This European destination is one of my favorite places in the world, and once you visit, I think you’ll agree – I loved my time as a digital nomad in Croatia. Not only is it a beautiful place, but it’s a top spot for digital nomads. The world is full of hubs for remote workers nowadays, but for me, Croatia stands out head and shoulders above the rest for so many reasons.
Having spent many months in Croatia, I believe it’s somewhere everyone should live and work at least once. I can honestly say that I never got bored, met so many wonderful people, and the food! Oh, don’t get me started on the food – it’s pretty incredible.
If you’re debating whether to go to Croatia for a few months or even a year, my advice is to just go for it. You can choose from various towns and cities, move around as much as you like, and make memories on the go. It’s a win-win.
There are countless countries to choose from as a digital nomad these days, so why Croatia? Here are my top ten reasons why I believe that Croatia is a digital nomad’s dream destination. By the end of this, I hope you’ll be booking your flight.
First, the food is amazing! Croatian cuisine is extremely fresh, seasonal, and hearty. While you’ll find many international menus, it’s cheaper and more authentic to try local dishes.
I’m not usually the biggest risotto fan, but black risotto in Croatia just hits differently. Burek is also a must-try, along with locally sourced truffles, gregada (a traditional fish stew), and Pag cheese. And don’t miss out on trying rakia with friends – just be warned, it’s very strong!
Eating local food will save you plenty of money during your stay. Tourist resorts, especially in places like Dubrovnik, can be pricey, but if you eat where the locals go, you’ll enjoy your food more and save money. You could also learn to cook Croatian dishes to save even more.
As a digital nomad, reliable internet is crucial. During my time in Croatia, I never had trouble with the internet, even when traveling. Speedtest reports that Croatia’s average upload and download speeds are 29.23 Mbps and 71.65 Mbps respectively. In large towns, cities, and resorts, almost all bars, restaurants, hotels, and cafes have WiFi. You can also use an eSIM or a regular SIM card for a hotspot.
I used both cafes and coworking spaces around Croatia for video calls and heavy internet work without any problems. Even rural areas and islands had good connectivity, so the internet shouldn’t be a concern.
Since Croatia introduced its digital nomad visa, the country has become a hub for remote workers. You’ll meet other like-minded people from all over the world. Most coworking spaces and hotels arrange social evenings where you can make new friends, network, and socialize.
I found the locals in Croatia to be extremely friendly and welcoming. In large towns and cities, many people speak English well, and even if they don’t, Google Translate is handy. It helps to learn a few words of the language, but communication wasn’t difficult.
The most popular digital nomad hotspots are Dubrovnik, Split, Zagreb, Zadar, Hvar Town, and my personal favorite, Korčula. However, you can travel around and stay in other places if you find somewhere you like. The high-quality internet across Croatia gives you the freedom to go wherever you want.
I love a good beach, and I found plenty in Croatia. With over 1,100 miles of coastline, you have a lot to choose from! Copacabana Beach in Dubrovnik is a great starting point, but don’t be afraid to explore secluded coves. Golden Horn on Brač Island is stunning, and Bacvice Beach in Split is somewhere I spent a lot of time. This makes it easy to relax after work or on your days off. There are also plenty of boat trips to see the coastline from a different perspective.
If you’re a beach lover, it’s a good idea to base yourself close to the coast, such as in Zadar or Split. Dubrovnik is amazing but extremely busy during the summer, so it’s best to visit during the shoulder seasons.
Croatia is packed with things to see and do. With many organized trips, a good public transport network, and easy-to-follow roads, it’s easy to explore. Plitvice Lakes National Park and Krka Waterfalls are must-sees. Dubrovnik’s city walls, Diocletian’s Palace in Split, and several Game of Thrones filming locations are also popular. Croatian islands each have their own charm, providing plenty of sightseeing opportunities on your days off.
While prices have increased over the last few years, the cost of living in Croatia is still relatively low compared to other major European cities. Cooking at home or eating in traditional restaurants can save you money.
Renting an apartment is more expensive in city centers or near the sea. For example, the average price of a furnished apartment in Split is around €538/$577, which is cheaper than in cities like Barcelona, where prices are around €850/$912. If you live like a local, your cash will last longer, and you’ll experience much more.
Croatia offers the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the tourist fun in major towns and cities or go the authentic route and experience the culture. Croatian culture is rich and varied, and the locals are super friendly. It’s fun to learn about regional differences and how island life differs from the mainland. Experiencing local culture makes travel enriching and Croatia makes it easy to live an authentic life.
In January 2021, Croatia introduced its digital nomad visa, making it easier for remote workers to stay longer. The visa allows freelancers and remote business owners to stay for up to one year, as long as their business is registered outside Croatia. You can also bring your spouse and children. The visa lasts for a year and cannot be renewed, but you can reapply six months later. You don’t have to stay at your registered address and can travel around the country.
You can check the required documentation and apply online before traveling. Applying a couple of months beforehand can save you from stress.
One thing that stood out for me was the sheer number of places to work from. Croatia has many coworking spaces and laptop-friendly cafes. Split and Zagreb have the most coworking spots, but you’ll find them in all major towns and cities. Croatia also has a very active cafe scene, perfect for working in a lively atmosphere.
Most coworking spaces in Croatia are laid-back and creative, not too office-like. You’ll need to pay to work from a coworking spot, but you get extras like free refreshments, a shared kitchen, and comfortable chairs.
The digital nomad visa in Croatia doesn’t impose dual taxation rules, meaning you don’t need to pay taxes while living and working there. You just need to continue paying taxes in your home country. This is a great perk as it’s not always the case with digital nomad visas elsewhere. If you receive income in dollars, you’ll get more value for your money.
There’s no denying that Croatia is a beautiful country with many things to see and do. For me, it ticks all the boxes as a place to stay and work from. Croatia feels like home once you arrive; the locals welcome you into their community, and immersing yourself in the culture is rewarding. With the new digital nomad visa, Croatia has everything a remote worker could need. While no place is perfect, I didn’t encounter any major issues during my time there. The biggest challenge was deciding what to do on my days off because there was so much to choose from!