A guide for digital nomads in Croatia (visa, housing, transportation, cost of living, coworking spaces, local dishes, FAQs, and more)

Welcome to Flatio’s guide for digital nomads who are considering a stay in Croatia! With its Adriatic coastline, rich culture, and affordable cost of living, Croatia has fast become a favored destination for remote workers from around the world. Imagine making a beach café in Split a temporary workplace, exploring the streets of Dubrovnik or hiking the trails of Plitvice Lakes National Park on a weekend.

Croatia offers a beautiful combination of pleasure and work, making it a popular place for those looking for a mix of productivity and adventure.

In this guide, we'll cover the most important information you need to know about living and working in Croatia as a nomad. From visa requirements to finding the best cities, neighborhoods, and accommodation to rent in Croatia, we've got you covered.

• Visas
• Best cities to stay
• Cost of living
• Accommodation
• Rent prices
• Itineraries
• Coworking spaces
• Public places for remote work
• Must-try dishes
• Transportation
• Essential services
• Top activities
• Networking
• Best neighborhoods
• Top places to visit
  
• Tips
• Basic Croatian phrases
• FAQs
• Other useful information

Why Croatia?

Croatia, known as the “Jewel of the Adriatic",” has become a top destination for nomads worldwide. Its coastline, history, culture, and affordable cost of living make it an irresistible option for remote workers.

Here are some reasons why you should consider Croatia for your next adventure as a digital nomad:

1. Spectacular landscapes: From the blue waters of the Adriatic to the green of the national parks, Croatia offers beautiful natural landscapes.
2. Rich cultural heritage: Explore Roman ruins,  baroque architecture, and medieval cities. The cultural tapestry of Croatia is fascinating.
3. Mediterranean climate: Enjoy warm summers and mild winters, ideal for year-round living.
4. Affordable cost of living: Croatia is relatively affordable compared to many Western European countries, making it an attractive option for nomads traveling on a budget. 
5. Modern infrastructure: With reliable and fast internet, modern amenities, and a growing number of coworking spaces, Croatia offers everything you need for remote work.
6. Warm hospitality: Croatians are famous for their hospitality and friendliness, making it easy to feel welcome.

Visas

Digital nomad visa

The Croatia digital nomad visa is a great option, particularly for those who want to get Croatian citizenship. If you stay on Croatian territory for five years, you'll be eligible to receive a permanent residence permit. The permit will then allow you to obtain Croatian citizenship.

Here’s the information you need to know about the eligibility requirements, financial criteria, application process, and more:

Duration:

• Valid for one year.
• No extension allowed. 
• Can apply for a new visa six months after the expiration of the previous one.

Income requirement:

• Stable income of around €2,300 a month.

Eligibility criteria:

• Non-EU/EEA nationals.
• Self-employed or freelancer professionals outside of the Croatian workforce. 

Application process:

• Determine the application method (online through the Croatian)
• Ministry of Interior website or in person through a Croatian consulate or embassy).
• Complete the application form (online or 1A form if applying in person).
• Collect the necessary documents (passport, income proof, health insurance, clear criminal record, visit purpose, and temporary residence proof in Croatia).
• If your digital nomad visa is approved, you can enter Croatia and must register your residence within three days of your arrival.

Other considerations:

• If you’re already in Croatia, you can apply through the local police station.
• Processing time is about one month, subject to verification and may be extended if additional information and documents are required. 

Find perfect apartments for rent in Croatia

Best regions and cities to stay

Dubrovnik

Why Dubrovnik?: Known as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik has beautiful coastal views, historical vibes, and a rich cultural scene.

Highlights:

• Old Town: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring medieval walls and historic landmarks.
• Lokrum Island: A tranquil getaway with botanical gardens and peacocks.
• Cable Car: Enjoy panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the city.

Accommodation:

• Rent: €800-€1500/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Types: Apartments, villas, shared spaces.

Split

Why Split?: Split is a lively city hosting a combination of ancient and modern attractions, situated along the Dalmatian Coast. 

Highlights:

• Diocletian's Palace: A Roman palace complex that's now a popular part of the city. 
• Marjan Hill: Ideal for those who want to enjoy nature, particularly for hiking. 
• Bacvice Beach: Known for nightlife and swimming.

