Republic of Croatia · digital nomad
Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
A temporary stay for non-EU remote workers employed by, or running, a company not registered in Croatia, granted for up to 18 months.
- Processing time
- Indicative only - the police administration reviews the application after online submission; confirm current processing on the official page.
- Government fees
- Indicative only - administrative fees and a biometric residence-permit fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page.
- Typical duration
- Up to 18 months, with limited extension; it does not count toward permanent residence - confirm current rules on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 10 July 2026, the Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia) for Republic of Croatia is an unsponsored Croatia immigration route. Sources: official Republic of Croatia government pages, reviewed 10 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/croatia/digital-nomad-residence#answer
What is the Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia) in Republic of Croatia?
Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia) is an unsponsored Croatia route. Indicative government fees are Indicative only - administrative fees and a biometric residence-permit fee apply; confirm current amounts on the official page; indicative processing time is Indicative only - the police administration reviews the application after online submission; confirm current processing on the official page; typical duration is Up to 18 months, with limited extension; it does not count toward permanent residence - confirm current rules on the official page. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) on 1 June 2026.
Overview
Croatia's digital nomad temporary stay is for third-country nationals who work through communication technology for a foreign employer or their own company that is not registered in Croatia, and who do not work for or provide services to employers in Croatia. Since the March 2025 changes it can be granted for up to 18 months. It is explicitly a residence permit, not a work permit for the local market, and time on it does not count toward permanent residence. Applications can be made via the dedicated official portal.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The applicant is a third-country national working through communication technology for a foreign employer or their own non-Croatian company.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
- ✓No work for, or services to, employers registered in Croatia.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
- ✓Proof of income at or above the threshold Croatia sets, which is indexed annually.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
- ✓The applicant meets the general conditions for temporary stay, including health insurance and accommodation.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
Common blockers
- !Working for or providing services to a Croatian-registered employer.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
- !Income below the indexed threshold or that cannot be evidenced.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
- !Expecting the stay to count toward permanent residence, which it does not.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Valid passport and a recent photograph.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
- ·Proof of remote work for a foreign employer or own non-Croatian company.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
- ·Bank statements or other proof of income at the required level.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
- ·Proof of health insurance and accommodation in Croatia.Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm you work remotely for non-Croatian clients or your own foreign company and can meet the income threshold.
Build the evidence pack
Gather proof of remote work, income evidence, health insurance, accommodation, passport and photograph.
Submit through the official channel
Apply online via the dedicated digital nomads portal or through a Croatian diplomatic mission, then await police-administration review.
After approval
Collect the biometric residence permit, observe the maximum duration, and plan an alternative route if you want to settle.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Digital Nomad Temporary Stay (Croatia).
Ministry of the Interior (Croatia) · verified
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Related routes
Stay-and-Work Permit (single permit)
Croatia's combined residence-and-work permit for third-country nationals with a Croatian job offer, covering most employment outside the highly-qualified Blue Card route.
EU Blue Card (Croatia)
Croatia's stay-and-work permit for highly-qualified third-country nationals with a qualifying job offer, granting EU-wide mobility benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Can the digital nomad stay lead to permanent residence?+
No. Time spent on the digital nomad stay does not count toward permanent residence. Confirm the current rule on the official MUP digital nomads portal.
How long can I stay?+
Since March 2025 it can be granted for up to 18 months, with limited extension. Confirm current duration on the official MUP digital nomads portal.
Can I move to Croatia as a digital nomad without a job offer from a Croatian employer?+
Yes. The digital nomad temporary stay does not require sponsorship and is for third-country nationals working through communication technology for a foreign employer or their own non-Croatian company. By contrast, the EU Blue Card, single permit and seasonal routes all require a Croatian job offer. Confirm the current rules on the official MUP digital nomads portal.
Can I work for Croatian companies or clients while on the digital nomad stay?+
No. The digital nomad stay is a residence permit, not a work permit for the local market, and you must not work for or provide services to employers registered in Croatia. Doing so is a listed blocker. Confirm the current rule on the official MUP digital nomads portal.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in CroatiaHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: Ministry of the Interior (Croatia)
Last checked: 1 June 2026