The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa allows digital nomads to work and live legally under a temporary residence in Croatia for up to a year.
Beginning January 1, 2021, Croatia will formally give this temporary residence to digital nomads. With the establishment of this visa, non-EU/EEA citizens now have a whole new option for long-term residency in Croatia.
How to Apply for a Digital Nomad Residence Permit in Croatia
The “digital nomad visa” fallacy is that this visa for digital nomads is not a visa. Unlike most digital nomad visas, it’s a temporary residence permit to live in the country.
In Croatia, a visa is required for short-term stays for tourist or business. Depending on your nationality, you can either arrive in Croatia and stay for up to 90 days without a visa, or you must apply for a visa from abroad before entering Croatia. Some nationalities are only permitted to visit Croatia as tourists for up to 30 days.
You may find all of the requirements to enter Croatia based on your country, as well as how long you can remain, on the MVEP website. If you are a citizen of another European country, you do not need any visa since you already have free travel access on a tourist visa.
If you want to stay and live in Croatia after your short-stay visa expires, you must apply for a temporary residence permit. The new basis for digital nomads seeking temporary residence in Croatia is thus a residence permit rather than a visa.
“So, why is it being referred to as a digital nomad visa?”
Many countries refer to both short and long-term foreign visitor stays as visas. Croatia is not one of them. Given the widespread excitement around the introduction of other digital nomad visas in Barbados and other European countries like Greece and Estonia, the new Croatian temporary residence permit has been incorrectly referred to as a visa.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To apply for a Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following qualifying requirements:
- Remote workers must demonstrate that they are not a citizen of an EU or EEA nation, and that they have a monthly income of roughly €2,300. If you want to bring family members with you, your bank statement must prove that you have an extra €90 per month.
- Remote workers must work for a company that is based outside of Croatia. You are not permitted to work for any employer in Croatia. As a digital nomad, you can only work remotely in any foreign country.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Required documents
You must submit the following documents to apply for temporary residency:
- A valid passport. After your Croatia digital nomad visa expires, your passport must be valid for three months more.
- Croatia visa application online for digital nomads. If you want to apply in person at a Croatian Embassy, print the 1A application form. The form can be found on the embassy’s website or at the Croatian Ministry of Interior.
- Evidence of an sufficient monthly income. You must demonstrate that you get a monthly income from a company or foreign employer located outside of Croatia. The monthly income should be at least €2,300, and you can provide income bank statements.
- Medical coverage. Your health insurance must be valid in Croatia for the duration of your stay.
- No criminal record. You can obtain a copy of your criminal record from your home country (a federal background check)
- Temporary residence address in Croatia. You must provide proof of a temporary address in Croatia, such as a confirmed booking or a rental agreement with a Croatian landlord.
How Do I Get a Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia?
Remote workers can apply for this new digital nomad visa in two ways: at a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad, or online.
Apply for a Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia at an Embassy.
Follow the steps below to apply for a Croatia digital nomad visa at the embassy:
- Complete the 1a application form. The form is available on the websites of the nearest Croatian embassy or the Croatian Ministry of Interior (MUP).
- Gather the necessary documentation. Make careful to prepare all essential documents so that your application is not rejected due to minor errors.
- Apply at the Republic of Croatia’s embassy or consulate abroad. If necessary, you must schedule an appointment and submit the completed application on the day of the appointment. Croatian embassies and consulates can be found here.
- If your application is approved, you will receive an envelope or a phone call.
The benefit of applying from your home country (if you do not require a visa to enter) is that you can stay in Croatia for 15 months at a time – three months as a tourist and 12 months as a digital nomad.
Online Application for Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
If you prefer to apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa online, you must complete the following steps:
To apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa, fill out the online form. The application will be given to the appropriate authorities (local police station in Croatia), who will make a decision on it. They may also ask for more documentation.
If your application is approved, you will be notified by email. You must register your temporary residency within three days of entering Croatia.
Note: If you require a visa to enter Croatia, you must also apply for one at the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate.
Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Advantages
The following are the advantages of obtaining a digital nomad visa for Croatia:
- No income taxes. You do not have to pay income tax in Croatia for your remote job if you have a Croatia digital nomad visa. However, keep in mind that you may still be required to pay taxes in your own country.
- Beautiful weather. Croatia provides ideal weather for most people, as it is pleasant in the summer and cool in the winter.
- Reliable internet connection. Because you will be working as a digital nomad, you will require a good internet connection, which will not be a problem in Croatia.
- Many locals are fluent in English. If you don’t speak Croatian, you’ll be fine because practically everyone speaks English.
- Safe. Croatia is a very safe country to live in, just like other European countries. Croatia was rated level one by the United States, indicating that it is a safe country.
- Affordability of living expenses. Prices vary depending on where you live and what you buy on a daily basis. Fresh fruits and vegetables can be purchased at moderate prices, and transportation is also inexpensive.
- There are numerous locations to visit. As a digital nomad in Croatia, you may explore the country by visiting the National Parks like Plitvice Lakes national park, museums, and the old town of Dubrovnik, among other attractions.
- Friendly people. Croatians are nice people, so establishing new friends will be easy.
- Work when and where you want. As a digital nomad, you may work at your own pace and in your own environment, with no pressure because you are working for yourself and have no additional concerns.
- Path to Croatian citizenship. The best and most important advantage of obtaining a Croatian digital nomad visa is that it allows you to begin the path to Croatian citizenship; if you reside in Croatian territory for five years, you will be eligible for permanent residency, which will then allow you to apply for Croatian citizenship.