Accommodation:

• Rent: €600-€1200/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Types: Apartments, shared spaces, seaside villas.

Zagreb

Why Zagreb?: In the capital city, you can experience a blend of new and old, with excellent infrastructure and an evolving cultural scene.

Highlights:

• Upper Town: Historical district with landmarks and cobblestone streets.
• Museum of Broken Relationships: Thought-provoking and unique museum.
• Maksimir Park: A huge urban park ideal for relaxation.

Accommodation:

• Rent: €500-€1000/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Types: Apartments,  suburban houses, shared spaces.

Zadar

Why Zadar?: Zadar is known for its Roman and Venetian ruins, lively nightlife, and well-known attractions like the Sea Organ.

Highlights:

• Sea Organ: An architectural sound art object that is played by the sea.
• Roman Forum: Ancient ruins in the city center. 
• Kornati Islands: Perfect for water sports and island hopping.

Accommodation:

• Rent: €500-€900/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
• Types: Apartments, coastal houses, shared spaces.

Cost of living

Monthly expenses

• Rent: €500-€1500 depending on the type of accommodation and, obviously, the city.
• Utilities: €100-€150 for internet, electricity, and water.
• Groceries: €200-€300 for groceries.
• Eating out: €5-€10 for a decent meal at a local restaurant; €20-€50 at a mid-range restaurant.
• Transportation: €30-€50 for a monthly public transportation pass; €1-€2 for a single bus/tram ticket.
• Health insurance: €50-€150 depending on the extent of coverage.
  Budget breakdown
• Basic living costs: €1000-€2000 a month.
• Comfortable living: €1500-€3000 a month.

Accommodation types available

Apartments

• City apartments: Found in all main cities across the country, ranging from multi-bedroom units to studios. 
• Suburban apartments: Larger and typically more affordable than city center apartments.

Shared spaces

• Coliving spaces: Favored by digital nomads looking to connect with like-minded people. Social events and shared amenities are common.
• Hostels: Budget-friendly choices, especially in tourist areas.

Villas and houses

• Seaside villas: Available in coastal areas, offering great views and luxury, modern amenities. 
• Country houses: Found in rural areas, idea for a quiet lifestyle.

Rent prices in different regions

• Dubrovnik: €800-€1500/month
• Split: €600-€1200/month
• Zagreb: €500-€1000/month
• Zadar: €500-€900/month
• Rijeka: €400-€800/month
• Pula: €400-€800/month

Flatio: Flexible rental accommodation in Croatia

Use Flatio, a housing rental platform designed for digital nomads. We offer a wide range of furnished houses and apartments as well as private rooms with flexible lease terms across Croatia, including in:

• Zagreb
• Dubrovnik
• Zadar
• Grabovac
• Opatija
• Pula
• Rijeka
• Rogoznica
• Rovinj
• Šibenik
• Sinj
• Sisak
• Solin
• Split
• Štikovica
• Stobreč

Itineraries

1 week

• Day 1-2: Visit Dubrovnik's Old Town and city walls.
• Day 3-4: Discover Split and Diocletian's Palace.
• Day 5: Day trip to Plitvice Lakes National Park.
• Day 6-7: Relax in Zadar, visit the Sea Organ and Roman Forum.

1 month

• Week 1: Settle in Dubrovnik, enjoy the local beaches and historical sites.
• Week 2: Move to Split, engage in nature excursions and cultural activities.
• Week 3: Travel to Zadar, discover the city and the surrounding islands.
• Week 4: Spend some time in Zagreb, visit parks and museums.

6 months

• Month 1-2: Choose Split as your base, enjoy the Dalmatian Coast and islands.
• Month 3-4: Move to Dubrovnik, experience the local culture and history.
• Month 5: Spend one month in Zadar, enjoy life on the coast.
• Month 6: End your stay in Zagreb and experience the cultural and urban life.

Find perfect apartments for rent in Zagreb

Coworking spaces

Dubrovnik

• The Works: Modern coworking space with meeting rooms and fast internet.

