Cities & Hotspots

Zagreb is the year-round working city; Split is the strongest coastal base; Dubrovnik is beautiful but more seasonal and expensive.

  • SplitOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • ZagrebOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • DubrovnikOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

May to June or September to October Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Air is generally good, with summer heat, traffic and wildfire smoke the bigger variables on the coast.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Zagreb has the deepest hospital network; private options include Agram and Medikol. Call 112 for emergencies and keep European or private health cover details accessible.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Hrvatski Telekom, A1 and Telemach offer local plans and eSIMs. Uber and Bolt cover rides; Wolt and Glovo cover food in larger cities.

  • Mobile networksHrvatski Telekom, A1 and Telemach are the main mobile networks. Coastal/island coverage should be checked before remote-work stays.
  • Ride appsBolt and Uber are useful in Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, with local taxis still important in smaller coastal places.
  • Food deliveryWolt and Glovo cover the main cities; Konzum and local supermarkets handle practical groceries.
  • PaymentsCards are common, Croatia uses the euro, and cash still helps in markets, parking and smaller coastal businesses.
  • Home internetHT, A1, Telemach and local providers vary by old-town buildings and islands. Test the exact unit.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • MUPThe Ministry of Interior handles residence administration, including digital-nomad style residence permits.
  • OIBThe OIB personal identification number is needed for banking, contracts and local admin.
  • Address registrationLandlord support and registered address paperwork matter, especially for residence applications.
  • TaxResidence, local activity and treaty position need advice before staying beyond a simple visitor period.
  • Admin habitKeep passport, OIB, residence approval, lease, health insurance and police/MUP receipts together.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

People who want Adriatic access and European infrastructure, but can plan around a pronounced summer season.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.