Croatia joined the EU in 2013 and the Schengen Area and eurozone in 2023 — completing a remarkable transformation from post-war reconstruction to a stable, prosperous EU member state. The country combines a stunning Adriatic coastline (nearly 2,000 islands), a continental interior of forests, rivers and medieval cities, excellent food and wine, low crime, and a cost of living that remains significantly below Western Europe. Zagreb is a compact, sophisticated capital with a genuine café culture and growing tech scene; the Dalmatian coast draws those seeking Mediterranean lifestyle. Croatia has also introduced one of Europe’s most attractive digital nomad visa programmes.
Why Londoners Move to Croatia
- Adriatic coastline — 1,778 km of coastline plus nearly 1,000 islands. Crystal-clear water, ancient walled towns (Dubrovnik, Split, Šibenik, Trogir — several UNESCO World Heritage Sites), a genuine sailing culture
- Digital Nomad Visa — Croatia introduced a Digital Nomad Temporary Stay permit in 2021, allowing remote workers with non-Croatian income to live in Croatia for up to 1 year (extendable). Income requirement: approximately €2,300/month
- Cost of living — despite Eurozone entry, Croatia remains significantly cheaper than Western European destinations. Zagreb and inland Croatia in particular offer excellent value
- EU membership since 2023 formalities — euro adoption (January 2023) and Schengen entry (January 2023) have simplified life significantly. No currency conversion, no passport checks at EU land borders
- Safety — Croatia has very low crime rates and is consistently regarded as one of Europe’s safest countries
Post-Brexit: Visa and Residency for UK Nationals
UK nationals can visit Croatia visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period (Schengen rules apply). For longer stays:
Digital Nomad Temporary Stay — the easiest and most popular route for remote workers. Requires: proof of remote employment or freelance income from a non-Croatian employer/client; income of approximately €2,300/month; health insurance covering Croatia. Valid for 1 year; no Croatian income tax on foreign-source income during this period. Apply at the local police station (Policijska uprava) after arrival or at a Croatian embassy before travel.
Temporary residence for work — for those with confirmed employment from a Croatian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and a work permit application.
Temporary residence for self-employment — for establishing a Croatian business.
Temporary residence — family reunification — for partners/spouses of Croatian citizens.
After arrival:
- Register at the local Policijska uprava within 3 working days
- Obtain your OIB (Osobni Identifikacijski Broj — personal identification number). Needed for banking, rental contracts, taxes and most official interactions
- Apply for a personal identification card (osobna iskaznica) for long-stay residents
Where to Live in Croatia
Zagreb — capital, population 700,000. Continental feel, not a coastal city. Excellent café culture, museums, music scene, growing tech sector. Upper Town (Gornji Grad) and Lower Town (Donji Grad) are the historic and administrative cores. Medveščak, Maksimir and Črnomerec are popular residential districts. Most affordable major Croatian city.
Split — Dalmatia’s main city, second largest in Croatia. Built around Diocletian’s Palace (3rd century Roman emperor’s retirement complex — still inhabited). Excellent transport hub for the islands. Increasingly popular with remote workers and expats; summer tourism brings significant seasonal crowds.
Dubrovnik — the jewel of the Adriatic. Game of Thrones filming location; UNESCO World Heritage Old City. Significant tourism pressure and higher costs than the rest of Croatia. Year-round population is smaller than tourist numbers suggest. Property prices are highest in Croatia.
Zadar — less well-known internationally than Dubrovnik or Split but a beautiful walled coastal city. Very walkable, excellent food scene, a growing expat community, significantly more affordable than Dubrovnik.
Istria — the northwest peninsula. Italian cultural influence (many towns have Italian as a co-official language), excellent truffles and wine (Malvazija, Teran), rolling countryside. Popular with those who want Mediterranean lifestyle without the tourist volumes of Dalmatia.
Cost of Moving from London to Croatia
| Service type | Estimated cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Part-load (shared) | £550 – £1,100 | Studios, 1-bed flats, personal effects |
| Full-load (dedicated van) | £1,200 – £2,600 | 2-bed+ homes, full households |
| Professional packing add-on | £200 – £600 | Full household packing by our team |
Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik, Zadar and all Croatian cities covered. Get a free fixed-price quote for your removals to Croatia.
Estimated transit time — London to Zagreb: 4–5 working days. Dalmatian coast: 5–7 working days.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving from London to Croatia
What is the Digital Nomad Visa for Croatia and how do I qualify?
Croatia’s Digital Nomad Temporary Stay allows remote workers earning approximately €2,300+/month from non-Croatian employers to live in Croatia for up to 1 year. No Croatian income tax applies to foreign-source income during this period. Apply at the Policijska uprava after arrival or at a Croatian embassy before travel.
Does Croatia use the euro?
Yes, since January 2023. Croatia adopted the euro simultaneously with joining the Schengen Area, making it fully integrated with the eurozone and passport-free travel to other EU countries.
What is the OIB and do I need it?
The OIB (Osobni Identifikacijski Broj) is Croatia’s personal identification number. You need it for a bank account, rental contract, tax registration and most official interactions. Apply at the nearest tax administration (Porezna uprava) or your employer can initiate it.
How long does a removal from London to Croatia take?
Transit from London to Zagreb typically takes 4–5 working days. Dalmatian coast destinations (Split, Dubrovnik) take 5–7 working days.
Does Easy Move handle EU customs documentation for Croatia?
Yes. Croatia is an EU member state and Transfer of Residence relief applies to all household goods shipped from the UK.
Ready to move? Our team handles the full process: packing, customs and delivery.