What Is A Digital Nomad?
In essence, digital nomads are individuals who work remotely and have the ability to travel and work from any place. They can execute their professional responsibilities by utilizing communication technology, such as wifi, regardless of their location. You may frequently spot digital nomads in public places like coffee shops, libraries, or nearby bars.
However, it is important to note that the meaning of a “digital nomad” can vary from one country to another.
In order to apply for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, it is crucial to have an understanding of Croatia’s definition of a Digital Nomad.
According to the Ministry of Interior in the Republic of Croatia, a digital nomad is someone who is not a citizen of Croatia and works remotely using communication technology. This work can either be for their own company or for a company that is not registered in Croatia and does not provide any services to employers in Croatia.
The main requirement to obtain a Croatia Digital Nomad Visa is to demonstrate that:
- You can do remote work using communication technology (like wifi)
- You’re a non-EU citizen
- You work for a company registered outside of Croatia
Important Information About The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
Before delving into the visa requirements and application process, I’ll first address the most frequently asked questions people have about the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, as I can sympathize with your uncertainties regarding this type of visa as a fellow digital nomad.
What Is The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?
By obtaining the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, digital nomads can legally reside and work in Croatia for up to one year. This travel authorization is ideal for remote workers seeking to explore all that Croatia has to offer.
It’s worth noting that the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa serves as more than just a visa. By applying for it, you’re essentially requesting a temporary residence permit. Once you’ve obtained that permit, you must then journey to Croatia to register your temporary address and submit an application for your Residence Card.
You need not worry, I will provide you with a detailed explanation of the steps you need to take at a later time.
How Long Is The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?
Usually, the duration of a visa is one year; nevertheless, it may vary based on the intended time of stay. For instance, if you plan to stay for half a year, your visa will probably be valid for six months.
Does The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Lead To Permanent Residency?
Sorry, but regrettably, that is not the case.
Could you provide an explanation for this?
After the expiration of your Digital Nomad Visa, you must observe a waiting period of 6 months before considering reapplying for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.
To be eligible for permanent residency in Croatia, you must remain present in the country without interruption for a minimum of five years. Moreover, you are restricted from staying outside the country for more than 10 months cumulatively during the five-year term.
It would be impossible to obtain permanent residency or citizenship since reapplication for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, which has a validity of 1 year, is only permitted after a 6-month waiting period.
If My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Expires, Can I Still Visit Croatia?
Affirmative.
You must wait for 6 months prior to reapplying for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, but this doesn’t imply that you cannot travel to Croatia. You may apply for a Croatia Tourist Visa and spend 90 days in Croatia.
Actually:
After spending 90 days out of Croatia, certain nomadic individuals return as visitors and renew their Digital Nomad Visa application (within Croatia) prior to the expiration of their Tourist Visa.
If you time your trip correctly, you could spend up to 15 months in Croatia using the Croatia Tourist Visa which permits a stay of 90 days.
Can I Work For A Company Registered In Croatia?
I cannot rephrase the given text as it is already as brief and concise as possible.
In order to qualify for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, your employer must not be headquartered in Croatia. Additionally, if you run your own business, it must be registered outside of Croatia rather than within the country.
In order to be employed by a company in Croatia, it is necessary to submit an application for a Croatia Work Visa.
When Can I Apply For My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?
The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa has been in operation since January 2021, meaning that if you fulfill the visa criteria, you can submit an application for your subsequent Croatia Digital Nomad Visa promptly.
Where Can I Apply For My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?
You can apply for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa in three different ways.
- In Croatia
- Within your home country at a Croatian Embassy or Consulate
- Online
In case you do not require a visa to gain entry into Croatia:
If a visa is not required for entry into Croatia, then you may journey there and request one at a nearby police station or consulate.
US citizens are allowed visa-free travel to Croatia for a maximum of 90 days, enabling them to obtain their Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia.
In case you require a visa for access to Croatia:
This is the point where it becomes a bit difficult.
There are two choices available to you.
Initially, solicit a Croatia Tourist Visa, journey to Croatia, and then submit an application for your Digital Nomad Visa from within the country.
Afterwards, seek the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa at a Croatian Embassy or Consulate located in your country of origin. Once you have sought for the Digital Nomad Visa, proceed with the application for a Croatia Type D Visa.
The Type D visa enables multiple entries into Croatia and is valid for six months with a stay allowance of 30 days. Using this visa, you can enter Croatia, register your temporary stay, and request your Biometric Residence Card.
Submit your application electronically.
Irrespective of whether a visa is required for admission to Croatia, the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa can be obtained through online application for all candidates, which, in my opinion, is the most convenient choice.
What Is The Processing Time For The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?
The duration that is needed for processing relies on the place of application. Generally, your temporary stay authorization will be processed in 3-4 weeks, but it may take up to 12 weeks in unusual circumstances. Some possible grounds for such a lengthy processing time are:
- A sudden demand for visas at the Embassy or police station
- Submitting an incorrect application form
- Not including all the required documents
- Visa policy changes
Furthermore, it typically takes approximately 3 weeks for your Biometric Residence Card to be processed.
