Croatia

"Bog i Hrvati" ("God and Croats")

overview

Welcome to Croatia

Croatia, located on the Adriatic Sea, is known for its stunning coastline and rich cultural history. Tourism, along with shipbuilding and agriculture, is a key economic driver, with cities like Dubrovnik and Split attracting visitors.

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Croatia Essentials

National Anthem

Lijepa naša domovino

Independence Day

June 25, 1991

Haiko

Adriatic coast / Dubrovnik's walls stand proudly / Plitvice Lakes shimmer

Interesting Tradition

Holds Moreška sword dances on the island of Korčula

Weirdest Local Superstition

Fear of Propuh (draft from open windows)

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to wear a swimsuit in the city center

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the coast, stay for the community: Croatia weaves ancient charm with modern convenience along its stunning Adriatic shoreline. Life here balances between historic stone villages and contemporary co-working spaces, while afternoons might find you island hopping or enjoying coffee in centuries-old squares. The country's digital nomad visa program and EU membership have created an irresistible blend of Mediterranean lifestyle and professional opportunity.

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Idemo

Sail into a realm where 'fjaka' isn't just relaxation, but an art form. Here, ancient stones write new stories of digital destiny.

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Dobrodosli u Croatia

The birthplace of the necktie making every business meeting a nod to Croatian fashion

Croatia isn't just a country—it's a timeless Mediterranean dream. Here, time flows like waves against ancient stone, and even a simple coastal walk becomes a journey through centuries. This is a land where history and nature create perfect harmony.

From the medieval walls of Dubrovnik to the pristine islands of Dalmatia, Croatia offers magic for every wandering soul. Whether you're drawn to the Roman splendor of Split, the waterfall wonderland of Plitvice Lakes, or the truffle-rich forests of Istria, you'll find a country that transforms history into living art.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

sarma (cabbage rolls with meat) - strukli (cheese-filled pastry)

Drink

rakija (fruit brandy) - gemišt (wine spritzer)

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Zedan?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

96

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

15

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

9.16

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.10

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Coffee drinking has specific social rules
#2
Family lunch on Sunday is sacred
#3
Coastal vs inland customs vary greatly
#4
Wine knowledge is regionally specific
#5
Traditional music appreciation matters

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Croatia Essentials

Representative Novel

The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andrić (Nobel Prize in Literature, historical novel set in Bosnia but representative of former Yugoslavia including Croatia)

National Animal

Pine marten

National Pasttime

Football (Soccer)

National Souvenir

Lavender products

National Dish

Strukli

Famous Festival

Sinjska Alka

Famous Dance

Kolo

Famous Music

Klapa

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Did You Know?

Croatia has over 1,000 islands.

Croatia’s Adriatic coastline is dotted with more than 1,000 islands, making it a paradise for sailors and beach lovers.

The necktie originated in Croatia.

The cravat, a precursor to the modern necktie, was worn by Croatian mercenaries in the 17th century and later adopted by the French.

Croatia is home to the world’s smallest town.

The town of Hum in Istria has a population of just about 20 people, earning it the title of the smallest town in the world.

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Croatia’s Key Historical Events

1,918

April 2014

Croatia joins the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes following the dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

1941

July 2014

Nazi Germany invades and installs a fascist puppet government under Ante Pavelic.

1991

February 2015

Croatia declares independence, leading to conflict with Serb forces in the region.

1995

March 2015

Croat forces retake Serb-controlled areas, contributing to the end of the war in Bosnia and the signing of the Dayton peace accords.

2013

October 2016

Croatia becomes the 28th member of the European Union.

MOBILITY

Access Croatia Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

2

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
No
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
5 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
8
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

151

Performance Class

World-Class Access

Passport Grade

A

Rank

40

Score

173.5

This visa grants access to:

• 43% of the world's population 

• 78% of UNESCO sites 

• 74% of global GDP 

• 57% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Croatia by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Croatia
517
775
1,033
2,286
3,320
5,209
8,115

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Croatia's Global Rankings 

Croatia excels in multiple areas with very high English proficiency (#11) and impressive safety rankings (#15). Our analysis showcases its very pleasant climate (#18) and affordable living conditions.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
47
Cost of Living
2024
Moderate
33
Quality of Life
2024
Very Good
15
Safety
2024
High
63
Happiness
2024
High
68
Tax Burden
2024
Light Load
11
English Proficiency
2023
Very High Proficiency
45
Rule of Law
2024
Moderate
53
Healthcare System
2024
Standard Access
18
Pleasant Climate
2024
Very Pleasant

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

44.8

years

Life Expectancy

78.1

years

Obesity Rate

23.20%

Tobacco Use

33.30%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

8.10%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

5.54

per 1000 people

Doctors

3.5

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

9.40%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare Coverage

Croatia provides universal healthcare coverage to all residents, with public hospitals offering affordable services funded through contributions.

High Doctor Availability

Croatia has a relatively high doctor-to-population ratio, ensuring good access to medical professionals for routine and specialized care.

Private Healthcare Options

In addition to public healthcare, Croatia offers private healthcare options for those seeking quicker access and more personalized treatments.

Maternity and Childcare Services

Croatia offers comprehensive maternity and childcare services, including free prenatal care, childbirth services, and postnatal support.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates in Croatia can access both public and private healthcare, and many choose private insurance for faster or more specialized care.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Croatia offers a moderate cost of living compared to Western European countries. Coastal cities and tourist areas are generally more expensive than inland regions. Housing costs in major cities and tourist hotspots can be high, especially during peak seasons. Food is moderately priced, with local markets offering affordable options. Utilities are reasonably priced. Public transportation is affordable and efficient in cities.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.66

per liter

Cost of Meal

$11.14

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$657.19

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$168.20

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$3.34

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

25%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before relocating to Croatia, it's essential to familiarize yourself with its tax system.+Croatia taxes residents on their worldwide income while non-residents are taxed only on Croatian-source income at progressive rates ranging from 15% to 35%, plus local city taxes may apply as well. Social security contributions are required and property taxes also apply in Croatia; individuals need a Personal Identification Number (OIB) for tax purposes.+Croatia has a double taxation treaty with the United States that helps prevent dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

15%-35%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

12%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%-5%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

10%-18%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

10%-18%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%-12%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

0%-12%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0%-24%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they have real estate at their disposal for at least 183 days in one or two calendar years, or are physically present in Croatia for at least 183 days in one or two calendar years.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

49

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

81.8

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

20.5
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

206
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

12

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

66.7
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Mediterranean and continental; hot summers and cold winters

Average Temperature

11.96 °C

Humidity

76

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1,113

mm

Rainless Days per Year

245

Best Time to Travel

May-September

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Croatia

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Croatia.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Croatia?

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Do I need to speak Croatian to apply for residency or citizenship in Croatia?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Croatia with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Croatia?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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