Croatia Digital Nomad Visa: Application Requirements For Remote Work

In recent years, more and more European countries have recognized the economic potential digital nomads have. As a result, we've seen countries in Europe like Greece and Estonia kick start their official digital nomad visa programs. These visas allow expats worldwide to live and legally work in each respective country.

I'm excited to announce that Croatia has taken a step in the same direction! Now you can visit cities like Dubrovnik, Split, and Zadar for more extended periods. Not only to mention the national parks.

Digital nomads can now apply for their own Croatia Digital Nomad Visa or, more specifically, the Digital Nomad Croatia Temporary Residence Permit. Effective January 1st, 2021, digital nomads can apply for this type of visa and enjoy a stress-free life in Croatia.

By stress-free, I mean live and work legally in Croatia.

As a digital nomad myself, I've done in-depth research on this topic. In this post, you'll find everything you need to know about your next digital nomad visa to Croatia.

Let's get you ready for the Croatia nomadic lifestyle:

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Simply put, digital nomads are remote workers who can travel and work from anywhere. They can travel to any location and complete their work obligations through communication technology (like wifi). You can often find digital nomads in coffee shops, libraries, or your local bar.

That being said, each country has its own definition of a "digital nomad."

Before applying for your new Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, you must first understand how Croatia defines a Digital Nomad.

"A DIGITAL NOMAD IS a third-country national 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." - Republic of Croatia Ministry of Interior

Basically, to be eligible for a Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, you need to prove that:

• You can do remote work using communication technology (like wifi)
• You're a non-EU citizen
• You work for a company registered outside of Croatia

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As a digital nomad, I understand that you may have some questions about this type of visa. Therefore, before I discuss the visa requirements and how to apply, I'll answer the most common questions people tend to have about the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.

• What Is The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?
• How Long Is The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?
• Does The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Lead To Permanent Residency?
• If My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Expires, Can I Still Visit Croatia?
• Can I Work For A Company Registered In Croatia?
• When Can I Apply For My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?
• Where Can I Apply For My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?
• What Is The Processing Time For The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?

What Is The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?

The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa will allow digital nomads to legally work and live in Croatia for up to 1 year. It's a travel authorization a remote worker can use to experience everything Croatia offers.

I should mention that the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa is not just a visa. When applying for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, you're actually applying for a temporary residence permit. As soon as you have your temporary residence permit, you must travel to Croatia to register your temporary address and apply for your Residence Card.

Don't worry. I'll explain the exact steps you should take later.

How Long Is The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Valid For?

Typically, it is granted for up to 1 year. However, this can depend on your intended length of stay. For example, if your intended stay is for 6 months, your visa will most likely be granted for 6 months.

Does The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Lead To Permanent Residency?

No, unfortunately not.

Why?

Once your Digital Nomad Visa has expired, you need to wait 6 months before you can reapply for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.

You must continuously be in Croatia for 5 years to qualify for permanent residency. In addition, you cannot be out of the country for more than 10 months (within 5 years).

Because you must wait 6 months before reapplying for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa (valid for 1 year), obtaining permanent residency or citizenship would be impossible.

If My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa Expires, Can I Still Visit Croatia?

Yes.

The rule is that you need to wait 6 months before reapplying for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa. However, this does not mean you can't visit Croatia. You can still apply for a Croatia Tourist Visa and visit Croatia for 90 days.

In fact:

Some nomads leave Croatia for 90 days, return as a tourist and reapply for their Digital Nomad Visa (in Croatia) before their Tourist Visa expires.

Remember, the Croatia Tourist Visa allows you to stay in Croatia for 90 days. So if you plan your trip correctly, you can spend 15 months in Croatia.

Can I Work For A Company Registered In Croatia?

No.

To be eligible for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, you need to work for a company that is not registered within Croatia. Furthermore, if you work for your own company, your company must be registered abroad, not in Croatia.

If you want to work for a Croatian company, you must apply for the Croatia Work Visa.