Split

• Amosfera: Modern and bright space with well-developed amenities.
• Saltwater Workspace: A space focused on digital nomads that offers various networking opportunities.

Zagreb

• Impact Hub Zagreb: A part of the global Impact Hub network, offering community events and great facilities.
• BizKoshnica: Cozy space with a focus on creativity and collaboration.

Public places for remote work

• Cafes: Many cafes in Croatia have fast Wi-Fi and a welcoming environment. Try Johann Franck in Zagreb or Kavana Procaffe in Split.
• Libraries: Public libraries in Croatia’s major cities offer free internet and quiet spaces.
• Parks: Experience working outdoors in parks such Marjan Hill in Split and Maksimir Park in Zagreb.

Must-try dishes

• Peka: A traditional dish that’s cooked under a bell-like lid, usually with seafood or meat and vegetables.
• Ćevapi: Grilled minced meat sausages that’s often served with onions and flatbread.
• Strukli: A pastry filled with cheese, especially popular in Zagreb.
• Pašticada: A slow-cooked beef dish, usually served with gnocchi.
• Crni Rižot: Black risotto made with squid ink or cuttlefish. 
• Fritule: Small, doughnut-like pastries that are often enjoyed during celebrations and festivals.

Transportation

Public transport

• Buses and Trams: Widely available in major cities like Zagreb, Dubrovnik, and Split.
• Trains: Operate between major cities, but the network is limited in comparison to Western Europe.
• Ferries: Essential for traveling between islands and coastal cities.

Renting a car

Renting a car is a good option for exploring remote areas and national parks. Prices typically range from €20-€50 a day, depending on the rental duration and car type.

Biking

You can find bike rentals in many cities and have dedicated lanes for bikes, making it an enjoyable and eco-friendly way to get around.

Essential services

Healthcare

• Public healthcare: Available to residents and anyone with health insurance. High-quality care, but it can be slow.
• Private healthcare: Faster service, but it can be more expensive. Recommended for nomads.

Banking

• Opening an account: Relatively easy and straightforward for digital nomads. Major banks include Zagrebačka banka,  Erste Bank, and Privredna banka Zagreb.
• ATMs and cards: Widely available. You can use credit and debit cards in most places.

Internet and mobile

• Internet: Fast, reliable internet is widely available. Average cost: €20-€40/month.
• Mobile plans: Contract, prepaid, and other options are available from providers like A1, T-Mobile, and Tele2.

Top activities for digital nomads

• Island hopping: Explore islands like Brač, Hvar, and Korčula. 
• Hiking: Trails in Plitvice Lakes, Paklenica, and Risnjak National Parks.
• Water sports: Sailing, snorkeling, and kayaking, along the coast.
• Cultural festivals: Split Music Festival, Dubrovnik Summer Festival, Zagreb Film Festival.
• Historical tours: Guided tours of historical sites inPula, Split, and Dubrovnik.

Networking

• Meetups: Join local and nomad meetups via platforms like Meetup.com.
• Coworking spaces: Great places to meet and connect with other digital nomads.
• Expat groups: Join expat groups on Facebook and other social media platforms that can help you develop a sense of community and belonging.

Find perfect apartments for rent in Zadar

Best neighborhoods 

Dubrovnik

• Old Town: For culture and history.
• Lapad: For proximity to beaches and a more residential feel.

Split

• Diocletian's Palace: Full of life and centrally located.
• Veli Varoš: Unique, traditional neighborhood.

Zagreb

• Upper Town: Cultural and historical hub. 
• Maksimir: Residential, green area near the park.

Top places to visit

• Plitvice Lakes National Park: Stunning lakes and waterfalls.
• Krka National Park: Known for its swimming areas and waterfalls.
• Hvar Island: Famous for its beautiful beaches and nightlife.
• Pula: It hosts a well-preserved Roman amphitheater.
• Rovinj: A coastal town with cobbled streets.

Tips

• Learn basic Croatian: While many Croatians speak English, learning a few basic phrases can greatly enhance your experience.
• Cash and card: You can use cards almost everywhere in cities, but it’s good to carry cash for smaller shops and establishments.
• Off-season travel: Visit during fall or spring to enjoy lower prices and avoid crowds.
• Stay hydrated: Tap water in Croatia is safe to drink, so it’s a good idea to bring a reusable bottle.

