Croatia, a country of Adriatic beauty and vibrant culture, has become an increasingly popular destination for travellers, students and professionals from all over the world. Since it joined the Schengen area in full in 2023, its visa system has changed considerably, opening up new possibilities for anyone wanting to settle in this corner of south-eastern Europe.
One interesting fact: Croatia is one of the few EU countries that has already introduced a visa for digital nomads, attracting thousands of remote workers who want to base themselves in cities such as Zagreb, Split or magical Dubrovnik. In 2025 this visa has been extended to 18 months and is gaining popularity thanks to its simplicity and its tax benefits (source)).
One example of these ties is the actor Goran Višnjić, born in Šibenik and known for his role in ER. In 2021 he visited Dubrovnik, where he was seen strolling with his daughter and attending cultural events. His presence caught the attention of the local media, which highlighted his closeness to the country. Despite his Hollywood career, he maintains strong links with Croatia and returns frequently (source)).
“Croatia has been glorious – it is so beautiful, and I want to come back as often as I can.”
— Emilia Clarke, actress in Game of Thrones
Why live in Croatia?
Beyond the visa requirements, Croatia is a country that wins people over for many reasons. Its balance of quality of life, affordable costs and natural surroundings makes it a very attractive option for anyone looking to settle in Europe.
1. Natural beauty and quality of life
From the Dalmatian coast with its crystal-clear waters to national parks such as Plitvice or Krka, Croatia offers spectacular landscapes and a relaxed way of life. Cities such as Split, Rijeka and Zadar combine tradition and modernity at a gentler pace than other European capitals.
2. Low costs compared with Western Europe
The cost of living is lower than in many EU countries, particularly for accommodation, food and transport. That allows students, entrepreneurs and digital nomads to maintain a good standard of living without spending as much.
3. Safety and international connections
Croatia is one of the safest countries in Europe and forms part of the Schengen area, which makes travel to other European countries easier. Its cities are also increasingly well served by international flights, trains and ferries.
4. A Mediterranean climate and an active lifestyle
On the coast, winters are mild and summers sunny. That encourages an outdoor life, with water sports, hiking, cycling and a strong culture of cafes and open-air markets.
5. A growing international community
With the rise of the digital nomad visa and the Erasmus programmes, Croatia is seeing multicultural communities, coworking spaces and expat events grow in cities such as Zagreb, Osijek and Dubrovnik.
The best cities to live in Croatia, and why
Croatia offers a wide variety of cities with very different lifestyles: from cosmopolitan capitals to quiet coastal towns. Here are the best options in terms of lifestyle, opportunities and international connections.
1. Zagreb – ideal for work and study
The country’s capital is Croatia’s economic, academic and cultural hub. It has good infrastructure, public transport, hospitals, universities and coworking spaces. It is perfect for anyone looking for work, studying or setting up a business. Its nightlife and arts scene are vibrant too.
2. Split – quality of life by the sea
Split, on the Adriatic coast, combines striking historic surroundings with a relaxed life by the sea. It is well connected to the islands and to Europe by ferry and by air. Ideal for digital nomads, freelancers and anyone wanting to balance work and nature.
3. Dubrovnik – an international lifestyle
Although more expensive, Dubrovnik is one of the country’s most touristic and cosmopolitan cities. Its walled old town, its beaches and its cultural life make it perfect for anyone who values aesthetics or tourism, or who works in the creative or digital industries.
“If you would like to see heaven on earth, you should come to Dubrovnik.”
– George Bernard Shaw, after visiting Dubrovnik in 1929 (source)).
4. Rijeka – peace and quiet with access to Europe
A port city close to Italy and Slovenia. It has an alternative feel, lower prices than Zagreb or Dubrovnik and an excellent location for getting around central Europe. A very good option for anyone who prioritises a quiet life, moderate prices and good connections.
