Croatia, a captivating Mediterranean nation, has recognized this shift and is actively embracing the digital nomad community with open arms. Its newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa program provides a streamlined pathway for remote workers from around the globe to experience the beauty and charm of Croatia while pursuing their professional goals. This visa program, available to non-EU citizens, is a great opportunity to work and live in Europe, as Croatia is a member of the Schengen Area.
Unlocking the Benefits of Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa
The Digital Nomad Visa offers a myriad of benefits for those seeking a remote work experience in Croatia. Firstly, it provides the necessary legal status to reside in the country for up to a year, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Croatian lifestyle. Additionally, the visa grants access to Croatia’s excellent healthcare system, ensuring that your well-being is well-protected during your stay.
Beyond these practical advantages, Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa offers a unique opportunity to explore a captivating destination renowned for its stunning Adriatic coastline, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant cities. Whether you’re drawn to the historical charm of Dubrovnik, the laid-back ambiance of Split, or the vibrant energy of Zagreb, Croatia has something to offer every digital nomad.
Eligibility Requirements for Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa
APPLICATION AND DOCUMENTATION
Copies of documents should be submitted in the Croatian or English language.
To be eligible for Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be a non-EU/EEA citizen
- Be employed or self-employed by a company or organization outside of Croatia
- Demonstrate a stable monthly income of at least €2,539.31
- Provide proof of health insurance valid in Croatia
- Have a clean criminal record
- Secure accommodation in Croatia
Application Process for Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa
The application process for Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa is relatively straightforward and can be initiated online here or at a Croatian diplomatic mission. , you have to fill in Form 1a (bilingual form), The required documentation includes:
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport
- Proof of sufficient monthly income
- Health insurance documents
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of accommodation
proof of purpose (a contract of employment or other documents such as a signed official letter proving that the person performs work through communication technology for a foreign employer or your own company which is not registered in the Republic of Croatia), that is
● statement from the employer or third-country national (as proof that the person performs work through communication technology), and
● contract of employment or service contract with a foreign employer, or
● copy of the registration of your own company with the relevant bodies (either tax or business court) and proof that you perform the said tasks through your own company
5. proof of means of subsistence (money to support yourself) during your stay in the Republic of Croatia
You can submit:
– a bank statement showing you have the total amount required for the year OR
– a bank statement showing proof of regular income to the required monthly amount OR
– payslips for the last six months showing the required monthly amount
These must be clearly labeled and submitted as a .pdf file.
According to the Regulation on the manner of calculating and the amount of means of subsistence for third-country nationals in the Republic of Croatia (Official Gazette no. 14/21), which entered into force on 13 February 2021, third-country nationals who are regulating their temporary stay as digital nomads are required to have the amount corresponding to at least 2.5 average monthly net salaries paid for the previous year, by the official data published by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics.
This amount is increased by 10% of the average monthly net salary for each additional family member or life partner or informal life partner.
Currently, the amount required every month is a minimum of 2.539,31 EUR which can be shown through a bank statement showing proof of regular income or payslips for the last six months.
Alternatively, if you intend to stay in the Republic of Croatia for 12 months, you can provide proof that you have a minimum of 30.471,72 EUR already available in your account.
6. proof that you have not been convicted of criminal offenses from your home country or a country in which you have resided for more than one year immediately before arriving in the Republic of Croatia – this must be a legalized document (see Information on the legalization of documents).
7. provide an address in the Republic of Croatia.
When submitting your application and filling in your form, you will be required to provide your address of stay or of intended stay in the Republic of Croatia.
This is important for determining the police administration/police station that is locally competent for processing your application. If this is the first time you are applying and you do not have an address in the Republic of Croatia, you can provide a temporary address as the address of your intended stay (hostel/hotel if you have a reservation/confirmed reservation of accommodation).
Documents attached to the application for temporary stay for digital nomads (proof of health insurance, proof of means of subsistence, proof of purpose, proof that you have not been convicted of criminal offenses) must be submitted in Croatian or English (the translation into Croatian or English must be by an authorized translator) and must clearly state the currency in which funds are stated.
AFTER YOU RECEIVE NOTIFICATION ON THE GRANTED TEMPORARY STAY
IF YOU ARE REQUIRED TO HOLD A VISA TO ENTER THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA:
Once you are informed that your temporary stay was granted, you have to contact the embassy or consulate once again to obtain a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia or a biometric residence permit (please inquire beforehand about this possibility at the embassy/consulate). You can also submit your visa application online. All other information about visas is available on the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.
You will have to apply for a Category D visa
NOTE: Third-country nationals are obligated to register their temporary residence address at a police administration/police station within 30 days of being granted a temporary stay or obtaining the Category D visa, or otherwise their temporary stay will be revoked.
