Pros and Cons of Living in Croatia

Living in Croatia can be extremely difficult, boring, or rewarding, depending on a person’s perspective. Also, there are many great things about living here, but also some downsides as well. The opportunities available to you here are by far more limited than they would be if you lived elsewhere.

Being a member of the European Union means that people from other parts of Europe have a broader range of opportunities available to them while living in Croatia as an expat. That being said, we will walk you through the pros and cons of living in Croatia as an expat in this section. Check it out below!

Pros

1.    The Weather

One of the first things people tend to mention when talking about Croatia is the weather. And it’s no wonder – with over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, it’s easy to see why so many people are drawn to Croatia’s Mediterranean climate. The temperatures are also very pleasant year-round, making it a great winter getaway or summer holiday destination.

2.    The Food

Croatia is known for its centuries-old winemaking traditions, but did you know that Croatia has cultivated olive trees since Roman times? This means that the country’s delicious olive oil, which can also be found in many of Croatia’s local dishes, has been enjoyed by locals for thousands of years.

3.    The Beauty

Many things make Croatia a wonderful country, but its coastal cities are one of the biggest attractions in the region. Take Zadar, Dubrovnik, Split, and Pula, for example – all of these popular coastal destinations show off Croatia’s stunning coastline and beautiful architecture.

4.    The Beaches

With over 1,200 islands and nearly as many kilometers of coastline, Croatia is a popular destination for those who love to lounge on the beach all day long! Whether you’re looking for some fun in the sun with your family or just want to relax with a good book and cocktail, there’s a beach in Croatia for everyone.

5.    The Culture

Croatia is home to a rich and diverse culture that its many different influences have shaped over the years. From Roman ruins to Venetian architecture, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in Croatian culture.

6.    The Relaxation

Croatia is the perfect place to relax and unwind. With its peaceful beaches, delicious food, and stunning countryside, it’s easy to see why people love spending time in Croatia. As an expat coming to this country for the first time, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy living in this country compared to others you’ve visited.

7.    The Cost of Living

Compared to other popular European destinations, Croatia is a relatively affordable place to live. This makes it an excellent option for those who are looking for a more affordable holiday getaway or retirement destination. In fact, you’ll be able to save and enjoy your lifestyle as an expat while living in this country.

Cons

1.    The Bureaucracy Can Be Frustrating

The Croatian bureaucracy is to be avoided at all costs for one very good reason: everything has to go through the government. And it takes forever because of all the ways they’ve found to complicate things further than they need to be, so you might as well not do anything unless you want it done right.

The best example of this is the registration office. They will make you wait for hours at a time, do mind-bending stupid things, and generally drive people crazy with their incompetence.

2.    Croatian Drivers Are Terrible

Croatian roads are challenging to navigate even for locals who have driven on them every day for many years, so a foreigner drunk with their newfound freedom is bound to crash a car or two and probably cause some fender benders while learning how to master the opposite-side driving. If you manage not to hit anyone while driving in Croatia, consider yourself lucky.

3.    The Food Is Bland, Overpriced, And Inconvenient

The food in Croatia isn’t bad, but it’s not exciting either unless you are really into the meat. If you are a vegetarian or vegan (or raw vegan), prepare to be disappointed. You can find some good fruit and veg at the open market places like Dolac in Zagreb, but the prices are usually high. Like most other things in Croatia, food is expensive here. If you stick to home-cooking, though, it’s not so bad.

4.    You, Will, Have to Learn How to Speak Croatian

This one might come as a surprise for some expats who have already been through the Croatian bureaucracy and came out unscathed. But when it comes down to actually fitting in with the locals, you will have a much better time if you learn some conversational Croatian.

And that means learning how to read and write, too (the Latin script is not very complicated). If you don’t plan on getting a job here, then learn how to order food and maybe buy a drink or two. It’s not that bad.

5.    You, Will, Have to Deal with Discrimination

Croatia is mainly a white country, and it’s known for having some seriously racist tendencies. Especially the elderly and those under 50 grew up with socialist values that glorified “brotherhood and unity” all across Yugoslavia.

Everyone else isn’t as wrong, but there are still noticeable differences in how people treat you based on your appearance. If you are visibly non-white, expect to be treated with suspicion or hostility in some cases.

6.    The Internet Can Be Unreliable

One thing that often frustrates expats and locals alike is the poor quality of the internet in Croatia. This is especially true in the countryside, where many providers offer prolonged speeds and limited or no coverage. If you rely on the internet for work or school, this could be a major source of frustration.

7.    Not all areas of Croatia are safe

Although most large cities in Croatia are generally safe to walk around, it’s essential to remain vigilant when visiting smaller towns and villages. There are still some areas in Croatia that have high experience levels of crime, particularly certain parts of Zagreb (including Skenderija) and Dubrovnik (such as Lapad).

Frequently Asked Questions about Living in Croatia

What is the cost of health care in Croatia?

Health care costs in Croatia vary depending on your health insurance plan and the services you require. However, as a general rule, you can expect to pay between €80 and €100 per month for health insurance. For uninsured procedures that are necessary but not critical, you can expect to pay between €150 and €500.

How are employment opportunities like in Croatia?

The unemployment rate in Croatia is currently at 17%. However, the country has recently voted to leave the European Union, so many employment opportunities are expected to open up in the next few years. In the meantime, several sectors offer employment opportunities, including tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing.

How safe is Zagreb?

