Croatia

Croatia is a peaceful country in southeastern Europe, located on the Adriatic coast and known for its pleasant climate. The country joined the Schengen Area just a few years ago, but this step has given a major boost to its development. The number of tourists in Croatia has increased significantly, and expats have also begun to view it as a promising place to live. Life in Croatia is of particular interest to digital nomads. The reason for this is the ideal combination of affordable prices, a high quality of life, and a wealth of tourist attractions, as well as simplified visa requirements. However, other categories of expats will also find it appealing.

The official language is Croatian, though English is widely spoken in tourist regions and major cities. A nice bonus is that the local currency is the euro, making it much easier to navigate prices.

And although at first glance Croatia seems like an ideal place to live—after all, the sea is nearby, the climate is comfortable, and the cities aren’t overcrowded, since the entire country has a population of only about 4 million—real life here, like in any country, has its own advantages, limitations, and peculiarities.

Pros and Cons of Living in Croatia

Croatia is a country with attractive living conditions, but with its own nuances that are worth considering.

10 Advantages of Living in Croatia

1. A relaxed lifestyle.

2. Beautiful nature.

3. Healthy and delicious food.

4. Friendly locals.

5. Most of the country gets plenty of sunshine, and the weather is generally wonderful even in winter.

6. Croatia’s proximity to the rest of Europe makes it ideal for travel.

7. Free healthcare system (though with long wait times).

8. Rich history and culture.

9. High level of safety.

10. Great visa option for digital nomads.

5 main downsides of moving to Croatia

1. High cost of living compared to Croatian salaries. However, if you have a monthly foreign income or savings, the cost of living is quite reasonable.

2. Very high taxes.

3. Complex bureaucracy—processing documents takes a long time, and even more time is needed to ensure you’ve completed all the necessary steps.

4. Limited employment opportunities if you do not speak the language.

5. Poor public transportation infrastructure. However, you can move there with your own car; just don’t forget to obtain a “Green Card”.

How can a foreigner legalize their status in Croatia?

Given that the country has been part of the Schengen Area since 2023, Ukrainians with a biometric passport are allowed to enter Croatia visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, the purpose of such trips must be tourism, visiting relatives, short-term medical treatment, etc.

Working under a visa-free regime is prohibited.

If you plan to stay in the country for more than 90 days, or if you want to work or study, then you must obtain a Type D national visa and a residence permit before entering Croatia.

Types of residence permits in Croatia

• Working in Croatia – this requires signing an employment contract with a local employer. Highly qualified workers can apply for a Blue Card, but the requirements are strict: a minimum of 3 years of experience and a salary equal to 1.5 times the national average wage.
• Studying in Croatia – this permit is suitable for those enrolling in a university or other higher education institution in the country.
• Business and investment – you can start your own company or invest in an existing business.
• Family reunification in Croatia – suitable for foreigners who have relatives who are Croatian citizens or holders of a permanent residence permit.
• Digital Nomad Visa – a popular option for IT professionals and freelancers. It’s ideal if you want to live in Croatia and work remotely for your employer. The Croatian program is one of the most attractive in Europe, as you can obtain a permit for one year with the option to extend it for another 6 months. The only requirement is a monthly income of at least €3,295 or savings of €39,540 for a 12-month visa.
• Temporary Protection for Ukrainians (Iskaznica stranca pod privremenom zaštitom) is granted until March 2027. Once issued, you will be able to stay in the country for the specified period and work without a residence or work permit. Additionally, you will have access to healthcare, and your children will be able to attend school.

Procedure for obtaining a residence permit

Step 1 – Choose the grounds for moving to Croatia

Determine what will be the basis for obtaining a residence permit (work, study, family, business, etc.).

Step 2 – Prepare documents for the visa

Depending on the chosen reason, you will need to gather a set of documents: a passport, photos, proof of financial means, health insurance, a lease agreement or proof of housing, and a criminal record check.

Step 3 – Submitting documents to the Croatian consulate

Applications are accepted by the embassy or visa centers.

Step 4 – Moving to Croatia and registration

After arrival, you must contact the local police and apply for a resident card.

Step 5 – Extending the Temporary Residence Permit

A temporary residence permit is typically issued for 1 year with the possibility of extension.

Step 6 – Obtaining Permanent Residency

After 5 years of legal residence, you can apply for permanent residency in Croatia for Ukrainians.

Where to work in Croatia?

The Croatian labor market has shown fairly good results in recent years. The unemployment rate reached a historic low of 5.8% in September 2025.

The largest number of job openings is in tourism, especially during the summer months, and there are also numerous opportunities in the hospitality sector, including restaurants and hotels.

The IT sector is also actively developing; the largest companies are based in Zagreb and Rijeka and offer attractive positions to qualified specialists, often with above-average salaries.

The healthcare sector is also looking for doctors, nurses, and paramedical specialists, while the education sector seeks foreign language teachers, especially for international schools.

How much do people earn in Croatia?

The minimum wage in Croatia in 2026 is approximately 1,000–1,050 euros gross per month.

At the same time, the average net salary nationwide exceeds €1,300, indicating a gradual increase in household income. The situation is traditionally better in the capital—in Zagreb, the average take-home pay can reach €1,450–1,550, as nearly all business activity is concentrated there.

The standard of living in Croatia in 2026 is high, according to the Human Development Index.

Working Conditions

The standard workweek is 40 hours, typically Monday through Friday. Employees receive at least 20 days of paid vacation annually, often more under collective bargaining agreements. Overtime is limited and paid at premium rates.