IF YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HOLD A VISA TO ENTER THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA:
You are not required to take the steps described above and you can enter the Republic of Croatia in line with the provisions of the Aliens Act.
UPON ARRIVAL IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA – REGISTER TEMPORARY RESIDENCE ADDRESS AND ISSUE A BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT
REGISTERING TEMPORARY RESIDENCE ADDRESS
Third-country nationals are obligated to register their temporary residence address within 3 days from their entry in the Republic of Croatia at the competent police administration/police station according to the location of their stay.
You can do this by filling in Form 16a and enclosing one of the following:
– a lease contract (with the landlord)
– a title deed
– a statement from the property owner for his/her family members to register their residence.
This either has to be done with the landlord present or by having the documents notarized.
ISSUANCE OF A BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT
All third-country nationals have to obtain a residence permit – biometric card (must provide photos and biometric data) in person at a police administration/police station (see more information about the rules on photo size and quality).
COSTS
If the application is submitted at a diplomatic mission/consular post – the costs are paid when applying
● 55,74 EUR for granting temporary stay, and
● 93,00 EUR for the long-term visa (visa D) (if you submit your visa application through the VFS visa center, you will be charged an additional fee for the service) or
● 41,14 EUR for the biometric residence card (check with the diplomatic mission/consular post about the possibility of obtaining the card).
If the application is submitted at a police administration/police station – the costs are paid after the stay is granted
● 46,45 EUR for granting temporary stay, and
● 9,29 EUR for administrative fees for the issuance of the biometric residence permit and 31,85 EUR for the biometric residence card (59,73 EUR for accelerated procedure).
PAYMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE FEES ONLINE
ADMINISTRATIVE FEE FOR TEMPORARY RESIDENCE
The payment of administrative fees for temporary stay via Internet banking (46,45 EUR) is made to the state budget account, IBAN: HR1210010051863000160, model: HR64, reference number: 5002-713-OIB (OIB of the person for whom the administrative fee is being paid, if OIB has been assigned).
Persons who have not been assigned an OIB will have to enter the following reference number: 5002-713-number of a valid travel document.
IMPORTANT: a maximum of 10 numbers, and if the number initially contains zeros (0), they are omitted. NO letter marks, slashes, full stops, commas, etc. are entered.
For example, if the number of the travel document/identity card of a foreign national is AZ004586, then the reference number is 5002-713-4586 (without letters and zeros, a maximum of ten numbers).
FOR INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS YOU WILL NEED THE BIC/SWIFT CODE WHICH IS NBHRHR2XXXX
FEES FOR BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT
a) The payment of a fee for a biometric residence permit via Internet banking for 31,85 EUR (59,73 EUR for accelerated procedure) is made to the state budget account, IBAN: HR1210010051863000160, model: HR65, reference number: 7005-485-OIB (OIB of the person for whom the payment is being made).
Those who have not been assigned an OIB will have to enter the following reference number: 7005-485-RKP-case number.
b) The payment of an administrative fee for the biometric residence permit via Internet banking for 9,29 EUR is made to the state budget account, IBAN: HR1210010051863000160, model: HR64, reference number: 5002-713-OIB.
Those who have not been assigned an OIB will have to enter the following reference number: 5002-713-number of a valid travel document.
IMPORTANT: a maximum of 10 numbers, and if the number initially contains zeros (0), they are omitted. NO letter marks, slashes, full stops, commas, etc. are entered.
FOR INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS YOU WILL NEED THE BIC/SWIFT CODE WHICH IS NBHRHR2XXXX
Proof of online banking payment can then be sent to your case worker in the form of a .pdf document.
Exploring Croatia as a Digital Nomad
Croatia offers a plethora of attractions and activities for digital nomads seeking a fulfilling remote work experience. From coworking spaces in bustling cities to tranquil cafes overlooking the Adriatic, Croatia provides ample workspace options to suit your preferences. Additionally, the country’s rich cultural scene, with its numerous museums, galleries, and festivals, offers ample opportunities to unwind and recharge from your work routine.
For those seeking outdoor adventures, Croatia’s diverse landscapes provide endless possibilities. Hike through the picturesque national parks, kayak along pristine turquoise waters, or explore the enchanting Plitvice Lakes National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Croatia also boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with fresh seafood, local wines, and traditional dishes offering a delightful gastronomic experience.
Conclusion
Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa presents an exciting opportunity to combine work with travel, immersing yourself in a captivating destination while pursuing your professional goals. With its stunning scenery, rich culture, and welcoming atmosphere, Croatia is an ideal choice for those seeking a fulfilling remote work experience. So, pack your bags, grab your laptop, and embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Adriatic, where work meets adventure and lifestyle takes on a whole new meaning.