In case you’ve ever hit ‘Croatia’ on a Google search, you’ll little question see a myriad of beautiful photos. It’s no shock; we’re speaking about an amazingly lovely nation right here, and it’s someplace individuals flock to in the course of the summer time months particularly. However, what in case you’re desirous about staying there long-term? The excellent news is there are numerous professionals of dwelling in Croatia.
Having lived in Croatia for a number of months, I do know simply how chilled out the tempo of life could be. It’s a really welcome break from hustle and bustle, and the gorgeous seashores by no means harm both. However, after all, like anyplace on this planet, it’s a must to take into consideration the cons of dwelling in Croatia too. That will help you out, let’s check out each side of the coin so you possibly can see how you’re feeling on the finish.
15 Execs and Cons of Residing in Croatia
There are each professionals and cons to dwelling in Croatia; there are some wonderful issues about this place, however I additionally discovered a number of issues downright irritating. Having mentioned that, it’s all the time been the identical irrespective of the place on this planet I’ve spent prolonged quantities of time. I thought of this one lengthy and arduous as a result of I wish to provide the full image.
In the long run, I noticed I’d written a significantly longer listing of professionals, however the cons positively must be thought of too. Selecting to stay in such a good looking and cultural nation isn’t the toughest selection on this planet, however as I came upon, if you would like the very best expertise, you could be ready.
The place is Croatia?
Croatia is a rustic positioned within the Balkans and it’s lapped by the clear water of the Adriatic Sea. In the course of the summer time months, its essential resorts of Dubrovnik, Cut up, Brač, Hvar, Korčula, and Lošinj are full of sun-seekers, with Dubrovnik particularly being a serious draw. You may need heard that a number of Sport of Thrones scenes had been filmed in Croatia too, which positively provides to the tourism issue and curiosity within the islands.
The wonderful thing about Croatia is the climate. The summers are sizzling, the winters are gentle, and seaside time is sort of all the time an choice. I spent a substantial period of time on Korčula island and actually loved the cooling Adriatic on these scorching days; for me, it was positively one of many benefits of dwelling in Croatia. The hottest month of the 12 months is July when the temperatures hit highs of 29°C/84°F in Dubrovnik, however even in January, you possibly can count on a mean of 12°C/54°F.
In fact, it’s not all about climate. Croatia is influenced by the international locations bordering it, together with Slovenia, Hungary, Montenegro, Serbia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. In consequence, you possibly can count on a multicultural really feel, with a mixture of genuine attraction.
Execs of dwelling in Croatia
It’s no shock that there are many plus factors of dwelling on this lovely nation. I imply, take a look at it! Gazing such lovely surroundings day-after-day isn’t precisely a hardship. However, let’s dive in slightly deeper and discover out precisely what’s so good about calling Croatia your own home.
1. It’s a Tremendous Fairly Nation
Okay, I’ve already talked about the truth that it’s a surprising nation, and doubtless one of many largest advantages of dwelling in Croatia is being surrounded by its magnificence each single day. Whether or not you select to remain in a seaside resort, on an island, or in the principle cities, comparable to Zadar, you’ll all the time be blown away by how wonderful every little thing is. I by no means obtained bored of wanting on the similar surroundings, and it was equally as breathtaking on the day I left, because it was on the day I arrived.
There are various pure hotspots to go to in Croatia, together with Plitvice Lakes Nationwide Park, which was considered one of my favourite spots general. Go to Krka Nationwide Park and Brijuni Nationwide Park to call simply two beautiful areas, and also you’re positive to fall in love. The waterfalls in Croatia are epic, and it’s no surprise these parks are so widespread in the course of the summer time months.
In fact, there are additionally seashores – wonderful seashores. Banje Seashore in Dubrovnik was a favourite spot of mine, regardless of being near the crowds within the metropolis heart. I additionally beloved Lumbarda‘s sandy seashores on Korčula, however in all honesty, you gained’t discover a dangerous seaside in Croatia.
2. Nice Climate All 12 months Round
I already talked about that the climate is nice in Croatia, nevertheless it actually is an all-year-round form of deal. Whereas yow will discover snowy climate in the course of the winter months, you’ll want to go into the center of the nation, notably round Plitvice Lakes. Nonetheless, for essentially the most half, you’re sizzling summers and gentle winters.
