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A strong desire for freedom often arises in a busy world of daily routines and societal pressures. We become fascinated by the exciting appeal of unfamiliar places, the mysterious call of undiscovered destinations, and the life-changing influence of travel. In these instances, we awaken the spirit of the unconventional traveler — the wanderer who desires to explore the world and embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal freedom.
Have you been dreaming of living in Croatia as an expat? You may have been wondering how to get a digital nomad visa. However, you need to figure out how feasible it is to move to southeastern Europe. You could also question the cost of living in Croatia for your intended lifestyle.
You may even have a job allowing you to live as a digital nomad.
Check Facebook groups to get detailed information about what it is like to live in the European Union. You could even take a business trip to discover the Croatian government’s legal requirements through an immigration attorney.
Digital nomads prefer living in the Coastal Cities because of the chill atmosphere. Many expats enjoy living in Eastern Europe. They eventually make local friends in the new country.
However, some might want to find the easiest work visa opportunities abroad. Here we will explore if Croatia will be one of the simplest fits for you as an expat or digital nomad.
Living in Croatia
For decades Croatia has become one of the preferred destinations for expat and nomad travelers. Therefore, this is the definitive guide to all things Croatian living. Croatia lies at the intersection with central and southwestern Europe. Croatia provides many choices for expat families and individuals with a budget, which is ideal for many. Croatia’s crown now offers a lot of everything you love about Europe and offers something a little more.
There are seven international airports in Croatia. Croatia’s capital, Zagreb, hosts the main international airport and is the busiest Croatian airport. Dubrovnik Airport is the second busiest airport in Croatia, after Zagreb. It is located in Čilipi, 20 kilometers southeast of Dubrovnik. Therefore most likely, you will fly into either Zagreb or Dubrovnik. However, if your travel plans to Croatia include a cruise ship, you should consider Dubrovnik as it is closer to the ports.
If you seek to immigrate to Croatia and only speak English, consider learning Croatian and other aspects of the Croatian heritage. The local language is complicated to understand, so it is best to start learning early.
Is Croatia an Excellent Place to Live?
In Croatia, one feels as if one lives in an area with an atmosphere similar to Greece and an affordable Balkan region. Croatia has several international ferries, ports and trains, and buses. The coastline is over 3900 miles/5800 km, and there are about 1000 islets and islands with dozens of beautiful Blue Flag beaches and many super yacht marinas. Its seemingly undeveloped natural reserve offers a hygienic environment where outdoor fans can spend an entire lifetime exploring.
What is the quality of life in Croatia?
The beautiful Adriatic coastline and warm Mediterranean climate provide expatriates with an excellent life experience and an attractive living experience. Croatia is a country in Europe where 90 Days Schengen Visa rules require the removal and relocation of all.
Pros Of Living In Croatia
- The lifestyle throughout the year is relaxed.
- You will live in a beautiful environment.
- There is plenty of healthy food to eat.
- Generally, there is great weather in many parts of the country, even in wintertime.
- Croatian culture involves living in a community instead of individuality.
- Traveling throughout Europe is relatively easy due to Croatia’s proximity.
Cons Of Living In Croatia
Your perspective of these disadvantages can be relative to your past living conditions and current expectations. We found a:
- Tough economic climate. Work outside of the summer tourist season takes quite a bit of networking.
- The cost of living is very high on a Croatian wage. Living costs are acceptable if you work as a remote worker and earn a foreign income.
- The bureaucracy. Many governments are challenging to navigating the bureaucracy. It is no different in Croatia. What you need to provide the government will take a LONG time to get processed. It will take even longer to ensure you correctly complete the required steps. Simple undertakings like submitting a visa application will bear weeks. Do not be surprised if the process takes months.
- Outside of summer, you will observe a reduction in places to eat on the Dalmatian Coast. It would help to be mindful of what will occur during the colder months.
Tips for Moving to Croatia
Getting some primary Croatian language is more accessible than simply using a basic English language, but learning some Croatian could greatly ease an expatriate’s life in Croatia. Knowing a few basics can improve your understanding of your surroundings, and the local population will appreciate your efforts. The Pimsler method can be found on the US government website and downloaded by the military. Pimsleur is dedicated to quick and easily digestible organic learning to get you conversant quickly.
4 Simple Items You Must Know If You Are Moving To Croatia
- Visa – You must check the visa requirements with your local Croatian embassy. You can begin the application process if you need access to your country’s Croatian Embassy. There is an application form that will explain the identification requirements.
