Life in Croatia

Finding a place to live in Croatia can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the city, the time of year, and your budget. It’s hardest to find an apartment in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, where demand consistently outstrips supply. This is especially noticeable just before the summer tourist season and at the start of the academic year, when students and seasonal workers are actively looking for housing.

Online Platforms

1. Njuškalo.hr. It contains most listings from agencies and private individuals. Search in the section Nekretnine -> Najam stanova.
2. Index Nekretnine. A completely free portal for posting listings, so you’ll often find offers directly from owners (iznajmljuje vlasnik).
3. Facebook groups. Look for local groups such as “Najam stanova Zagreb”, “Iznajmljivanje stanova Split”. Here you can communicate directly with the landlord and arrange a viewing before arriving in the city.
   

Required Documents

To sign a lease agreement, a foreigner needs a minimum set of documents, but they must be official:

• A valid passport.
• Croatian tax identification number (OIB).
• Proof of financial solvency (employment contract or bank statement for the last 3 months).

For Ukrainians planning to stay in the country long-term, it is important to sign an official lease agreement. It will be needed to register your residence, open a bank account, process documents, and interact with government agencies.

Signing a lease agreement (Ugovor o najmu stana) is extremely important. The landlord is required to register it with the tax office (Porezna uprava) and pay tax on rental income. Please note: many Croatians try to avoid taxes and offer rentals without a contract.

What to look out for

Before signing the contract, carefully check which expenses are included in the rent. It is important to clarify the amount of the security deposit, the conditions for its return, the procedure for paying utilities, the possibility of early termination of the contract, and the notice period for eviction. If the apartment is rented through a real estate agency, it is worth clarifying the commission fee separately, as it can range from half to the full amount of the monthly rent.

It is recommended to pay special attention to verifying the property’s title and the legality of the lease agreement. In large cities, there are cases where housing is rented out without official documents, which can create problems when registering your place of residence or processing documents. Without an official lease agreement, it will be much more difficult for a foreigner to open a bank account, obtain certain administrative services, or confirm their residential address.

If you are unsure about the terms of the agreement or want to verify its legal validity, we recommend consulting with Visit Ukraine specialists, who will help you navigate local regulations and avoid unpleasant surprises.

For those who have just moved to the country, it is recommended to rent temporary housing for the first few weeks in hotels or apartments. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with the city’s neighborhoods, assess transportation accessibility, and evaluate price levels before signing a long-term lease agreement.

Food expenses are one of the largest budget items after rent. Since the switch to the euro, prices in Croatia have risen significantly, and today the cost of many food items is already approaching levels typical of Austria or Germany. At the same time, the level of expenses depends largely on the region of residence, the season, and the habits of the specific family.

Food Costs

For a single person, average food expenses amount to approximately 250–450 euros per month. A couple typically spends between 500 and 800 euros, while a family of two adults and one child spends between 800 and 1,200 euros per month. If you regularly visit cafes and restaurants, your budget may be significantly higher.

As of 2026, average prices for basic food items are as follows:

• bread — 1.50–2.50 euros;
• milk (1 L) — €1.20–1.80;
• eggs (10 pcs.) — €2.50–4.00;
• chicken breast (1 kg) — €8–11;
• pork (1 kg) — €7–10;
• beef (1 kg) — €12–18;
• rice (1 kg) — €2–4;
• pasta (500 g) — €1–2;
• hard cheese (1 kg) — €10–18;
• butter (250 g) — 2.50–4 euros;
• potatoes (1 kg) — 1–2 euros;
• apples (1 kg) — 1.50–3 euros;
• tomatoes (1 kg) — 2–5 euros;
• bananas (1 kg) — 1.50–2.50 euros;
• olive oil (1 L) — 10–18 euros.

Where to buy groceries

The most popular grocery store chains are Konzum, Lidl, Kaufland, Spar, Interspar, Plodine, and Eurospin. Lidl, Kaufland, and Eurospin are traditionally considered the most affordable. In small towns and tourist regions, Konzum and Studenac are most common, although prices there may be slightly higher.

For many Ukrainians, local farmers’ markets are a pleasant discovery. In Zagreb, the most famous market is “Dolač,” which locals often simply call “Plac.” On the coast, such markets are called “pazar.” It is here that you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables, homemade cheeses, honey, olive oil, pršut, and other products directly from family farms (OPG). During the season, prices for local products are often lower than in supermarkets, and the quality is significantly higher.

