Residency & Digital Nomad Visa in Croatia

Residency Options:

• Business / Company Route
You can gain a residence permit by founding or owning a company in Croatia (commonly a d.o.o. or a sole proprietor business).
  • Requirements typically include holding at least 51% of company shares, injecting start-up capital (often in the range of €25,000–€27,000) and employing local staff (e.g. hiring 3 Croatian citizens) to qualify.
  • You must pay yourself a salary meeting a minimum threshold (often 1.5× the national average) and maintain health insurance, clean criminal record, and proof of business legitimacy.
  • If approved, you receive a temporary residence permit (usually valid for 1 year, renewable annually) as long as your business continues meeting the conditions.
  • After five uninterrupted years of temporary residence, you may become eligible for long-term residence status.

• Digital Nomad Visa / Permit
Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa enables non-EU citizens to reside legally while working remotely for foreign clients or companies (or via their own foreign-registered business).

  • The visa is valid for up to 18 months (or sometimes shorter durations) and cannot be used for employment with Croatian companies.

  • Applicants must demonstrate a stable income (minimum €3,295/month, or possess equivalent savings for the duration) and submit documents such as passport, background check, health insurance, proof of remote work, and address in Croatia.

  • While the permit is active, you must maintain your remote-work status, live at your registered address (and report changes), and keep valid private health insurance.

  • This route offers attractive tax treatment: digital nomads are generally exempt from mandatory Croatian state health insurance during their stay.

• Why Choose These Routes?

  EU access: As a Croatian resident, you gain easier access to the Schengen zone (Croatia joined Schengen in January 2023) via your permit.

  Path to permanence: The business route can lead to long-term residence after five years, and possibly citizenship later.

  Balance of work and lifestyle: The digital nomad option suits professionals who want freedom to move but still legally reside in Croatia without needing a local employer.

• Why Use Our Services?

  At The Passport Investor, we manage the entire process—company setup, documentation, permit applications, translations, local compliance, and renewal strategies. Our in-country partners ensure smooth navigation through Croatian bureaucracy and maximize your chance of approval.