Croatia’s coastal areas have a typical Mediterranean local weather, which implies little or no rain in the course of the months between June and September. Nonetheless, what I preferred most was that though the summer time months do get sizzling, notably July and August, they’re not so scorching which you could’t transfer. For instance, you possibly can count on a mean of 30°C/86°F in Cut up throughout July, and 25°C/77°F in Zadar.
All of which means that seaside time will probably be in your precedence listing and sea temperatures actually don’t allow you to down in the summertime months. The truth is, Dubrovnik’s sea temperature is a very comfy 25°C/77°F in August.
3. Nice High quality Healthcare
One of many professionals of dwelling in Croatia is the top quality of healthcare. Anybody employed by a Croatian enterprise will probably be mechanically registered with state healthcare, nevertheless, there are numerous personal insurance coverage choices obtainable. You’ll additionally discover many pharmacies, docs surgical procedures, and hospitals throughout the nation and so they’re usually all very accessible to foreigners.
I needed to go to the hospital throughout my time in Croatia, and it was a fairly easy course of. There was a translator obtainable, and every little thing went easily. It’s also possible to get medical recommendation on minor points by going to the closest pharmacy; it’s going to assist in case you have a Croatian speaker with you, however you may get by with Google Translate if the pharmacist isn’t fluent in English.
It goes with out saying that healthcare is a serious consideration if you’re desirous about shifting to any nation, however in my expertise, Croatia’s healthcare system is high quality.
4. Value of Residing is Inexpensive
Like anyplace on this planet, the price of dwelling has elevated slightly during the last couple of years, nevertheless it’s nonetheless decrease or on par with most of Europe. Croatia adopted the Euro in January 2023, which has induced a slight enhance in the price of some objects, however general, it actually isn’t an costly nation.
Based on Numbeo, a single particular person can stay monthly in Croatia with out lease for round €686.30, however after all, there are methods to chop prices. I cooked at dwelling lots of the time and prevented vacationer hotspot eating places. I additionally went to free seashores fairly than bar-owned ones that ask you to buy meals and drinks.
There are various hostels and Airbnb decisions you possibly can look into if you first arrive and I like to recommend trying to find a spot to lease long run. This generally is a prolonged course of in some conditions however wanting past vacationer resorts can usually yield helpful outcomes.
5. There’s a Digital Nomad Visa
Excellent news for digital nomads! There’s a digital nomad visa obtainable in Croatia which lasts for a 12 months. The draw back is which you could’t prolong it, however you can work out your plans from there. It’s one of many benefits of dwelling in Croatia for distant employees particularly as a result of you possibly can maintain incomes when you take pleasure in every little thing the nation has to supply.
This visa is comparatively new, having been established in January 2021, and it’s induced a growth in nomads deciding to spend longer quantities of time within the nation. Naturally, this has additionally led to a extra cosmopolitan really feel, and there are actually many coworking areas and nice cafes to spend the day working from.
6. It’s a Typically Secure Place to Be
I by no means felt unsafe in Croatia, even within the largest metropolis of Zagreb. It goes with out saying that there’ll all the time be odd conditions comparable to pickpocketing, however usually, that is uncommon. You may massively enhance your probabilities of avoiding all of this by merely utilizing your frequent sense.
Croatia general is taken into account a secure place to go to, and I can again that up with my very own experiences. As a lone feminine strolling round, I by no means encountered any state of affairs that induced me to really feel cautious, and I by no means skilled any undesirable advances. I discovered everybody to be pleasant (extra on that shortly), and even in additional distant locations, such because the nationwide parks, I felt comfy.
That doesn’t imply it is best to push apart your frequent sense and instinct. By no means stroll round by yourself at evening and keep on with well-lit areas. Don’t flash your valuables, and don’t be too trusting of individuals you’ve solely simply met. In all honesty, it’s not rocket science, however there are only a few locations that made me really feel safer than Croatia.
7. Pleasant Locals
Whilst you’ll most likely discover that not everybody speaks English, that typically isn’t an issue as a result of most individuals are so welcoming and heat. There’s an actual give attention to hospitality, particularly for individuals from different international locations who wish to study extra about Croatia.
