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Croatia

Europe

Croatia joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, making it an attractive destination for digital nomads with its dedicated Digital Nomad Residence Permit (up to 18 months), tax-free status on foreign income, stunning Adriatic coastline, and affordable Mediterranean lifestyle. Popular cities include Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik.

5
Visa Types
60
Nationalities visa-free
🪪Your Passport:

Visa requirements vary by nationality

🎫 Available Visa Types

⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Special Program

Digital Nomad Residence Permit

Croatia's dedicated residence permit for remote workers, allowing stays of up to 18 months with tax exemption on foreign-sourced income. One of Europe's most attractive digital nomad programs.

365 days
Duration
€96.88
$105 fee
+€738 additional

💰 Income Requirement

Minimum $3,295/per_month

Alternative: Alternatively, show bank savings of EUR 39,540 for 12-month stay or EUR 59,310 for 18-month stay. Income requirement increases by 10% for each additional family member.

✅ Key Benefits

✓Stay up to 18 months in Croatia
✓Tax-free status on foreign-sourced income
✓Access to entire Schengen Area for travel
✓Family members can apply for reunification
✓Work legally for foreign employers
✓Open Croatian bank account
✓Enjoy Mediterranean lifestyle at affordable cost
📋 Requirements (7)
  • •Valid passport (at least 3 months beyond visa expiration)
  • •Proof of remote work for foreign employer or own company not registered in Croatia
  • •Employment contract or company registration documents
  • •Bank statements showing EUR 3,295/month income (6 months) or EUR 39,540-59,310 savings
  • •Health insurance valid in Croatia for entire stay
  • •Criminal background check (apostilled and translated)
  • •Proof of accommodation in Croatia
📝 Application Process
✓ Online Application⏱ 30-60 days, can extend to 90 days during busy periods
  1. 1Gather all required documents and have them translated/apostilled as needed
  2. 2Apply online at mup.gov.hr or at Croatian embassy/consulate abroad
  3. 3If already in Croatia (visa-free), apply at local police station
  4. 4Pay administrative fees via online banking
  5. 5Wait for approval (typically 30-60 days)
  6. 6If you need entry visa, obtain Type D visa at embassy after approval
  7. 7Register temporary address within 3 days of arrival in Croatia
  8. 8Collect biometric residence card from police station within 30 days
Apply Online
🔄 Extension & Renewal

Extension: 180 days (max 1x)

Cost: €46.45

Process: Extension possible for up to 6 additional months if initial permit was for 12 months. Apply at police station at least 60 days before current permit expires.

Renewal: After permit expires, must leave Croatia for 6 months before reapplying. Not convertible to permanent residence.

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Apply early - processing times can be unpredictable
  • •Have documents translated by certified Croatian translator
  • •Get FBI background check before leaving US (takes time)
  • •Consider applying from within Croatia if you can enter visa-free
  • •Join digital nomad communities in Split and Zagreb for local advice
  • •Budget EUR 1,000-2,000/month outside major tourist areas
⭐Recommended for Digital Nomads
Tourist

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen)

Citizens of approximately 60 countries can enter Croatia and the Schengen Area without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Includes US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and many others.

90 days
Duration
€0
<$1 fee
+€57 additional

✅ Key Benefits

✓No visa application required
✓Access to all 29 Schengen countries
✓Can apply for Digital Nomad permit from within Croatia
✓Multiple entries allowed within 90/180 day limit
📋 Requirements (5)
  • •Valid passport (issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months after departure)
  • •Proof of accommodation (may be requested)
  • •Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
  • •Return or onward travel ticket (may be requested)
  • •Travel insurance recommended
📝 Application Process
Embassy Required⏱ Immediate entry at border
  1. 1Ensure passport meets Schengen requirements
  2. 2Book accommodation and have confirmation ready
  3. 3Have proof of funds available if requested
  4. 4Arrive at Croatian border (airport, land, or sea)
  5. 5Present passport at immigration
  6. 6Entry stamp received (EES biometrics from October 2025)
  7. 7Register address within 48 hours if not staying in hotel
Apply Online

💡 Pro Tips

  • •Use the EU calculator to track your 90/180 days: home-affairs.ec.europa.eu
  • •Keep entry/exit stamps as proof of travel history
  • •EES (Entry/Exit System) started October 2025 - biometrics now collected
  • •ETIAS authorization will be required from late 2026
  • •Consider Digital Nomad permit if planning to stay longer

Schengen Short-Stay Visa (Type C)

TouristPopular

Standard Schengen visa for nationalities requiring visa to enter Croatia and the Schengen Area. Valid for tourism, business, family visits up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

