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

Source: https://www.savoryandpartners.com/news/croatia-digital-nomad-visa-3-year-extension · Published: 2025-04-30 · Updated: 2025-04-30

Croatia now allows digital nomads to stay up to 3 years. New rules reveal approval rates and top nationalities applying under the extended visa scheme.

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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.