How depressing....Given the complex array or "got-chas" you have listed, we can't understand why anyone would want to endure this suffering when there are many other "wonderful retirement destinations" ....too bad...as Croatia is truly beautiful and the "authorities" are there just waiting to soak you for experiencing the country...we must all remember: They dont really want you...they just want your money. Thanks for writing this and saving my wife and I countless hours of research only to find the bured details will NOT ALLOW anyone from USA to actually "retire" there.

Hi David,

I agree with you. Croatia is an awful option for someone who wants a permanent home base. Such a great country that ticks many boxes I was looking for as a retirement destination, but the retirement visa situation is terrible. The flip side to that is Croatia is one of the few EU countries offering an easier one-year visa to stay more than 90-days. While Croatian visas might not work for everyone, there is some positive trade-off.

Have you considered Portugal's D7 Visa?

Cheers,

Marco

If you qualify for and obtain a digital nomad visa, good for up to one year, are you able to travel outside of Croatia during that year, or is travel restricted or a limit imposed on being outside of Croatia?

Hi Rick,

Yes, you can travel outside of Croatia. To clarify, most countries' resident visas don't restrict you from leaving the country. Instead, if you are outside of the country for too long, they won't allow you to renew your visa. Croatia is different in that they don't allow you to renew your visa regardless. After your Croatian visa expires, you need to leave the country and reapply after 6-months from your visa expiration date.

If you have any other questions or concerns, please drop me a line.

Cheers,

Marco

Marco, I'm slightly injured so older than my 61 years. I hold a EU passport. My husband and many friends have passed and wherever I move to for example Croatia, I need to make friends. I'm lonely where I am, as I've moved a lot around the world, there is no where to call home. Would Croatia suit me. I'm intelligent, friendly but not very fit but recovering. I really, really, hope you can help. Patricia

Hi Patricia,

I like Croatia. People are very friendly, but I wouldn't say it was easy to build my social circle. Three things might make it difficult for you:

1. Language - I found roughly 50% of the people I met spoke English. However, that average is heavily skewed higher for Croatians younger than 30. If you plan on making friends in your age group, learning to speak Croatian would almost be a requirement.
2. Tourism - Any town that has a significant inflow of tourist have locals that dislike the crowds, drunkenness, noise, and traffic that tourism brings. And to most locals, tourists = all foreigners.
3. Visa Restrictions- As an EU citizen, you will not have any issues with staying long-term in Croatia. However, all other non-EU citizens can only stay in Croatia for 6-12 months without having to leave the country. This visa restriction limits the foreigner retiree community and encourages a transient expat community that does not live in Croatia year-round.

Have you considered countries in SE Asia? Several countries like the Philippines are not only extremely welcoming toward foreigners, they encourage older retirees to move into the country, and the cost of living is low enough that you can easily afford in-home care if your health is still recovering.

Let me know if that helps or if you have more questions.

Cheers,

Marco

hi , thanks so much for that info .
quick question if i want to benefit from the no tax after 6 month being in Croatia under nomad visa is it that I need to stay 6 month straight or can I go and come back ?
do I need to file my taxes anyways in Croatia or ? can I leave Croatia to visit countries outside EUROPE and come back with my visa ?

Excellent article. I would also add that to combat Croatian summer blues the price of flying during non-peak season is very low. Flights from Split to Rome are known to be 75 Euros and lower. The whole of Europe is your oyster during non-peak months.

Great tip. You are 100% correct, flights within Europe are a crazy value. My all-time low was my girlfriend getting a Vienna, Austria, to Larnaca, Cyprus, for ~$10. The Uber ride to the airport was more expensive than an international flight.