90d
Duration
€90
$98 fee
+€190 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-45 days, can extend to 60 days in complex cases
🔄Extendable +30d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Schengen visa application fee (adults)Standard EU visa fee, non-refundable
€90$98
Additional (estimated)
Children 6-12 yearsReduced fee for minors
€45$49
Children under 6Free of charge
€0<$1
VFS service feeWhen applying through visa application center
€45$49
Travel insurance (90 days)Mandatory, minimum EUR 30,000 coverage
€100$109
Required Total
€90$98
+ Additional (estimated)
€190$206
Estimated Total
€280$304
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport (issued within 10 years, valid 3+ months after departure, 2 blank pages)
  • •Completed and signed visa application form
  • •Recent passport photo (35x45mm, white background)
  • •Travel health insurance (min EUR 30,000 coverage)
  • •Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • •Flight reservation (round-trip)
  • •Proof of financial means (bank statements, employment letter)
  • •Cover letter explaining purpose of visit

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Check if you need a visa at mvep.gov.hr
  2. 2Complete application form online at crovisa.mvep.hr
  3. 3Schedule appointment at Croatian embassy/consulate or VFS center
  4. 4Gather all required documents
  5. 5Attend appointment in person (biometrics collection)
  6. 6Pay visa fee
  7. 7Wait for processing (15-45 days)
  8. 8Collect passport with visa or receive refusal notification

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Cannot work in Croatia or Schengen Area
  • •90/180 day rule applies to total Schengen stay
  • •Must leave before visa expires
  • •Cannot convert to residence permit while in Croatia
  • •Time in any Schengen country counts toward 90-day limit

💡 Tips

  • •Apply at least 15 days before travel, ideally 4-6 weeks
  • •Croatian embassy may represent other Schengen countries in your area
  • •Keep all documents organized and in specified order
  • •Reduced fee (EUR 35) for nationals of some countries with facilitation agreements
  • •If visiting multiple Schengen countries, apply at embassy of main destination

Long-Stay National Visa (Type D)

Special Program

National visa for third-country nationals who have been granted temporary stay for purposes such as work, study, family reunification, or digital nomad status and require an entry visa.

30d
Duration
€93
$101 fee
+€45 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱15-30 days after residence approved
🔄No extension
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Long-stay visa (Type D) feeNational visa fee
€93$101
Additional (estimated)
VFS service feeWhen applying through visa application center
€45$49
Required Total
€93$101
+ Additional (estimated)
€45$49
Estimated Total
€138$150
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Approved temporary stay or residence permit
  • •Valid passport
  • •Confirmation of granted temporary stay from Ministry of Interior
  • •Supporting documents as required by residence type

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1First obtain approval for temporary stay (e.g., Digital Nomad, work permit)
  2. 2Receive notification of granted temporary stay
  3. 3Contact Croatian embassy/consulate
  4. 4Submit visa application with approval documentation
  5. 5Pay visa fee
  6. 6Collect Type D visa
  7. 7Enter Croatia within visa validity
  8. 8Register address and collect residence card

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Only for those requiring entry visa to Croatia
  • •Must be used within validity period
  • •Single entry only
  • •Linked to specific residence permit approval

💡 Tips

  • •Apply for Type D visa immediately after residence approval
  • •Ensure passport validity extends beyond planned stay
  • •Keep all approval documents with you when traveling
  • •Some embassies can issue biometric residence card directly

Work Permit (Stay and Work)

Work

Required for third-country nationals who wish to work for Croatian employers. Employer must initiate the process and prove no suitable local candidates available.

365d
Duration
€101.14
$110 fee
+€293 additional
📍Apply: Embassy
⏱30-90 days depending on occupation and quotas
🔄Extendable +365d
View full details
💰 Cost Breakdown
EURUSD
Required
Administrative fee for stay and work permitGovernment processing fee
€60$65
Biometric residence cardCard issuance fee
€41.14$45
Additional (estimated)
Long-stay visa (Type D)If entry visa required
€93$101
Document translation and apostilleVaries by documents needed
€200$217
Required Total
€101.14$110
+ Additional (estimated)
€293$318
Estimated Total
€394.14$428
💱1 USD = 0.92 EUR•Updated Nov 28, 2025
💡 Costs may vary. Additional costs are estimates and may not all apply to your situation. Always verify current fees with official sources.

