Croatia

Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads

Croatia's Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads programme allows third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens) to reside in Croatia while working remotely for employers or their own companies registered outside the country. Introduced on 1 January 2021, Croatia was one of the first European countries to establish a dedicated legal framework for digital nomads. The programme offers a notable advantage: holders are fully exempt from Croatian income tax on their foreign-sourced earnings. As a Schengen-area member since January 2023, Croatia also provides permit holders with free movement across the Schengen zone.

• Third-country national (non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen), minimum 18 years old
• Employed or self-employed via communication technology for a company not registered in Croatia
• Must not perform work or provide services to employers in Croatia
• Minimum monthly income of EUR 3,295 (or lump sum equivalent in a bank account)
• Additional 10% of the base income per accompanying family member
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required

• Valid passport with at least 3 months remaining validity beyond the intended stay
• Health insurance covering Croatia for the entire duration of stay
• Proof of remote employment or self-employment (employment contract, employer statement, or company registration documents)
• Financial proof: 6 months of bank statements showing regular income, 6 months of payslips, or lump sum in a bank account
• Criminal record clearance certificate (apostilled or legalised, less than 6 months old, required for first application only)
• Proof of accommodation in Croatia (rental agreement, property deed, or written declaration from property owner)
• Passport-size photograph (30x35 mm)
• Administrative fee payment confirmation

The permit is granted for up to 18 months initially (extended from 12 months by the March 2025 amendments). If the initial permit was granted for less than 18 months, it can be extended once for up to 6 additional months, but the total stay cannot exceed 18 months. Extension applications must be filed at least 60 days before expiry.

After the permit expires (including any extension), a mandatory 6-month cooling-off period must pass before a new application can be submitted. This cooling-off period also applies if the previous stay was for family reunification with a digital nomad.

Spouse, children, and common-law partners (requiring 3+ years of cohabitation, or any duration if the couple has children) may apply for temporary stay for family reunification. Life partners under Croatia's Life Partnership Act also qualify.

The main applicant's digital nomad permit must be approved before family members can submit their applications. Each dependant increases the financial requirement by 10% of the base amount. Family members must submit separate applications with their own documentation, including proof of the family relationship. Their permits are tied to the digital nomad's permit duration and are subject to the same 6-month cooling-off period.

Digital nomad permit holders are exempt from Croatian personal income tax on income earned from foreign employers or their own foreign-registered companies. There is no obligation to file Croatian tax returns for this income and no social contribution obligations.

However, any other income earned in Croatia (such as rental income, dividends, or capital gains) remains taxable under standard Croatian rules.

Applications can be submitted online via the dedicated Ministry of the Interior portal at digitalnomadscroatia.mup.hr. Visa-required nationals may also apply at Croatian embassies or consulates abroad and will receive a Category D (long-stay) visa for entry upon approval. Visa-exempt nationals already in Croatia can apply in person at local police stations.

Processing time: Up to 30 days from submission of a complete application.

Fees: At police station: approximately EUR 87 (temporary stay grant + biometric card + administrative fee). At diplomatic missions: approximately EUR 190 (including Category D visa fee).

Upon arrival, holders must register their residential address at the local police station within 3 days of entry. A biometric residence permit will be issued in person. The OIB (Personal Identification Number) is automatically assigned during registration.

Holders may only work remotely for entities not registered in Croatia. Performing work or providing services to employers in Croatia is strictly prohibited, including freelance or contract work for Croatian clients. Violating this condition constitutes a breach of the terms of stay.

The digital nomad permit does not count towards the five-year continuous residence requirement for permanent residency. Holders must transition to a different visa category (such as work, investment, or family reunification) to begin accruing time towards permanent residence.

Links

• https://mup.gov.hr/aliens-281621/temporary-stay-of-digital-nomads-286853/286853
• https://digitalnomadscroatia.mup.hr/
• https://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2020_12_133_2520.html

Other Digital Nomad Visas in Europe