The Croatia nomad permit has a moderate income bar and relatively light paperwork compared to Portuguese or Greek consular routes. The application can be filed at a Croatian consulate abroad or directly at a MUP (police) office inside Croatia if you are visa-free for Schengen.
Eligibility
- Non-EU/EEA/Swiss national. EU citizens have free movement and don't need the permit.
- Remote work or freelance activity for foreign employers or foreign clients. Work for Croatian employers or clients is not permitted under this visa.
- Minimum income of ~€2,870/month (indexed to 4× average net Croatian salary; €34,448/year in 2026).
- Valid health insurance covering Croatia.
- Clean criminal record from country of nationality and any country you have lived in for 1+ year in the last 5.
Income threshold
| Household | Monthly threshold (2026) |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | €2,870 |
| + Each family member | +10% → €287 |
Evidence: 3 months of bank statements showing qualifying deposits OR proof of savings equivalent to 12 months of the threshold (~€34,448).
Document checklist
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the permit period
- Proof of remote employment (contract from foreign employer) OR proof of self-employment with foreign clients OR business registration abroad
- Statement that you do not provide services to Croatian employers or clients
- Proof of means of subsistence (bank statements, payslips)
- Health insurance valid in Croatia for the full permit duration (€30,000+ coverage)
- Proof of accommodation in Croatia (rental contract, property deed, or notarized hosting statement)
- Criminal record certificate, apostilled, issued within 6 months
- Passport-style photographs
- Application form + €60 fee
Two application paths
- From outside Croatia — at a Croatian consulate in your country of legal residence. Typical for applicants from countries that are not Schengen-visa-free for Croatia.
- Inside Croatia — at the local MUP police office while on Schengen visa-free entry. Available for US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and most European nationalities. Usually faster.
Family application
Spouses, registered partners, and dependent children can apply as part of the same or a companion application. Documentation needed: marriage/partnership certificate, birth certificates (apostilled and translated). The income threshold rises 10% per added family member.
Common reasons for rejection
- Income mixed with Croatian clients. Even a small share of Croatian-client income can disqualify — the permit is for foreign-income-only nomads.
- Insufficient income consistency — one low month in the last three triggers closer scrutiny.
- Missing apostille on criminal record. Immediate rejection.
- Short-term accommodation only. Reservations under 2 months are typically insufficient.