, Croatia makes a fantastic place to live and work while experiencing a different culture.

On the other hand, if you're looking for somewhere completely different, check out our Bahamas digital nomad visa guide.