📋 Requirements

  • •Valid passport
  • •Job offer from Croatian employer
  • •Employer labor market test (proving no local candidates)
  • •Educational qualifications (authenticated)
  • •Criminal background check
  • •Health insurance
  • •Proof of accommodation

📝 Application Steps

  1. 1Croatian employer obtains work permit approval
  2. 2Receive notification of approved stay and work permit
  3. 3Apply for Type D visa at Croatian embassy (if required)
  4. 4Enter Croatia with visa
  5. 5Register address within 3 days
  6. 6Collect biometric residence card
  7. 7Begin employment

⚠️ Restrictions

  • •Tied to specific employer
  • •Must notify authorities if changing jobs
  • •Employer responsible for tax withholding
  • •Cannot freelance or work for other employers

💡 Tips

  • •Process is employer-initiated
  • •Certain professions exempt from labor market test
  • •EU Blue Card available for highly skilled workers
  • •Seasonal work has separate permit category

📊 Quick Facts

CapitalZagreb
CurrencyEUR (€)
LanguageCroatian
TimezoneUTC+1
Last UpdatedDec 1, 2025

🔗 Official Resources

Immigration BureauEmbassy Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Does Croatia have a dedicated digital nomad visa?
Yes! Croatia was one of the first European countries to introduce a Digital Nomad Residence Permit in January 2021. As of 2025, the permit allows stays of up to 18 months and offers tax exemption on foreign-sourced income. You must earn at least EUR 3,295 per month (or show equivalent savings) and work remotely for employers outside Croatia.
Can I work remotely for a foreign company while staying in Croatia?
Yes, but it depends on your visa status. With the Digital Nomad Residence Permit, you can legally work remotely for foreign employers tax-free. On a tourist visa or visa-free entry (90 days), working remotely is technically a gray area - Croatia does not actively enforce restrictions on tourist remote work, but for stays longer than 90 days, the Digital Nomad permit is the proper legal option.
How long can I stay in Croatia as a tourist?
As a Schengen member since January 2023, Croatia follows the 90/180 day rule. Visa-free nationals (US, UK, Canada, Australia, etc.) can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This limit applies to your TOTAL time in the Schengen Area, not just Croatia. Time spent in other Schengen countries counts toward your 90 days.
What is the 90/180 day Schengen rule and how does it affect border runs?
The Schengen 90/180 rule means you can spend a maximum of 90 days within any rolling 180-day period in the entire Schengen Area (29 countries). Border runs to non-Schengen neighbors (Bosnia, Serbia, Montenegro) do NOT reset your counter - only time spent outside Schengen counts. If you have used 90 days, you must wait until enough days fall off your 180-day window before re-entering.
What are the best cities in Croatia for digital nomads?
Zagreb offers year-round affordability (EUR 500-800/month rent), multiple coworking spaces (Impact Hub, COIN), fast internet, and a vibrant cafe culture. Split provides coastal lifestyle with growing nomad community and coworking options (Smartspace, Saltwater). Dubrovnik is stunning but expensive and quiet in winter. Zadar offers good balance of coast and affordability. Islands like Hvar are great for summer but limited in winter.
How much does it cost to live in Croatia as a digital nomad?
Monthly costs vary significantly by location. Zagreb: EUR 1,000-1,600 (including rent EUR 500-800). Split: EUR 1,200-1,800 (rent EUR 600-900). Dubrovnik: EUR 1,500-2,500 (higher in summer). Smaller towns: EUR 800-1,200. Budget EUR 100-150/week for groceries. Eating out: EUR 8-15 for casual meals, EUR 30-50 for nice restaurants. Coworking: EUR 100-200/month.
Do I need to register my address in Croatia?
Yes. All foreigners must register their temporary address with police within 48 hours of arrival. Hotels and registered accommodations do this automatically. If staying in private accommodation (Airbnb, rental), you may need to register yourself at the local police station. Use Form 8a and bring your rental agreement or property proof.
Can I open a bank account in Croatia as a foreigner?
Yes, relatively easily. Non-residents can open non-resident accounts. You need: valid passport, OIB (Croatian personal identification number from Tax Administration), proof of address, and a small deposit. Major banks include Zagrebacka Banka, Privredna Banka, and Erste Bank. Most branches have English-speaking staff. Consider using Wise or Revolut alongside local banking.
Is Croatia part of the EU and Schengen Area?
Yes to both. Croatia joined the EU in 2013 and the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. It also adopted the Euro (EUR) on January 1, 2023, replacing the Croatian Kuna. This means seamless travel between Croatia and other Schengen countries, but the 90/180 day rule applies to total Schengen time for non-EU visitors.
What is ETIAS and will I need it for Croatia?
ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is an upcoming pre-travel authorization for visa-exempt travelers to the Schengen Area. Expected to launch in late 2026, it will cost EUR 7, be valid for 3 years, and require online application before travel. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and other visa-free nationals will need ETIAS once implemented. It is NOT a visa, just a pre-screening requirement.
⚠️

Important Disclaimer

Visa requirements can change frequently. This information is provided for general guidance only and should not be considered legal advice. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or immigration authorities before making travel plans. Last updated: December 1, 2025

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