Housing
Zagreb’s rental market remains stable in early 2025, with price fluctuations within 5%. Demand for furnished properties remains high, with most rentals offered fully or partially furnished. Short-term rentals dominate in tourist areas, limiting options for long-term residents, especially in smaller towns and along the coast.A proof of long-term accommodation is required for the residence permit application.
Average monthly rates in Zagreb
Studio
$500–$600
$1,000–$1,600
$1,600–$4,300
$2,800–$5,400
Two-bedroom
apartment
apartment
One-bedroom
apartment
apartment
$600–$1,000
Three-bedroom apartmen
Four-bedroom apartment
Key Trends:
- 90% of available apartments and houses are fully or partly furnished, reflecting strong tenant preferences.
- Short-term rental providers favor online bookings, while other landlords prefer leases over a year.
- In smaller towns like Gospić and along the Croatian coastline, seasonal demand for short-term rentals significantly limits long-term housing options.
- New regulations target short-term rentals, doubling the pričuva (reserve fee) for tourist units. A property tax now applies to homes occupied for less than 10 months a year, potentially promoting long-term leasing.
- Suburban areas of Zagreb like Novi Zagreb and Velika Mlaka are rapidly developing and attracting more tenants thanks to the lower rates, new residential complexes and parking possibilities.
Challenges:
- 40% of Croatian housing is used for tourism, limiting long-term rental availability, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
- Finding rentals for 5–10 months remains challenging.
Immigration
Croatia allows visa-free entry for citizens of 119 countries, including most Schengen nations, for limited stays. Others must obtain a visa through a Croatian embassy, Consulate, or Visa Center. For short-term stays, a C visa (up to 90 days in 180) is required, while an A visa allows air transit.
For legal employment in Croatia, most non-EU citizens need a D visa. Non-EEA nationals must secure a labor contract, and employers must first conduct a labor market test. If no local candidates are found, the foreign employee can apply for a work and residence permit, valid for up to 1 year.
Seasonal jobs, especially in tourism, are common in summer. Employers often provide accommodation, and a labor market test may be needed. Seasonal work permits are valid for up to 6 months.
The EU Blue Card is a 2-year stay and work permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals, requiring a university degree and a salary at least 1.5 times Croatia’s average gross annual wage. One must provide an employment contract for highly qualified work, lasting at least 1 year, with a company or institution registered in Croatia, along with proof of higher education and/or relevant work experience.
A Digital Nomad Visa was launched for third-country nationals who are employed or perform work through communication technology and do not work or provide services to employers in Croatia. Temporary stay is granted for up to 1 year (possibly less) and cannot be extended. A new application can be submitted 6 months after the expiry of the previously granted temporary stay.
For legal employment in Croatia, most non-EU citizens need a D visa. Non-EEA nationals must secure a labor contract, and employers must first conduct a labor market test. If no local candidates are found, the foreign employee can apply for a work and residence permit, valid for up to 1 year.
Seasonal jobs, especially in tourism, are common in summer. Employers often provide accommodation, and a labor market test may be needed. Seasonal work permits are valid for up to 6 months.
The EU Blue Card is a 2-year stay and work permit for highly skilled non-EU nationals, requiring a university degree and a salary at least 1.5 times Croatia’s average gross annual wage. One must provide an employment contract for highly qualified work, lasting at least 1 year, with a company or institution registered in Croatia, along with proof of higher education and/or relevant work experience.
A Digital Nomad Visa was launched for third-country nationals who are employed or perform work through communication technology and do not work or provide services to employers in Croatia. Temporary stay is granted for up to 1 year (possibly less) and cannot be extended. A new application can be submitted 6 months after the expiry of the previously granted temporary stay.
Moving
Transportation: Croatia’s household goods transportation relies heavily on trucking. The main ports are in Rijeka and Ploče. The primary airport is Zagreb Airport (ZAG).
Customs Duties: personal property is exempt from customs duties and VAT if the individual has lived abroad for at least 12 months and has used the items for 6 months.
Customs clearance typically takes 2-3 days.
Customs Duties: personal property is exempt from customs duties and VAT if the individual has lived abroad for at least 12 months and has used the items for 6 months.
Customs clearance typically takes 2-3 days.
