Moving to Croatia

Croatia

Croatian

Capital: Zagreb

Currency: EUR

Register within Within 8 days for short stays; before 3 months for residence

Residence procedure: Temporary residence registration at the local police station (MUP)

Official government website

Your 7-step relocation checklist

1. Step 1

   EU Free Movement confirmed

   As an EU citizen, you have the right to live and work in Croatia with no visa. Bring a valid passport or national ID card.

2. Step 2

   Find accommodation

   A local address is required for most other steps (registration, bank, tax number). Check housing costs before you move.

   Cost of living in Croatia
3. Step 3

   Register your residence — Temporary residence registration at the local police station (MUP)

   Deadline: Within 8 days for short stays; before 3 months for residence. This is the local residence registration procedure required under EU Directive 2004/38/EC after your first 3 months.

   Official government portal
4. Step 4

   Get your OIB (Osobni identifikacijski broj)

   You need a OIB (Osobni identifikacijski broj) to work, get paid, or open a bank account in Croatia.

   Apply for OIB (Osobni identifikacijski broj)
5. Step 5

   Register with HZZO – Croatian Health Insurance Fund

   Once resident and working, register with HZZO – Croatian Health Insurance Fund. In the meantime your EHIC covers necessary care.

   HZZO – Croatian Health Insurance Fund portal
6. Step 6

   Open a local bank account

   Most Croatia employers pay salary into a local EUR account. Bring your ID, proof of address and OIB (Osobni identifikacijski broj).

7. Step 7

   Calculate your expected net salary

   See what you'll actually take home in Croatia after tax and social security.

   Open net salary calculator

FAQ — Moving to Croatia

Information verified for 2026 from official Croatia government sources. This guide applies to EU citizens under EU Directive 2004/38/EC.