Why Move to Croatia?

Its stunning landscape attracts many foriegners to move to Croatia.

Learn more about moving to Croatia in IL Postcards.

There are countless reasons why potential expats are interested in moving to Croatia and one of the nation's primary draws is its many islands. Croatia has an incredible 1,185 islands, 66 of which are inhabited. The biggest is Krk; the longest is Hvar; the highest is Brac; and the most wooded is Mljet. Locals claim Odysseus spent seven years here. The most beautiful? Well, you'll have to make your own mind up about that. As to what destination you should be considering for your move to Croatia, a lot depends on both your budget and your reasons for moving. If you're seeking a permanent home or a vacation property for yourself, the only real factor that comes into play is choosing the part of the country that appeals to you most. 

Things to consider before moving to Croatia:

Importing your household goods when you move to Croatia
Customs regulations allow foreigners to import used household goods and personal effects (except for cars) duty-free. The goods must have been owned by you for more than 12 months.  When shipping to Croatia, you will need the following documentation:
? Passport copy with entry stamp;
? Certificate of residence;
? Work or business permit, if applicable;
? Inventory.

Croatia health care

Croatians enjoy good health, with life expectancy on a par with North America and other European countries. Although fast food outlets are burgeoning, the country's agriculture and fishing industries mean there's no excuse for not eating healthily. Most of the selection in the markets isn't of the mass-produced variety. When you're traveling around Croatia and the islands, you'll notice that everyone has something growing-from tomatoes to lavender-in small plots outside their homes. As one expat who has moved to Croatia puts it: "really all the market vegetables are organic." Those in work and their families have access to state health care, which is covered by government-subsidized medical insurance. However, you would need to be paying the equivalent of Social Security to access it. In any case, most expats choose to go private. All major population centers have decent health care facilities. Zagreb is the best served with a large general hospital, Sveti Duh, which offers seven specialized polyclinics and 13 medical centers.

Business and employment permits

There are two types of work authorization visas. The business permit is for foreign nationals who will be self-employed, the majority owner in a business, or a representative of a foreign company with a contract to provide services to a Croatian company (and who will be paid by the same foreign company). Business permits are issued for two years maximum, and include permission to stay in Croatia as a temporary resident.

Employment visas are issued to foreigners who intend to work in Croatia, but your prospective employer must make a petition on your behalf to the Ministry of Internal Affairs. After this has been granted, requests for employment visas should be submitted to the nearest Croatian embassy or consulate, along with a letter from the company or organization for which you will be working in Croatia.  (Note: Although an employment visa entitles a foreigner to enter Croatia and establishes the purpose of the visit, you will still need to obtain a temporary residency permit.)  As new laws may come into effect as Croatia moves nearer to EU entry, always double check with your local embassy or consulate before you make your move.

Learn more about moving to Croatia in IL Postcards.

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