Croatia extends digital nomad visa stay – here’s what’s changed

As of mid-March, digital nomads are no longer limited to a 12-month stay in Croatia.

Now, thanks to amendments introduced by the Ministry of the Interior, they can apply for a temporary residence permit of up to 18 months right away, with the possibility of a one-time extension.

That means a total of three years living and working remotely from Croatia.

Nomads whose temporary stay is approved can also bring along their close family members.

This is a big shift from the previous rules, in place since 2021, when nomads could only apply for a 12-month stay and extend it for another six months, Lider.hr writes.

The programme, originally launched as a tourism initiative, has since developed into a popular route for third-country nationals looking for a safe, scenic and relaxed base to work remotely.

Nomads must not work for a Croatian company and must show proof of foreign employment or ownership of a business operating online.

However, there are a few rules to keep in mind.

A Closer Look at the Rules

If a nomad chooses to stay less than 18 months initially, they cannot later extend to the full 18. The extended stay option (18 + 18 months) only applies if they request the maximum from the start. Also, applicants must wait six months before reapplying once their residence permit expires.

To qualify, nomads must show a monthly income of at least €3,295, a recent increase from €2,870. If applying for a 12-month stay, proof of at least €39,540 is required, while an 18-month stay demands a minimum of €59,310 in funds.

Still, compared to other European countries, Croatia remains relatively affordable and attractive – especially since digital nomads are exempt from paying income tax here.

Who’s Coming to Croatia?

According to the Ministry’s latest figures, in the first nine months of 2024, 824 digital nomad visa applications were submitted, with 342 approved. Russians (105) and Ukrainians (88) continue to top the list – a trend that’s held since the start of the war in Ukraine in 2022. Americans followed with 51 approvals, and Brits with 12.

As of the end of September 2024, 629 digital nomads held valid residence in Croatia.

Croatia’s Top Nomad Cities

Croatia’s appeal goes beyond policy. Nomad List, a global community of remote workers, ranks Rijeka as the 30th best city in the world for digital nomads. Zadar comes in at 37th, followed by Split at 80th and Zagreb at 85th.

In terms of overall quality of life, healthcare, cost of living, and happiness, Croatia ranks 12th globally as a country for remote work, with neighbouring Slovenia taking the top spot.