Digital Nomad Visa In Croatia: What You Need To Know

Visas In Croatia

Visa requirements for digital nomads in Croatia vary according to their country of origin. Those who belong to the EU, EEA, and Schengen Area are not required to have a visa for temporary stays and may only need to present their passport or identification card.

For all EU/EEA countries, the maximum duration permitted is 90 days. If your stay is intended to exceed this period, you will have to request a temporary stay visa. This type of visa is valid for a year at most, and cannot be prolonged, but you may reapply six months after the previous one expires. This implies that you can revisit Croatian territory at a subsequent time to take a work break.

If you intend to stay in Croatia for a year or more, it is advisable to apply for a long-stay visa. One option is the Croatia Work visa, allowing you to live and work in the country, but necessitating the payment of taxes to the Croatian government.

From 2023 onwards, individuals who are not a part of the EU will have to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) to gain entry. This requirement will be in place for trips that are three months or less.

Digital Nomad Visa

Croatia has introduced a digital nomad visa that you can consider. This visa was created in January 2021 as a response to the growing number of digital nomads in the country.

To be frank, it is not labeled as a visa, but rather a residential permit. This visa for digital nomads enables an individual to reside in a particular country for an extended period, exceeding that of a tourist visa, and simultaneously provides them with the same advantages as tourists.

Besides having a valid passport, you must fulfill various criteria. Firstly, you must demonstrate that you earn income from off-site work, whether from freelancing or being an entrepreneur/employee working outside of Croatia. Additionally, you will need to have a temporary place of residence, health insurance and procure a criminal background check from your country of residence.

To be eligible for the digital nomad visa in Croatia, your monthly income must not be lower than HRK 17,822.50 (which translates to approximately EUR 2300). Once your application is approved, you can stay in the country without paying any local income tax for a maximum of one year.

1. What is a digital nomad visa?

A visa for digital nomads is a document that permits one to work within a country for a longer duration than a tourist visa and with less hassle than a work visa.

Digital nomads and traveling freelancers can choose to reside in their preferred location for a period ranging from 6 months to 2 years with the digital nomad visa, and its renewal is a straightforward process.

2. Why get it?

Visa restrictions and immigration are two prominent difficulties encountered by digital nomads, according to their experiences.

Prior to the introduction of digital nomad visas, travel visas were the only option available to digital nomads. Regrettably, these visas prohibited tourists from engaging in work within the country and typically had a maximum duration of 90 days. Consequently, digital nomads and freelancers who were traveling had to conduct their work clandestinely, pretending to be tourists while sightseeing.

Upon the expiration of their travel visa, they are required to visit the immigration office, endure prolonged waits, and incur fees in order to obtain its renewal. In some locations, renewal is not an option, resulting in digital nomads employing a technique termed “visa run.” This entails traveling to a nearby country for a brief period before returning to the original location to obtain a fresh visa stamp (though in select countries this is also prohibited).

Engaging in these activities repeatedly over several years can drain your energy levels, both physically, mentally, and emotionally, if you have been a digital nomad for many years.

If you meet the qualifications, it is recommended that you pursue a digital nomad visa. Its benefits include the removal of travel visa limitations, avoiding extended wait times at immigration offices, and no need for visa renewals. Additionally, you have the opportunity to work in a different environment which can stimulate your work ethic and imagination.

3. How to get it?

Although specific procedures and prerequisites vary across nations, the following is a broad overview of how you may obtain a digital nomad visa.

Find out whether you are eligible by going to the country’s immigration website or embassy office in your or a nearby country.
Prepare all the necessary documents such as bank statements, passport, and proof of being a digital nomad or freelancer.
Submit all documents either by applying online or at the embassy office.
Wait for approval and processing while planning the long-anticipated travel.
Collect your digital nomad visa, book your flight tickets, and begin your long-term nomadic lifestyle!

Click on the provided links at the end of this article to determine the qualifications and eligibility criteria for each country involved.

4. Who is eligible for a digital nomad visa?

The eligibility requirements for a digital nomad visa vary depending on the country, but in general, the following items are necessary to apply:

You are location-independent.
You can work digitally and remotely.
You have a stable flow of income and earn more than the minimum requirement.
You are from one of the eligible countries (e.g, Europe allows people from certain countries to apply).
You have proof of employment or ownership of a company.
You have travel or health insurance.

5. How long does the process take?

Applying for a digital nomad visa can take anywhere from 3 to 4 months, depending largely on the country in question.