A unique feature of life on the coast is the fish markets (ribarnica). The fresh catch is delivered before the market opens, so the widest selection is available in the morning.

Sea bream (orada) or sea bass (branchin) usually cost 12–18 euros per kilogram, mussels (dagnje) — about 3–6 euros per kilogram, and squid — 10–15 euros per kilogram. At the end of the workday, vendors often offer additional discounts on leftover stock, allowing for significant savings.

As for dining out, lunch at an inexpensive restaurant will cost approximately 12–18 euros per person. Dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant usually costs 50–90 euros, not including alcoholic beverages. A cup of coffee costs 2–3 euros, and a glass of local wine ranges from 4 to 7 euros.

To save money, take advantage of supermarket loyalty programs and keep an eye on weekly flyers. Most major chains have mobile apps that offer additional discounts on basic groceries. This approach helps reduce food expenses by 10–20% without significantly changing your usual diet.

Croatia’s transportation system is well-developed and ensures comfortable travel both within cities and between regions of the country. At the same time, it has its own unique features. While rail is the primary mode of transportation in many European countries, in Croatia most residents prefer cars and buses. It is the bus route network that provides the most convenient way to travel between cities, resorts, and islands.

Public Transportation

In Zagreb, the main forms of public transport are trams and buses operated by the ZET company. A single-ride ticket, valid for 30 minutes, costs approximately €0.53; a 60-minute ticket costs about €0.93; and a 90-minute ticket costs approximately €1.33. If you buy a ticket directly from the driver, the cost will be significantly higher—about €2. A monthly pass for an adult costs approximately €48–55, depending on the fare type.

In Split, Zadar, Rijeka, and most other cities, buses remain the primary form of public transportation. A single ride usually costs between 1 and 2 euros. For those who use public transportation regularly, monthly passes are available, allowing for significant savings.

For intercity travel, most residents use buses operated by Arriva, FlixBus, Čazmatrans, and other carriers. For example, a trip from Zagreb to Split usually costs between 15 and 35 euros, depending on the season and when you book. The route from Zagreb to Rijeka costs about 10–20 euros, and to Zadar — 15–30 euros.

Croatia has a railway network, but it is less popular due to the slow speed of the trains. For example, a train ride from Zagreb to Split can take 6 to 8 hours, while a bus ride takes about 4–5 hours. That is why most residents of the country choose the bus or their own car.

Car

If you plan to travel around the country frequently, keep in mind that Croatia has one of the best highway networks in Europe. However, highways are toll roads. Upon entering the highway, the driver receives a ticket, and upon exiting, pays for the distance actually traveled. For example, a one-way trip by car from Zagreb to Split costs approximately 25–30 euros. For frequent highway users, there is the ENC electronic payment system, which offers a discount on tolls.

In 2026, fuel prices range from 1.45 to 1.70 euros per liter of gasoline or diesel. Prices may vary depending on government regulations and the situation on the energy market.

Parking in cities is paid almost everywhere. In the center of Zagreb, an hour of parking costs between 1 and 2 euros; in the tourist areas of Split and Dubrovnik, between 2 and 4 euros per hour. Fines for illegal parking start at 30 euros, and in some cases, the car may be towed.

If you plan to use a car with Ukrainian registration, you must obtain a Green Card international insurance policy in advance. Without it, traveling in Croatia and other European countries is not possible. You can obtain a Green Card on the Visit Ukraine website in just a few minutes. This will help you avoid significant fines and problems during traffic stops.

Overall, Croatia’s transportation system is convenient and easy to use, even for those who have just moved to the country. The most economical option for daily life remains public transportation in cities and bus service for intercity travel, while a private car provides maximum freedom of movement, especially along the coast and on the islands.

After moving to Croatia, opening a bank account is one of the first practical steps you should take. It is necessary for receiving your salary, paying rent, signing a mobile phone contract, accessing various government services, and fully integrating into the local system. Since the country’s transition to the euro, all banking transactions are conducted in the European currency, and transfers within the EU are processed through the SEPA system.

Before visiting a bank, a foreigner must obtain a Croatian tax identification number (OIB). Without it, it is practically impossible to carry out any official financial transaction. The OIB is issued free of charge at the Porezna uprava tax office upon presentation of a foreign passport. In most cases, the number is assigned on the day the application is submitted.