When Can I Apply For My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?

Now! The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa has been active since January 2021. So as long as you meet the visa requirements, you can apply for your next Croatia Digital Nomad Visa within the hour.

Where Can I Apply For My Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?

There are 3 ways you can apply for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa:

• In Croatia
• Within your home country at a Croatian Embassy or Consulate
• Online

If you don't need a visa to enter Croatia:

Suppose you don't need a visa to enter Croatia. In that case, you can travel to Croatia and apply at a local police station or consular post.

For example, US citizens can travel to Croatia visa-free for up to 90 days. Therefore, US citizens can apply in Croatia for their Digital Nomad Visa.

If you need a visa to enter Croatia:

Here's where things get a little tricky.

You have 2 options:

First - Apply for a Croatia Tourist Visa, travel to Croatia, and apply for your Digital Nomad Visa from there.

Second - Apply for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa at a Croatian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Once you've applied for your Digital Nomad Visa, you'll need to apply for a Croatia Type D Visa.

The type D visa is a short-term visa that allows multiple entries into Croatia. It is valid for 6 months and allows a stay of 30 days. You can use the Type D visa to enter Croatia, register your temporary stay, and apply for your Biometric Residence Card.

Apply Online

Whether you need a visa to enter Croatia or not, all applicants can apply for their Croatia Digital Nomad Visa online. Personally, I find this option to be the best.

What Is The Processing Time For The Croatia Digital Nomad Visa?

The processing time depends on where you apply. Typically your temporary stay permit will be processed within 3 - 4 weeks. However, in extreme cases, the processing time can take up to 12 weeks. Some reasons it could take this long include:

• A sudden demand for visas at the Embassy or police station
• Submitting an incorrect application form
• Not including all the required documents
• Visa policy changes

Additionally, the processing time for your Biometric Residence Card can take around 3 weeks.

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Now that you understand a bit more about the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa, let's discuss the required documents.

Remember:

I'll list the documents you need for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.

If you don't have a visa to enter Croatia, you must apply for one. Generally, you must apply for a Type D Visa to enter Croatia for your residence permit. However, this post will not cover the Type D Visa.

Remember that the required documents for the Type D Visa differ from those needed for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.

Let's take a look at the required documents for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa:

• A Completed Application Form
• Proof Of Purpose
• Copy Of A Valid Passport Or Travel Document
• Government-Issued Background Check
• Proof Of Health Insurance Or Valid Travel Insurance
• Proof Of Sufficient Funds
• Proof Of Accommodation
• Something To Consider

A Completed Application Form

It goes without saying that for a successful Croatia Digital Nomad Visa, you'll need to submit a complete visa application form. There are 2 ways you can do it.

1. Fill out Form 1a

At first glance, the form might seem confusing. However, you'll find that the form is in English. Just follow the prompts and ensure that all the information you provide is accurate and correct. After completing the form, print and sign it.

2. Complete the form online

I recommend using the online application form for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa. Personally, I find it easier and more convenient.

For your convenience, I'll include screenshots you can use to see what the application form entails. You can skip this if you're not interested.

Digital Nomad Basic Information:

The first part requires you to enter basic information, such as your name(s), surname, and country of birth.

Travel Document Information:

Here you need to enter your travel document information. My biggest tip is to keep your passport/travel document next to you when filling out this part. Make sure that the information you provide is the same as your passport.

Always double-check! Remember, a small mistake here can cause a denied visa application.

Digital Nomad Basic Information Continued:

An important field is the "Place of intended stay". You need to enter the address you'll be staying at while in Croatia. I'll talk more about this later. Remember that your visa application may be delayed or denied without a Croatian address.

The rest of the fields are pretty self-explanatory.

Intended Period of Stay:

As the name suggests, you need to enter the period of your intended stay. It will benefit your application if your rental agreement (or accommodation) is the same length. If not, it might raise questions about your visit's true purpose.

