Issue · October 2026 · everything a nomad needs, city by city

Nomadzine

The visa · Croatia

Croatia

Croatia grants third-country remote workers a temporary stay for digital nomads of up to 18 months, tax-free on foreign remote earnings, but it cannot be renewed back to back and the income floor rises each year with the national average wage. Longer-term options are the self-employment stay-and-work permit, an ordinary work permit with a Croatian employer, and youth working-holiday schemes for Canadians and New Zealanders. The one thing to know before applying is that the permit does not build towards permanent residence, because the compulsory six-month gap breaks continuity.

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Researched 9 September 2026 · rules as of September 2026 · as published, not legal advice

  1. Nomad visa

    Digital Nomad Permit (temporary stay of digital nomads)

    Privremeni boravak digitalnih nomada / Temporary stay of digital nomads, Aliens Act (Zakon o strancima) as amended by Official Gazette 40/2025

    Third-country nationals employed by, or owning, a company registered outside Croatia who work through communication technology and do not serve Croatian employers or clients.

    Income floor
    2.5 times the previous year's average monthly net salary published by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics; for 2026 this is EUR 3,622.50 a month, or EUR 43,470 in funds for a 12-month stay and EUR 65,205 for 18 months, plus 10 percent of the average net salary (about EUR 145 a month) for each family member; shown by bank statements or payslips for the last six months.
    Duration
    Up to 18 months, issued either as a single 18-month grant or as 12 months plus a 6-month extension applied for at least 60 days before expiry; not renewable beyond that. A new application is possible only six months after the previous stay expired.
    Cost
    At a police administration in Croatia: EUR 46.45 for the temporary stay, EUR 31.85 for the biometric residence card (EUR 59.73 expedited) and EUR 9.29 administrative fee. Consular fees for visa-required nationals are set separately by the mission.
    Processing
    The Ministry of the Interior publishes no fixed deadline for nomad decisions; applicant guides report two to three months as a realistic minimum, with faster outcomes in some police administrations. Amendments in force from June 2026 introduced a 90-day decision deadline, extendable by 30 days, for residence and work permits as reported by immigration counsel.
    Eligibility
    Non-EU/EEA nationals only; employment or own company must be registered outside Croatia; health insurance covering Croatia for the whole stay; criminal record certificate from the home country or any country of residence over a year, legalised or apostilled; a Croatian address; no work for entities in Croatia.
    Work rights
    Remote work for an employer or own company registered outside Croatia only; the legal definition excludes providing work or services to employers in Croatia, and local employment or Croatian clients are not permitted.
    Dependants
    Close family members may join under family reunification, including common-law partners (three years cohabitation if childless, shorter with children); the funds floor rises by 10 percent of the average net salary per person. Since March 2025 a family member's permit tied to a nomad cannot be used to chain stays past the six-month gap. The ministry page does not state whether dependants may work.
    Leads to
    No in practice: long-term residence needs five years of continuous lawful stay and the mandatory six-month gap after each nomad permit breaks continuity.
    Apply
    Online through the Ministry of the Interior e-application, at a Croatian diplomatic mission or consulate for visa-required nationals, or in person at the competent police administration or station for visa-exempt nationals already in Croatia.

    Documents Passport valid at least three months beyond the intended stay · Application form for temporary stay (Obrazac 1a) · Employment contract or proof of ownership of a company registered outside Croatia, or contracts showing remote work for foreign clients · Bank statements or payslips for the last six months meeting the funds floor · Health insurance policy covering Croatia for the requested period · Criminal record certificate, legalised or apostilled, with Croatian translation · Proof of a residential address in Croatia (a temporary address is accepted for a first filing) · Photograph and payment receipts for the fees

    Official page →

  2. Freelance / self-employed

    Self-employment stay-and-work permit (own company or craft)

    Dozvola za boravak i rad na temelju samozapošljavanja / Stay and work permit for self-employed persons

    Remote workers who want to base in Croatia indefinitely, serve local clients and build towards long-term residence by running a Croatian company (d.o.o.) or registered craft (obrt).

