Croatia’s digital nomad permit is one of the simplest and most generous in Europe: up to 18 months, a tax exemption on foreign remote-work income, and the option to apply from inside Croatia. This page covers it as of October 2026, along with the Schengen rules. Thresholds are updated each year, so check the official Ministry of the Interior pages before you apply.
Schengen: 90 Days in 180#
Croatia joined the Schengen Area in January 2023. Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, Australia and many other countries can stay 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries. The Entry/Exit System has recorded entries and exits digitally since April 2026, and ETIAS has no confirmed start date yet.
Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads#
- Length: up to 18 months.
- Who: non-EU citizens who work remotely, through communication technology, for an employer or their own company registered outside Croatia, with no work for Croatian employers or clients.
- Income: about €3,620 a month (linked to the Croatian average salary and updated each March), or savings covering the whole stay, about €65,000 for 18 months.
- Other documents: passport, health insurance covering Croatia, a clean criminal record from your home country, proof of remote work (employment contract or company documents), and proof of address in Croatia.
- Fees: about €70 to €100 in total, depending on how you apply.
- Family: spouses and children can join; each adds 10% of the average salary to the income requirement.
How to apply:
- Online through the Ministry of the Interior’s portal, before or after arrival.
- At a Croatian embassy or consulate.
- At a police station in Croatia if you entered visa-free.
Approval typically takes a few weeks. You then register your address and collect a residence card.
The Six-Month Gap#
The permit can’t be extended or renewed straight away. After it ends, you must leave and wait six months before applying again. It also doesn’t count towards permanent residence. Plan your 18 months, and what comes after, in advance.
Tax#
Income earned by digital nomad permit holders from their remote work for foreign employers or their own foreign company is exempt from Croatian income tax. Other Croatian-source income would be taxable. Your home country may still tax you. See taxes and money.
Address Registration#
Foreigners must register their address with the local police within a few days of arriving. Hotels and many landlords do this; if not, you or your landlord must, and you’ll need it for the permit.
Croatia's Visa Options Compared#
Croatia: Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads
- Stay
- Up to 18 months
- Valid for
- Up to 18 months
- Renewal
- Not straight away: you must wait 6 months after the permit ends before applying again
- Money required
- About €3,620 a month, or about €65,200 in savings for 18 months (updated each March)
- Fee
- About €70 to €100 in fees
- Who qualifies
- Non-EU remote workers employed by or running a company outside Croatia.
- Family
- Each family member adds 10% of the average salary
- Tax
- Foreign income from remote work is exempt from Croatian income tax
- How to apply
- Online through the Ministry of Interior, at a consulate, or at a police station in Croatia if you entered visa-free. Official site
The tax exemption makes it one of the best deals in Europe, but the 6-month gap means it is not a route to long-term residence.
Croatia for digital nomads · Rules checked October 2026. Confirm with the official source before applying.
Croatia Visa FAQs#
How long is Croatia's digital nomad permit?
Up to 18 months. After it ends, you must wait six months before applying again.
Can I apply for the Croatian digital nomad permit inside Croatia?
Yes. If you entered visa-free, you can apply at a police station or online while in Croatia.
How much income do I need for Croatia's digital nomad permit?
About €3,620 a month, or savings to cover your whole stay. The figure is updated each year in March.
Can I work for Croatian clients on the digital nomad permit?
No. You must work only for employers or your own company registered outside Croatia.