Next, you'll find a list of documents you'll need to attach alongside your visa application. You'll see that each field has a short description of the type of document you need to submit. Nonetheless, during this post, I'll discuss each document requirement in-depth.

Finally, you need to check the numerous boxes and "send" your application form.

And that's about that. Because the online application is online (duh), it's much easier and faster than the traditional paper application method. For this reason, I recommend you complete your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa this way.

Proof Of Purpose

For the Croatia Digital Nomad visa, you need to prove that you are a digital nomad planning to complete remote work in Croatia.

The document you submit should state that you intend to use communication technology to work for a foreign employer or your own company. Note that your company, or the company you work for, must not be registered in the Republic of Croatia.

The documents you should include are:

• A letter from your employer (as proof that you perform work through communication technology)
• An employment contract or service contract (with a foreign employer)
• If you own a business: a copy of the registration of your company and proof that you perform work through your own company

Copy Of A Valid Passport Or Travel Document

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to return home. If your passport is close to its expiry date, apply for a new one before starting the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa application.

Ensure that your passport/travel document has 2 blank visa pages available for your new Digital Nomad Visa

Government-Issued Background Check

According to the law implemented in 2021:

"5. enclose with the request for approval of the first temporary residence proof that they have not been convicted of criminal offenses from their home country or the country in which they resided for more than one year immediately before arriving in the Republic of Croatia unless the posted worker within a company benefiting from mobility from another EEA Member State"

You must include a complete government-issued background check. This proves that you don't pose a threat to Croatia and its local citizens.

Important note: Citizens from the United States of America require a federal background check and not one from their state.

Next, I'll explain 2 methods how US citizens can obtain their FBI Criminal Record Certificate:

Option 1 - Get it electronically

• Step 1 - Use the online link to access the form

Follow this link

• Step 2 - Fill out the form and submit your fingerprints

After you've clicked on the link, you'll need to follow the provided steps. Remember, you must submit your fingerprints to acquire your FBI Criminal Record.

If you submit your request online, you can go to any of the participating US Post Offices and submit your fingerprints there.

If you decide not to submit your fingerprints electronically, you can mail your completed fingerprint card. You can find the address within the confirmation email you received. Furthermore, you need to print out the confirmation email you received and mail it alongside your fingerprint card.

Your electronic request will be processed once all your information has been received.

Option 2 - Get It Via Mail

• Step 1 - Fill Out The Application Form

First, download the application form and fill it out. After you've completed the form, print and sign it.

• Step 2 - Get Your Fingerprints

You can download this form and provide your fingerprints on it.

Ensure that the fingerprints you provide are eligible and meet the requirements.

• Step 3 - Make The Required Payment

You have 2 payment options:

1: Make a credit card payment by filling out the credit card payment form. Please keep in mind that you'll mail the form and the rest of your documents.

2: Submit an $18 money order or certified check payable to the United States Treasury.

• Step 4 - Check That You Have All The Required Documents

Before mailing your documents, ensure that you've collected each one.

• Step 5 - Mail All Your Documents

Mail all the documents you've collected to the following address:

FBI CJIS Division – Summary Request 1000 Custer Hollow Road Clarksburg, WV 26306

• Step 6 - Wait For Response

After mailing your documents, wait for feedback. You'll receive feedback by First-Class Mail via the US Postal Service.

Quick note: Your FBI Criminal Record Certificate has an expiry date of 6 months. Therefore, ensure that you start your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa as soon as you receive your criminal record certificate.

Proof Of Health Insurance Or Valid Travel Insurance

Accidents can happen unexpectedly at any time. Therefore, you must prove that you have valid travel insurance/health insurance before traveling to Croatia.

Your travel insurance must cover all medical expenses that may occur (in Croatia) and be valid for your entire stay.

Croatia doesn't specify the minimum health insurance requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa. Nonetheless, I recommend you get valid insurance similar to the Schengen Visa insurance.