- Health Insurance – If you reside in Croatia, Health Insurance is mandatory. Everyone in Croatia must pay for health insurance. Croatia’s government has an organization that provides health insurance called HZZO. You must manage the insurance once you arrive.
- Jobs – Croatian employment is challenging to obtain, and if you become employed, expect relatively low pay rates.
- Language – Many Croatian English speakers will be younger. The older generations do not understand English. It is worth learning Croatian. However, learning the language is challenging.
If you are married to a Croatian, you should be able to adjust well to living in Croatia. However, speaking to many expats, the working conditions needed to be improved. Those who succeed in the transition will be very happy living in Croatia.
How to Get a Croatian Visa?
You might need professional assistance to get your Croatian Visa. The process could take a few months to complete.
The application process for a Digital Nomad Visa requires you to fulfill the eligibility requirements listed below:
- You should prove that you are not a citizen of an EU or EEA country.
- You must prove that you have a monthly income of around 2,300€. If you want to bring your family members with you, the bank statement of your monthly payment must show that you have an extra €90 per month.
- You must work for a company outside of Croatia. It would help if you worked for an employer outside Croatia. You can only work remotely as a digital nomad in any foreign country.
Obtaining a foreign visa in Croatia is like winning a fluffy toy at the carnival. You can get a visa, but it is challenging and will take many attempts.
Over time you will observe the legislation will constantly change. So ask your Croatian embassy numerous times. You will only sometimes know the current legislation. Go directly to the Ministry of Police (MUP) in Croatia. Here you can begin a lengthy visa process.
Speaking of MUP, take someone with you who speaks Croatian fluently. Getting an English-speaking staff member is sometimes impossible, even in the foreigner’s line.
Other digital nomads have inquired about getting their Croatian citizenship. They were met with a look of horror and disgust. The receptionists most likely will be lost about the process. Just keep your Visa expired to learn the rules to gain citizenship.
Language
If you speak Croatian, life will be easier. I know that everyone says everyone is an English-speaking Croatian. While there are many Croatians, you can communicate with the younger generations.
You will be able to communicate in English with most people under 40. If they do not speak English, the doctor may refuse service, or you will find yourself explaining your symptoms with hand gestures.
How hard is it to learn Croatian?
Croatian is South Slavic and is more challenging than most Slavic languages. It has comparatively few similarities to English and ranks at the top of a difficulty classification by the United States Department as the third. The average requirement for achieving CEFR 3-3+ in ECFR is 44 weeks.
Croatian is a complex language to learn. It is even more difficult to speak correctly. There are many grammar rules and seven noun declensions.
Please make it early enough to take lessons and get help. Trust me; you’ll need it.
I restarted my Croatian lessons and can genuinely say that life here would have been even more challenging had I not taken them.
Money
Croatia’s salaries are lower when compared to many developed nations. Little money is left over when you pay your bills, rent an apartment, and buy food.
If you are working from abroad, money might be acceptable. You can even live like a King or Queen in some circumstances. If you plan to work locally, you must live like a local.
Traveling, eating out, or paying for services like a babysitter are affordable. You must earn more than the Croatian minimum wage to afford these conveniences regularly.
It is best to plan to freelance with an American company or set up your own business. If you do not, you should have plenty of savings to get you by until you can find work.
International Schools
Moving to Croatia with school-age children means you must know how to educate them. You will be happy to know public education in Croatia is mostly free. However, you will need money for books and appropriate school clothing.
Kindergarten is not mandatory for those aged 1-6. While there is subsidized education, it is not free. The education will set you back at least 600 Croatian kuna a month and up to several thousand for some British kindergartens in Zagreb.
Primary school education is compulsory and begins at seven years of age. The secondary education approach is extensively different from the United States. Therefore, you should discuss the specific requirements with parents at these schools.
Universal Healthcare
Both locals and expats can access Croatia’s universal healthcare system. You will be able to receive healthcare in all significant cities once you receive your residence permit.
You can receive primary healthcare all over the county. However, expect to be in cues and wait. I have listened to other Croatian’s experiences of waiting 6-12 months for an MRI. Some women wait over six months for a mammogram to check for a breast lump. Some even say they waited four months for a specialist appointment for their newborns.
However, your insurance will pay all your expenses and decrease your cost of living in Croatia. Your treatment could be less than stellar, but you will never doubt the care you will receive.
If you spend a week in Zadar Hospital, you will have few objections. You will get sleep overnight sitting up on a desk chair. Your medical care will be similar to what you receive in modern countries such as Australia.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The World Health Organization reported Croatia as having the 43rd best healthcare globally. There are many reasons for the excellent healthcare provided in Croatia. As long as you have access to doctors, you will have access to quality care.
