Residence in Croatia: Complete Guide to Investment and Golden Visas

What Is a Golden Visa?

A Golden Visa is a residency-by-investment program that allows foreigners to gain legal residence—or sometimes citizenship—by making a significant financial investment in a country. This typically includes:

• Real estate purchases

• Investments in national development funds

• Starting or funding a local business

In many countries, these programs offer residency without requiring you to live there full-time.

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Croatia’s Stance: No Golden Visa

Despite what some websites and YouTube videos claim, Croatia does not offer a Golden Visa. There is no legal pathway to residency or citizenship simply by investing in Croatian property or business. Claims suggesting otherwise are false and often used to sell overpriced services.

There’s also no full tax exemption for foreign property owners in Croatia—another common myth.

That said, there are legal, investment-adjacent ways to stay in Croatia, though they come with limitations and do not offer permanent residency.

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1. Residence Based on Buying Property in Croatia

Non-EU citizens (third-country nationals) can apply for temporary residence if they own residential property in Croatia.

Key Facts:

• Property must be zoned for residential use

• You must be from a country with reciprocity (Croatians can buy property in your country)

• No minimum investment required unless stated by reciprocity rules

• Once added to the land registry, apply for residence under the “other purposes” category

Limitations:

• No automatic residence—application is still required

• Permit typically allows up to 9 months per year in Croatia

• Must leave for 90+ days before reapplying

• No work rights

• No family reunification

• Does not count toward permanent residence

Best for: retirees, second-home buyers, and digital nomads looking to spend part of the year in Croatia.
🔗 [Check your country’s reciprocity status here]
 

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2. Residence Based on Opening a Business

Another legal path to residence is by registering a Croatian company (d.o.o., j.d.o.o., or obrt) and employing locals.

Requirements:

• Own 51%+ of the company

• Invest at least €26,545 in startup capital

• Employ three Croatian citizens full-time, indefinitely

• Pay yourself 1.5× the national average bruto salary

• Provide proof of income and health insurance

Pros:

• Valid for 1 year and renewable annually

• Counts toward permanent residence

• Family reunification allowed

Cons:

• High financial and administrative burden

• Not practical for small-scale entrepreneurs

• Designed to attract serious, job-creating businesses

Best for: entrepreneurs ready to launch and run a legitimate business in Croatia.

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Is Croatia Planning a Golden Visa in the Future?

Highly unlikely. Croatia has intentionally designed its immigration system to prevent passive residency-by-investment. Temporary permits often require breaks (like the 90-day exit rule), and even the digital nomad visa has strict limitations.

The Croatian government seeks long-term residents who contribute economically and socially—not just investors looking for a second passport or passive access to the EU.

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Final Thoughts

There’s no Golden Visa in Croatia, but there are legal ways to spend extended time here if you buy property or open a business. These paths require planning, compliance, and often professional guidance—but they’re real, achievable, and transparent.

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, we’re here to help.