Applying for Croatia's Digital Nomad Visa Made Easy: A 5-Step Guide

Croatia, a country known for its stunning seaside cities, excellent cuisine, and affordable living costs, is now an attractive destination for digital nomads. In January 2021, Croatia introduced a temporary residence permit specifically designed for remote workers, the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.

The application process for this visa is straightforward and can be completed online, submitted to a Croatian embassy or consulate, or applied in-person at the local police station near your temporary residence in Croatia. The cost of the application varies, with online applications costing €54.63 (55.74€ minus VAT) and in-person applications costing €37.16 (46.45€ minus VAT).

To be eligible for this visa, non-EU citizens must work for a foreign company, own a business, or work as a freelancer with foreign clients. The requirements include a valid passport, proof of remote income of at least €3,295 per month, health insurance, a criminal background check, a temporary address in Croatia, and a completed application. The cost of the Residence Card is €41.14 (if applying online) and €31.85 (if applying in-person), and there is an Administration Fee of €9.29.

The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa allows digital nomads to stay in Croatia for up to 18 months, with the initial visa valid for up to 12 months and an option to renew for an additional six months if the initial visa term was 12 months. As of May 2025, this renewal option is available.

Traveling within Croatia is made easy with its widespread and affordable bus network. Some of the best cities for digital nomads in Croatia include Split, Dubrovnik, Rovinj, Pula, Zadar, and Zagreb. For nature lovers, Plitvice, a beautiful national park, is worth exploring.

Croatia's digital nomad and expat community is thriving, making it easier for newcomers to settle in and find support. With many Croatians speaking English very well, communication should not be a barrier.

Moreover, Croatia's recent joining of the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023, provides visa-free travel access to the 29 countries in the agreement.

So, if you're a digital nomad looking for a change of scenery, Croatia might just be the perfect destination for you. With its gorgeous seaside cities, affordable living costs, and welcoming digital nomad community, it's a haven for remote work and seaside living.