Croatia is frequently described through short stays and seasonal impressions. Living here, however, particularly when arriving from Asia, reveals a different set of trade-offs, rhythms, and practical realities that are easy to miss from the outside.
Croatia gives you a lot, but it doesn’t give it easily.
This piece draws on the experience of Anna, a Vietnamese digital nomad who spent the summer based in Split, Croatia, and has previously lived and worked remotely across 5 other Asian countries. With accommodation and visa support in place, her focus has shifted from logistics, paperwork to evaluating how Croatia functions as a long-term base for work and daily life.
Living in Croatia as a digital nomad
Croatia appeals to digital nomads not because it is the cheapest or most convenient option, but because it offers stability, structure, and a sense of real life.
For many nomads, especially those who have spent time in Southeast Asia, Croatia represents a shift toward longer-term planning rather than constant movement.
Compared to Other EU Countries
Compared to Western European hubs, Croatia generally offers a lower cost of living, particularly outside peak tourist zones and capital-city centers.
Daily life also feels more manageable in mid-sized cities like Split, Zadar, Rijeka, and even Zagreb. These cities are walkable, well-scaled, and don’t require the same level of logistical effort as larger European capitals.
For Anna, one of the biggest advantages is the lifestyle-to-effort ratio:
- Easy access to public spaces and the coastline
- Cities designed for people, not constant efficiency
- A slower rhythm that still supports productivity
Compared to the US & UK
Coming from environments where work often dominates daily life, Croatia feels noticeably different.
- Less pressure to optimize every aspect of life around income
- Fewer unexpected cost shocks in healthcare and everyday expenses
- Clearer boundaries between work time and personal time
This doesn’t mean life is effortless but the baseline stress level is lower, which matters more over time than many people expect.
Compared to Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia)
Asia Asia still wins on affordability and everyday convenience. Services are fast, flexible, and inexpensive, making short-term nomad life extremely easy.
Croatia, however, appeals to a different set of priorities that matter once nomads start thinking about where life feels balanced, not just cheap:
- Smaller, more tightly connected expat and digital nomad communities. With a national population of around 4 million (compared to Vietnam’s 100+ million), social circles tend to be more personal, familiar, and easier to integrate into over time.
- High levels of English proficiency, making daily interactions, professional collaboration, and social life relatively straightforward without constant language friction.
- European-level safety and social stability, with low crime rates and a noticeably calm public environment.
- Clean air, access to nature, and an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, especially outside peak tourist periods and away from high-density urban areas.
- Ease of movement across Europe, offering geographic flexibility without the constant feeling of being in transit or resetting life every few months.
In this sense, Croatia functions less like a high-velocity nomad hub and more like a place where routines, relationships, and a sense of normal life can gradually form.
For me, Croatia felt less like a temporary nomad stop and more like a place where daily life could feel grounded, structured, and sustainable.
– Anna Nguyen
Lifestyle & Environment
One of Croatia’s strongest points is its environmental and cultural diversity.
Despite its small size, the country feels remarkably varied:
- Coastal regions, inland cities, islands, and northern areas all have distinct identities
- No two islands feel the same
- Exploration doesn’t require international travel
Both natural landscapes and historic architecture are exceptionally well preserved. National parks, UNESCO-protected towns, and historic centers are part of everyday life, not just tourist highlights.
The climate also supports an outdoor-oriented lifestyle, with long walking seasons and frequent access to nature.
Safety & Social Stability
Safety is one of the most consistently mentioned positives. Croatia has a low crime rate, even in larger cities
As an Asian woman living abroad, Anna notes that she generally feels safe moving around independently.
Even walking alone at night, I never felt anything uneasy or unsafe,” Anna says. “I remember heading toward the beach through a small, dim alley and seeing kids walking on their own at the same time. That moment really stayed with me. it said a lot about how safe daily life feels here”
Families often allow children more independence than in many other countries.
Some expats also perceive less social tension compared to parts of Western Europe, though this can vary by region and personal experience.
People, Culture & Daily Rhythm
Croatian culture tends to be:
- Friendly and down-to-earth
- Strongly family-oriented
- Moderately paced rather than rushed
Coffee culture plays a central role in social life. Long conversations over coffee are normal, and people don’t feel pressured to move quickly. For someone used to fast-paced Asian cities, this slower, more intentional rhythm can be refreshing.
Rhythm of Life: Pomalo, Balote, and Fjaka
Beyond landscape and climate, daily life in Croatia is shaped by a distinct cultural rhythm that newcomers often notice quickly.
There is a local concept known as pomalo, a way of approaching life without constant urgency. Tasks get done, but rarely in a rushed or hyper-optimized manner. Time is treated as something to move with, not something to fight against.
This mindset is visible in everyday scenes, such as locals gathering to play balote, a traditional ball game often played outdoors along the coast. The game is less about winning and more about conversation, routine, and shared presence.
Another commonly referenced idea is fjaka, particularly in Dalmatia. It describes a state of relaxed mental and physical calm, not laziness, but a culturally accepted pause, often during warmer hours, when productivity gives way to rest and social connection.
For digital nomads arriving from fast-paced Asian cities, this slower rhythm can initially feel inefficient. Over time, however, many find it encourages a more sustainable relationship with work, time, and daily life.
