Croatia Digital Nomad Visa

The Complete Guide to Croatia's Digital Nomad Permit

Croatia, with its sapphire coastlines, historic walled cities, and a surprisingly low cost of living, was one of the first countries in the EU to officially welcome remote workers. Its program, known as the Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads, offers one of the most appealing pathways to a European working holiday.

This blog post is your comprehensive map to navigating the Croatian application process, ensuring you swap your office chair for a seaside cafe in Split or Dubrovnik with confidence!

What is the Croatia Digital Nomad Permit?

Croatia does not issue a "visa" in the traditional sense, but rather a Temporary Residence Permit for digital nomads.

• Official Name: Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads (Privremeni boravak za digitalne nomade)

• Duration: The permit is granted for a maximum of one year and is currently non-extendable.

• Re-Application: After your one-year permit expires, you must leave Croatia and are ineligible to reapply for this status for six months.

• Tax Benefit: A major draw! Foreign-sourced income from your qualifying remote work is generally exempt from Croatian income tax while you hold this permit. However, you remain responsible for any tax obligations in your country of tax residency.

• Exclusion: The permit is strictly for working remotely for non-Croatian companies/clients. You are not permitted to work for any Croatian-registered company.

Who is Eligible? (The 'Third-Country National' Rule)

The permit is exclusively for Third-Country Nationals—citizens from outside the European Union (EU), European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland.

You must prove that you are:

1. Employed or performing work through communication technology for a foreign company that is not registered in Croatia.

2. Working remotely for your own company that is not registered in Croatia.

Financial Requirements (The Income Threshold)

To ensure you can support yourself without working in Croatia, you must demonstrate consistent financial stability. The required amount is tied to the average Croatian net salary and is subject to change.

As of the latest reports, you must prove a monthly income or available savings based on the following:

Applicant StatusMonthly Income Requirement (Approx.)Savings for 12-Month Stay (Approx.)Single Applicant€2,540 per month€30,480 (for 12 months)Additional Family Member+10% of the base amount per person+10% of the base amount per person

• Note: Amounts are based on official calculations (2.5x the average net salary) and are subject to minor change. Always check the official Ministry of the Interior (MUP) website for the latest official figure before applying.

Essential Document Checklist

All documents must be originals or notarized copies, translated into Croatian or English by an officially authorized translator, and legalized with an Apostille or super-legalization (if your country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention).

1. Application Form: Complete Form 1a (for in-person applications) or the online application form.

2. Valid Passport: Copy of a valid travel document. Its validity must exceed your intended stay by at least three months.

3. Proof of Remote Work Purpose:

   • If Employed: Contract of employment and a signed letter from your employer confirming you can work remotely using telecommunication technology.

   • If Self-Employed/Business Owner: Company registration documents and proof that you perform work through your company (e.g., contracts with foreign clients).

4. Proof of Financial Means:

   • Bank statements from the last 6-12 months showing regular income that meets the monthly threshold. OR

   • Proof of sufficient funds (savings) deposited in your bank account covering the full 12-month period.

5. Health Insurance: Proof of comprehensive private health insurance covering the entire territory of Croatia for the full duration of your stay.

6. Criminal Background Check: A certificate of no criminal convictions from your home country and any country where you have resided for more than one year immediately prior to coming to Croatia. This must be apostilled/legalized.

7. Proof of Accommodation: Evidence of your intended address in Croatia (e.g., rental contract, Airbnb/hotel booking).

The Application Procedure: 3 Routes

You have flexibility on where to submit your application:

RouteWhen to ApplyWhere to Apply1. OnlineRecommended, if you prefer digital processing.Through the Ministry of the Interior's dedicated digital platform (see links below).2. Abroad (In Person)Mandatory if you need a visa to enter Croatia.The nearest Croatian Embassy or Consulate in your home country/country of residence.3. In-Country (In Person)Only if you are legally in Croatia (e.g., entered visa-free as a tourist).The competent Police Administration or Police Station according to the location of your temporary residence.

The Final Steps (After Approval):

1. Visa (If needed): If you applied from abroad, you will need to contact the Embassy/Consulate to obtain a Long-Stay Visa (Type D) to legally enter Croatia.

2. Address Registration (In-Country): Upon arrival in Croatia, you must register your temporary residence address at the competent police station within 3 days using Form 16a and your rental agreement.

3. Biometric Card: You will attend an appointment at the police station to submit your biometrics (fingerprints and photo) and receive your final Temporary Stay Permit Card.

Government Links and Resources

Always rely on the official sources for the most accurate details, as requirements and figures can change.

ResourceDescriptionGovernment LinkMinistry of the Interior (MUP)The official source for all immigration and residence permit information. Look for the 'Aliens' section.https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/temporary-stay-of-digital-nomads-286853/286853Digital Nomads Croatia PlatformThe official online portal for submitting the initial application.https://digitalnomadscroatia.mup.hr/Ministry of Foreign and European AffairsFor information on visa requirements for your nationality and locating an embassy/consulate.https://www.mvep.hr/Official Fees & Payment InfoInformation on how to pay the administrative fees to the State Budget (MUP) once approved.Refer to the Ministry of the Interior website.

The Croatian Digital Nomad Permit is an exceptional opportunity, but the key to a smooth process is meticulous preparation. Start gathering your legalized documents now, and you'll soon be enjoying your new office with a view of the Adriatic Sea!