Croatia - Settling in Croatia
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Croatia

EuropeForfait 12 % pour indépendants (paušalni obrt)

Croatia is a rising destination for expats and digital nomads since joining the eurozone in 2023. Its digital nomad visa exempts local income tax, the 12% flat-rate regime for sole traders and its spectacular Adriatic coastline make it appealing. Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik offer a Mediterranean lifestyle at reasonable prices.

Top income bracket
30%
Corporate tax
18%
Capital gains
0%
Cost of living
900 €/mois
FR treaty
Yes
Last verification: January 15, 2025

Taxation

Income tax brackets

BracketRate
0 € 60 000 €20 %
60 000 € unlimited30 %

Corporate tax

18 %

Capital gains

0 %

VAT

25 %

Special regime : Forfait 12 % pour indépendants (paušalni obrt)

Les auto-entrepreneurs (paušalni obrt) réalisant moins de 40 000 EUR de CA annuel bénéficient d'un régime forfaitaire avec un impot de 12 % sur un bénéfice forfaitaire calculé en fonction du CA. Le taux effectif est tres bas pour les petits revenus.

Duration

Illimitée tant que le CA reste sous 40 000 EUR

Eligibility

S'enregistrer comme auto-entrepreneur (paušalni obrt) en Croatie. CA annuel inférieur à 40 000 EUR. Activité de services ou commerce de petite échelle.

Benefits
  • Impot forfaitaire de 12 % sur un bénéfice présumé (pas le CA réel)
  • Comptabilité simplifiée au maximum
  • Cotisations sociales réduites et prévisibles
  • Pas de TVA sous le seuil de 40 000 EUR de CA
Tax treaty with France
Territorial taxation
Wealth tax

Visa options

Visa Digital Nomad

digital-nomad

Duration: 1 an (non renouvelable, mais nouvelle demande apres 6 mois)

Cost: 80 EUR

Requirements: Revenu mensuel minimum de 2 539,31 EUR. Travail à distance pour une entreprise hors Croatie. Assurance santé. Pas d'impot croate sur les revenus étrangers pendant le visa.

Permis de séjour temporaire

residence

Duration: 1 an renouvelable

Cost: Environ 80 EUR

Requirements: Contrat de travail en Croatie, création d'entreprise croate ou regroupement familial. Preuve de logement et d'assurance santé.

Living in Croatie

Popular locations among expatriates

Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik
Split, palais de Dioclétien
Split, palais de Dioclétien
Zagreb
Zagreb

Cost of living

Comparison with the French average (vertical line)

Currency : Euro (EUR)

Single person

Monthly budget900 €/month
Difference / France-50 €/month

Couple

Monthly budget1 400 €/month
Difference / France-120 €/month

City center rent

1-bedroom apartment650 €/month
Difference / France-200 €/month

Outside city center rent

1-bedroom apartment400 €/month
Difference / France-250 €/month

The cost of living in Croatia is roughly 30% lower than in the UK or Germany. A single person can live on €900/month excluding rent. Split and Dubrovnik are more expensive in tourist season. Zagreb remains accessible year-round. Prices have risen since the euro adoption but stay competitive.

Settling in Croatie

Practical indicators to prepare your relocation

Safety & stability

Safety8/10
Political stability7.5/10
Healthcare system65/100
Corruption index47/100
Democracy index6.5/10
Government typeRépublique parlementaire

Procedures

Residence permit3 months
Bank accountModerate
Public healthcareAccessible
Health insurance60 €/months

Start a business

Setup time7 days
Ease of business#51 worldwide
Effective corp. tax18%

Croatia is an EU member and joined the eurozone in 2023, easing settlement for Europeans. The digital nomad visa is particularly attractive as it exempts local tax on foreign income. Split, Dubrovnik and Zagreb are the most popular cities. Croatian is difficult, but English is spoken by younger generations. The international community is small but growing.

Croatia's public health system (HZZO) offers basic coverage for affiliated residents. Care quality in Zagreb's public hospitals is decent, but specialist waiting times are long. The private sector is developing with modern clinics. Private insurance costs €40-80/month. On the coast and islands, access to specialist care is more limited.

Quality of life

Croatia offers an exceptional Adriatic coastline, preserved nature and a Mediterranean climate on the coast. The country is very safe and an EU and eurozone member since 2023. Internet is decent. The international community is small and Croatian is hard to learn.

14°C
Avg. temperature
60 Mbps
Internet
UTC+0h
vs Paris
Croate
Language(s)

Pros and cons

Advantages

  • Digital nomad visa with local tax exemption on foreign income
  • 12% flat-rate regime for sole traders (revenue under €40,000)
  • EU and eurozone member since 2023
  • Exceptional Adriatic coastline and a very safe country

Disadvantages

  • 25% VAT, the highest in Europe
  • Small international community
  • Tourist seasons drive coastal prices up
  • Croatian is hard to learn

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Sources

Verified on January 15, 2025

All data on this page comes from public and institutional sources.

FAQ

What is the tax rate in Croatia?

The top marginal income tax rate in Croatia is 30%. The corporate tax rate is 18%. A special regime exists: Forfait 12 % pour indépendants (paušalni obrt).

What is the cost of living in Croatia?

The monthly cost of living for a single person in Croatia is approximately 900 EUR (excluding rent). City center rent costs around 650 EUR per month.

Is there a tax treaty between the United Kingdom and Croatia?

Check HMRC for the current status of the tax treaty between the United Kingdom and Croatia.

These results are estimates.

The data presented are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. Consult a professional for your personal situation.