Proof Of Sufficient Funds

As a Digital Nomad, you must prove that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay in the Republic of Croatia. Before I get to the minimum financial requirements, here are the documents you can provide:

• An employment contract stating your salary
• Bank statements
• Any other document that proves the regular recurring income

Croatia is very specific when it comes to the minimum required amount.

In fact:

Digital nomads must have funds equal to at least 2.5 times the average monthly net salary (of Croatian residents) from the previous year. Keep in mind that these amounts can change each year as it's based on the yearly average monthly net salary.

Currently, your "Digital Nomad Salary" needs to provide the following amount:

• Around $2 560 per month
• Around $30 720 per year (12 months)

You can show the yearly amount in your bank account if you don't have a regular monthly income. For example, if you plan to use your savings, you must prove that you have around $30 720 in your bank account ($2 560 x 12 months).

If you plan to bring along a spouse or close family member, the total amount increases by 10%.

So, if you plan to bring along your spouse, the total required amount increases by 10%. This equals a total of $2 816 per month.

Remember:

These amounts change yearly. I recommend having around $3 000 per month (just to be safe).

Proof Of Accommodation

As mentioned, while filling out your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa application form, you need to enter the address you'll be staying at in Croatia. You must obtain some sort of accommodation before you start your visa application.

Why?

Because you're applying abroad, Croatian authorities must determine what police administration/police station will be in charge of processing your application.

For example, suppose you plan to stay in Zagreb (the capital of Croatia). In that case, your application will be processed at a Zagreb police station. Then, after receiving feedback, you can travel to the Zagreb police station (in charge of your application) to get your temporary stay permit.

The best proof of accommodation is a rental agreement or lease.

If you don't have accommodation, you can provide a temporary address as the address of your intended stay (accommodation). Temporary accommodation includes:

• Hotel reservation/hotel booking
• Airbnb reservation
• Hostel

Something To Consider

Before starting your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa application, here are a few things you need to consider.

• 1. - Make copies of all your documents It's always beneficial to have copies of all your documents. Then, should something go wrong or embassy authorities want to see your documents, you'll have them at hand.
• 2. - Translate your documents You can submit your application in English or Standard Croatian. However, I recommend submitting all your documents in Croatian. This will help authorities process your visa application quicker. If you plan to translate your documents, ensure that a certified translator does it.
• 3. - Notirize your important documents You must notarize all your personal documents, such as your passport copies and FBI Criminal Record Certificate.

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Next, you'll find the exact steps you can follow when applying for your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa. I'll be dividing the application process into 9 simple steps:

• Step 1 - Determine Where You Should Apply For Your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa
• Step 2 - Contact The Croatian Authorities About Your Application
• Step 3 - Collect All The Required Documents
• Step 4 - Complete The Application Form And Submit Your Application
• Step 5 - Wait For Feedback
• Step 6 - Travel To Croatia
• Step 7 - Register Your Temporary Residency Address
• Step 8 - Apply For Your Biometric Residence Card
• Step 9 - Collect Your Biometric Residence Card

Step 1 - Determine Where You Should Apply For Your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa

First, you must determine where to start your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa application. There are 3 ways to apply:

1. Apply in Croatia:

You can apply within the country if you enjoy the benefit of visa-free travel to Croatia (like US citizens). All you need to do is travel to your nearest Croatian Embassy or Consulate and apply from there. Or, you can apply at your local police station in Croatia.

2. Apply at your nearest Croatian Embassy or Consulate

Suppose you need a visa to enter Croatia. In that case, you must apply at a Croatian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

3. Apply Online

Whether or not you need a visa to enter Croatia, you can apply for your Croatia Digital Nomad Online. I highly recommend this path as it's your most straightforward option.

Step 2 - Contact The Croatian Authorities About Your Application

Step 2 would be to contact your Croatian Embassy before starting your application.

Why?

