You might probably hear about Croatia slowly becoming next big thing for digital nomads in Europe. Despite the fact that this country is well known tourist destination with nearly 20 million tourist, the story with nomads is just starting to unfold.

Over the last 20 years, Croatia has established its reputation as one of the strongest touristic destination in Europe. It is almost side by side with gigants like France, Spain, Italy… New word is that Croatia is becoming a rising star as one of the leading destinations for nomads in Europe.

Croatia was among the first countries in the world to regulate the status of digital nomads for third-country nationals. As of January 1st 2021, digital nomads can apply for a visa for a long stay in Croatia for up to a year. With legislation, Croatia has taken first step to become one of the most popular destinations for digital nomads in Europe. With its natural beauty and quality of life, it is one of the most interesting places to live in the world. It is only up to you to decide to move your office to the heart of Mediterranean.

Why is Croatia so great?

Hospitality – Croatia is one of the leading tourist destination in Europe. The heritage gives locals a great sense in terms of hospitality, tourist offer and general well being as a foreigner in this country. If you need some kind of help you will probably get it as tourist while in Croatia.

Lower cost of living – some prices are bigger, some are significantly cheaper, but in general the cost of living is lower than in rich Western countries.

Solid infrastructure and fast Internet – Almost every cafe or bar in Croatia has free WiFi, and 5G is already here. Since the country is well known tourist destination, the quality of the infrastructure is good enough. Big cities are very well connected with other destinations by plane, and even road network is quite good.

One of the safest country in the world – it is hard to compare Croatia with big Western or Eastern countries regarding safety and criminal. Possiblity of pick pocketing, thievery or other form criminal is significant lower than in rest of the world.

English is must have. Maybe even Italian or German will do – most of population speaks English very good. If you are in Istria locals will understand Italian, maybe even German a little bit.

Nature beauty and great climate – Croatian coast, for example Istria, has great climate. Just in some parts, during winter you may have a temperature below zero. In general, from April till October you can expect warm weather (with little rainy days) and temperature 20 Celsius or more.

Community – although Croatia started to attract nomads just few years ago, there is already solid community. The locals are open minded, both in terms of friendship or doing business.

Why Istria should be your first choice

Probably the most diverse region in Croatia, it is most known because of beautiful sea, rich cultural and historical heritage and great gastro experience. The region is called the Croatian Tuscany and beside the coastline has stunning countryside with picture-perfect villages.

One of the biggest advantages is proximity to Slovenia and Italy and strong local economy. Except developed tourism sector, there is strong IT community with firms that work all over the world. One of the best examples is Infobip. It is first Croatian unicorn (company valued over 1 billion dollars), whose story set off in Vodnjan, small city just near Pula.

Last but not least, almost every place in Istria have their own coworking place or business incubator.

Nomad friendly hotel

Hotel Amfiteatar in Pula is following the nomad trend. Guests get discount for a longer stay, the rooms has a work desk and ergonomic chairs, there is coworking corner and big terrace perfect for work on laptop, we have casual restaurant and street food or you can choose DIY room service.

Check out digital nomad pack.