Zagreb is generally very safe during the day, but after dark, it becomes less so because of pick-pockets. As a rule, you should avoid walking alone at night and use common sense to protect yourself.

Conclusion

With its stunning coasts, ancient architecture, and cultural heritage, Croatia is a country that genuinely has it all. The Croatian government also makes a living there as easy as possible for foreign residents looking to relocate. So, you don’t have to keep surfing the internet as all you need is on this platform.

Before introducing this article, if you are interested in our core services which are expat financial, insurance and mortgages, you can contact me here. 

The best time to consider your financial situation is when you are moving to a new country.

Introduction

So, you’ve decided to move to Croatia. Congratulations! This beautiful country has a lot to offer expats, from its stunning coastline and crystal-clear seas to its fascinating culture and delicious food. But before you can start enjoying all that Croatia has to offer, there are a few things you need to know.

And, like with any country in the world, it can be hard to get all of your questions answered when you don’t know where to turn. Luckily for you (and anyone else who has ever asked themselves, “where can I find information about moving to Croatia?”), this living in Croatia expat guide was written just for you.

In this guide, we will cover everything from getting a visa to finding a job to settling into your new home. So whether you’re just starting to plan your move or you’ve already made the jump and are looking for some advice on what to do next, keep reading for everything you need to know about living in Croatia as an expat.

However, one of the first things you’ll need to do when moving to Croatia is get a visa. Unless you are a citizen of an EU country, you will need access to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days. The good news is that there are a number of different visas available. This way, there’s a good chance you will be able to find one that fits your needs.

Have you been surfing the internet to get the right information about living in Croatia as an expat? If that sounds like a yes, look no further! We have compiled this article to explain what living in Croatia entails. That being said, we will walk you through the pros, cons, interesting facts, and many others.

8 Interesting Facts about Living in Croatia

Who doesn’t want to live in Croatia? The sea, the sun, the amusement parks! What about their delicious food and friendly people? We caught some interesting facts about life in Croatia that might help you learn more about the country and its culture – see how many of them you know below!

1.    Submarines are Very Popular Here

Croatia is associated with its beautiful coastlines, azure-blue water, and red wine. However, there are many natural wonders to explore inland too. While the Croatian part of the country is relatively small (around 50 miles wide), there are lots of things to discover in this country, and a lot of them are well hidden.

One of the most impressive sights is a channel going through an underground mountain near Zadar – locally called “Pasadena.” Tito built this unusual channel in 1968 for one thing only. And that’s to secretly transport submarines from Šibenik harbor across the country to Zadar. The channel entrance is just a few dozen meters from the open sea and very well camouflaged.

2.    Home to Welcoming People

Croatians are well-known for their hospitality and friendliness. In fact, a recent study by Eurobarometer showed that Croatians score the highest in almost all of the categories that had to do with hospitality. This proves that it’s not all just talk – there is also the truth behind this statement. Croatians are open-minded and tolerant people, eager to show you how truly unique their country is.

3.    Home to Best Preserved Medieval Towns in Croatia

 If you’re a fan of medieval architecture, you’ll love Croatia. Many of the country’s towns and villages date back to the Middle Ages, and they’ve been preserved very well over time. Most of these villages are located in central and northern Croatia, and some of them are even UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

4.    The Coastline Is Absolutely Stunning

Croatia’s coastline is one of the most beautiful in Europe, and it’s no wonder that so many people choose to holiday here. With over 1,100 miles of coastline to explore, you’ll never get bored. The coastline is mostly made up of rocky cliffs and pebble beaches, but there are a few sandy beaches too.

5.    Home to Multicultural Cities in Europe

Zagreb, the capital and largest city in Croatia, has a highly diverse population with many ethnicities and nationalities, such as Serbian, Italian and Hungarian. This is due to the large number of immigrants that came to Zagreb during the 20th century, making the city one of the most multicultural in Europe.

6.    Croatia Is Home To Many National Parks

There are eight national parks in Croatia, which is quite a large number for such a small country. One of these, Plitvice Lakes National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see on any visit to Croatia. If you’re a history buff, the other seven national parks are also interesting to explore. They contain many medieval ruins and sites of historic battles dating back to the 14th century.

7.    Croats Love Pizza and Pasta

Well, this one may not exactly come as a surprise to most people. Pizza and pasta are famous worldwide, but Croatia is no exception. It does take a while for traditional Croatian food to become trendy, however.

During the 80s, when there was a big wave of Italian immigrants coming into the country, many restaurants were actually owned by Italians who introduced pizza and pasta to Croatians. Since then, it has been a staple of Croatian homes and restaurants all over the country.

8.    Most People Live In Apartments

You may be surprised to learn that most Croatians actually live in apartments (both as rentals and as condos). This is because Croatia can be quite expensive to buy a house on your own, so people will generally find an apartment to rent instead. In cities such as Zagreb, this is especially popular because it means people can afford a bit more space for themselves.

9.    Croatian Is the Official Language

We’ve all heard of Croats and Croatians, but did you know that Croatian is the only official language in Croatia? This means it is used for all legal documents, educational materials, etc. However, because it is a Slavic language, many people in Croatia also speak Russian, Serbian and Bosnian. So don’t worry – you’ll be able to get by with English too.

10. Croatians Love Spending Time Outdoors

One of the best things about living in Croatia is that the weather is perfect for spending time outdoors year-round. Whether you’re swimming at the beach, hiking in the mountains, or just enjoying a walk around town, there’s always something to do outside. And since Croatians are so active, there’s always a lively atmosphere wherever you go.