Croatia Expands Digital Nomad Visa to Allow Up to 3 Years of Legal Stay

Digital nomads from outside the European Union can now legally reside in Croatia for up to three years, following amendments to the Aliens Act that came into force in March 2025. The updated regulation extends the total legal stay from the previous maximum of 18 months to a full 36 months, through a temporary residence permit issued under the Digital Nomad Visa program.

Until now, digital nomads were allowed to stay for 12 months, with a possible six-month extension. The new law doubles the initial stay period to 18 months, with the option to renew once bringing the total possible stay to three years, depending on the initial request. The law also clarifies that those who originally applied for less than 18 months will not be eligible for the full extension.

This legal update gives more flexibility to remote workers and self-employed professionals whose income sources are located outside of Croatia. The program is still framed as part of Croatia’s tourism promotion strategy, and it now includes provisions for family reunification, allowing spouses and dependents to reside in the country as well.

Visa Approval Rates and Top Applicant Nationalities

Despite the expanded terms, approval remains selective. Out of 824 digital nomad visa applications submitted between January and September 2024, only 342 were approved, according to data from Croatia’s Ministry of the Interior.

Nationals from Russia and Ukraine have led the application volume since 2022, a trend largely driven by regional conflict and mobility restrictions elsewhere in Europe. Between January and September 2024:

• 105 applications were approved for Russians
• 88 were approved for Ukrainians
• 51 were approved for U.S. nationals
• 12 were approved for U.K. nationals

By the end of September 2024, 629 digital nomads held valid residence permits under the program. That number is expected to grow as the three-year rule gains traction among those looking for longer-term European relocation options outside the Schengen area limitations.

The Croatian visa remains open exclusively to non-EU citizens, making it a very promising option for remote workers seeking legal residence in a Mediterranean location with favorable tax and lifestyle conditions.