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Pros and Cons of Living in Croatia | Expat Exchange
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Hvar, Croatia

Pros and Cons of Living in Croatia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Aug 12, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Croatia include its stunning natural beauty, with its rugged coastline, lush forests, and picturesque islands. The country also has a rich cultural heritage, with a variety of festivals and events throughout the year. Additionally, the cost of living in Croatia is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. The cons of living in Croatia include the fact that the country is still in the process of transitioning to a market economy, which can make it difficult to find reliable employment. Additionally, the infrastructure in some parts of the country is still in need of improvement, and the healthcare system is not as advanced as in other parts of Europe. Finally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Croatian.

William Russell
William Russell
William Russell
William Russell

What are the pros and cons of living in Croatia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Croatia responded:

"I moved to Opatija, Croatia in March 2022 and I am 76 years retired. I like this little town. My problem is the language. I speak German and English. English helps to go around. Croatian I will never learn. Way too complicated. To deal with the government is a major challenge. Without a lawyer no way. The people here are reserved not very friendly. I have a very nice neighbor who helps me a lot which makes life a little easier. I am not sure I will stay here for the rest of my days," explained one expat in Croatia.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the relaxed lifestyle and stunning natural beauty of Croatia. The country's Mediterranean climate and diverse landscape make it an ideal place to live and work. Expats and digital nomads also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. Additionally, the country's vibrant culture and friendly locals make it a great place to settle down. On the downside, some expats and digital nomads find the bureaucracy and paperwork involved in setting up a business or residence in Croatia to be a bit overwhelming. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Croatian," said one expat in Croatia.

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SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.
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What do expats in Croatia appreciate most about the local culture?

"Expats in Croatia appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of traditional music, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the friendly and welcoming nature of the locals, who are always willing to help out and share their culture with visitors. Additionally, expats appreciate the stunning natural beauty of Croatia, with its rugged coastline, lush forests, and picturesque islands. Finally, expats enjoy the relaxed pace of life in Croatia, which allows them to take the time to explore and appreciate the country's many attractions," explained one expat living in Croatia.

SJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

SJB Global

SJB-Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model. Our clients benefit from their country’s most favorable tax environment by utilizing the efficient investment vehicles we offer. Our commitment to quality service is reflected in our stellar reviews, with over 300 testimonials boasting 95% five-star ratings.

Learn MoreConnect

Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Expats in Croatia often find the language barrier to be one of the most challenging aspects of the local culture. Additionally, the country's bureaucracy can be difficult to navigate, as many of the processes are not well-documented or easily accessible. Additionally, the local customs and traditions can be difficult to understand, as they are often quite different from those of other countries. Finally, the cost of living in Croatia can be quite high, making it difficult for expats to adjust to the local lifestyle," explained one expat living in Croatia.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Hvar, Croatia

SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

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William Russell
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