Croatia Digital Nomad Visa - The Complete Guide

There's something uniquely special about the Adriatic Sea — and the countries lucky enough to call it their local swimming hole. If you're residing in Croatia, you're enjoying the absolute luxury of having this coastline as your backyard.

The way we work has evolved rapidly, especially since the pandemic, opening up new opportunities for people to travel, live, and work remotely. Many countries recognised the economic potential of attracting digital nomads and responded with accessible visa options. Croatia is among them.

While Croatia doesn't offer a dedicated Digital Nomad Visa, it does support remote workers through its temporary residence permit — a practical and approachable solution for those wanting to immerse themselves in Croatian life. This visa allows you to stay for up to 12 months, with the option to extend for an additional six months.

If you're unfamiliar with Croatia and wondering whether it's the correct destination for your next digital nomad chapter, here are just a few reasons it stands out:

• Incredible Natural Landscapes: Croatia is not just known for its stunning coastline (home to over 1,000 islands) but also for its dramatic mountain ranges, pristine lakes, and lush national parks. Whether you're into hiking, sailing, swimming, or just soaking up the view, there's an outdoor adventure for everyone — and at every pace.
• Affordable Cost of Living: When compared to much of Western Europe, Croatia offers a seriously affordable cost of living — without skimping on lifestyle. Think coastal living, fresh Mediterranean food, and plenty of sunshine, all while keeping your savings intact. It's the kind of place where you can enjoy more for less.
• Thriving Digital Nomad Scene: Fast internet and strong coffee? Croatia's got both and then some. With a growing digital nomad community, it's easy to find your people — whether through coworking spaces, local meetups, or just striking up a conversation at your favourite café. The scene here is friendly, supportive, and steadily growing.
• Rich History & Culture: If you've ever seen Game of Thrones, you've already caught a glimpse of Croatia's rich historical charm. Cities like Dubrovnik feel like open-air museums, with centuries-old architecture, cobbled streets, and stories behind every stone. It's one thing to visit — it's another to call it home, even temporarily.
• Easy Access to the Rest of Europe: One of Croatia's biggest advantages is its location. With well-connected airports and easy cross-border travel, it's an ideal base for weekend getaways or wider European adventures — all without needing to blow the budget.

Visa Pathways to Live and Work in Croatia

If you're a digital nomad looking to live and work remotely from Croatia, your best option is a temporary residence visa. This visa grants third-country nationals (individuals who are not citizens of the European Union [EU], the European Economic Area [EEA], or Switzerland) permission to reside in Croatia while working remotely for a company or clients based outside of Croatia — for a period of up to 12 months.

To be able to apply for this visa, you must: 

• Be a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country (including Switzerland)
• Have secured remote work from a company or clients located outside Croatia
• Hold valid and adequate health insurance that covers the full duration of your stay
• Provide proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while living in Croatia
• Possess valid travel documentation
• Submit a police clearance certificate showing no prior criminal convictions in your country of origin

Top tip: Start your application process at least three months before your planned relocation. Processing times can vary between consulates, and you'll need time to obtain documents such as background checks, proof of income, and health insurance. Being well-prepared before your arrival will make your transition smoother and far less stressful.

Digital Nomad Visa Application Process

When applying for a temporary residence visa in Croatia, there are several options available, depending on whether you are from a visa-exempt country. If you are from a visa-exempt country (find the most up-to-date list and information here), you can apply upon arrival in Croatia at the local police station. However, if you are not from one of these countries, you will need to apply through your local consulate or embassy. If you do require a visa, you will need to apply outside of Croatia from your country of origin. 

Top Tip: It is best to call ahead of time with your local consulate or embassy to book an appointment and to find out how long the processing will take. This will give you adequate time to review your timeline and ensure you receive your visa on time before you plan on departing. 

Documentation you will need for your application: 

• Completed Application Form (download from the Ministry of the Interior)
• One colour photograph (3 x 3.5 cm)
• Copy of your valid passport
• Proof of remote employment or self-employment based outside of Croatia
• Proof of health insurance
• Proof of sufficient financial means (e.g. bank statements or payslips)
• Police clearance certificate proving no criminal record*
• Proof of accommodation in Croatia (e.g. rental agreement or host declaration)
• Proof of payment for the consular or administrative fee

*Criminal background proof is only required for first-time temporary residence applications and only if you are not a posted worker, student, or researcher using intra-EU mobility rights.

The Best Places to Live in Croatia

Split: If you're seeking coastal living with the perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary convenience, Split is an ideal base for your nomadic adventure. As Croatia's second-largest city, it offers the vibrancy of urban life while embracing a relaxed Mediterranean pace — a refreshing contrast to the hustle of cities like London. With a thriving café culture, walkable Old Town centred around the ancient Diocletian's Palace, and stunning beaches, Split effortlessly balances work and lifestyle. It's also well-connected by ferry to the Dalmatian islands, such as Hvar and Brač, making it a strategic hub for exploring the Croatian coast.

