Moving to Croatia from the USA

Checklist for Americans moving to Croatia — Digital Nomad Permit, OIB tax number, MUP residency, leases in Zagreb or Split, HZZO healthcare, and the first 30 days.

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Visa & legal right to stay

Pick a route: Digital Nomad Permit (~€2,500/mo, 1 year + 1 renewal), employer-sponsored, family reunification, or company-based
Must
Apply online via the MUP portal or at a Croatian consulate before arrival
Must
Plan to register with the local police within 3 days of arrival
Must

Paperwork to gather before you fly

Apostilled FBI background check (under 6 months)
Must
Proof of remote income for the DN permit (employer letter + last 3 months pay)
Must
Proof of accommodation in Croatia (lease, deed, or invitation letter)
Must
Health insurance valid in Croatia for the duration of the permit
Must
Apostilled birth and marriage certificates if applying with family

Money & banking

Get your OIB (personal ID number) at the local porezna uprava (tax office)
Must
Open a Croatian bank account (Erste, PBZ, or Zagrebačka)
Digital nomads on the DN permit are exempt from Croatian income tax on foreign income
If on another permit, register with the porezna uprava as a tax resident

Housing

Use Njuškalo and Index oglasi for long-term rentals
Coastal towns (Split, Zadar) spike 2–3x in summer — sign 12-month leases starting in autumn
Budget 1–2 months deposit + first month + agency fee
Confirm the landlord will register you with MUP (mandatory)
Must

Healthcare

Carry private/expat insurance until HZZO enrollment
Must
Enroll in HZZO (public health) once you have residency — required for non-DN permit holders
Must
Add private supplemental insurance for faster specialist access (~€20–40/mo)

First 30 days on the ground

Pick up your residence card (biometric) at MUP
Must
Register your address (prijava boravišta) at the local police station
Must
Get a Croatian SIM (A1, Hrvatski Telekom, or Tele2)
Buy a ZET card for Zagreb transit
Convert your US license at MUP within 1 year of residency

FAQ

Can I renew the Digital Nomad Permit indefinitely?

No — it's a 1-year permit, renewable once for another year. After that, you must leave for 6 months before reapplying, or switch to another residency basis.

Does the DN permit lead to citizenship?

No — time on the DN permit does not count toward permanent residency or citizenship. Switch to a work, family, or company-based permit if long-term residency is the goal.

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NextLatitude is for organization and guidance only. Visa rules, tax thresholds, and procedures change — always confirm with the relevant consulate or a licensed professional before acting. Last reviewed 2026-06-01.