Live and work in Croatia

Basic facts about Croatia

Croatia is a scenic Balkan country and the capital city is Zagreb. Its population is around 3.9 million and it takes up an area of 56 542km². Their currency was Croatian kuna (HRK or kn) but they changed to Euro (EUR) in 2023. Their official language is Croatian, and they have over 1.000 small islands along the extensive coastline – many of them uninhabited. These attract thousands of tourists every year. Croatia has a temperate continental climate in the north, and a Mediterranean climate in the south. In general, their summers are hot and spring and autumn tend to be mild. 

5 fun facts about Croatia

1. Monumental Dubroving was a location of shooting productions like Game of Thrones and Star Wars
2. In Zadar you can find huge pipe organs playing by the sea. Sit and listen while admiring the beautiful sunset view 
3. Many people know Nikola Tesla, not so many know that he was born in Croatia in a small village in mountainous region
4. Iris is a national flower of Croatia
5. Hvar island is the place with the most sunny hours per year in Europe. It’s almost 2800!

Typical Croatian food

Croatian cuisine is quite diverse with fresh and mostly locally grown ingredients. It’s not spicy and some of the most common spices are pepper, salt, and paprika. Croatians love oil and many even produce their own. Locals also produce wine and rakija, which is a must try in Croatia. The coastal region is rich in truffles, admittedly, they are not as popular as Italian ones, however they are said to have a stronger aroma. 

Croatia has mouthwatering seafood, various kinds of meat and ham, olives and delicious wines. When is Croatia you should definitely try some of the traditional dishes, like: 

1. Boškarin
2. Fritule 
3. Fuži and pljukanci
4. Peka (or ispod čripnje)
5. Brodetto (or brudet)

Finding accommodation in Croatia

Since the tourism sector is growing significantly, prices of properties have gone up. Fortunately, it is still possible to rent an apartment or room in Croatia for a reasonable price. Due to this many expats choose Croatia when starting their life abroad. 

A good idea is to look at websites with rental offers like njuskalo.hr. It’s a very popular Croatian platform with various advertisements including a section about accommodation as well. Remember that looking for a place to rent can be time consuming, especially if you have to do it remotely. That’s why it’s recommended to start well in advance in order to have plenty of time to compare options. You can join groups on social media about accommodation, and you can find offers which might not be added to the websites – but always remember to look out for scammers. In these groups you can often also read experiences, suggestions, and warnings from other expats. Both English and Croatian language groups are available. 

Some people will start looking for accommodation after arrival. In this case you can look in the local newspaper or go for a walk to see if there is something available, or just to have a look at which neighbourhoods you prefer. But you have to keep in mind that for the first few days or weeks you will have to take a hotel room or Airbnb, so don’t forget to include this in your budget. The most expensive area is of course the capital city, however most expats decide to move there. 

Cost of living in Croatia

Prices in Croatia are relatively low compared to western European countries. The costs of living will only take part of your salary, so you will have money to go out for dinners and do excursions. Your biggest expense probably will be accommodation. 

Sometimes inconveniences can be public transport, even though it’s not expensive it’s also not as extensive as in other places in Europe. There are places where buses are driving irregularly, so you can always take a taxi, and then the starting price is €2.66 and €0.66 for every kilometer.  

Below  you can check out a pricing table for common expenses:

* Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the number of people living in the apartment and facilities.
**Depends greatly on your diet and which shops you buy food and drinks from.

Expats in Croatia

Croatia is constantly growing and becoming increasingly popular for tourists and expats. Many foreigners, who decides to start their journey living and working abroad in Croatia, choose the capital city, Zagreb. There are many startups and big businesses in Zagreb for this exact reason. In Croatia there’s a considerable community of expats and it’s very common to find groups on Facebook, arranging coffee meetings and social gatherings – also with locals from time to time. This creates a very welcoming atmosphere for expats.

Where to learn Croatian

English is commonly spoken in Croatia, especially by younger generations and in the business environment. But if you would like to feel even more at home in this place, it’s good to know at least the basics of everyday greetings and small conversations. 

There are a few ways to learn Croatian. You can start before departure or when you have arrived. One time a year the Central State Office for Croats Abroad offers free online language courses for internationals. It applies for A1 and A2 level and you can read more about it HERE. You can also look for courses online on your own – you can find free as well as paid ones. Or you can use apps for your phone, e.g. Duolingo, which will help you with everyday phrases. It’s very convenient since you can learn wherever and whenever you want.

When you start your new life here, speak as much Croatian as you can! There are only benefits to gain from it. Firstly, everybody knows practice makes perfect, secondly, nationals will appreciate your effort. It will help you make friends with Croatian people faster and will show your boss that you are respectful, open, and serious. 

Why choose Croatia?

Some important key factors to consider for expats when deciding on moving to a new country are languages, cost of living, and the community. Croatia is an underrated country in this decision making. It has warm people, a flourishing community of expats, a low cost of living, and the level of English is quite high. So, choose this country if you’re into beautiful mountains, coastal landscapes, and vibrant architecture.

Still not convinced about Croatia?

Croatia’s location in Central Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring neighbouring countries, enhancing travel opportunities and experiences. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, history lover, or simply seeking a peaceful Mediterranean lifestyle, Croatia is a fulfilling place to call home. The Croatian people are known for their warmth and hospitality, making expats feel welcome and integrated. Rich traditions and local festivals add to the country’s cultural tapestry.

Tip: Never refer to Croatia as Yugoslavia, they hate it. The same goes for comparing them to other former Yugoslavian countries: it’s better to avoid this topic in general. Another thing you should avoid is speaking about their relations with Serbia, because this is a sensitive topic for nationals. If you have any critique about Croatia, it’s better to say it as a suggestion. Since Croatians are extremely proud of their country and customs, they might get mad if you express your negative opinion too much.