Croatia (Europe)

The Croatia digital nomad visa was first introduced in January 2021. Digital nomads can now work remotely in Croatia for up to 12 months. However, the Croatia digital nomad visa isn’t exactly a visa. It’s a temporary residence permit.

Digital nomads can stay in Croatia with this visa from six months to a year, without the option to renew. Once the visa ends, you must leave the country for 180 days. After this period, you may reapply for a new digital nomad visa.

It’s important to note that Croatia has joined the Schengen Area as of January 1, 2023. So, you will have visa-free travel access to the 29 countries in the agreement with your visa.

Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

• Valid Passport – Your passport must be valid at least 3 months after the visa term

• Proof of Remote Income – You must work as a freelancer, employee, or entrepreneur for companies outside of Croatia

• Earn €2,870 per month – You must meet the monthly income requirement or have a balance of at least €34,444 in the bank if you intend to stay for a year

• This increases by 10% for each additional family member (spouse and children under 18 years old) you wish to include

• Health Insurance – Your policy must be valid in Croatia during the length of your stay

• Criminal Background Check – A certified background check from your country of residence

• Temporary Address in Croatia – You will need a lease agreement or booking confirmation of your address while staying in Croatia

• Completed Application – Fill out the application online or in-person and submit it to the Croatia police

Steps to Apply

The following steps are for those who do not require a visa to enter Croatia.

Third-country nationals who need an entry visa must also apply for a D-visa along with the Croatia digital nomad visa.

Step 1: Gather Documents and Submit Application

There are three options for how to submit your application for the Croatia digital nomad visa.

Complete the application online whether you are abroad or already in Croatia

Submit it to a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad

Apply in-person at the local police station near your temporary residence in Croatia

You’ll have to gather all of the required documents to successfully submit your application. These include:

• Copy of Passport

• Passport photos

• Proof of Purpose (Remote Work Contracts/Employment)

• Proof of Income

• Bank Statement from Previous 3 Months

• Criminal Background Check

• Temporary Residence Address in Croatia

• Completed Application (online or in-person form)

• Visa Fee

It’s important to note that your documents must be legalized with an apostille stamp from their country of origin and translated into Croatian by an accredited translator.

If you’re applying at a Croatian embassy or consulate, you will pay the visa and administration fees upon submitting the application. These fees are as follows:

Temporary Residence – 420 HRK or ~ $66 USD

Visa – 460 HRK or ~ $73 USD

Residence Card – 310 HRK or ~ $49 USD

If applying in-person at the local police in Croatia, you’ll pay the following fees after your application has been approved.

Temporary Residence – 350 HRK or ~ $55 USD

Biometric Residence Card – 240 HRK or ~ $38 USD

Administration Fees – 70 HRK or ~ $11 USD

It’s also important to note that when acquiring a criminal background check, it’s easiest to do so in your country of residence. If you are from the United States, you’ll need a federal background check from the FBI, which requires your fingerprints and should be completed in the US.

Step 2: Wait for Processing

Wait for approval of your digital nomad visa.

Step 3: Register Address in Croatia

Once approved, you will need to register your temporary Croatian address within 30 days of approval or within 3 days of arriving in Croatia.

To do this, you’ll need to go to the police station closest to your residence and submit an Obrazac 8a form and your residential lease agreement or VRBO, Airbnb, Flatio, or hotel booking confirmation.

Step 4: Obtain Biometric Residence Card

You’ll go back to the police station to obtain your biometric residence card. You’ll need to provide a Croatian-sized passport photo (30x35mm). You can get these printed in Croatia for about 100 HRK to ensure they are the correct size.

You will also need to bring your proof of payment slips for the residence and administrative fees.

The police will take your fingerprints and signature at this time. They will then give you a white temporary residence card. DO NOT LOSE THIS CARD!

Step 5: Receive Residence Permit Card

In about three weeks, your residence permit card will be ready for pickup at the police station. Bring your passport and the white biometric card with you.

You’ll then receive your temporary residence permit.