In a significant update to its immigration policies, Croatia has introduced new regulations allowing digital nomads to stay in the country for up to three years. This change follows amendments to the Aliens Act, which came into effect in mid-March 2025.
Non-EU nationals can now apply for a temporary residence permit through Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa program for periods longer than the previous 18-month limit. Under the new regulations, digital nomads can initially stay for up to 18 months, with the option to extend their stay for an additional 18 months, granting them a total of three years in the country. Furthermore, family members of digital nomads can also join them during this extended stay.
Key Changes to the Digital Nomad Visa
Prior to these changes, Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa allowed non-EU nationals to reside in the country for 12 months, with a six-month extension available. The revised rules now enable digital nomads to stay for double the previous duration, allowing for a more flexible and prolonged stay.
The Digital Nomad Visa program is designed for remote workers employed by foreign companies or running their own businesses outside of Croatia. This program has become increasingly popular, offering non-EU nationals the opportunity to live and work in Croatia legally while contributing to the country’s economy and digital sector.
Limited Extensions for Shorter Stays
Under the new guidelines, digital nomads who choose to stay for less than 18 months may be granted a temporary residence for an additional six months, but the total duration cannot exceed 24 months. Therefore, individuals applying for a 12-month stay cannot request a further 18 months; the full 18+18-month extension is available only to those initially applying for the maximum 18-month stay.
Growing Popularity Among Russians, Ukrainians, and Other Nationals
Since the introduction of the Digital Nomad Visa in 2021, nationals from Russia and Ukraine have dominated the number of applications submitted. According to the Croatian Ministry of the Interior, these two countries have consistently led the list, with nationals from the United States and the United Kingdom following behind.
In the first nine months of 2024, a total of 824 applications for Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa were submitted, with 342 of those requests being approved. The majority of approved applications came from Russia (105) and Ukraine (88). In addition, the United States had 51 approved applications, and the United Kingdom had 12.
Since the onset of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the number of Russian and Ukrainian nationals applying for Croatia’s Digital Nomad Visa has seen a marked increase. As of September 30, 2024, there were 629 digital nomads in Croatia with valid temporary residence permits.