“Coming from Ho Chi Minh City, I was used to constant movement and background noise, even rest felt unproductive. In Split, I realized that slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind. Life moves at a different pace, and for the first time, I felt I could step out of constant motion without guilt.”
Food & Everyday Living
Food quality is another pleasant surprise.
- Affordable, high-quality local cuisine is widely available
- Fresh ingredients are easy to find
- Cooking at home feels rewarding rather than limiting
For someone coming from Vietnam where food culture is central Croatia holds up surprisingly well in everyday eating, not just dining out.
No matter where my Airbnb was, I was always within walking distance of grocery stores, local bakeries, schools, kindergartens, even universities. Daily life feels well-organized and complete!
Digital Convenience & Infrastructure
Croatia performs well in daily digital life:
- Strong mobile networks
- Modern digital banking
- Improving e-government services
While it may not brand itself as a tech hub, daily work and online administration are smooth and reliable.
Healthcare: The Practical Reality
Healthcare works best with a hybrid approach.
- Public healthcare exists but can be slow
- Many expats rely on private clinics and dental care for speed and convenience
With this setup, healthcare is generally manageable and comparable to other developed countries. The challenges are not unique to Croatia, similar issues exist in places like Canada or Cyprus.
“I had a toothache and everyone in the expat WhatsApp group told me, ‘Dr. Tot.’ He’s friendly, dedicated and I didn’t feel overcharged or treated like a tourist”
Family Life & Education
For those considering family life:
- Public preschools can be good (availability varies)
- Schools are comparable to the rest of Europe
- Children have access to sports, arts, and extracurricular activities
Croatia is a solid option for families, especially outside major tourist zones.
Digital Nomad Community & Social Life
Beyond general networking groups, many digital nomad communities in Croatia are organized around specific interests and hobbies, which makes socializing feel more organic.
In Split alone, WhatsApp sub-groups exist for food meetups, hiking, swimming, language exchange, fitness, and creative hobbies. It’s common to see messages like: “I’m starting a relaxed crochet and crafts meetup, bring your project, grab a coffee, and create together.” Most activities are beginner-friendly and focused more on connection than skill or performance.
This kind of community structure makes it easier to join at your own pace. Whether someone is looking for quiet creative time, outdoor activities, or casual social interaction, there are usually low-pressure options available – and people are generally open, welcoming, and active in keeping these groups alive.
If you’re in Croatia during the summer, social life extends well beyond meetups. Nearly every week brings a festival or public event from small local music nights and town celebrations to large-scale gatherings like Ultra Europe in Split. Even the islands get involved, with playful events such as water or balloon fights on Brač and seasonal festivals that turn entire towns into social spaces.
These events aren’t just for tourists. Locals show up, expats blend in, and it becomes easy to feel part of the rhythm of the place rather than just passing through.
Cons of Living in Croatia (What May Be Challenging)
1. Higher Everyday Costs Than Southeast Asia
For nomads coming from Vietnam, Thailand, or Indonesia, Croatia feels noticeably more expensive.
- Rent, groceries, and dining out cost significantly more
- Value-for-money is good by European standards, but not by Asian ones
Croatia is not a “budget nomad” destination.
2. Slower Pace & Bureaucratic Friction
Daily life moves at a calmer, sometimes frustrating pace:
- Administrative processes can be slow and paperwork-heavy
- Things that take minutes in Asia may take days or weeks here
- Customer service expectations need adjusting
That said, having the right local support makes a real difference. With a trusted lawyer or advisor who understands the system, much of the uncertainty and friction becomes manageable. Once you know who to call and how things work, the slower pace feels less stressful and more like part of the rhythm rather than an obstacle.
3. Seasonal Swings (Especially in Coastal Cities)
Cities like Split transform dramatically by season:
- Summers are vibrant but crowded and expensive
- Winters can feel quiet, with fewer social events and limited services
Croatia works best if you’re comfortable with seasonal rhythms.
4. Smaller Digital Nomad Ecosystem
While the expat scene is growing, it’s still modest:
- Fewer coworking spaces than in Asia
- Smaller, more tight-knit communities (great for some, limiting for others)
If you thrive on massive nomad hubs, Croatia may feel understated.
5. Work-Life Boundaries Can Feel Rigid
- Shops close earlier than in many Asian cities
- Sundays are quiet, as most stores close in line with labor laws and a strong cultural emphasis on rest and family time
- Late-night convenience is limited
This can feel restrictive at first, especially for those used to 24/7 access. Over time, however, many expats adjust by planning ahead and some come to appreciate the enforced pause built into the week.
How to apply for Croatia digital nomad visa
Croatia offers a dedicated digital nomad residence permit designed for non-EU citizens who work remotely for foreign companies or clients. Unlike tourist stays, this permit allows longer, more stable residence without entering the local labor market.
The application process is relatively straightforward but still document-heavy. Requirements typically include proof of remote income, health insurance, accommodation, and a clean background check. While it is possible to apply independently, many applicants choose to work with local advisors to avoid delays, misunderstandings, or rejected submissions due to minor technical issues.
For a clear, step-by-step explanation of eligibility, required documents, timelines, and common mistakes, you can read our detailed Croatia digital nomad visa guide here:
