Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa: A comprehensive guide

Croatia introduced its Digital Nomad Visa in January 2021, allowing non-EU/EEA nationals to reside in the country for up to a year while working remotely for a company not registered in Croatia. This initiative has made cities like Zagreb increasingly popular among remote professionals.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa, applicants must:

Nationality: Be a non-EU/EEA citizen.
Employment: Work remotely for a company or clients outside of Croatia, or own a business registered abroad.
Income: Demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least 2,539.31 €.
Health Insurance: Possess valid health insurance covering the duration of the stay in Croatia.
Criminal Record: Provide a clean criminal background check from the home country.
Accommodation: Present proof of accommodation in Croatia, such as a rental agreement or hotel booking.

Required documentation

Applicants need to prepare the following documents:
Completed Application Form: Available online or at Croatian diplomatic missions.
Valid Passport: With at least three months’ validity beyond the intended stay.
Proof of Remote Work: Employment contract or business ownership documents.
Proof of Income: Bank statements or payslips demonstrating the required monthly income.
Health Insurance Policy: Valid in Croatia for the entire duration of stay.
Criminal Background Check: Issued by the applicant’s home country.
Proof of Accommodation: Rental agreement, hotel reservation, or similar.

Application process

Submission: Applications can be submitted online through the Ministry of the Interior’s website, at a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad, or at a local police station in Croatia.
Processing Time: While official estimates suggest 3–4 weeks, processing can realistically take between 3 to 4 months.
Arrival in Croatia: Upon approval, applicants must enter Croatia within 30 days.
Residence Registration: Within three days of arrival, register your address at the local police station.
Biometric Residence Permit: Apply for and obtain a biometric residence card at the police station.

Family members

Family members can accompany the primary applicant. Each additional family member increases the required monthly income by 10%. Proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates, is necessary.

Additional information

Taxation: Holders of the Digital Nomad Visa are exempt from paying Croatian income tax on foreign-sourced income.
Duration and Renewal: The visa is valid for up to one year and is non-renewable. However, applicants can reapply after a six-month hiatus.
Restrictions: Visa holders are not permitted to work for Croatian companies.