Zagreb: Croatia's capital offers a compelling mix of practicality, accessibility, and cultural depth. While it isn't located on the coast, Zagreb compensates with a strong infrastructure, extensive amenities, and a lively arts and music scene. It's a well-connected city that functions year-round, unaffected by seasonal tourism, making it ideal for digital nomads looking for consistency and community. One of Zagreb's greatest strengths is its affordability — with a lower cost of living compared to many European capitals, your budget will stretch further without compromising your quality of life.

Dubrovnik: Home to the world-famous UNESCO-listed Old Town, Dubrovnik is steeped in history and framed by some of the Adriatic's most breathtaking coastal scenery. It's a luxurious and visually stunning location, ideal for those craving a more refined seaside experience. While it can be busy during peak tourist seasons, living here allows you to enjoy the city's beauty long after the crowds have gone. Imagine daily walks through cobblestone streets lined with medieval walls and easy access to the sea — all within a truly cinematic setting.

Zadar: A charming, quieter coastal city growing in popularity thanks to its affordability and expanding digital nomad scene. Known for its mesmerising sunsets and innovative public art (like the Sea Organ), Zadar offers a unique mix of natural beauty and cultural curiosity. With improving infrastructure and close proximity to Croatia's national parks and thousands of islands, it's perfect for remote workers seeking tranquillity, scenic inspiration, and access to adventure — all while being part of a welcoming and close-knit expat community.

Booking Experiences Through Global Work & Travel

The main aim of your travel adventure is to have the most fun possible. If you're looking for some options to ensure your trip is the right blend of work and play, it's worth checking out the trips we have available: 

• Sail across the Adriatic: Sail your way through Croatia's stunning Dalmatian Coast on this 8-day island-hopping adventure operated by G Adventures. Starting in Dubrovnik, you'll board a 15m yacht and cruise to picturesque islands and coastal towns, with plenty of time for snorkelling, exploring waterfalls, beach barbecues, and soaking up the Adriatic sun. With a small group of travellers aged 18+, this trip strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and discovery — think hikes to ancient castles by day and laid-back evenings docked in charming harbours. 
• Volunteer and save the ocean: Spend 2 to 8 weeks on Croatia's stunning Dalmatian Coast, diving into marine conservation work while earning or advancing your dive certification. Based in the coastal town of Omiš, you'll help protect local reefs and seagrass meadows with all gear, training, and support provided. Whether you're a beginner or already qualified, your first week includes dive training—ranging from Open Water certification to marine ecology courses. 
• Skipper across the coastline: Spend a week living aboard a yacht in Primosten, Croatia, while earning your globally recognised RYA Day Skipper certificate. Designed for those with some sailing experience, this intensive six-day course covers navigation, yacht handling, and seamanship, all under the guidance of expert instructors in a small group of five. You'll share a double cabin on the yacht—your floating classroom—anchored in one of the world's most stunning coastal regions. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Croatia offer a Digital Nomad Visa?

Not exactly — but Croatia offers a temporary residence permit specifically for remote workers. It allows non-EU/EEA citizens to live in Croatia for up to 12 months while working for a company or clients outside the country.

2. What are the main requirements to apply for Croatia's temporary residence permit as a digital nomad?

You'll need proof of remote work based outside Croatia, valid health insurance, sufficient funds to support yourself, a clean criminal record, valid travel documents, and proof of accommodation.

3. How and where can I apply for the visa?

If you're from a visa-exempt country, you can apply at a local police station once in Croatia. Otherwise, you'll need to apply from your country of origin through your local Croatian consulate or embassy.

4. What documents do I need for the application?

Required documents include your application form, passport copy, colour photo, proof of income and remote work, health insurance, background check, accommodation details, and payment of the fee.

5. Why is Croatia a good destination for digital nomads?

Croatia offers natural beauty, an affordable lifestyle, a strong digital nomad community, easy European access, and a deep cultural history — all set along the stunning Adriatic Sea.

Final Thoughts

Croatia offers the perfect blend for those seeking an affordable and relaxed environment for their next digital nomad chapter. With a growing and vibrant community, the country is rapidly developing its infrastructure, making it an ideal destination for those who want easy access to the ocean alongside rich cultural experiences — all in one remarkable location.

Thanks to its affordable cost of living, it's no surprise that many are seizing the opportunity to apply for Croatia's temporary residence visa. As one of the more straightforward European digital nomad-style visas, it provides a seamless pathway to call this beautiful country home without enduring a complicated application process. It's undoubtedly one of our top picks for culture, lifestyle, and accessibility among digital nomad visa options.

If you want to learn about the digital nomad visa's for other countries, we have extensive guides for countries like the United Kingdom, Germany, New Zealand, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Thailand, and Japan.

We also publish extensive working holiday visa guides for United States, Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Ireland, Korea, Argentina, Chile, Hong Kong, Estonia, Netherlands, Austria, Slovakia, Portugal, Peru, Greece, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Mongolia, New Zealand, Ecuador, Brazil and more coming.