5. Osijek – affordable living in the east of the country
A smaller university city with a very low cost of living, ideal for students or young professionals. It has a slower pace and is developing into a regional hub for technology and education.
| City | Recommended profile | Advantages | Cost of living | International connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zagreb | Students, employees, entrepreneurs | Economic and academic hub, good connections | Medium | High |
| Split | Digital nomads, freelancers | Coastal living, history, good quality of life | Medium | Medium-high |
| Dubrovnik | Creative professionals, expats | International lifestyle, tourist setting | High | High |
| Rijeka | Couples, remote workers, travellers | Peace and quiet, moderate prices, well connected | Low-medium | Medium |
| Osijek | Students, young professionals | Low costs, university city, young atmosphere | Low | Medium |
Five key facts for applying for a visa in Croatia
Five key facts for applying for a visa in Croatia in 2025
1. The types of visa available
Croatia offers different types of visa depending on the length and the purpose of your stay:
- Type A (airport transit): Allows you to remain in the international zone of the airport during a stopover.
- Type C (short stay): A Schengen visa valid for up to 90 days within a 180-day period, ideal for tourism, business or visits.
- Type D (long stay): For stays of more than 90 days for reasons such as study, work, family reunification or temporary residence.
2. The compulsory paperwork
Applicants must submit:
- A passport valid for at least three months after leaving Croatia.
- A complete, signed application form.
- A recent passport-sized photograph.
- Medical insurance with minimum cover of €30,000.
- Proof of accommodation.
- Proof of funds (roughly €100 per day of the stay).
3. The digital nomad visa
Available since 2021 and updated in 2025, this visa allows remote workers to live in Croatia for up to 18 months. It requires:
- A minimum monthly income of €3,295 or savings equivalent to €59,310.
- Working for Croatian employers is not allowed, only for foreign companies or international clients.
4. ETIAS: an additional requirement for 2026
Although it is not a visa, from mid-2026 nationals of visa-exempt countries will need to obtain an ETIAS authorisation to enter Croatia and other Schengen countries. It is valid for three years and costs €7.
5. Processing times and application channels
Some procedures can be started online, but they must be completed in person or through authorised agents.
Type A and type C visas are generally processed within 15 working days, although this can extend to 45 days in complex cases.
Type D visas must be applied for further in advance, directly at the embassy or with the Croatian Ministry of the Interior.
Summary of the five key facts for applying for a visa in Croatia in 2025
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Type of visa | Visas A (transit), C (short stay), D (long stay: study, work, residence). |
| Compulsory paperwork | Valid passport, form, photograph, medical insurance (€30,000), accommodation, funds (€100/day). |
| Digital nomad visa | Up to 18 months of residence. Requires an income of €3,295/month or €59,310 in savings. Remote work only. |
| ETIAS (from 2026) | Compulsory authorisation from 2026 for exempt nationals. Valid for three years. Cost: €7. |
| Processing times and application channels | Visas A and C: 15-45 days. Type D: longer and in person. Part of the process can be done online. |
Types of Croatian visa in 2025
As part of the Schengen area since 2023, Croatia applies a visa policy harmonised with the rest of Europe. Depending on the length and purpose of your stay, you will have to apply for one of the following visas:
Type A visa – airport transit
This visa allows you to pass through the international transit zone of a Croatian airport without entering the country. It only applies if you are coming from a country for which it is required and you are stopping over on the way to another international destination outside the Schengen area.
Type C visa – short stay (Schengen)
This allows stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period, for tourism, business, family visits, or sporting or cultural events. It is valid in all Schengen countries and is applied for at the Croatian consulate or in the main country of entry.
General requirements:
- Passport valid for 3+ months
- Medical insurance (min. €30,000)
- Proof of funds
- Proof of accommodation and travel
Type D visa – long stay or residence
Intended for anyone planning to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days for reasons such as:
- Study or research
- Employment under a legal contract
- Family reunification
- Humanitarian or religious reasons, or volunteering
Important: This visa allows you to start the process of obtaining a temporary or permanent residence permit. It is handled directly at the embassy or at the immigration directorate (MUP) in Croatia.
Residence permit for digital nomads
Available since 2021 and improved in 2025, this permit allows remote workers to live legally in Croatia for up to 18 months. It is ideal for freelancers or employees of foreign companies.
Key requirements:
- Not being an EU citizen
- Working for non-Croatian employers
- Proving a monthly income of at least €3,295 or having €59,310 in savings
- Private medical insurance
- A clean criminal record certificate
An additional benefit: No tax is payable on income earned outside Croatia while the permit is valid.
