Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Croatia?

Last Updated on 7 May 2024 by Brittany
digital nomads pay tax in croatia

One of the biggest questions of remote workers when they apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa is, “Do digital nomads pay tax in Croatia?”

For digital nomads from nations such as the US, the thought of paying higher European taxes could deter them from relocating to this beautiful Mediterranean country. 

We come bearing good news, though! 

Digital nomads do not pay tax in Croatia when they move there with the digital nomad visa. 

While the Croatia digital nomad visa only allows remote workers to live in the country for a total of 12 months, it could save remote workers hundreds or even thousands of dollars in taxes that year. 

digital nomads pay tax in croatia
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Do Digital Nomads Pay Tax in Croatia?

No, digital nomads who have the digital nomad visa will not owe taxes in Croatia. 

Even if they stay in Croatia for 183 days or more during the year with the visa, they will not become a tax resident. 

It’s important to note that remote workers who relocate to Croatia on a visa other than the digital nomad visa may be subject to local taxes. This tax benefit is only valid for those with the digital nomad visa. 

Where Will Digital Nomads Owe Tax if They Live in Croatia?

If you’re familiar with taxes and different countries and jurisdictions as a digital nomad, then you know that it’s much more complicated than just simply not paying taxes for a year. 

When living in Croatia with the digital nomad visa, you will not be taxed in Croatia. However, that does not mean other countries cannot claim you as a tax resident. 

For example, citizens of the United States have citizenship-based taxes that they will owe each year. Even if they do not live in the country, they must file a federal tax return. 

Business owners with companies established outside of Croatia must pay corporate tax to their respective countries, too. 

When it comes to paying taxes as a digital nomad, things get complicated. 

Nomads Embassy encourages digital nomads, especially those applying for digital nomad visas, to speak with a specialized tax advisor or accountant to fully comprehend where they will owe taxes based on their personal situations. 

digital nomads pay tax in croatia
via Unsplash

Is it Legal to Work Remotely in Croatia?

Yes, it is legal to work remotely in Croatia as a digital nomad. 

There are two options for digital nomads to work remotely in Croatia. 

  1. Visit on a tourist visa (usually around 90 days)
  2. Apply for the Croatia digital nomad visa

For remote workers who wish to stay for less than a tourist visa allows, which is usually 90 days, then you can simply enter Croatia and make use of their free wifi cafes and coworking spaces as you please. 

However, if you wish to stay longer than 90 days, then you must apply for a visa that allows you to temporarily reside in Croatia. 

Do digital nomads pay tax in Croatia if they are there as a tourist?

No, when you work remotely from Croatia for 90 days or less, then you will not pay taxes in Croatia.

How to Move to Croatia as a Digital Nomad

Croatia was one of the first countries in Europe to introduce an official digital nomad visa

This specialized visa allows remote workers and their immediate family members to live in Croatia for up to 12 months. While the visa is non-renewable, you may reapply for it after leaving the country for at least six months after the initial term expires. 

To be eligible for the Croatia digital nomad visa, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Valid Passport – You must have a passport from a non-EU/EEA country valid for at least 3 months after the visa term
  • Work Remotely – You must work remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner for a company or clients established outside of Croatia
  • Earn 2,780€ per month – You must meet the minimum income requirement
    • 10% Increase per Dependent – If you plan to bring a spouse or children dependents under 18 years old, the income requirement increases
  • OR 34,444€ in Savings – If you do not meet the monthly requirement, you may show proof of savings in a bank account
  • Clean Criminal Record – You must present a clean criminal background check from your country of residence
  • International Health Insurance – You must have health insurance coverage for the duration of your stay in Croatia
  • Address of Accommodations – You must have an address of where you will stay in Croatia

If you meet these eligibility requirements, then you can apply one of three ways:

  1. Online Application
  2. In-Person While in Croatia
  3. Croatian Embassy or Consulate

Read more about the application process for the Croatia digital nomad visa below. 

digital nomads pay tax in croatia
Rovinji, Croatia

Apply for the Tax-Free Croatia Digital Nomad Visa with Professional Assistance

Are you ready to relocate to some of the best cities for digital nomads in Croatia now that you know that the answer of if digital nomads pay tax in Croatia?

If you thought taxes as a digital nomad were confusing, just wait until you try to apply for a visa on your own! 

That’s why Nomads Embassy has partnered with English-speaking, hand-selected local immigration lawyers to offer our Croatia Done-for-You Digital Nomad Visa Service

This beginning-to-end solution is a set-it-and-forget-it, making the digital nomad visa application process simpler than ever. Simply gather your documents and let our legal professional partners guide you through the process. 

To begin, request our free digital nomad visa eligibility assessment to see if you qualify for the Croatia digital nomad visa today! 

Brittany
Content created by
Brittany
When I’m not writing and teaching people how to achieve a location-independent lifestyle, you can find me globetrotting, experiencing new cultures, and working on my amateur photography skills.
At Nomads Embassy, we independently test and review digital nomad services and provide detailed insights on digital nomad visa applications and requirements using a detailed, multi-step methodology. When you use our affiliate links to make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our editorial process and read our full disclosure.
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