Croatia is no longer just a holiday destination. In 2026, it’s increasingly viewed as a credible EU base for foreign founders who want a stable legal environment, lower operating costs than Western Europe, and access to the European market.
If you’re a foreigner planning to open a company in Croatia, hire locally, or build long-term operations inside the EU, Croatia offers several advantages that are often overlooked in mainstream “business abroad” guides.
Let’s explore the real benefits of doing business in Croatia that matters for foreigners, for both EU and non-EU founders.
Full EU + Schengen + Euro integration (simpler cross-border business)
Croatia is fully integrated into:
- the European Union
- the Schengen Area
- the Eurozone
For business owners, that often means fewer operational headaches when dealing with EU partners and clients.
Practical advantage: you avoid common friction points like currency exchange and many cross-border barriers when operating across countries like Germany, France, Austria, and Italy.
Croatia is better for “real operations” (not just a legal setup)
Croatia tends to be more attractive when you actually want a physical base:
- hire local employees
- build a team and office
- run daily operations in Europe
- enjoy a lifestyle that supports long-term consistency
Many founders also choose Croatia for the quality of life: 2,700+ hours of sunshine, a Mediterranean rhythm, and the ability to live close to the Adriatic coast while still running a serious business in cities like Zagreb or Split.
High quality of life + lower cost of living
Croatia offers a high quality of life while staying relatively affordable compared to Western Europe and major US cities.
Daily expenses like:
- groceries
- utilities
- dining out
- entertainment
- rent
…can be significantly cheaper, which gives founders more breathing room—especially in the early stages.
Affordable housing (better value for money)
In many cities, you can rent a nicer apartment (sometimes even with sea views) for a fraction of what you’d pay in places like the UK or the US.
This matters because your “base cost” directly impacts how long you can operate before needing major revenue.
Good and relatively cheap private healthcare
Private healthcare in Croatia is often described as both accessible and affordable compared to many Western countries.
For foreign founders and families, this becomes a practical advantage—not just a lifestyle bonus.
Easier path to buy real estate (for many foreigners)
Croatia is considered one of the easier European countries for foreigners to purchase property, especially under the reciprocity principle (where your home country must also allow Croatians to buy property there).
For many long-term investors, this adds another layer of stability.
A proven destination with a large expat community
Croatia is not an “unknown” destination anymore.
Many foreigners relocate here long-term, and the expat community includes large groups from:
- Germany
- the UK
- Italy
- France
- the US
A larger expat base generally means easier onboarding, better informal support networks, and more international business demand.
Great base for traveling around Europe
Croatia’s location and transportation options (airports, Croatia Airlines, buses, ferries) make it convenient and relatively affordable to visit other European countries.
This is especially valuable if your business requires EU travel, client meetings, or cross-border partnerships.
Very safe compared to many Western countries
Croatia is widely perceived as a very safe country, with low violent crime rates compared to many Western countries.
For founders moving with families (or simply choosing where to live long-term), safety is a major factor.
Competitive corporate tax environment (including 10% profit tax under €1M)
For small and medium businesses, Croatia can be attractive from a tax planning perspective.
In practice, Croatia offers a 10% corporate profit tax rate for companies earning under €1M in annual revenue (subject to eligibility and applicable rules).
This is one reason Croatia is frequently compared with other EU jurisdictions when founders are deciding where to build.
“I want an EU base that’s legitimate, affordable, and not over-complicated — but still strong enough to scale.”
Massive investment incentives (tax holidays + cash grants for hiring)
Croatia has one of the most under-discussed advantages in the region: investment incentives.
Depending on your investment size and number of employees, Croatia may offer:
Tax holidays (profit tax reduction up to 10 years)
Eligible investors can potentially receive:
- 50% reduction
- 75% reduction
- 100% reduction
in profit tax for up to 10 years
Cash for jobs (non-refundable grants per employee)
Companies may receive grants of approximately:
- €3,000 to €9,000 per new employee
(depending on program conditions)
Innovation and R&D support
If your business involves R&D or high-tech manufacturing, Croatia may offer incentives covering up to:
- 20% of new machinery/equipment costs
Strong STEM talent pipeline (IT + engineering)
A significant share of university students (nearly 30%) are enrolled in STEM fields, supporting hiring in:
- IT and software development
- engineering and technical services
- product development and innovation
For tech-enabled businesses, this is a real advantage.
High English proficiency (easier onboarding for foreign-led teams)
Croatia consistently ranks among the Top 10 globally for English proficiency (EF English Proficiency Index).