Taxes

You will be considered a tax resident of Croatia if you spend more than 183 days a year in the country or if you conduct your economic activities here.

• Personal income tax is levied on a progressive scale: income up to €50,400 per year is taxed at a rate of 15%, and income exceeding €50,400 is taxed at a rate of 25%.
• The standard VAT rate is 25%, which is one of the highest in Europe.
• Social security contributions cover health insurance, pension insurance, and unemployment insurance. Employers pay approximately 17.2% of the total contributions, while employees pay 20% of their gross salary.

Cost of Living in Croatia

It is estimated that the cost of living in Croatia is approximately 20–25% lower than in Western European countries, making it an attractive place to move to.

The approximate monthly expenses for a family of four are €2,712.20, excluding rent, and for a single person, €763.60.

Lunch at an inexpensive restaurant costs about €10, while dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant costs €40–60.

In supermarkets, a liter of milk costs about €1, eggs €2.50, a kilogram of chicken €6, and a kilogram of seasonal tomatoes €1.50. Fresh bread costs less than €1 per loaf. Fruits and vegetables at local markets are noticeably cheaper than in supermarkets.

As for transportation, a single bus or tram ticket costs between 0.80 and 1 euro, and monthly passes range from 35 to 50 euros (depending on the city).

A gym membership costs 30–50 euros per month, and a movie ticket is about 6–8 euros.

Social Services in Croatia for Ukrainians

When planning to live in Croatia, it’s important to understand in advance how healthcare and education work here.

Croatia’s healthcare system

Croatia’s healthcare system is based on mandatory state insurance and supplemented by private services.

The system covers consultations with family doctors, inpatient treatment, doctor-prescribed medications, lab tests, and basic dental care at no cost. However, its main drawback is long wait times for appointments due to staff shortages.

Most foreigners purchase private insurance to gain quick access to private clinics and hospitals, have a free choice of doctors, and avoid waiting lines. Private consultations cost between 50 and 100 euros.

Education in Croatia

Expat children can attend either Croatian public schools or international institutions. Education in Croatia is compulsory from ages 6 to 15 and is divided into three cycles:

• Elementary school (Osnovna škola) lasts 8 years, divided into two 4-year stages.
• Secondary education (Srednja škola) lasts 4 years and has two tracks: general secondary schools (Gimnazija), which prepare students for university admission, and vocational schools (Strukovna škola), focused on rapid entry into the workforce.

Public schools are free and of high quality, but instruction is conducted exclusively in Croatian. As for international schools in Croatia, there is the American International School of Zagreb (AISZ), the British International School of Zagreb (BISZ), and the French International School.

The most popular cities for emigration to Croatia

Zagreb

The capital of Croatia and its main financial and technological hub. It is home to 790,000 people, many of whom are foreigners. Zagreb is where Croatia’s primary professional opportunities are concentrated. It also boasts modern infrastructure, many international schools, and a vibrant cultural scene. However, living costs here are the highest in the country—be prepared to pay between 600 and 900 euros to rent a one-bedroom apartment. Most expats settle in the districts of Trešnjevka, Maksimir, and New Zagreb.

Split

Croatia’s second-largest city, though with a much smaller local population of just 180,000 residents. It’s ideal for those looking to combine urban vibrancy with a Mediterranean atmosphere when relocating. You can work here in tourism, the service sector, or start your own business.

Apartments in Split are much more affordable than in Zagreb—for 700 euros, you can rent a two-bedroom apartment in the historic center.

Dubrovnik

If you’ve ever seen photos of Croatia, they most likely featured Dubrovnik—the country’s main tourist gem. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers an exceptional lifestyle, but only to those willing to pay a high price for it. To rent a one-bedroom apartment, expect to pay 1,000–1,200 euros. As for jobs, the main opportunities are concentrated in the hotel and restaurant industry and the service sector.

Dubrovnik is suitable for digital nomads, retirees, or those seeking an exceptional place to live.

Rijeka

Croatia’s main port and an important industrial hub. The city offers job opportunities in logistics, shipbuilding, technology, and trade. The cost of living here is more affordable than in Zagreb, and there are also good job prospects.

Rent ranges from 400 to 650 euros for a two-bedroom apartment in the city center, and the social infrastructure is well-developed. Rijeka is particularly suitable for families looking for a pleasant and affordable lifestyle.

In addition, many foreigners settle in Zadar or Pula, more affordable yet no less beautiful and convenient cities in Croatia.

How to adjust after moving?

To make the moving process easier, follow these simple steps:

• Join expat groups: Facebook communities, forums such as Expat.com, and events organized by local associations will help you make friends quickly.
• Learn the basics of the Croatian language: although English is widely spoken, knowing a few Croatian phrases makes daily life easier and is appreciated by locals.
• Explore your neighborhood: find the nearest shops, markets, medical centers, pharmacies, public transportation, and green spaces. Croatia offers an excellent quality of life if you take the time to settle in.

When planning a move to Croatia for permanent residence, foreigners usually imagine a carefree life by the sea with beautiful scenery. And that’s almost true—Croatia is a country with fairly comfortable living conditions (a relaxed pace of life, safety, a pleasant climate, and a strategic location), but it has its own quirks you need to be prepared for—bureaucracy, wages that aren’t always high, and the dependence of many sectors on the tourist season.

Obtaining a residence permit and moving there is fairly straightforward; the key is to find grounds for legalization. However, in practice, those who feel most at home in Croatia are those who have thought through their plan in advance: they have a financial cushion, understand what they will be doing, and are ready to adapt somewhat to the local pace of life. With this approach, Croatia can truly become not just a temporary option, but a comfortable place to live.