If you are exploring how to retire in Croatia, the first thing to understand is that Croatia does not operate a classic “retirement visa” like Portugal or Thailand. Yet every year, thousands of foreigners successfully retire in Croatia using a temporary residence permit designed for financially independent individuals.
This guide explains how to retire in Croatia legally, how the so-called retirement visa in Croatia actually works, and what foreign retirees must do to stay long term.
There Is No Dedicated Retirement Visa in Croatia
Croatia does not issue a specific retirement visa in Croatia for non-EU citizens. Instead, retirees qualify under existing legal bases such as financial independence, property ownership, or long-term accommodation.
This means how to retire in Croatia is procedural, not automatic. Age alone does not grant residency. You must qualify under Croatian immigration law.
“In Croatia, residency is granted based on legal eligibility, not on whether you are retired.”
The good news is that the system is clear, renewable, and leads to permanent residence when handled correctly.
How to Retire in Croatia
How to Retire in Croatia if You Are an EU Citizen
EU/EEA and Swiss citizens retire in Croatia under EU free-movement law.
You do not need a visa or residence permit to enter Croatia. To stay long-term, you must register your residence after arrival.
To retire in Croatia as an EU citizen, you must:
- Register your address
- Show health insurance
- Demonstrate sufficient financial means
After five continuous years of legal residence, EU citizens obtain permanent residence automatically under EU law.
There is:
- No language exam
- No criminal record legalization
- No income test at the permanent stage
This makes how to retire in Croatia much simpler for EU nationals.
How to Retire in Croatia if You Are a Non-EU Citizen
Non-EU citizens (such as Americans, Canadians, Australians, and most Asians) must apply for a Temporary Residence Permit.
Detailed guides: Retiring in Croatia as an American
There is no retirement visa in Croatia for non-EU nationals. Instead, retirees qualify under:
- Financial independence
- Property ownership
- Long-term accommodation
- Family or ancestry
You must submit requirements for TRP “Other Purposes” (Retirement):
- Proof of income or savings
- Health insurance
- Proof of accommodation
- Criminal record
- Passport
For detail process please refer to: How to Get Temporary Residency in Croatia: Application Process Explained
Temporary residence is granted for one year and renewed annually. After five consecutive years, you may apply for permanent residence.
This is the legal framework behind how to retire in Croatia for non-EU nationals.
5 Requirements to Retire in Croatia
According to the Aliens Act, third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA) must meet these five criteria to be granted a one-year stay for personal, non-work reasons:
| Requirement | Description |
| 1. Proof of Purpose | Retirees must provide evidence of why they are staying. This is usually a Pension Statement (translated and apostilled) or a bank statement showing significant passive income. |
| 2. Sufficient Funds | You must prove you have at least the minimum monthly amount set by the government (currently approx. €950-€1,200 per person per month). This can be shown through 12 months of savings in a Croatian or foreign bank. |
| 3. Health Insurance | You must hold health insurance valid for Croatia. While many start with private travel insurance, retirees are usually required to register with HZZO (the state health system) upon arrival. |
| 4. Proof of Housing | A notarized rental agreement (Ugovor o najmu) or a title deed (Vlasnički list) if you own property in Croatia. |
| 5. Criminal Record | A background check from your home country, issued within the last 6 months, apostilled, and translated by a certified Croatian court interpreter. |
As of February 1, 2026, the price for supplementary health insurance in Croatia will increase to €15 per month, which is equivalent to €180 annually.
These requirements to retire in Croatia apply regardless of nationality.
Common Legal Bases Retirees Use
Although there is no official retirement visa in Croatia, retirees qualify through one of these routes:
1) Financial Independence
The most common basis for how to retire in Croatia. You prove that your pension, investments, or savings can support you.
2) Long-Term Rental
Many retirees use a 12-month prepaid lease to meet the accommodation requirement.
Booking.com or Airbnb cannot be used. Croatian law distinguishes between renting and owning.
3) Property Ownership
If you own a residential property in Croatia and live in it, you may apply under ownership-based residence.
4) Family or Heritage
Some retirees qualify through Croatian family ties or ancestry.
Each route follows the same structure: annual renewal → five years → permanent residence.
Retiring in Croatia: Application process (Simplified)
Retiring in Croatia is a two-stage legal process, first through a Croatian consulate, then inside Croatia with the police (MUP).
1) Apply from abroad
Non-EU citizens (US, UK, Canada, etc.) submit their retirement residence application at a Croatian embassy or consulate. The file is reviewed by the local Croatian police (MUP) in the city where you plan to live. Once approved, you receive a long-stay (D) visa if required to enter Croatia.
2) Finalize in Croatia
After arrival, you:
- Register your address
- Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- Pay the residence card fees
- Receive a temporary confirmation while your card is produced
Your biometric residence card is usually ready within a few weeks. Once approved, you must apply for a biometric residence card at the local police station (MUP). The administrative fee for this is approximately €45 – €60.
This permit allows you to live in Croatia year-round and renew annually and, over time, it can lead to permanent residence.
The “Six-Month Rule”: If you apply for a stay under “Other Purposes,” you are typically only allowed to stay for one year and cannot renew immediately. You must leave for 6 months before applying again.
Cost to Retire in Croatia
If you’re researching how to retire in Croatia, the rules, costs, and lifestyle can vary widely depending on where you come from and where you plan to live. Explore these in more depth: Cost to Retire in Croatia (Monthly by City)
Healthcare for Retirees
Once resident, retirees register with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO). Public healthcare is affordable and accessible, making Croatia attractive for long-term living.
Path to Permanent Residence
After five consecutive years of legal temporary residence, retirees may apply for permanent residence.
This is why planning how to retire in Croatia correctly from year one matters, your permit type determines whether your time counts.
FAQ – How to Retire in Croatia
Is there a retirement visa in Croatia?
No. There is no standalone retirement visa in Croatia, but retirees qualify through temporary residence.
How much money do I need?
There is no fixed amount. You must show you can live without working in Croatia.
Can I work while retired?
No. Financial-independence residence prohibits working for Croatian companies.
Does renting a home qualify me?
Only if it is a registered long-term lease.
How long until permanent residence?
Five years of continuous legal residence.