This reduces friction in:
- hiring and onboarding
- internal documentation
- customer support
- international sales and partnerships
100% foreign ownership allowed (no local partner required)
You can own 100% of your Croatian company as a foreigner.
You do not need a Croatian partner to establish a company (subject to sector-specific rules and compliance).
Lower competition in many industries (efficiency wins fast)
In many sectors, local competition is still relatively “old school,” meaning:
- slow response times
- limited digital operations
- cash-based processes
- weak customer experience standards
A foreign-run business that offers Western-style efficiency (fast, digital, transparent) can stand out quickly—especially in service industries.
Lower labor costs vs. the US and UK (more affordable hiring)
Another major advantage for foreign founders is that hiring local Croatian employees is often significantly more affordable than hiring in the US or the UK, especially for roles like:
- operations and admin support
- customer service
- junior–mid level marketing
- finance/accounting assistance
- many technical roles (depending on seniority)
For startups and SMEs, this can extend runway and make it easier to build a local team without Western Europe-level payroll pressure.
Average monthly salary comparison – Croatia vs UK vs US (estimated, in EUR)
| Role (mid-level experience) | Croatia (EUR) | UK (EUR converted) | US (EUR converted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer (Dev) | €2,500 – €3,700 | €5,500 – €7,500 | €8,000 – €12,000+ |
| Marketing / Manager | €1,600 – €2,300 | €4,000 – €5,500 | €6,000 – €9,000 |
| Support / Admin Staff | €1,100 – €1,500 | €2,800 – €3,500 | €3,500 – €4,500 |
| Minimum wage (gross) | ~€1,050 | ~€2,400 | €1,200 – €2,500 (state-dependent) |
Learn the basics to starting a business in Croatia as a foreigner (2026)
If you want a full overview of company setup, costs, timelines, and what to expect, start here:
👉 Starting a Business in Croatia for Foreigners: 2026 Handbook
Step-by-step: Opening a company in Croatia
If you want the practical steps (name reservation, notary, court register, tax registration, bank setup, etc.), use this guide:
👉 Step-by-Step: How to Open a Company in Croatia
Choosing the right business structure in Croatia (d.o.o. vs j.d.o.o.)
Your company type affects credibility, banking, operations, and (for non-EU founders) residency strategy.
Use this guide to choose correctly:
Key issues to know (especially for non-EU nationals)
Non-EU founders should be careful: Croatia is a strong base, but residence, compliance, and documentation can become complex if you don’t plan correctly.
Read this next:
👉 7 Topics Non-EU Nationals Should Know Before Doing Business in Croatia
Croatia residency by investment: what’s possible for third-country nationals?
If your long-term goal includes residence in Croatia, the strategy must be structured carefully.
Read here:
Downsides of doing business in Croatia (what foreigners should know)
Croatia can be a strong EU base, but it’s not a “set it up in one day and forget it” jurisdiction. For foreign founders, the most common downsides include:
- More paperwork and formal procedures than many people expect (especially for banking, notarization, and registrations)
- Slower timelines in administrative steps compared to faster “startup hubs”
- Higher scrutiny in certain industries (hospitality, nightlife, regulated sectors)
- Residence and work permit complexity for non-EU nationals if the structure is not planned correctly from the start
- Local business culture can be traditional, so speed and transparency become your advantage—but also require patience in execution
Quick summary: Is Croatia good for foreign entrepreneurs?
Yes, Croatia can be a strong choice if you want:
- an EU base with Euro + Schengen integration
- real operations and local hiring potential
- access to investment incentives
- strong English-speaking talent
- the ability to own 100% of your company
- a lifestyle that supports long-term building
But Croatia rewards founders who plan properly, especially if they are non-EU.
FAQ: Benefits of doing business in Croatia for foreigners
Is Croatia a good country to start a business as a foreigner?
Yes. Croatia is an EU member state and offers a stable legal environment, full Euro/Schengen integration, and growing opportunities for foreign-owned companies.
Can a foreigner own 100% of a company in Croatia?
Yes. In most cases, foreigners can own 100% of a Croatian company without needing a local partner.
Is Croatia good for hiring IT and engineering talent?
Yes. Croatia has a strong STEM talent pipeline and a growing tech ecosystem, making it attractive for IT, engineering, and innovation-driven businesses.
Does Croatia offer investment incentives for foreign companies?
Yes. Croatia may offer investment incentives such as profit tax reductions, grants per new employee, and support for R&D or equipment investment, depending on eligibility.
Is Croatia part of the Eurozone and Schengen?
Yes. Croatia is part of the EU, the Eurozone, and the Schengen Area, which simplifies cross-border business operations in Europe.