I sat for just a few hours with a beautiful native girl in Vis who taught me the way to make burek and served me limitless cups of tea. It wasn’t an remoted expertise both; I discovered the identical degree of kindness in lots of different locations too, and when you’ll all the time get the odd grumpy particular person, in my expertise, Croatia has a few of the friendliest individuals round.
It all the time helps to study just a few phrases of the language in case you can, as this may aid you to speak and the locals have a tendency to essentially respect your efforts. One tip I ought to go on is that in case you’re invited to somebody’s home for tea or dinner, keep in mind that so long as they maintain providing you with meals, you’ll be anticipated to eat it! It’s thought of impolite in case you don’t.
8. Superb Meals
Oh, the meals! I’ve to say, once I first went to Croatia, I didn’t count on to be that impressed by the meals. Balkan meals usually by no means struck me as being that tremendous, however I used to be so incorrect! I’d extremely advocate you head away from the vacationer spots and take a look at native meals in an genuine restaurant—ask a neighbor or a neighborhood shopkeeper the place they go in case you’re uncertain.
The meals is unquestionably one of many professionals of dwelling in Croatia and the primary factor it’s a must to attempt is ćevapi, which is a scrumptious grilled meat dish that’s discovered everywhere. I discussed burek earlier, and that’s considered one of my prime dishes too, however don’t miss out on štukli—the cheese model is scrumptious.
Every space of Croatia is known for a special sort of native produce, and it’s an ideal excuse to journey round and take a look at various things. In case you’re a truffle fan, head to the Mirna River in Motovun Forest, cheese followers merely should try Pag, and olives and native olive oil are additionally notable additions to your listing.
9. A Conventional Means of Life is Straightforward to Discover
The wonderful thing about Croatia is that though it’s touristic in lots of locations, it’s not tough to enterprise someplace genuine and expertise a conventional lifestyle. The islands are an ideal instance right here, particularly Pag. You could find wonderful seashores and nice meals, however it’s also possible to discover a gradual tempo that helps you study extra concerning the historical past and traditions of the island.
I discovered it simple to dip out and in of touristic enjoyable. Zagreb is a metropolis full of modern-day facilities and the standard purchasing and nightlife fare, however in case you head inland of the nation, it’s a completely completely different story. There, it’s extra about nature and dwelling in tune with every little thing the land gives.
I spent lots of time on Korčula, and I discovered it had the right mix of outdated and new for me. As I discussed earlier, you’ll meet a number of pleasant individuals alongside your approach and that’s the place you possibly can ask questions and study traditions and the particular tradition in every space.
10. A Ton of Historical past to Discover
In case you’re a historical past buff, you’re not going to be disenchanted with Croatia. Whereas modern-day Croatia gained its independence in 1991, its story started approach earlier than that. Dubrovnik is full of historic sights, however the draw back is that everybody else is attempting to see it on the similar time. If you wish to head there (and it is best to), I like to recommend visiting in the course of the winter months, until you want crowds.
Pula Area is an imposing sight, and it’s conveniently near some fairly beautiful seashores. One among my favourite locations was Bokar Fortress, which dates again to 1570. Be sure to try the Partitions of Ston, that are the longest in Europe. Oh, and add the Zadar Roman Discussion board to that must-see listing, too.
Being round a lot historical past is totally one of many advantages of dwelling in Croatia, and in case you resolve on staying long-term, you possibly can take your time visiting the entire most notable spots at your leisure.
Cons of Residing in Croatia
There are some cons of dwelling in Croatia, I can’t lie. The excellent news is that the professionals positively outweigh them. What you could resolve is that if they outweigh them sufficient in your personal private state of affairs.
I skilled just a few irritating conditions throughout my time in Croatia; let me share the principle ones with you so you may make an knowledgeable selection.
1. A Myriad of Crimson Tape
For sure, the most important annoyance about dwelling in Croatia is which you could’t get something completed with out slicing by way of a ton of crimson tape first. It doesn’t matter how easy it might sound at first, you’re positive to expertise a hiccup or two; it’s inevitable and simply a part of life in Croatia.