Visa on humanitarian grounds
This visa is intended for people who need to enter or remain in Croatia for urgent reasons linked to exceptional personal circumstances, such as medical treatment, humanitarian protection, the protection of minors, or victims of violence.
Features:
- The duration varies from case to case.
- Documentation justifying the urgency or vulnerability is required.
- In critical situations it can be handled directly with the immigration authorities or at the border.
Visa for voluntary work
This visa is granted to foreign nationals taking part in volunteering programmes organised by recognised institutions or funded by international or European bodies.
Features:
- It is usually processed as a type D visa if the stay exceeds 90 days.
- It requires a contract with the host organisation, accommodation and medical insurance.
- Ideal for young people or professionals taking part in social, environmental or educational projects.
Full table of Croatian visa types in 2025
| Type of visa | Duration | Main purpose | Who needs it | Where to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type A (airport transit) | Short stopover | Airport stopovers without entering the country | Nationals of countries subject to a visa requirement | Croatian consulate |
| Type C (short stay) | Up to 90 days in 180 | Tourism, business, events, family visits | Nationals without a Schengen exemption | Consulate or embassy |
| Type D (long stay) | More than 90 days | Study, employment, family reunification, temporary residence | Non-EU foreign nationals | Embassy or Ministry of the Interior (MUP) |
| Digital nomad | Up to 18 months | Remote work for a foreign company | Non-EU citizens | Embassy or MUP |
| Humanitarian visa | Variable | Urgent cases: health, minors, violence, humanitarian protection | People in vulnerable situations | Immigration authorities or at the border |
| Volunteering visa | Generally more than 90 days | Taking part in social, cultural or environmental programmes | Volunteers with a partnership agreement | Embassy or MUP |
Do you need help translating your documents?
At Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas we support you throughout the visa application process, providing official and certified translations of any document you may need: passport, bank certificates, contracts, letters of acceptance, insurance policies and more.
Our team of sworn translators specialises in immigration and academic documents, making sure your papers meet the requirements of the Croatian authorities and of the Schengen area.
Translate with confidence and without errors.
General requirements for applying for a visa
This section would explain the documents and conditions common to most types of visa, helping the reader to prepare whichever one they need. For example:
- A valid passport (at least three months beyond the planned departure date)
- The official application form
- A passport-sized photograph
- Medical insurance with minimum cover of €30,000
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking, letter of invitation, contract)
- Proof of sufficient funds (roughly €100 per day)
- Documented reasons for the trip (letter of acceptance, employment contract and so on)
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Valid passport | Valid for at least three months after the planned date of departure from Croatia. |
| Application form | Completed and signed. Available online or at the embassy or consulate. |
| Recent photograph | Passport size, white background, biometric format. |
| Travel medical insurance | Minimum cover of €30,000 valid throughout the Schengen area. |
| Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking, letter of invitation or tenancy agreement. |
| Proof of funds | Proof of means: a minimum of €100 per day or equivalent funds. |
| Documented purpose of the trip | Letter of admission, employment contract, invitation, volunteering programme. |
Your journey to Croatia starts with the right language skills and the right paperwork
Applying for a Croatian visa in 2025 can be a straightforward process if you have the right guidance and resources. Whether you are travelling to study, to work or as a digital nomad, having your documents correctly translated and prepared is key to avoiding rejections or delays.
At Alos Soluciones Lingüísticaswe not only help you with the sworn and official translation of every document needed for your visa application, we also offer tailored language courses so that you or your team can integrate better into the Croatian or international environment.
Whether you need to master basic Croatian, improve your professional English or train your employees, we have solutions tailored to your objectives.
Your journey begins with sound preparation. And we are here to support you.
No. European Union citizens can enter, live and work in Croatia without a visa.
Up to 90 days within a 180-day period, as with any short-stay Schengen visa.
A valid passport, the form, a photograph, medical insurance, proof of funds, evidence of the purpose of the trip and proof of accommodation.
Yes, but only for employers or clients outside Croatia. Local employment is not allowed under this visa.
Type A and type C visas are usually processed in 15 working days. Type D takes longer and involves steps in person.
Yes. In many cases the Croatian authorities require documents to be officially translated into Croatian or English.
Yes. We produce sworn translations of passports, contracts, insurance policies, academic certificates and other official documents.
Yes. We offer tailored courses in Croatian, English and other languages for companies, expats and students.