Croatia Digital Nomad Visa – How to apply?

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Croatia Digital Nomad Visa

In recent years, many countries have begun to offer different types of visas for remote workers or digital nomads.

Today, it is possible to obtain a visa to work and reside legally in countries such as Portugal, Iceland, Georgia, Dubai, etc.

In Croatia from January 1, 2021, the modification of the Immigration Law is effective, allowing digital nomads who DO NOT have a European Union passport to obtain a residence visa for 1 year and be exempt from paying income tax.

How to apply for the digital nomad residence permit in Croatia?

What is a Digital Nomad?

A Digital Nomad is a third-country national who is employed or performs work through communication technology for a company or his own company that is not registered in the Republic of Croatia and does not perform work or provides services to employers in the Republic of Croatia.

 

Who can apply for the Croatia Digital Visa?

The requirement to get the visa are:

  • Non – EU citizen
  • Work for a non – Croatian company
  • Monthly income of at least 17.822,50 HRK (2.550 USD approx.)

 

How long is the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa valid for?

Nomad Visa is granted for up to a year (possibly even less) and it cannot be extended. A new application for regulating the stay of digital nomads can be submitted 6 months after the expiry of the previously granted temporary stay of digital nomads.

 

Croatia Digital Nomad Requirements

To apply for the visa, it is necessary to meet the following requirements:

  • Copy of a valid travel document (Passport): Your passport must be valid at least 3 months after the visa term
  • Proof of health insurance: A health insurance policy for the entire term of your permit (up to one year) that covers you while in Croatia.
  • Proof of purpose: This document can be a work contract or other document confirming that you work for a foreign employer or your own company registered outside of Croatia
  • Proof of means: You can submit a bank statement or proof of regular income. Currently, the amount required monthly is a minimum of HRK 17.822,50.
  • Criminal background check: A background check from your country of residence.
  • Address in the Republic of Croatia: You will need to provide your address in 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).

 

Where to Apply?

  1. If you need a visa to enter Croatia, then you can apply for this permit abroad at a Croatian embassy or consulate
  2. If you don’t need a visa to enter Croatia, then you can apply for this permit at a Croatian embassy or consulate or the closest police station in Croatia to your temporary address.

In any case, you can apply for the digital nomad visa online. You can find the digital form here.

 

How to Apply?

 

What to Do Upon Arrival?

REGISTERING TEMPORARY RESIDENCE ADDRESS
Third-country nationals are obligated to register their temporary residence address within 3 days from their entry iinton 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 a lease contract, a statement from the landlord, or a title deed.

ISSUANCE OF A BIOMETRIC RESIDENCE PERMIT
Both third-country nationals who are not required to hold a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia and those who are required to hold a visa have to obtain a residence permit – biometric card (must provide photos and biometric data) in person at a police administration/police station.

 

How much does it cost?

If you apply in a Croatian embassy or consulate:

  • HRK 420 (60 USD) for granting the temporary stay, and
  • HRK 460 (65 USD) for the visa (if you submit your visa application through the VFS visa center, you will be charged an additional fee for the service) or
  • HRK 310 (45 USD) for the biometric residence card (check with the diplomatic mission/consular post about the possibility of obtaining the card).

If you apply in a Croatian police station:

  • HRK 350 (50 USD) for granting the temporary stay, and
  • HRK 70 (10 USD) for administrative fees for the issuance of the biometric residence permit and HRK 240 (35 USD) for the biometric residence card.

 

What are the benefits of the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?

  • You will be exempt from paying income tax during your stay in Croatia
  • Residence for up to 12 months
  • It is possible to travel with close relatives who will also obtain the residence permit

 

Where do Expats live in Croatia?

  • Split
  • Zagreb
  • Rijeka
  • Hvar
  • Zadar