Which Bank to Choose

The largest and most popular banks in the country are Zagrebačka banka (ZABA), Privredna banka Zagreb (PBZ), Erste Bank, OTP Bank, and Raiffeisen Bank. These institutions have the largest network of branches and ATMs, modern mobile apps, and offer services in English. Among Ukrainians, ZABA, PBZ, and Erste are the most popular due to their relatively simple account opening procedures.

What is required to open an account

To open an account, you are usually required to provide:

• a foreign passport;
• an OIB number;
• proof of residence in Croatia;
• a document confirming the basis for your stay in the country (temporary protection, residence permit, employment contract, etc.).

Ukrainians in the country under temporary protection can usually open a basic checking account without much difficulty. Maintaining such an account often costs between 0 and 5 euros per month, depending on the bank and service package.

Online banks

In addition to traditional banks, many foreigners actively use digital financial services. Revolut and Wise allow you to conveniently make international transfers, exchange currency, and pay for purchases throughout Europe. However, to receive a salary from a Croatian employer or sign up for certain local services, you will most often still need an account at a Croatian bank.

Payments

Despite the rapid growth of cashless payments, cash is still used quite frequently in Croatia. This is especially true for small cafes, markets, souvenir shops, some taxis, and establishments on the islands. That is why locals recommend always carrying a certain amount of cash in euros.

To withdraw cash, it is most cost-effective to use ATMs from your own bank. Be careful with ATMs from independent operators, particularly Euronet, which often offer unfavorable exchange rates or charge additional transaction fees. Before confirming a withdrawal, it is recommended that you carefully review all terms and conditions on the screen.

If you plan to purchase real estate, start a business, or apply for a long-term residence permit, additional legal and financial issues may arise. In such cases, it is advisable to consult with Visit Ukraine specialists, who will help you navigate local procedures, prepare the necessary documents, and avoid common mistakes when dealing with banks and government agencies.

Overall, Croatia’s banking system is stable and straightforward for foreigners. Once you have obtained an OIB and opened an account, most day-to-day financial transactions can be conducted online via mobile apps, which significantly simplifies life after moving.

After moving to Croatia, one of the first practical matters to address is setting up mobile service and internet access. The country has a well-developed telecommunications infrastructure, and high-quality 4G and 5G network coverage is available not only in major cities but also in most tourist regions, on the islands, and along major highways.

Major Mobile Operators

There are three major operators on the market: Hrvatski Telekom (HT), A1 Croatia, and Telemach. Hrvatski Telekom traditionally has the widest coverage, especially in rural areas and on remote islands. A1 is considered the best option in terms of value for money, while Telemach often offers the cheapest mobile internet plans.

For newcomers, the simplest solution is a prepaid SIM card. You can buy one at supermarkets, Tisak kiosks, carrier stores, or even at the airport. The cost of a starter pack is usually between 5 and 15 euros.

The most popular plans for 2026:

• 10–12 euros per month — about 10–15 GB of mobile internet and domestic calls;
• 15–20 euros — 30–50 GB of data and unlimited calls;
• 25–30 euros — unlimited mobile internet or plans with a very large data allowance.

For most Ukrainians who work remotely or actively use messaging apps and video calls, a plan costing 15–20 euros per month is quite sufficient.

If you plan to stay in the country for a long time, it’s more cost-effective to sign up for a prepaid plan (Pretplata). This usually requires an OIB, a bank account, and proof of residence. Postpaid plans often offer more data at a lower price, but they’re typically locked in for 12 or 24 months. Early termination of the contract may result in penalties.

Home Internet

Home internet in Croatia is available in several formats. In major cities, fiber-optic connections (Fiber) are most commonly used, providing speeds ranging from 200 Mbps to 1 Gbps. In smaller towns and villages, VDSL networks and wireless home internet via 4G or 5G are still widespread.

Average cost of home internet:

• basic plans — 20–25 euros per month;
• fiber internet with speeds of 500–1,000 Mbps — 30–40 euros;
• “internet + TV” bundles — 35 to 60 euros per month.

Keep in mind that most providers offer their best prices only if you sign a 24-month contract. If you’re renting for a short term or aren’t sure you’ll be staying at this address for long, a home 4G or 5G router may be a more cost-effective alternative. All major providers offer such solutions, and the monthly cost is usually between 20 and 30 euros.