What Are The Required Documents For The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?
Let’s now move on to the necessary paperwork for the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa now that you have a better understanding of it.
Bear in mind:
I will provide a list of the necessary documents for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.
To enter Croatia, it is mandatory to have a visa, and if you don’t have one, you need to obtain it. To acquire your residence permit, you need to apply for the Type D Visa; however, this article will not discuss the Type D Visa.
Bear in mind that the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa has different document requirements compared to the Type D Visa.
Examining the necessary documents for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.
A Completed Application Form
Submitting a complete visa application form is an essential requirement for a successful Croatia Digital Nomad Visa. There are two available methods to accomplish this task.
Complete Form 1a.
Although the form may appear puzzling at first, it is actually written in English. All you need to do is adhere to the instructions and ensure that the details you provide are precise. Once you have finished filling out the form, make sure to print and sign it.
Fill out the online form in its entirety.
My suggestion is to utilize the online application form for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa. In my personal experience, it is a more effortless and advantageous option.
If you’re not interested, you can skip it, but I’ll provide you with screenshots that describe the contents of the application form for your ease of use.
Fundamental Details about Digital Nomads:
To begin, you need to provide fundamental details, including your first and last name, along with your country of origin.
Travel Document Information:
This section requires you to input details about your travel document. An important suggestion is to have your passport/travel document at hand during the process. Verify that the information you input matches the information on your passport.
Bear in mind to always verify twice! Keep in mind that a minor error could result in a visa application being refused.
Further Details on Digital Nomad Essentials:
One crucial aspect to complete is the “Place of intended stay” section where you must provide the address for your accommodation while in Croatia. I will provide further information on this topic. Keep in mind that failure to provide a Croatian address could result in your visa application being postponed or declined.
The other fields are quite easy to understand on their own.
Planned duration of visit:
You are required to indicate the duration of your planned stay, as implied by the name. If the length of your rental agreement or lodging corresponds to your stay period, it can improve your application’s chances of success. Otherwise, it may lead to doubts about the actual purpose of your visit.
Following this, there is a roster of the documents that must be enclosed with your visa application. For each category, there is a brief explanation of the document that is required. Nevertheless, throughout this article, I will provide a thorough analysis of each document requirement.
Ultimately, it is important to ensure all the boxes have been ticked before submitting your application form by clicking “send”.
So, that’s the gist of it. Since the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa is available online, it’s considerably more convenient and efficient than the old-fashioned paper application process. Therefore, I suggest opting for the online option to apply for your visa as a digital nomad in Croatia.
Proof Of Purpose
To qualify for the Croatia Digital Nomad visa, it is necessary to demonstrate that you are a digital nomad intending to carry out telecommuting from Croatia.
In the document you provide, make sure to declare your plan of utilizing communication technology either for a foreign employer or your personal business. Keep in mind that your organization, or the organization you are currently employed by, must not be enlisted in the Republic of Croatia.
The documents that are required to be included are:
- A letter from your employer (as proof that you perform work through communication technology)
- An employment contract or service contract (with a foreign employer)
- If you own a business: a copy of the registration of your company and proof that you perform work through your own company
Copy Of A Valid Passport Or Travel Document
In order to apply for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months after your planned return date and if it is nearing expiration, obtain a new one prior to beginning the application process.
Make certain that you have at least two unused visa pages in your passport/travel document prior to obtaining your new Digital Nomad Visa.
Useful Information About Life in Croatia
If living in Croatia on a digital nomad visa is already your choice, then the following details may come in handy.
Getting to Croatia
Traveling to Croatia using any form of transportation, be it by land, sea, or air, is an amazing option. Croatia can be reached from almost every country in Europe by rail, either directly or by making a transfer. Croatian roads are modern, efficient, and newly constructed, making them convenient for both car and bus travel. The ferry service from Italy enables access to the shores throughout the year. During summer, there are nine international airports located across the country that provide connections to major European cities.
Money
Croatia’s eventual goal is to become a part of the Eurozone, but presently, the Kuna is the recognized currency. Currency conversion services are available at banks, exchange bureaus, post offices, most travel agencies, and hotels across the country. Most restaurants and ATMs accept major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Diners.
Weather
Croatia offers a variety of climates. Along the coast, you’ll experience a pleasant Mediterranean climate with abundant sunshine throughout the year. Summer days are warm and dry, and winters are moderate and rainy. As you venture further inland, temperatures gradually decrease as the climate becomes more continental and moderate. The refreshing mountain air and average temperatures of 13ºC during summer welcome you.
Free Wifi
Croatia has approximately 300 locations where wifi can be accessed without charge.
Activities
There are ample opportunities for activities in Croatia, whether you have a preference for beaches or historical sites. You can explore UNESCO sites, sail to different islands, and swim in the clear waters of the Adriatic. Additionally, you can spend your weekends at the national parks. If you are a digital nomad, the Digital Nomad Valley Zadar is a must-visit, as you can connect with other nomads.
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