Embassy authorities will give you the exact procedures and requirements for the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa (depending on your home country). Furthermore, the recent COVID-19 pandemic has caused governments to change their travel restrictions without notice. Therefore, contacting the Croatian Embassy before applying will allow you to stay informed about any COVID-19 requirements and restrictions.

Depending on your home country, you might find different visa requirements and COVID-19 requirements. Therefore, contact the Embassy where you plan to apply at to learn more about these requirements.

Step 3 - Collect All The Required Documents

Before starting your application, you need to collect the required documents listed above.

Creating a document checklist is the best way to ensure you have collected all the required documents. I tend to use this for all my visa applications. It helps keep track of the documents I already have and those I still need.

Also, be mindful of the time it takes to gather all the required documents. You might be surprised by how long it can take to collect all the correct documents. Therefore, leave yourself enough time to get them before starting the application process.

Remember that you may need to provide different documents depending on your country of origin.

For example, citizens of South Africa can't submit an FBI Criminal Record Certificate. Instead, they must apply for a police clearance at their local police station. That is why step 2 is important.

Step 4 - Complete The Application Form And Submit Your Application

Once you've collected all the required documents, you can complete the application form.

If you plan to apply online:

Refer to this section to learn more about what the online application entails. The neat part of the online application is that you can submit your documents simultaneously. Once you've submitted your application online, you'll be notified about the status of your application via email.

If you plan to apply in person:

You need to print out the application form, fill in the required fields, and submit your application at your nearest Croatian Embassy alongside the other required documents. Note that you need to travel to the Embassy to submit your documents.

If you plan to apply in Croatia:

Take your completed application form and required documents to your nearest administrative police station in Croatia. After submitting your visa application, authorities will check that you meet all the Croatia Digital Nomad Visa requirements. If you meet the requirements, your visa will be processed. If not, you'll be asked to add some additional documents.

Ensure you give your local cellphone (Croatian) number during this process. This is how authorities will notify you about your visa application.

Step 5 - Wait For Feedback

Now you need to wait for your visa application to be processed. You can expect to wait around a month for your visa to be processed. However, in rare cases, you can expect to wait around 12 weeks for your visa to be processed.

How you decide to apply (online/in-person/at the police station) will determine how you're notified:

• If you applied online - you'll be notified via email
• If you applied in person at your local Embassy - you'll be notified via mail, email, or your preferred contact method
• If you applied at a police station in Croatia - you'll be notified via a call or SMS

Suppose your visa application is successful, congratulations! Now you need to travel to Croatia.

If you're already in Croatia, skip to this part.

Step 6 - Travel To Croatia

If you're not already in Croatia, you must travel as soon as possible. Once your visa is approved, you only have 30 days to travel to Croatia and register your temporary stay.

Your permit will be nullified if you don't register your temporary stay within 30 days. In addition, once you enter Croatia, you must register your address within 3 days (I'll get to this part next).

If you don't need a visa to enter Croatia:

Book a flight ticket, and off you go.

If you need a visa to enter Croatia:

Unfortunately, you'll need to apply for another type of visa. Specifically, the Croatian Type D visa. The type D visa is a short-term visa that allows multiple entries into Croatia. It is valid for 6 months and allows a stay of 30 days.

I recommend applying for your type D Visa as soon as you've submitted your Croatia Digital Nomad Visa application.

You can apply for your type D Visa at your local Embassy or Consulate. You can explain to Embassy authorities that you've applied for your Digital Nomad Visa and need a type D visa to enter Croatia (they will already know this). As the type D Visa is valid for 6 months, you'll have enough time to receive your visa and enter Croatia.

Step 7 - Register Your Temporary Residency Address

Again, once you enter Croatia, you'll have 3 days to register your temporary stay.

To do this, you must travel to your nearest police station (closest to your address) and register your temporary stay.

You'll need to provide the following documents:

• A completed application form: Obrazac 8a
• A notarized rental agreement, lease, a statement from the landlord, or any other relevant accommodation document.

