Croatia’s digital nomad residence permit lets non-EU remote workers live in the country for up to 18 months, and as reported it exempts foreign-sourced income from Croatian income tax. It is one of the more attractive EU options for people who want a Mediterranean base for a season or two, but it cannot be extended and it does not lead to permanent residence.
| Permit name | Temporary stay for digital nomads |
| Income requirement | About €3,622 per month in 2026, or savings of about €43,470 for 12 months (see below) |
| Duration | 6 months up to 18 months, not extendable |
| Processing time | About 4 to 8 weeks, longer in summer |
| Tax | Foreign-sourced income exempt from Croatian income tax, as reported |
| Citizenship pathway | No |
What Changed
Amendments to the Law on Foreigners took effect on 15 March 2025. The maximum stay rose from 12 to 18 months, and applicants now need six months of income evidence instead of three. The income threshold is recalculated each year from Croatia’s average net salary, and for 2026 it was reported at €3,622.50, up from €3,295.
Income and Savings
The monthly requirement is 2.5 times the average net salary. As an alternative you can show savings: about €43,470 for a 12-month stay or about €65,205 for 18 months. Each additional family member adds about 10% of the average net salary, roughly €145 a month. Unmarried partners generally need to show a relationship of at least three years unless they have a child together.
Requirements
- A passport valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay
- Two biometric photos
- Proof that you work remotely for a company or clients outside Croatia
- Six months of payslips or bank statements meeting the threshold
- A criminal background certificate with an apostille and an official Croatian translation
- Health insurance covering Croatia for your full stay
- Proof of accommodation
- The signed application form
How to Apply
- Prepare documents, translations and apostilles.
- Apply online through the Croatian Ministry of the Interior portal, or in person at the police administration for your area of residence.
- If you are already in Croatia, apply before your visa-free tourist stay ends.
- Provide biometrics when asked.
- Register your address and obtain your personal identification number (OIB).
Costs
The reported application fee is about €60. Budget another €400 to €1,000 for background checks, apostilles, translations and insurance.
Tax
As reported, holders are exempt from Croatian income tax on foreign-sourced income, even if they stay more than 183 days. You remain responsible for taxes in your home country, and switching to a different Croatian residence permit ends the exemption. Social security and double-taxation questions are complicated, so speak to a tax professional.
Renewal and What Comes Next
You cannot renew or extend the permit. After it expires you must leave Croatia and wait at least six months before reapplying. There is no route from this permit to permanent residence or a standard work permit.
Common Mistakes
- Not allowing for the six-month bank statement requirement.
- Missing apostille or translation requirements.
- Assuming the permit can be renewed.
- Overlooking the yearly change in the income threshold.
Where to Live
Zagreb, Split, Zadar and Dubrovnik (off-season) are the common bases. Browse our destinations hub for related city guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay? Between six and 18 months, with no extension.
Do I pay Croatian income tax? As reported, not on foreign-sourced income, but check your home-country obligations.
Can I reapply? Yes, but only after leaving and waiting at least six months.
These figures come from secondary sources checked in 2026, and Croatia updates the income threshold every year. Confirm the current numbers on the Ministry of the Interior site before applying.
Related: All digital nomad visas | Estonia Digital Nomad Visa | How to avoid accidental tax residency