Remote work has gained immense popularity in recent years. More and more people are abandoning offices in favor of laptops, internet, and anywhere in the world that meets their needs. Croatia is becoming one of the most popular destinations in Europe – a country that combines picturesque landscapes, a pleasant climate, and a relatively low cost of living with increasingly improved infrastructure for digital nomads. But is remote work in Croatia really for you? Here’s everything you need to know before you decide to move there.
Why does Croatia attract digital nomads?
For remote work in Croatia there are many values:
– Beautiful landscapes: the Adriatic coast, numerous islands, mountains, and national parks.
– Good weather: A mild Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunny days.
– Safety: Croatia is considered one of the safest countries in Europe.
– Lower prices than in Western Europe: Especially outside the tourist season.
– Hospitality: Croatians are generally open-minded, and English is widely spoken, especially in tourist destinations.
Digital Nomad Visa
Since January 2021, Croatia has introduced a special visa for remote workers – the so-called “Digital Nomad Visa.” This is a huge convenience for people from outside the European Union, but also an interesting solution for those who want to legally live and work remotely from Croatia.
Important information:
– Length of stay: Maximum 12 months without extension (you can reapply after 6 months of departure).
– Eligibility requirements:
– You must be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country.
– You cannot work for a Croatian company.
– You must prove you have a stable income (approximately €2,300 per month) or adequate savings.
– Health insurance is required.
– Application process: You can complete it online or at your nearest Croatian embassy.
For EU citizens there is no need to apply for a visa, however if you plan to stay in Croatia for longer than 90 days you must register your stay at the local office.
Cost of living in Croatia
The cost of living in Croatia is lower than in most Western European countries, but varies depending on the region and season:
| Cost (average) | Zagreb | Split | Islands (e.g., Hvar) |
| ———————— | ———– | ———– | —————- |
| 1-room apartment | 500–800 EUR | 600–900 EUR | 700–1000 EUR |
| Internet (high-speed connection) | approx. 30 EUR | approx. 30 EUR | approx. 35 EUR |
| Dinner at a restaurant | 8–15 EUR | 10–18 EUR | 12–20 EUR |
| Public transport | 40 EUR (monthly) | 30–50 EUR | less available |
Outside the tourist season (i.e. from October to May), rental prices drop by up to 30–50%.
Internet and digital infrastructure
When working remotely, a reliable internet connection is crucial. Croatia scores very well in this regard:
– Most cities and towns have access to high-speed internet (100 Mbps or more).
– Contract-free SIM card offers with data plans are popular, such as bonbon, A1, and T-Mobile.
– Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes, restaurants, and coworking spaces.
– Popular apps like Speedtest and nPerf show good LTE/5G coverage, especially in cities.
Are you interested in buying or renting property in Croatia?
We invite you to cooperate with the professional Nestovia Real Estate Agency!
Places especially recommended for remote work
Not every place in Croatia is equally welcoming to digital nomads. Here are a few of the most popular locations:
– Zagreb – the capital with a vibrant city life, numerous coworking spaces, and excellent infrastructure.
– Split – a combination of urban lifestyle and beach access, perfect for sun worshippers.
– Dubrovnik – a beautiful, historic city, though more expensive and touristy.
– Rijeka – a more affordable alternative with good infrastructure and sea access.
– Zadar – a modern but quieter city with a thriving digital scene.
– Islands (Hvar, Brač, Korčula) – ideal for those seeking solitude and inspiration.
Coworking spaces and the digital nomad community
Croatia is actively supporting the development of the digital nomad community. New coworking spaces are emerging, and meetups and networking events are taking place in larger cities.
Popular coworking spaces:
– Impact Hub (Zagreb)
– WIP Coworking (Split)
– Saltwater Workspace (Dubrovnik)
– COIN Coworking (Zadar)
Additionally, there are numerous groups on Facebook and Slack, such as “Digital Nomads Croatia” and “Remote Workers in Croatia,” which help newcomers find their way around.
Health insurance and medical care
People staying longer than 90 days should have valid health insurance. For remote work in Croatia, there are two options:
– Own private insurance from the country of origin (it is important that it covers Croatia).
– Purchase local insurance under the Croatian health insurance scheme (mainly applicable for longer stays or when registering your stay).
Medical care in Croatia is of a good standard, although in small towns access to specialists may be limited.
What else should you pay attention to?
– Banking: Card payments are common, and ATMs are available everywhere. It’s worth having a multi-currency account (e.g., Revolut, Wise).
– Language: The official language is Croatian, but English is easily spoken in large cities and tourist areas.
– Workplace Culture: Croatians value work-life balance. After work, relaxation, coffee, and conversation are the go-to options.
Remote work in Croatia – conclusion
Croatia is an increasingly popular destination for remote workers – and for good reason. The combination of beautiful views, a reasonable cost of living, friendly people, and developing infrastructure creates ideal conditions for productive work and a high quality of life. However, it’s worth planning your stay carefully, understanding visa regulations, and tailoring the location to your needs. If you dream of working with a view of the azure sea and morning coffees in atmospheric cafes – remote work in Croatia awaits.