Step 8 - Apply For Your Biometric Residence Card

Once you've registered your temporary stay, you need to apply for your Biometric Residence Card. This is a mandatory requirement for all nomads planning to stay in Croatia.

You can do this at the same police station where you registered your stay.

During this step, your fingerprints and signature will be collected. Then, you will receive a white card from the police officer/staff member. Don't lose this white card!

Next, you need to take a few passport photos. Each country has its photo requirements. Therefore, I recommend you get your passport photos while in Croatia. Typically, you can find a shop next to the police station.

Step 9 - Collect Your Biometric Residence Card

Your Biometric Residence Card will be processed within 3 weeks. You'll be notified via a phone call or SMS. After receiving feedback, travel back to the police station. You must submit your white card and passport photos in exchange for your brand new Residence Card.

Time To Celebrate!

Congratulations! You are now a legal Digital Nomad in Croatia. Yes! You can now work and live in Croatia without any concerns.

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During the process, there a quite a few things you need to pay for. Let's take a look at these fees:

If You Apply At An Embassy Or Consulate

• $63.63 for granting a temporary stay
• $69.69 for the visa
• $46.97 for the biometric residence card

If The Application Is Submitted At A Police Station In Croatia

• $53.03 (HRK 350) for granting the temporary stay
• Administrative fees for the issuing of the biometric residence permit are $10.61 (HRK 70)
• $36.36 (HRK 240) for the biometric residence card

Quick note: HRK, or Kuna, refers to the currency used in Croatia.

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It's possible to pay the required fees online. However, it can be complicated if you've never done this before. So, I'll briefly explain how to do it for the Temporary Stay Permit and the Biometric Residence Card.

How To Pay The Temporary Stay Permit Fees Online?

The payment is made to the state budget account:

International Bank Account Number (IBAN): HR1210010051863000160

Model: HR64

Reference Number: 5002-713-OIB

An OIB is a unique personal identification number given to residents and citizens in Croatia. So in the case above, you need to enter OIB for whom the payment is being made.

If this is your first time applying for this type of visa, you won't have an OIB.

If you have not been assigned an OIB, use the reference number: 5002-713-number of a valid travel document/passport.

The number you enter at the end of your reference number must not include any letters, special characters, or zeros (0). Also, you are only allowed to enter a maximum of 10 numbers.

Here's an example:

If your passport number is AB001521, your reference number will be 5002-713-1521. Notice that AB00 is not included in the reference number.

If you're making an international payment, you need to use the following BIC/SWIFT CODE: NBHRHR2XXXX

How To Pay The Biometric Residence Card Fees Online?

For the Biometric Residence Card, you'll need to make 2 online payments:

1. The fee for a Biometric Residence Permit made to the state budget account:

International Bank Account Number (IBAN): HR1210010051863000160

Model: HR65

Reference Number: 7005-485-OIB

If you don't have an OIB, use the following reference number: 7005-485-RKP-file number. If you're unsure about your file number, contact your local Croatian Embassy.

2. The administrative fee for the Biometric Residence Permit:

International Bank Account Number (IBAN): HR1210010051863000160

Model: HR64

Reference Number: 7005-485-OIB

If you haven't been assigned an OIB, use the following reference number: 5002-713-number of a valid travel document.

The number you enter at the end of your reference number must not include any letters, special characters, or zeros (0). Also, you are only allowed to enter a maximum of 10 numbers.

Here's an example:

If your passport number is AB001521, your reference number will be 5002-713-1521. Notice that AB00 is not included in the reference number.

If you're making an international payment, you need to use the following BIC/SWIFT CODE: NBHRHR2XXXX

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I know the visa application might seem difficult, but honestly, it's not that complicated. If you have read this guide, you will be well equipped with all the information you need to start your next Croatia Digital Nomad Visa.

Just follow my "how-to instructions" step-by-step, and you'll have your new Digital Nomad Visa in no time.

Good luck, and enjoy your new nomadic lifestyle in Croatia!