The problem is in the more rural areas, and access is limited. Older individuals in remote areas are less likely to receive healthcare. As a result, the life expectancy in Croatia is lower than in other regions of Europe.
Your employer will disburse your essential healthcare assistance if you have a job. Then you can also pay a small amount extra to avoid paying hospital fees. If you do not work, budget your healthcare with roughly 400 Kune per person monthly.
The tricky part of obtaining access to this ‘free’ service is a pain. Suppose it is even available to you. You will need a few days to three weeks to complete the necessary steps. After around six months, you should receive your card to arrive in the mail.
I advise pooling together an emergency health savings fund to obtain private coverage. The coverage will help you quickly get blood tests, MRIs, doctors, dentists, etc.
As a rough guide, you can expect to pay between 200 and 300 Kune per appointment for private doctors to see your newborn son and avoid waiting months for the hospital to get him into a position.
Should Retirees Consider Living in Croatia?
American expat business owners can live well as digital nomads. Making money abroad will allow you were living abroad.
Because of the low cost of living, good quality of life, excellent healthcare, and EU membership Croatia can provide good retirement options. The nation has yet to offer an annual pension visa to non-EU citizens; however, opportunities are mainly discretionary in the best possible case. In January 2021, Croatia added a criminal background test requirement on visa applications. Mostly this option is temporary and involves a short-term cycle of returning to Croatia after a window and returning.
Is Croatia Safe?
Not only is the cost of living in Croatia relatively low so is the crime rate. You can regard your time walking around during the day or night as safe because the crime rate in Croatia is low. Croatia is ranked number 15 on the Global Peace Index. The ranking is on a total of 163 evaluated countries. They also rated the overall Global health score of 48 out of 195 countries. Therefore travelers and immigrants should feel safe.
Retiring In Croatia
Croatia is an excellent location to live in your final days. You must plan accordingly if you want Croatia to be your final resting place. Numerous retirees are coming to Croatia.
Making Friends
You will be hard-pressed to find any Croatian family where there needs to be an emphasis on family. Hospitality in Croatia is quickly extended toward guests and is critical to the community culture we mentioned earlier. Offering guests something to drink, snacks, dinner, and a second helping is almost obligatory. Remember, you are responsible for always returning the offerings to your new friends.
Do not decline food or drink, as saying no is rude. The community atmosphere helps lowers the cost of living in Croatia. Everyone knows their needs will be met by their friends.
People
The people you become closest to in Croatia will say you look fat and gained 10 pounds. However, these are the same people who will have your back when you need help. These will be your Croatian friends.
Croatian friends are brutally honest, which may be too much for your taste. If you roll with honesty, it will be worth it in the end. Croatian buddies are worth their weight in gold, and you will treasure them dearly.
While you might hear plenty of brutal honesty about yourself, sometimes workers aren’t as reliable with their honesty. A plumber could tell you he will fix your toilet at 8 am and knock on the door by noon.
Though the reality is handypersons are similar all around the world. So if you network with a do-it-yourselfer who shows up on time and does the work, you will want to ensure to stay on their good side. However, these individuals are found through networking. Knowing who to go to for repairs will help your cost of living in Croatia.
Government Administration – Living in Croatia
There are many rubbish government administration types of jobs in Croatia. Here, things could be more organized. However, if you are in danger or require immediate assistance, please contact the local police station to report the incident and get immediate help by dialing 112 (911 may also work on your smartphone). Request a copy of the police report.
While at government or doctors’ offices, take warning. They take extensive lunch breaks. These periods away from work are known as ‘pauza.’ It is essential to understand when the offices take their pauza and avoid these periods at these offices.
If you have an unusual request or need extra help, you will likely leave in a bad mood with nothing accomplished.
Public Transportation
When you are considering public transportation in Croatia, buses are your best option. The bus network in Croatia is extensive. Buses are frequent, reasonably reliable, and affordable (though not cheap). The cost of living in Croatia can be mitigated by taking public transportation.
Living in Croatia, you will need to master the bus system.
Bus stations are usually in the center of town or within walking distance from the center. A ticket price includes your luggage, too, although if you have a bicycle or additional bags, you will pay extra for the luggage.
Croatia has many bus-operating companies, and not a single one runs on all lines. The largest bus operators with extensive networks across Croatia are Arriva (ex., Autotrans), Flixbus, Croatia Bus, and Cazmatrans.
