Nomad Programs Croatia

Croatia raises Digital Nomad residence permit income floor to €3,622.50

Brandon Richards
Brandon Richards ·
Verified · 6 sources· Updated May 9, 2026
Croatia raises Digital Nomad residence permit income floor to €3,622.50

Croatia’s permit now starts at €3,622.50 a month

Croatia’s Digital Nomad residence permit now requires at least €3,622.50 in monthly income or the matching savings amount for longer planned stays. The floor is tied to 2.5 times the country’s average net salary and applies to non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals working remotely for foreign employers or their own non-Croatian companies.

The permit still allows a stay of up to 18 months. If it’s first granted for less than 18 months, holders can extend it by up to 6 more months, but they can’t renew it back to back and must leave Croatia for 6 months before reapplying.

Who falls under the rule

The higher income bar matters most for remote workers, freelancers and self-employed expats planning a longer stay in Croatia. Applicants can’t work for Croatian employers or clients and close family members can join through family reunification.

Short Schengen visits are unchanged. The permit is a residence route, not a tourist stay, so it mainly affects third-country nationals trying to live in Croatia while keeping foreign remote work.

What applicants need to file

Applicants need a valid passport, health insurance covering Croatia, proof of remote work, a legalized criminal record certificate and a Croatian address. They can apply online, through an embassy or consulate if they need a visa or at a police station.

Processing usually takes 2 to 8 weeks. Fees run about €46 to €56 for the stay grant and €31 to €60 for the biometric card. After approval, holders must register their address within 3 days of entry and submit biometrics for the residence card. Read our full Croatia guide for the complete picture and check visa updates for more on shifting entry rules.

Frequently asked questions

How much income do I need for Croatia's Digital Nomad residence permit?
You need at least €3,622.50 in monthly income, or the matching savings amount for longer planned stays. The floor is tied to 2.5 times Croatia's average net salary.
How long can I stay in Croatia on a Digital Nomad residence permit?
You can stay for up to 18 months. If the permit is first granted for less than 18 months, it can be extended by up to 6 more months.
Can I renew Croatia's Digital Nomad permit back to back?
No. Holders cannot renew it back to back and must leave Croatia for 6 months before reapplying.
Who is eligible for Croatia's Digital Nomad residence permit?
Non-EU, non-EEA and non-Swiss nationals who work remotely for foreign employers or their own non-Croatian companies can apply. Applicants cannot work for Croatian employers or clients.
What documents do I need for Croatia's Digital Nomad permit?
Applicants need a valid passport, health insurance covering Croatia, proof of remote work, a legalized criminal record certificate and a Croatian address.
How long does Croatia's Digital Nomad permit take to process?
Processing usually takes 2 to 8 weeks. Applicants can apply online, through an embassy or consulate if they need a visa, or at a police station.

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