Best Places to Live in Croatia as a Digital Nomad

If you enjoy working in coworking spaces, it might be difficult to locate the ideal location in Croatia; nevertheless, options exist. The crucial aspect is discovering the appropriate lodging. Provided here are a few recommendations for lovely and serene places to work in.

Dubrovnik

Despite the lack of co-working spaces in Dubrovnik, there are many locations with excellent internet connectivity where one can lodge. Due to its status as a heavily touristic city, it may not be the most ideal option for individuals requiring a consistent work schedule.

Although it may be expensive, it can still be done. For example, if you book a hotel room, it is possible to work there either in your own room or in the lobby. Should you prefer more solitude, there are also apartments available for rent. Then, after finishing your work, you can venture out and discover the city.

Split

If co-working spaces are your thing, consider giving Split a try. While the city has a touristy feel, it’s also ideal for those living a digital nomad lifestyle. With a variety of co-working spaces available, you can easily find a tranquil spot to work. In addition, if you don’t mind a little background noise, there are plenty of peaceful cafes with excellent Internet.

After you finish your work, there are numerous destinations for you to explore. You can opt for nightclubs where you can dance away your stress or unwind at a jazz lounge. Taking a leisurely walk on the beach can be extremely calming, and you can also visit a café there and work on your laptop.

Zagreb

Zagreb is the perfect destination for those interested in stunning architecture, with a lively and dynamic atmosphere that offers plentiful opportunities for both daytime activities and nighttime entertainment. As a result, digital nomads seeking a new experience may find Zagreb particularly appealing.

In recent years, numerous business owners and remote workers flocked to the city, leading to the emergence of co-working spaces tailored to Croatian expats. Whether you prefer a workspace that suits your specific needs or opt for a personal area with adequate working infrastructure, the options are plentiful.

After finishing work, you can explore Zagreb, which is a prominent city in Croatia, and there will never be a dull moment. There are several museums and parks to unwind in, along with serene lakes. If you require absolute quietness during work, there are some undiscovered areas that may be perfect for you.

Zadar

Zadar is an ideal destination for those who harbor a fascination for history and ancient ruins, as the Old Town is brimming with remains dating back to the Venetian and Roman eras. Additionally, the breathtaking scenery adds to its allure, with one vantage point offering a view of the awe-inspiring sea while the other presents towering mountains.

Zadar stands out from other destinations due to its exclusive digital nomad village, which offers a plethora of affordable co-working spaces and rental accommodations to cater to the needs of those seeking a shift in their work environment.

Rovinj

Consider giving Rovinj a try if you plan to obtain your digital nomad visa in Croatia when the weather is warm since the city is less busy and more laid-back compared to others.

With the sea in close proximity, working while relaxing on a beach chair is effortless. While Coworking Rovinj-Rovigno is the sole co-working space, there are numerous tranquil cafes available. The Wi-Fi is usually exceptional and complimentary, and drinks tend to be very affordable.

Although it is a small city, digital nomads in Croatia may find limited accommodation choices. Nevertheless, booking in advance can secure affordable options. This destination is particularly favored by long-term sojourners, especially in the resort town.

Cost Of Living In Croatia

Croatia’s appeal to digital nomads stems from its affordable cost of living. Accommodations, groceries, and leisure activities are less costly than in other countries.

Croatia uses Kuna (KN) as a method of payment. On average, a cup of coffee is 9.50KN ($1.51), while one beer is 14KN ($2.22). An affordable yet decent meal is around 45KN ($7.15), and a monthly ticket for the bus costs about 341KN ($44). The monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment or studio is around 3,210KN ($418), but the final price will depend on your proximity to the city center.

Ultimately, your cost of living is determined by the way you choose to live. It has the potential to be either pricey or economical. Opting to reside in bustling urban areas, renting a temporary abode in close proximity to the heart of the city, utilizing taxi services frequently, and exclusively dining out can result in exceedingly elevated expenses.

If you opt for a location on the periphery, prepare your own meals, and utilize public transit, it can prove to be budget-friendly. Certain items may be pricey, but this is applicable to all nations. The key factor is your personal inclination in terms of where you allocate your finances.

Final Thoughts On Digital Nomad In Croatia

Croatia proves to be a top pick for digital nomads due to its affordable expenses and stunning scenery. It’s highly probable that those relocating to Croatia will enjoy an exceptional experience whilst being efficient.

Aspiring digital nomads planning to work in Croatia should face no issues at the country’s borders. Those from EU/EEA nations should be able to remain without a visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days.

Apart from those options, the temporary residence visa or the digital nomad visa are available. Confirm whether you meet the prerequisites and schedule a visit to the embassy, which can be preceded by an email or phone call to save time.