Croatia: all programs

Croatia at a glance

Croatia is a European Union country in the Balkans with a long Adriatic coast, more than a thousand islands and a population of about 3.8 million. On 1 January 2023 it adopted the euro and joined Schengen. The capital Zagreb lies inland, the coast has Split, Rijeka, Zadar and Dubrovnik, and the Istrian peninsula in the north is popular with foreigners.

Croatia attracts with the sea, safety, moderate prices for the European Union and one of Europe's most convenient remote work visas, under which foreign income is not subject to Croatian tax. The economy rests on tourism, shipbuilding, trade and IT.

History and government

The Kingdom of Croatia emerged in the 10th century; the country then spent centuries within Hungary and the Habsburg monarchy, while Venice long held the coast. In the 20th century Croatia was part of Yugoslavia, declared independence in 1991 and defended it in the 1991-1995 war. It joined NATO in 2009 and the European Union in 2013. Today it is a parliamentary republic with a president and a government.

How to move in 2026

Russian citizens need a visa: a Schengen visa for trips and a national basis for moving, such as the nomad permit, which can be applied for online or at a consulate. Foreign income under the nomad permit is not subject to Croatian income tax, and a spouse and children can live with the applicant. More on the page Croatia digital nomad visa.

Taxes

Income tax is progressive, and rates are set by the city: in Zagreb 23% up to €60,000 a year and 33% above, in most municipalities 20% and 30%. Capital income and dividends are taxed at 12%, employees pay 20% contributions and employers 16.5% on top. Corporate tax is 10% or 18% depending on revenue, and VAT is 25%. Small entrepreneurs can use a flat-rate tax. More on the page Taxes in Croatia.

Property

European Union citizens buy property in Croatia on the same terms as Croatians. Citizens of other countries need consent from the Ministry of Justice, granted on reciprocity with their country of citizenship, so the deal is planned in advance. The buyer pays 3% transfer tax, a notary certifies the deal and the land register records it. The most expensive markets are Dubrovnik, Split, Hvar and Istria, while housing is cheaper in Zagreb and Slavonia.

Cost of living

Prices reflect the Zagreb market in 2026 at about $1.12 per euro. One person lives comfortably in Zagreb on about €1,800-2,400 a month including rent. On the coast holiday rents soar in summer, so long-term leases are signed before the season.

Where to live

• Zagreb - the capital with jobs, international schools and a calm life. More in the Zagreb guide.
• Split - the largest coastal city with an airport and ferries to the islands.
• Istria - Pula, Rovinj and Poreč, Italian flair and proximity to Italy and Slovenia.
• Rijeka and Opatija - the northern coast, closer to the rest of Europe.
• Zadar and Dubrovnik - the resort south, expensive in season.

Practicalities

• Climate. Mediterranean with hot summers on the coast, continental in Zagreb with winters around zero and snow.
• Language. Croatian; English is widespread, especially among young people and in tourism.
• Healthcare. Public insurance through contributions; nomad permit holders take out private insurance.
• Transport. Good motorways, ferries to the islands and trams in Zagreb.

Who Croatia suits

Croatia suits remote workers earning from €3,622.50 a month who want to live by the sea in the European Union for up to a year and a half without Croatian tax on foreign income, families who value safety and the euro, and European Union buyers of resort property. Murblz specialists arrange the nomad permit, register companies and support property purchases. A consultant in the chat will calculate the cost of support.