Digital Nomad Life in Croatia
Summary: Croatia is a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads in Croatia are Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik. Digital nomads like living in Croatia because of its stunning natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and vibrant culture. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,500 in Croatia. The culture of Croatia is a mix of Central European and Mediterranean influences. Popular foods in Croatia include seafood, pasta, and grilled meats. Traditional dishes include sarma (stuffed cabbage rolls), strukli (cheese-filled pastry), and crni rizot (black risotto).
How do I meet people in Croatia?
When we asked people living in Croatia about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Croatia often join local clubs and activities such as sailing, hiking, and cycling. Expats can also join language exchange groups, book clubs, and other social activities. Additionally, expats can meet people by attending local festivals, visiting local restaurants and bars, and exploring the city. Expats can also join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Croatia," said one person in Croatia.
What is life like in Croatia?
When we asked people living in Croatia what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Living in Croatia as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The country is known for its stunning natural beauty, with its rugged coastline, lush forests, and picturesque islands. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with plenty of opportunities to explore the country's culture and history. The cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The locals are friendly and welcoming, and the country is well-connected with the rest of Europe, making it easy to travel to other countries. With its stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and affordable cost of living, Croatia is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads," said one person in Croatia.
Where should I live in Croatia?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"The best way to find a place to live in Croatia is to research online. There are many websites that offer listings of apartments, houses, and other types of accommodation in Croatia. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live. You can also look for rental postings in local newspapers and on bulletin boards in public places. Additionally, you can ask friends and family who live in Croatia for advice and recommendations," said one expat who made the move to Croatia.
What do I need to know before moving to Croatia?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Croatia, they said:
"1. Expats should research the cost of living in Croatia to ensure they can afford to retire there. 2. It is important to understand the healthcare system in Croatia and to make sure that expats have adequate health insurance coverage. 3. Expats should also familiarize themselves with the local laws and regulations, as well as the tax system. 4. It is also important to research the job market in Croatia to ensure that there are opportunities for expats to find work if needed. 5. Expats should also consider the language barrier and make sure they are comfortable with the local language. 6. Finally, expats should research the cultural norms and customs of Croatia to ensure they are prepared to live in the country," said one expat in Croatia.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Croatia?
"Expats in Croatia appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out and share their culture with visitors. Additionally, expats appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Croatia, with its rugged coastline, lush forests, and picturesque islands. Finally, expats enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Croatia, which allows them to take the time to explore and appreciate the country's many attractions," said one expat in Croatia.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Croatia?
"Expats in Croatia often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, as many of the processes are not well-documented or easily accessible. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. Finally, the cost of living in Croatia can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local lifestyle," explained one expat living in Croatia.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Croatia for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Croatia for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a long-term visa or residency permit. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa before entering Croatia. Once you are in Croatia, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit, which is valid for up to one year. If you plan to stay longer than one year, you will need to apply for a permanent residence permit. You will need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and a valid passport to apply for any of these documents," said one expat who made the move to Croatia.
"A visum to start with, a permit after that, and no, it's not as easy as it could/should be for retiring people (bringing their money with them). I still say "hey Zagreb (the capital), get some more people like us"," explained one foreigner living in Dubrovnik, Croatia.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Croatia?
We asked people in Croatia if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Croatia. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Avoid making negative comments about the country or its people. It is also important to dress modestly and to be aware of local religious customs. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or to be overly loud in public. It is also important to be aware of local tipping customs and to be respectful of the environment," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Croatia.
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What are healthcare services like in Croatia?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Croatia, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Croatia are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Croatian citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally good, with a wide range of services available, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats in Croatia can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay a fee for some services. Expats can also opt to use private healthcare services, which are generally more expensive but may offer a higher quality of care," wrote one digital nomad living in Croatia.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Croatia?
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the relaxed lifestyle and stunning natural beauty of Croatia. The country's Mediterranean climate and diverse landscape make it an ideal place to live and work. Expats and digital nomads also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. Additionally, the country's vibrant culture and friendly locals make it a great place to settle down. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in setting up a business or residence in Croatia to be a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Croatian," wrote one digital nomad living in Croatia.
"I moved to Opatija, Croatia in March 2022 and I am 76 years retired. I like this little town. My problem is the language. I speak German and English. English helps to go around. Croatian I will never learn. Way too complicated. To deal with the government is a major challenge. Without a lawyer no way. The people here are reserved not very friendly. I have a very nice neighbor who helps me a lot which makes life a little easier. I am not sure I will stay here for the rest of my days," said one foreigner in Croatia.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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Croatia Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Croatia on our Croatia forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
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Help others in Croatia by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Croatia.
Digital Nomads in Croatia offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Croatia.
Advice for people renting and buying real estate in Croatia.