This November the Croatian Parliament adopted the new Act on Foreign Nationals which for the first time includes the category of 'digital nomads'. This is a new type of regulated temporary stay for third country residents by which Croatia wants to position itself as the perfect digital nomad destination.

 

The new Act on Foreign Nationals enters into force on 1 January 2021. Among other changes in regulation of entrance, stay and work of foreign nationals, the Act defines digital nomads as:

 

„third-country residents who perform work by means of telecommunication technology for a company or their own company not registered in the Republic of Croatia and who do not perform work or provide services to employers on the territory of the Republic of Croatia.”

 

The provided length of stay for digital nomads is up to one year. A person can re-apply for temporary residence as a digital nomad six months after the expiry of the previous residence permit, issued for that or other purpose.

 

The Act does not specify the minimum funds required to be eligible for a digital nomad residence permit. However, according to unofficial media sources, the limit will be higher than for example, residence permits for the purpose of family reunification or other reasons. Other parameters to be defined, such as tax payment and insurance, should be provided for separately, by amendments to the General Tax Act and other bylaws, and by new regulations.

 

Digital nomads are growing in number and becoming a significant factor on the European Union labour market. Some EU states already have a special type of digital nomad visa, such as Germany, Portugal, Estonia, the Czech Republic. Croatia’s mild climate, low crime rate, rapidly developing IT sector and good internet coverage already attract numerous digital nomads, especially EU citizens who do not need a visa to enter. The recent adaptations to the legal framework will accommodate their legal work and stay.