Basic phrases in Croatian

Learning a few basic phrases in Croatian can make living and working in this country even more enjoyable. Many Croatians speak English, especially in the tourist areas, but if you know the local language, you will be able to communicate better with the locals and find your way around more easily in everyday life. 

Here are some important phrases in Croatian that you might find useful during your stay. 

Greetings and polite expressions

Hello: Bok
Good Morning: Dobro jutro
Good Evening: Dobra večer
Good Night: Laku noć
Goodbye: Doviđenja
See You Later: Vidimo se kasnije
Please: Molim
Thank You: Hvala
You're Welcome: Nema na čemu
Excuse Me: Oprostite
Sorry: Žao mi je

Basic conversation 

Yes: Da
No: Ne
How Are You?: Kako ste?
I’m Fine, Thank You: Dobro sam, hvala
What’s Your Name?: Kako se zovete?
My Name Is...: Zovem se...
Nice to Meet You: Drago mi je
Do You Speak English?: Govorite li engleski?
I Don’t Understand: Ne razumijem
Could You Repeat That?: Možete li to ponoviti?
Please Speak Slowly: Molim vas, govorite polako

Essential questions

How Much?: Koliko?
Where Is...?: Gdje je...?
What Time Is It?: Koliko je sati?
Can You Help Me?: Možete li mi pomoći?
I Need a Doctor: Trebam liječnika

In a restaurant

Menu: Jelovnik
Water: Voda
Coffee: Kava
Tea: Čaj
Beer: Pivo
Wine: Vino
Bill, Please: Račun, molim
Delicious: Ukusno
Cheers!: Živjeli!

Find perfect apartments for rent in Dubrovnik

Directions

Left: Lijevo
Right: Desno
Straight Ahead: Ravno
Here: Ovdje
There: Tamo

Shopping and services

I Would Like...: Htio/Htjela bih...
How Much Does It Cost?: Koliko to košta?
Where Can I Find...?: Gdje mogu pronaći...?
Open: Otvoreno
Closed: Zatvoreno

Emergencies

Help!: Upomoć!
Call the Police: Zovite policiju
I’m Lost: Izgubio/Izgubila sam se
I’m Sick: Bolesan/Bolesna sam

FAQs

Is Croatia a safe country for digital nomads?

Yes, Croatia is considered a generally safe country with low crime rates. As always, it’s essential to practice common sense, be vigilant, and be aware of the surroundings.

What is the best season to visit Croatia? 

Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are ideal for those who prefer fewer tourists and pleasant weather.

Do I need a visa for Croatia? 

Non-EU citizens need a digital nomad visa or a tourist visa for short stays. EU citizens are allowed to stay without a visa.

Do people speak English in Croatia?

Yes, many Croatians speak English, especially in tourist areas.

What are the internet speeds like in Croatia?

High-speed internet is widely available in cities, particularly in coworking spaces.

Other useful information

• Emergency numbers: 112 for emergencies, 193 for fire department, 192 for police, and 194 for medical assistance.
• Voltage: 230V, 50Hz. European plug type (C and F).
• Currency: Euro.

Stay with Flatio in Croatia 

Looking for accommodation to rent in Croatia? Flatio is a platform for flexible rentals with hand-picked, deposit-free, and reasonably priced listings in over 300 destinations in Europe and beyond. 

But why choose Flatio? 

Here's a glimpse of the features that distinguish us from other rental accommodation providers:

• Flexible, reasonably priced, and remote work-friendly stays (from 5 days)
• Wide range of accommodation options (rooms, flats, houses, villas, and more)
• Utilities and Wi-Fi included
• No deposit required for stays under 180 days
• Balanced, legally binding lease agreement, translated into multiple languages
• Very attractive cancelation policy
• Online signing of lease agreement
• StayProtection for Tenants: assistance with emergencies and accidental property
• damage
• Move-in Guarantee with a 24/7 emergency line
• 100% money protection
• Customer support available every day of the week
• No hidden fees
• Secure and simple payment system, including Bitcoin option