Croatia, a Southeastern European country, has a geographically diverse landscape. Consisting of mountains, plateau, rivers, and Islands. Life here moves at a rather slow and steady pace, missing the frenzy common to other European nations. Croatia is dotted with above 1000 islands, of which only a few are inhabited.
Neighbored by Slovenia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and Hungary, Croatia has pleasant climate all year round. Summers are hot with long sunny days, attracting tons of tourists from around the world to enjoy the exquisite pristine beaches. In winters the mountainous regions are cold with rare snowfalls.
Croatia caters to people with versatile preferences. For people who enjoy city life, the country’s capital Zagreb is a hotspot. Dotted with shopping malls, bars, theaters, and other such social places, Zagreb is true to the cosmopolitan nature of cities. On the other hand, for people who aspire to coastal life, many Islands provide a unique beachy experience. Beaches like, Hvar, Makarska, Split, Dubrovnik, etc. specially are famous tourist beach spots.
Mainland Croatia is full of castles dating back to the 14th Century AD. Monumental and grand in their presence, these castles lend a medieval ambiance to the environment. The architecture is reminiscent of the Venetian and Spanish periods. Some of these castles have been converted into hotels, and for those who can afford it, it’s a lifetime experience.
Immigration and working in Croatia
Croatia offers long-term visas and works permits for people who plan to stay in the country longer than ninety days. However, the long-term visa doesn’t permit the person to be work or indulge in business. To be able to become illegible for employment or business a work permit or business visa is needed. Noteworthy that after its accession in the EU, Croatia is a free moving country for EU residents, however, they too need a residence permit if they exceed 90 days stay.
The validity of the temporary visa is one year and can be renewed 90 days before expiry. A person living in the country for five years on a temporary visa is considered illegible for permanent residency status. The requirements for a temporary visa are similar to those in other EU countries, viz a viz. steady income, good character, clear intentions for relocation, and finances to support house rentals or ownership.
Expat-life experience: Pros & cons
Croatia boasts a sizeable population of foreigners living as expats here. There are numerous reasons people choose to relocate to Croatia. For instance, Croatia proves to be the safest place on the planet. The country necessitates people who live in the country beyond 90 days to pool in the national health insurance system, the healthcare system is severely understaffed though, which may feel like a burden.
Although Croatia’s official language is Croatian, English is widely spoken and understood. An expat with a nominal understanding of the English language can easily communicate and navigate its way around. But to assimilate more deeply, and enjoy the Croatian culture more thoroughly, one needs to speak and understand their language. This can be a difficult task, as the Croatian language has its roots in the Southern Slavic dialect, which is categorized as level 3 difficulty by the United States State Department.
A large chunk of the Croatian economy revolves around tourism. Therefore, in summers, which is a high touring season the cities and beaches are full of business activity. Tourists spend wholeheartedly on shopping, day trips, food, and other similar goods. However, the closure of the season brings with it a nose dip in the transactions, leaving business owners and vendors patiently waiting for the next season to come.
The Croatian government is working to compensate for this recurring high and low economic phenomenon, and it predicted that in the years to come, Croatia will have a more stable and flourishing economic scene.
