Over the recent years, Croatia is becoming a popular destination for digital nomads or those who are location-independent professionals. It is not a surprise, given its breathtaking natural landscapes, beautiful islands, and golden sand beaches. It also has many interesting historical sites that appeal to the history buffs. Fans of Game of Thrones will love Croatia even more since the coastal city of Dubrovnik is the filming location of Westeros’ capital city, King’s Landing.
If you’re one of the many digital nomads who are thinking of going to Croatia to work remotely, there are many things you need to know before making the move. So, here’s everything you need to know about working remotely in Croatia.
How Long Can You Stay
For digital nomads planning to move to Croatia, the first step is to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa. Once you have this visa, you can stay in the country for up to 12 months. You can also choose to apply for a stay of only six months. The Digital Nomad Visa is not extendable.
But there are many other ways to stay in Croatia other than applying for the Digital Nomad Visa. Croatia is offering short-stay visas or the Croatia tourist visa. Also, if you are a citizen of a European country, you are not eligible for the Digital Nomad Visa. However, you are eligible for a free short-term tourist visa, allowing you to stay in the country for up to three months or 90 days, depending on your nationality.
Getting a Digital Nomad Visa
There is a certain set of rules that digital nomads need to meet to be granted the Digital Nomad Visa. You can be eligible for the digital nomad visa if you:
- Are not an EU/EEA citizen.
- Earn a monthly income of 16.907,50 kuna per month, or around €2,250.
- Work for a company based out of Croatia or own a company based out of the country.
If you will bring some family members to Croatia, you need an additional income of 676,30 kuna per month. The government does not impose restrictions on your source of income. It can come from your salary, investments, pensions, etc. If you are not receiving a regular monthly salary, you can show proof that you have enough funds to support your stay in Croatia. In this case, you need to have at least 202.890,00 kuna or about €27,000.
To apply for the digital nomad visa, visit any Croatian embassy overseas. You can also apply for the visa online. When you submit your applications, make sure your documents are complete. You need to fill out the application form, write a letter establishing your status as a digital nomad in Croatia, and submit a copy of your passport.
You will also be required to submit proof of good background or proof that you have not been convicted of any crime in your country. For married applicants, a marriage certificate must be submitted. You also need a health insurance policy that will cover the entire term of your stay.
- Best Places in Croatia to Work Remotely
Croatia has many beautiful places to base yourself as a digital nomad. Some of the best places to be a digital nomad in Croatia are Split, Dubrovnik, and Zadar. Split is ideal for those who enjoy living in big cities while still close to the beach. It also has the advantage of being near several great islands with regular ferry connections, allowing you to easily visit other islands if you wish to unwind from work.
If you are fond of history and outdoor exploration, Dubrovnik is a great place to consider. Its walled Old Town is a joy to explore, lined with impressive medieval architecture, a perfect contrast to the blue waters of the Adriatic Coast. If you want to breathe some fresh air and explore the outdoors, Dubrovnik offers plenty of opportunities to do so.
Zadar is a sunny port town that’s home to many digital nomads. In fact, it’s home to the Digital Nomad Valley Zadar, a village where nomads can work and live together. Situated along the Dalmatian coast, Zadar is home to many stunning beaches. For digital nomads who want to base themselves here, consider renting holiday villas in Zadar that have good internet and easy access to the beach and other attractions that you can explore after work.
- How to Enjoy Croatia When You’re Not Working
One of the main reasons why many digital nomads are drawn to Croatia is that there are many fun activities they can do between work, allowing them to have a healthy work-life balance.
Exploring the Old Town in Dubrovnik is one of the best things to do in Croatia. The picturesque Old Town has cobblestone streets lined with red-roofed houses. Given its long and rich history, you’ll find numerous historical sites to explore in the area. Cruising along the Croatian archipelago is another fun activity for digital nomads in Croatia. You can charter a gulet to cruise around many beautiful islands and tour some of the country’s stunning national parks.
If you want to spend your weekends going for scenic hikes, head to one of the country’s national parks, such as the Plitvice Lakes National Park. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park has breathtaking landscapes, which you can best admire as you hike through its trails.
If you are a foodie, one of the best things you should do if you feel like taking a break from work is to explore the thriving food scene of Zagreb. Aside from the lively food markets, the city has an excellent mix of upscale dining places, serving delectable local and international cuisines.
During the winter season, soak in natural hot springs and thermal spas to warm up. Most of these spas have been around since Roman times, which makes the experience even more exciting. Some of the most popular locations to bathe at hot springs and thermal spas in Croatia are Tuhelj, Stubicke Toplice, and Sveti Martin na Muri.