Internet speeds in Croatia are generally sufficient for video calls, remote work, and online learning. The average mobile internet speed in major cities is 80–200 Mbps, and fiber-optic networks allow even several users to work comfortably at the same time.

For many Ukrainian families, one of the main concerns after moving is their children’s education and adjustment. In general, Croatia is considered a family-friendly country: it has a high level of safety, most cities are compact, and the education system is accessible to both citizens and foreigners legally residing in the country.

Kindergartens

Public kindergartens (Dječji vrtić) primarily accept children aged 1 to 6. However, in popular cities such as Zagreb, Split, Zadar, or Rijeka, there is often a shortage of spots, so it is recommended to register in advance.

The cost of a public kindergarten depends on the municipality and family income:

• Zagreb — approximately 60–120 euros per month;
• Split — 70–150 euros;
• Rijeka — 60–130 euros;
• Zadar — 50–120 euros.

In most cases, meals are already included in the cost.

If there are no available spots in a public kindergarten, you will have to use private facilities. Prices here are significantly higher:

• private kindergarten — 250 to 500 euros per month;
• international English-speaking kindergartens — 500–900 euros per month.

The following are usually required for enrollment:

• the child’s birth certificate;
• proof of residence;
• a medical certificate;
• documents for one of the parents.

School Education

Education in Croatia’s public schools is free and compulsory for children aged 6 to 15. Primary school (Osnovna škola) lasts 8 years, after which students can continue their education in secondary school (Srednja škola). Ukrainian children who have moved to Croatia are entitled to free education in public schools. Students who do not speak Croatian are provided with additional language classes and assistance with adaptation to facilitate their integration into the country’s educational system.

Generally, the following documents are required:

• birth certificate;
• documents regarding previous education;
• proof of residence;
• documents from one of the parents.

Education in public schools is free, but parents incur additional costs for:

• school supplies — 50–150 euros per year;
• sports uniforms and equipment — 50–200 euros;
• field trips and extracurricular activities — 30–200 euros per year.

Adaptation of Ukrainian Children

After the start of the full-scale war, the Croatian education system introduced a series of support programs for Ukrainian students. Many cities offer additional language courses and adaptation programs.

The Croatian language belongs to the Slavic group, so it is usually easier for Ukrainian children to learn than, for example, German or Dutch. Most children begin to communicate freely with their peers after just a few months of study.

In major cities, the following are also available:

• Ukrainian cultural centers;
• Saturday Ukrainian schools;
• children’s clubs and sports teams;
• free integration programs for newly arrived families.

Extracurricular activities

Croatians place great emphasis on sports and an active lifestyle. The most popular clubs for children include:

• soccer;
• basketball;
• swimming;
• tennis;
• dance;
• music schools.

Average cost of classes:

• sports club — 25–60 euros per month;
• music school — 30–80 euros;
• private language courses — 40–100 euros per month.

Many municipalities also organize free summer camps, creative workshops, and sports events for children.

Thanks to its relatively low crime rate, peaceful atmosphere, and compact cities, Croatia is often called one of the most family-friendly countries in Southern Europe. Zagreb, Rijeka, Varaždin, and Zadar are particularly popular among families, as they combine good infrastructure, access to education, and high-quality healthcare services.

After moving to Croatia, healthcare becomes one of the most important issues. The country has a well-developed healthcare system that combines public and private medical services. At the same time, many Ukrainians face difficulties due to the language barrier, bureaucratic procedures, and long waiting lists to see certain specialists.

Public Health Insurance

The main provider of health insurance in the country is HZZO (Hrvatski zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje)—the Croatian Health Insurance Fund.

Individuals who are officially employed in Croatia are automatically registered in the HZZO system through their employer. Contributions are deducted from their paychecks, so there is usually no need to apply separately for basic insurance.

Ukrainians with temporary protection status also have access to the public healthcare system and can receive medical services under the same conditions as Croatian citizens.

After registering in the system, the patient selects:

• a family doctor (obiteljski lekar);
• a pediatrician for children;
• a dentist;
• a gynecologist for women.

It is through the family doctor that referrals to specialists and for additional tests are issued.

Cost of medical services

Despite having public insurance, some services may require an additional fee or copayment.

• Consultation with a private general practitioner — 50–90 euros;
• Consultation with a specialist — 70–150 euros;
• Ultrasound — 50–120 euros;
• MRI — 250–600 euros;
• Dental checkup — 30–60 euros;
• Cavity treatment — 50–150 euros;
• Professional teeth cleaning — 40–100 euros.

