Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements 2025: Best Steps

The Croatia digital nomad visa is tailored for remote workers. It allows people from around the globe to live and work in Croatia for up to a year. Our article is not just a theoretical guide—it’s a practical roadmap.

It walks you through the Croatian digital nomad visa application process. And it will make your transition to the digital nomad lifestyle in Croatia as smooth as possible. It also provides essential information on extending your stay in this picturesque Mediterranean country.

We also outline the pros and cons of living in Croatia and provide an estimated cost of living. We give a brief overview of cities and things to do. Whether you are a freelancer, entrepreneur, or remote employee, our comprehensive guide helps you consider and navigate the path to becoming a digital nomad in Croatia.

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We aim to provide a quick but accurate synopsis of the Croatia digital nomad visa requirements and steps. Please let us know if you notice any inaccuracies so we can correct them.

Important Note: Some documents may require official translation into Croatian.

• Authenticated copy of passport with a minimum of six months validity left
• Two passport photos
• Letter of intent explaining your purpose for residing in Croatia
  Proof of remote work (e.g., work contract, pay stubs, statement from employer, or evidence of self-employment)
• Bank statement showing the minimum income requirement for the past 6 months or showing the required balance in a lump sum
• Criminal record check (within the last six months) with apostille or notarization from your home country or the country you resided in the year before coming to Croatia
• Address in Croatia. You can provide a temporary address. You can then update the local MUP (Ministry of the Interior) of your permanent address later. Note that permits are processed locally, and you must apply to the city your intended address corresponds with.
• Proof of medical insurance that covers you in Croatia (we use Genki health insurance)

Nomads, expats, and long-term travelers

Nomads, backpackers, and short-term travelers

1. Apply for an OBI number (personal ID number) online or in person at a Tax Administration office.
2. Download and complete the Croatia digital nomad visa application form (PDF).
3. Submit your application and all required documents to the online Croatia digital nomad visa portal.
4. Wait for an email response. The Croatia digital nomad visa processing time varies and could be several months, but you can legally stay during this process.
5. When you receive a response, it may be to request further documentation or to advise that your permit has been approved.
6. After approval, you must attend the designated MUP office to meet with an official to complete the process. Bring all paper copies of the forms and documents you submitted online. Also, bring your passport and money to cover the permit and resident card fees. As part of the completion process, you need a passport photo to apply for your resident ID card.

If you’re considering living and working in Croatia, we found that the pros easily outweigh the cons.

• Relatively affordable cost of living compared to other EU countries
• Excellent and affordable private healthcare
• Reliable internet
• Cities are well connected by public transportation
• Extensive coastline and numerous islands to visit
• Mild winter in most regions
• English is widely spoken

• Bureaucracy is slow, and most processes are not digitized yet
• The coast gets very crowded in summer and is overrun by cruise ships
• Limited flight and train connections to other parts of Europe in comparison with other EU countries

1. Dubrovnik: This city combines medieval charm with modern amenities. It is a beautiful coastal city with a mild climate.
2. Pula: A smaller city that features rich Roman history and a relaxed vibe.
3. Rijeka: A cultural hub with a vibrant arts scene. Its coastal location makes it ideal for exploration.
4. Split: Blends ancient history with modern life. It has easy access to beaches and islands.
5. Zadar: This city merges ancient and modern attractions. Its beautiful coastline and parks make it ideal for nature lovers.
6. Zagreb: This is Croatia’s vibrant capital. It has reliable, high-speed internet and public transportation. It also has excellent bike lanes, access to natural spaces, and an excellent coffee and café culture.

These are just a few of the activities you can do in Croatia. Plus, you can also easily visit surrounding countries like Slovenia and Italy.

1. Plitvice National Park: This UNESCO site features a network of sixteen lakes and countless waterfalls. Krka National Park is another fantastic option.
2. Old Historic Towns: The Adriatic coastline teems with ancient cities boasting Roman architecture, the most famous of which is Dubrovnik and its city walls. Be sure to visit the under-appreciated region of Istria. You can experience the Roman Colosseum outside of Italy in Pula, and Motovun is a unique hilltop town.
3. Islands: The archipelago is home to about 78 islands, on which you can take in the history, hike, kayak, and swim.
4. Dinaric Alps: Trek through the karst mountain range, where you often have an incredible seaside view.

During the initial application process, we temporarily stayed in a Zagreb Airbnb. We then secured a rental opportunity in Zagreb with a year-long rental agreement for our permanent address. Our landlord was very helpful with our visa application. We easily Googled and found translation services in Zagreb.

We debated living on the coast in a city like Split. We had heard the application process was quicker there, and there was less bureaucracy. However, the coast is known to be more expensive than inland cities and becomes very crowded during the summer. Also, some smaller seaside towns have weaker internet connections.

Looking back, we happily settled in Zagreb. It’s a very livable city, aligning with our preferences for a lower cost of living, stable high-speed internet, and a laid-back atmosphere. We enjoyed going on short trips to the coast in the off-season to avoid the busy crowds.

We ended up extending our stay for another year. We applied for temporary residency under “other purposes” through Croatia’s one-year pre-paid rent option. This extension involved more bureaucracy, but the extra year was well worth the effort!

The Croatia digital nomad visa process was much more manageable. But we still recommend staying for two years if you can afford it.

Croatia has stunning landscapes, a welcoming culture, and a relaxed environment. It’s an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a unique and enriching experience.

By following the steps outlined in our guide, you can successfully apply for your Croatian digital nomad visa. You may have to fight through some bureaucracy. But in the end, it’ll be worth being able to live and work in this beautiful country.

These are the most frequently asked questions about the Croatian digital nomad visa.