There are many local operators like Libertas in the Dubrovnik region, Promet Split in the Split region, Liburnija in the Zadar area, and Crnja Tours or Fils in Istria.
The Getbybus does a reasonably good job aggregating different bus lines and schedules within Croatia. You can also book your tickets online through their website.
If you travel to or from Zagreb, the Zagreb bus station has a good overview of timetables for all buses, and you can buy tickets online. You can also visit the website of larger bus operators for additional information. Arriva also has an excellent user-friendly website.
Racism
I do not have firsthand experience with racism in Croatia. If you want to know more about what the EU is doing to combat racism and intolerance in Croatia, consider reading these reports, as they will provide a detailed picture of how things have changed in the region over the past decade.
Atypical Final Thoughts on Living in Croatia
If you are thinking about living in Croatia as an expat or digital nomad, there are some things you should consider. The easiest way to move to Croatia is to find a Croatian Wife or husband. However, as an expat living in Croatia, you must be able to navigate the Croatian bureaucracy. Therefore, you will need international health insurance for your residence permit. You will also open a bank account to pay your bills.
The cost of living in Croatia can be relatively inexpensive if you have foreign employment. Although if you expect to live on Croatian wages, the cost of living could be fairly high. If you are not planning to retire, finding a remote position that will allow you to work in Croatia would be wise.
Expat life can be fun along Croatia’s Istrian Peninsula. Waterfront cafes are within walking distance of each other in most major cities.
Consider making a scouting trip if you have yet to visit Croatia. You should check out areas along the Adriatic Sea in the Istria region and the Dalmatian Coast. Most expats at least see some of the national parks on a tourist visa. Then explore other places along the coast before deciding they want to move to Croatia.
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FAQ’s
As a tourist in Croatia, do I need to register with the police when I arrive?
Yes, even if you stay overnight, you must register within one day of arrival. Living in Croatia will require you to do the same. Usually, the hotel or Airbnb will write for you, but confirmation is necessary. Similarly, when visiting friends, you must register. Those registered can be registered by phone or via the online system. EU Citizens registrations in Croatia: The police must record all EU and EEA citizens who live in Croatia. Citizens in the EU may stay for as long as they want.
Is it expensive to live in Croatia?
Understanding the cost of living in Croatia will determine if Croatia is expensive to you. Croatia is a seaside resort city with many similarities to all European countries. The summer rental prices are shockingly high at most tourist locations along the Adriatic Coast. How can I recreate my Game of Thrones fantasy in Dubrovnik? Expect a payment of $2000 or greater monthly from June-August. Rental rates can be different depending on long-term versus short-term rentals. Renting is considerably lower, especially at beaches.
What is Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa
Croatia is actively investing in its digital nomad industry. In January 2021, Croatia rolled out a digital nomad visa, but that’s only for some. The laws require nomads to have a passport to the EU. Therefore, digital NOMAD can’t be employed in Croatian companies or make money. The Visa may be obtained for up to 1 year, although the actual period is discretionary. Digital nomad visas have no expiration date, and digital nomads will require six months to submit re-applications. Besides the application fees, you must submit the documents mentioned above via these three options:
- You can complete the application online from abroad or in Croatia.
- You can submit it to a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad.
- Or you can apply in person at the local police station near your temporary residence in Croatia.
Does Croatia Have A Retirement Visa?
The visa-free entry makes the process of living in Croatia easy. However, Croatia makes staying at least 80 – 90 days extremely difficult to recruit retiring people and online nomads. RELEASE ON CROATIA VISAS. The Visa is available to expats wishing to live in Croatia. But Americans seeking retirement in Croatia have limited choices. Immigrating to Croatia requires either: Compared to the other options when you seek to immigrate to Croatia, the final two possibilities sound attractive. Nevertheless, some expats whose lives in Croatia have changed have discovered caveats.
How expensive is Croatia in comparison to other countries?
Croatia is a popular tourist attraction and has a great life expectancy, but it is possible to live in Croatia at a low cost. Expatriates in the US and Western Europe. Croatia has become highly affordable to expats earning more than the average salary in Croatia ($1,600 a month). Croatia’s average cost of living index is the lowest in Europe and more costly than most low-cost hotspot locations. However, basic prices remain cheaper than in neighboring European countries such as Spain and Italy.
[…] combine work with exploration. One destination that stands out on this nomadic journey is Croatia. Croatia quickly becomes an emerging paradise for digital nomads with its breathtaking landscapes, historic […]