    Income floor
    For a company: at least 51 percent ownership, a stated minimum investment (the EU portal still lists HRK 200,000, about EUR 26,700, equivalent to the EUR 26,544.56 share capital quoted by Croatian advisers), at least three Croatian citizens employed full time and a salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross monthly salary. For a craft (obrt): guides report proof of self-employment income of at least 1.5 times the average net monthly salary. Figures on the EU portal predate the euro and should be checked with the police administration.
    Duration
    Issued for up to one year and renewable; extension must be filed at least 30 days before expiry (the 2025 amendments lengthened ordinary work permits to up to three years, but the self-employment portal entry still states one year).
    Cost
    EU portal lists an administrative fee of about EUR 75 (HRK 560.50), biometric permit about EUR 32 (HRK 240) and expedited processing about EUR 60 (HRK 450); the euro fee schedule now used by the police is EUR 46.45 plus EUR 31.85 plus EUR 9.29 for temporary stays.
    Processing
    Advisers report roughly eight weeks after the company or craft is registered; no statutory deadline is published on the portal.
    Eligibility
    Third-country nationals with a registered Croatian business, valid travel document, health insurance (registration with the state fund HZZO follows for the self-employed), proof of funds, clean criminal record and no entry ban.
    Work rights
    Full: local clients, Croatian customers and self-employment through the registered business; working for anyone other than the permitted business needs a separate permit.
    Dependants
    Family reunification is available under the general rules; from June 2026 it is limited to holders of permits valid for at least one year, as reported.
    Leads to
    Yes: continuous lawful residence counts towards long-term residence after five years under the general rules, and eventually citizenship under the Citizenship Act.
    Apply
    Croatian diplomatic mission or consulate for visa-required nationals, or the competent police administration for those lawfully in Croatia.

    Documents Travel document copy and photograph (30 x 35 mm) · Court or craft register extract showing ownership and activity · Proof of investment or share capital and of employment contracts for Croatian staff where required · Proof of funds and health insurance · Criminal record certificate, legalised, with translation · Proof of accommodation address in Croatia

    Official page →

  3. Other route

    Stay and work permit with a Croatian employer

    Dozvola za boravak i rad / Stay and work permit (employment)

    Remote workers who take a job with a Croatian company, including a Croatian entity of their existing employer, or who switch from the nomad permit to local employment.

    Income floor
    No personal floor; the employer must pay at least what Croatian workers earn in similar positions, show revenue of EUR 10,000 in the previous six months (EUR 15,000 over six months for sole traders) and meet a Croatian/EEA staff ratio of 20 percent (10 percent in shortage occupations) after the June 2026 amendments.
    Duration
    Up to three years where a labour-market test applies, up to two years where exempt; EU Blue Card up to four years; seasonal permits up to nine months a year. Unemployment of up to 60 days (three to six months for some holders after June 2026) is tolerated before revocation.
    Cost
    Police fee schedule of EUR 46.45 for the stay, EUR 31.85 for the biometric card and EUR 9.29 administrative fee; the employer bears the labour-market test.
    Processing
    A 90-day decision deadline, extendable by 30 days, applies from June 2026 as reported; the EU Blue Card carries a 60-day deadline.
    Eligibility
    Third-country nationals with a signed contract from an eligible employer; a Croatian language level of A1.1 is required at the first renewal after 12 months, with compliance due by June 2027, as reported by immigration counsel.
    Work rights
    Local employment with the sponsoring employer; change of employer allowed after six months with the first employer (June 2026); EU Blue Card holders may also carry out self-employed or supplementary activity without a further permit.
    Dependants
    Family reunification from the outset for Blue Card holders; for other permits it requires validity of at least one year.
    Leads to
    Yes: counts towards long-term residence after five years of continuous stay and towards citizenship.
    Apply
    Employer or worker files at the competent police administration; visa-required nationals collect a D visa at a consulate first.

    Documents Employment contract or binding offer · Employer's labour-market test outcome or exemption · Passport, photograph and criminal record certificate for a first stay · Health insurance evidence until HZZO registration · Proof of accommodation

    Official page →

  4. Temporary stay

    Temporary stay for other purposes

    Privremeni boravak u druge svrhe / Temporary stay for other purposes

    Third-country nationals with funds who want a year in Croatia without working, including property owners and retirees; formerly used to chain stays after a nomad permit.

    Income floor
    Sufficient means under the ministry's financial-means rules; the specific multiple for this purpose was not verified in the sources opened.
    Duration
    Issued for up to a year; since 15 March 2025 a new grant needs a six-month gap after expiry, with exceptions for retired property owners over 60, minor athletes and people in ongoing medical treatment.
    Cost
    EUR 46.45 stay fee, EUR 31.85 biometric card and EUR 9.29 administrative fee at a police administration.
    Processing
    No published deadline on the ministry pages opened; guides report weeks to a few months.
    Eligibility
    Valid passport, health insurance, funds, criminal record certificate on a first application, Croatian address; no employment permitted.
    Work rights
    None: no local employment or self-employment; remote work for a foreign employer is not what this purpose covers and is not expressly permitted.
    Dependants
    Not addressed on the pages opened.
    Leads to
    No in practice: the compulsory six-month gap breaks the continuity needed for long-term residence.
    Apply
    Consulate abroad for visa-required nationals, or the competent police administration in Croatia.