That is why, even with access to public healthcare, many foreigners also purchase private insurance.

Waiting Times in the Public Healthcare System

Waiting times remain one of the biggest problems in the Croatian healthcare system. In public hospitals, the wait time to see certain specialists can be:

• cardiologist — 1 to 6 months;
• orthopedist — 2–8 months;
• MRI — 2–9 months;
• scheduled surgeries — from several months to a year.

In emergency cases, medical care is provided quickly, but for routine checkups, many residents turn to private clinics.

Private health insurance

Private insurance is particularly popular among:

• foreigners;
• freelancers;
• entrepreneurs;
• digital nomads;
• students.

Such policies typically cover:

• specialist consultations without waiting;
• lab tests;
• diagnostics;
• inpatient treatment;
• emergency care;
• certain dental services.

Learn more about health insurance in Croatia at this link.

Health Insurance for New Arrivals

In the first few weeks after moving, many Ukrainians do not yet have access to public health insurance or are in the process of obtaining the necessary documents. In such a situation, it is recommended to purchase an international insurance policy in advance.

You can purchase health insurance for living in or traveling to Croatia online through Visit Ukraine. The policy will help you avoid significant expenses in the event of illness, hospitalization, or an accident and ensure access to medical care from the very first days of your stay in the country.

After moving to Croatia, most Ukrainians quickly sort out housing, paperwork, and employment, but it is often the small, everyday details that pose the greatest challenges. Local rules, lifestyles, and cultural norms can differ significantly from what Ukrainians are accustomed to.

Most Common Fines

Croatia is an EU country with a fairly strict system of administrative fines. This is especially true for traffic rules and public order.

Foreigners most often face the following fines:

• speeding by 10–20 km/h — starting at 60 euros;
• using a phone while driving — starting at 130 euros;
• failure to wear a seatbelt — approximately 130 euros;
• illegal parking — 20 to 100 euros depending on the city;
• riding public transportation without a ticket — 30–80 euros;
• violating waste sorting rules — starting at 50 euros;
• consumption of alcohol in prohibited areas — starting at 100 euros.

You should be especially careful in coastal tourist towns, where the municipal police actively monitor public order during the summer season.

Learning Croatian

Many Ukrainians feel comfortable in the country even with just basic knowledge of English. In major cities, a significant portion of the population speaks English, especially young people and service industry workers.

However, full integration still requires proficiency in Croatian. It belongs to the Slavic language group, so it is usually much easier for Ukrainians to learn than German or French.

Average cost of language courses:

• group classes — 50–120 euros per month;
• private lessons — 15–30 euros per hour;
• intensive courses — starting at 200 euros per course.

In many cities, there are free integration programs and language courses for Ukrainians, funded by the government or international organizations.

Leisure and Recreation

One of the main advantages of living in Croatia is the abundance of opportunities for active recreation. Even in small towns, the following are available:

• sports fields;
• bike paths;
• free beaches;
• municipal sports clubs;
• festivals and cultural events.

Cost of popular activities:

• movie ticket — 6–10 euros;
• gym membership — 30–60 euros per month;
• museum admission — 5–15 euros;
• swimming pool — 3–8 euros per visit;
• coffee in a café — 1.5–3 euros;
• dinner at a mid-range restaurant — 15–30 euros per person.

Zagreb, Split, Rijeka, and Zadar are particularly known for their vibrant cultural life.

Useful tips for settling in

Many Ukrainians note that the main feature of the Croatian way of life is the lack of haste. Here, people take a much more relaxed approach to time, and resolving even simple bureaucratic matters can take longer than in Ukraine.

To make the adjustment easier, you should:

• get all your documents officially processed;
• obtain an OIB and register your residence immediately;
• gradually learn the Croatian language;
• use local services and mobile apps;
• join Ukrainian and international communities in your city.

There are many support groups for Ukrainians in Croatia where you can get practical advice on housing, work, children’s education, and resolving everyday issues.

Services from Visit Ukraine for Ukrainians in Croatia

Life in Croatia has its own peculiarities—from bureaucracy to high rental costs. But with proper preparation and support, the adjustment process is much easier.

On Visit Ukraine, you can:

• Purchase health insurance and a Green Card online
• Get legal advice
• Buy bus, train, or plane tickets
• Find up-to-date information on documents, regulations, and adjustment