It could possibly be one thing as “simple” as opening a checking account – you’ll discover duties loads simpler in case you have a good friend who speaks Croatia that can assist you out. I’m fast to get pissed off if I can’t do one thing myself, so it’s actually a problem it’s possible you’ll want to beat. In case you ask most overseas individuals who stay in or have lived in Croatia, they’ll little question let you know that crimson tape is or has been the bane of their lives.
Are you able to get round it? Sure, you possibly can, however it’s going to take time. The very best piece of recommendation I can provide you right here is to be affected person and take a deep breath (possibly multiple!).
2. The Language Barrier
One of many largest disadvantages of dwelling in Croatia is that English isn’t as extensively spoken as you would possibly assume. Croatian itself isn’t the best language to study both. Round 60% of the inhabitants converse English to some extent, however you should still end up caught in some conditions.
The excellent news is that persons are fairly pleasant and so they’re unlikely to dismiss you simply since you’re unable to speak. Google Translate is all the time a great tool, however you’ll discover that in case you can converse not less than just a few phrases of Croatian, you’ll handle to make your self higher understood.
Once more, it’s extra of an annoyance than an precise difficulty, nevertheless it’s one thing you want to pay attention to if you wish to make your new life in Croatia as simple and as pleasing as doable.
3. It Might be Very Quiet In the course of the Winter Months
A lot of the Adriatic shoreline is touristic, which implies that in the course of the winter months, it will possibly grow to be extraordinarily quiet. Many of the bars and eating places shut down from the tip of October till the start of April, and whereas it’s a chilled-out time, it may be slightly boring at occasions.
This will not be a problem for you, nevertheless it’s one thing to say. One of many largest downsides of dwelling in Croatia is that it’s seasonal when it comes to leisure. Among the nationwide parks additionally shut in the course of the winter months, and in the event that they do stay open, it’s for a restricted time solely.
The plus level is that you just’ll expertise a lot much less site visitors and that is the very best time to go to Dubrovnik, regardless of some issues being shut. Having mentioned that, if you wish to stay in Croatia, possibly a extra chilled-out lifestyle is what you’re in search of, and if that’s the case, this most likely gained’t be the most important downside you face.
4. Onerous to Discover Employment in Croatia Itself
One of many largest downsides of dwelling in Croatia is that discovering employment could be tough as a overseas particular person. In case you’re a distant employee, you’ll be capable of apply for the digital nomad visa, and might proceed your work that approach, however if you wish to work for a Croatian firm, be ready for a problem.
I’m not saying that it’s not possible, simply that it may take a while. It’s finest to have financial savings to maintain you going for just a few months when you job search. You additionally have to get hold of a piece allow to work legally within the nation and that additionally features a complete lot of the aforementioned crimson tape. Take into account that attempting to work with out one is actually not advisable.
5. Public Transport Could possibly be Higher
Croatia’s public transport system isn’t horrible, nevertheless it’s not the very best both. I spent many wasted hours ready for a bus that by no means got here or looking for a taxi that didn’t appear to wish to discover me. The general public transport system might be one of many downsides of dwelling in Croatia, however it might be unfair of me to say that it’s the worst I’ve ever skilled.
An important factor is endurance. Buses in rural areas or in the course of the summer time months in coastal cities might say they’re going to reach at x time, however don’t depend on it. Fortunately, public transport in massive cities like Zagreb is much more dependable, and the ferries between islands do are inclined to run to schedule, (besides throughout poor climate within the winter months).
To get round this, you possibly can both suck it up, or you possibly can drive. Croatia’s roads are well-maintained and it’s simple to rent a automobile so long as you will have a sound license. Plus, it’s a very good option to get across the nation and see much more.
Is Residing in Croatia Value It?
Now you’ve heard my professionals and cons of dwelling in Croatia, what do you assume? I cherish my time in Croatia, and it’s actually someplace I’d wish to spend extra time in not less than as soon as extra. As with in every single place on this planet, there are good sides and not-so-good sides, however general, the professionals positively trump the cons.
In case you’re keen to work your approach by way of a possible language barrier and stay affected person within the face of formalities, you’ll actually discover Croatia to be a tremendous spot to relocate to. With so many wonderful sights, beautiful seashores, and scrumptious meals to attempt, what’s to not love?