    Documents Passport and application form · Proof of funds and health insurance · Criminal record certificate, legalised · Proof of accommodation

    Official page →

  5. Working holiday

    Working Holiday (Canada and New Zealand schemes)

    Sporazum o programu radnog odmora / Working Holiday Scheme agreements

    Citizens of New Zealand and Canada aged 18 to 30 who want a year in Croatia with the right to take casual local work.

    Income floor
    Proof of funds for the initial period as required under each bilateral scheme; no figure published on the pages opened.
    Duration
    Up to one year, once; the New Zealand scheme caps places at 100 a year each way.
    Cost
    Standard temporary stay fees at the police (EUR 46.45 plus EUR 31.85 plus EUR 9.29); consular fees vary.
    Processing
    Not published on the pages opened.
    Eligibility
    New Zealand scheme: age 18 to 30, no permanent employment contract, no more than three months with any one employer, study or training limited to six months. Canada: Croatia is on the International Experience Canada list with Working Holiday, Young Professionals and International Co-op categories, and reciprocity for Canadians applies through the Croatian side of the agreement.
    Work rights
    Local employment allowed within the scheme limits (no employer for more than three months under the New Zealand agreement); remote work for a foreign employer is not addressed.
    Dependants
    Not covered; the schemes are individual.
    Leads to
    No.
    Apply
    Croatian diplomatic mission or consulate responsible for the applicant's country.

    Documents Passport valid for the whole stay · Proof of funds and return travel · Health insurance covering Croatia · Criminal record certificate where requested

    Official page →

Without a visa, by passport

The stay you get on arrival, and whether working remotely on it is tolerated

  • EU / EEA / SwitzerlandFree movement; no visa or permit needed for 90 days, registration of temporary stay with the police for longer staysRemote work is lawful under EU free movement; no nomad permit exists or is needed for EU citizens, and ordinary tax residence rules apply after 183 days.
  • United Kingdom90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area; ETIAS authorisation expected from late 2026Grey: Croatian rules do not publish a position on remote work during a visa-free stay; guides report it is tolerated for short visits and that the nomad permit exists for anything longer.
  • United States90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area; ETIAS expected from late 2026Grey: not addressed in published rules; tolerated in practice for short stays according to applicant guides.
  • Canada90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area; ETIAS expected from late 2026Grey for remote work on a visitor stay; the Working Holiday route exists for ages 18 to 35 under International Experience Canada reciprocity.
  • Australia90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area; ETIAS expected from late 2026Grey: not addressed in published rules; no working-holiday agreement with Croatia was found.
  • New Zealand90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area; ETIAS expected from late 2026Grey for remote work on a visitor stay; a one-year Working Holiday scheme with 100 places exists for ages 18 to 30.
  • Japan90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area; ETIAS expected from late 2026Grey: not addressed in published rules.
  • Brazil90 days in any 180 across the Schengen area; ETIAS expected from late 2026Grey: not addressed in published rules; tolerated for short stays according to guides.
  • IndiaVisa required (Schengen C visa for short stays; D visa for the nomad permit)Remote work on a tourist visa is not provided for; the nomad permit is applied for through the consulate, which then issues the entry visa.
  • South AfricaVisa required (Schengen C visa for short stays; D visa for the nomad permit)Remote work on a visitor visa is not provided for; applications for the nomad permit go through the Croatian mission responsible for South Africa.
  • TurkeyVisa required for short staysNot addressed; nomad permit applications go through the consulate.
  • ChinaVisa required for short staysNot addressed; nomad permit applications go through the consulate.

Tax

When the country starts counting you as its taxpayer

Residency trigger
Tax residence arises when an individual is physically present in Croatia for at least 183 days in one or two calendar years (short interruptions of up to a year do not break the count), or has real estate in ownership or at their disposal for an uninterrupted period of at least 183 days in one or two calendar years. Where two states could claim residence, the deciding factor is where the family lives, or failing that where the person usually works or is predominantly present; treaty tie-breakers are consulted where a treaty applies.
Special regime
Income Tax Act Article 9 exempts receipts of a digital nomad permit holder from employment or work for an employer or own company not registered in Croatia; the exemption follows the permit, so it survives the 183-day trigger, but it does not cover spouses, Croatian-source income, or passive income such as dividends, interest, capital gains and rent (reported at 12 percent, with securities held over two years exempt and rent taxed after a notional 30 percent deduction). No other newcomer regime exists; general income tax rates are set by each municipality within statutory bands.
Social security
Digital nomad permit holders are expressly exempt from mandatory HZZO health insurance registration and must hold their own private cover; the pages opened contain no Croatian rule imposing pension or health contributions on nomad-permit income, so home-country obligations continue according to that country's rules. Self-employed residents on the obrt or company route register with HZZO and pay Croatian contributions. Certificate-of-coverage practice for third-country nomads was not published in the sources opened.
Treaties
Croatia has a wide double-taxation treaty network and the Tax Administration applies treaty provisions when determining residence; for a remote employee or contractor the practical effect is that the treaty tie-breaker, not the permit, decides which state taxes non-exempt income once 183 days are passed. Coverage for specific countries, including the United States, was not verified in the sources opened.

