Croatia at a Glance

Country Overview

Croatia is known for its natural beauty, historic cities, and modern conveniences. It also has a lower cost of living than many European Union countries.

• Main Draw. Coastal living, historic towns, and Mediterranean lifestyle in the European Union.
• Geography. Croatia’s coastline stretches along the Adriatic sea with historic port cities and islands.
• Climate. Croatia has a Mediterranean xlimate with hot dry summers and mild witners. Inlad areas such as Zagreb have more seasonal variation.

Croatia is a popular destination for digital nomads and slow travelers.

Good to Know

Croatia is part of the European Union and the Schengen Area. This provides easy access to the rest of Europe. But long-term residency options are more limited for those seeking a permanent home base.

Snapshot

No country is perfect for everyone. The snapshot below highlights key factors such as cost of living, climate, safety, and healthcare to help you determine whether the destination deserves a place on your shortlist.

Why consider moving to Croatia

• Beautiful Adriatic coastline and islands
• Safe and scenic European lifestyle
• Good infrastructure and EU access
• Popular destination for remote workers and slow travelers
• Lower cost of living than many Western European countries

Potential Challenges

• Residency can be bureaucratic
• Costs rising in popular coastal cities
• English language barrier outside tourist centers
• Seasonal crowds in major destinations
• Limited healthcare options in smaller towns

Where to Live

Where you choose to live can have a major impact on your experience in Croatia. Zagreb has the country’s best year-round services and infrastructure. And the Adriatic coast offers the best scenery, walkable cities, and island access.

Zagreb. Croatia’s capital and largest city. Zagreb has the country’s best healthcare, shopping, public transportation, and year-round services. It offers urban conveniences, year round services, and international connections.

Split. Located on the Dalmatian Coast. Split combines historic architecture, seaside living, and ferry access to Croatia’s islands. It appeals to those who want a coastal city, an international community, and access to beaches.

Zadar. A smaller coastal city. Zadar has a more relaxed pace of life with good amenities and access to the Adriatic. It attracts those seeking coastal living without outside Croatia’s busiest tourist hubs.

Dubrovnik. Known for its dramatic walled old town and stunning coastal setting. Dubrovnik is one of Croatia’s most famous destinations. But higher costs and heavy tourism can be significant tradeoffs.

Pula. Located in Istria. Pula offers Roman history, coastal scenery, and easy access to Europe. It is a good fit for those seeking a smaller city with Mediterranean charm.

Best Residency Pathways

For remote workers, Croatia’s digital nomad temporary stay is a good option. Long term stays are possible for those who qualify through work, family, or business. But it is not the easiest country for retirees seeking to stay long term.

Discover Your New Home

Want to move abroad and don’t know where to go? This post is part of our Country at a Glance series, which provides snapshots of top expat destinations to help you narrow down your search and create a shortlist of countries to explore further.

Pin this post for later

Hi, I’m Leigh. In 2021, I moved abroad for a temporary work assignment and discovered that living overseas didn’t have to wait until retirement. Now I’m building a plan to leave my career behind and create a long-term life outside the United States. Through Next Act Abroad, I’m documenting the journey and sharing what I learn along the way.