Practicalities

Tax number (OIB)
Every resident and applicant needs an OIB (osobni identifikacijski broj). Foreigners apply in person or through a proxy with a Croatian-language power of attorney at the local Tax Administration office with a passport and the application form; EU/EEA citizens can apply online through e-Građani. No fee is stated on the official page.
Health insurance
The nomad permit requires private insurance covering Croatia for the whole stay and MUP checks again at extension; nomad-permit holders are exempt from compulsory HZZO registration but may join voluntarily. One adviser reports that only policies from Croatian-approved insurers are accepted, while other guides state international policies still pass; this point is disputed between sources.
Address registration
The ministry page states temporary residence must be registered within three days of arrival; applicant guides describe a 30-day window after approval to register the permit address with a notarised lease, landlord statement or land-registry extract. Short-term holiday lets are not accepted for the permit address.
Entry/Exit System and ETIAS
Croatia is inside Schengen; biometric border registration under the Entry/Exit System has been reported as fully operational since April 2026, and ETIAS pre-travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals is expected six months after EES completion, reported for late 2026 at a EUR 20 fee for ages 18 to 70.
Overstay penalties
Overstays are recorded in the Schengen systems and can lead to fines, expulsion and entry bans; the current Croatian statutory fine amounts for individuals were not published in the sources opened. Employers of illegally working foreigners face EUR 5,000 to 20,000 per employer and EUR 2,000 to 6,000 for the responsible person since 2025.
Leaving during processing and the six-month gap
Guides advise nomad applicants not to leave Croatia while a police-station application is pending, and after an 18-month permit the person must spend at least six months outside before reapplying, with at least 90 days abroad reported as needed to break residence.

Croatia: an 18-month nomad permit with a tax exemption, then a forced six-month break

Where remote workers base and why

Croatia sits inside both Schengen and the euro area, so the 18-month permit gives free movement across the zone while everyday costs are paid in euros. Zagreb, Split and Zadar host most permit holders, and the coast empties in winter, which is when long-let rents are found; a notarised lease or landlord statement is needed for the permit address, and holiday-let bookings are refused.

The permit's appeal is the tax exemption on foreign remote earnings for its whole life, even after the 183-day residency trigger. The cost is the hard stop: after 18 months the holder must leave and cannot reapply for six months, and that gap also blocks the old trick of rolling into a stay for other purposes or a family-member permit.

What applicants report about the process

The Ministry of the Interior sets no decision deadline for nomad applications. Applicant guides put the realistic wait at two to three months from a police-station filing, with some administrations faster; the newer 90-day statutory deadline from June 2026 applies to residence and work permits generally. Requests for extra documents are common, and applicants describe being asked for papers that do not exist in their home country.

The financial evidence changed in 2025 from three to six months of statements, and the funds floor is recalculated every January from the previous year's average net salary, so a file prepared late in the year can fall short in the new year. Visa-required nationals file through the consulate and receive a D visa once the permit is approved; visa-exempt nationals file inside Croatia and are advised not to travel while the case is open.

Money, insurance and daily admin

An OIB tax number is the first step for almost everything, including a lease and a local bank account, and it is issued at a tax office in person or through a proxy. Nomad-permit holders are exempt from state health insurance and carry private cover instead; whether a foreign policy or only a Croatian-approved one satisfies the police is disputed between advisers. Self-employed residents on the company or craft route register with HZZO and pay Croatian contributions.

What is changing

The law has moved twice in 15 months. The March 2025 amendments lengthened the nomad permit but closed the chaining loopholes, and the June 2026 amendments tightened employer conditions, introduced processing deadlines and added an A1.1 Croatian requirement at first renewal for permit holders. ETIAS pre-authorisation for visa-exempt visitors is expected in late 2026. None of the opened sources reports a plan to make the nomad permit renewable or to count it towards long-term residence.

Researched from mup.gov.hr · mup.gov.hr · mvep.gov.hr · porezna-uprava.gov.hr · home-affairs.ec.europa.eu · home-affairs.ec.europa.eu · vlada.gov.hr · canada.ca · deloitte.com · newlandchase.com · the authority