Croatia Ranked World’s Second Most Desirable Destination for Digital Nomads

Croatia has been ranked the second most desirable destination in the world for digital nomads, behind only Japan, according to data from the global platform nomads.com.

With an overall rating of 4.6, Croatia has emerged as a favourite among remote workers, while Dubrovnik was ranked as the sixth most attractive city globally for digital nomads. Data from the platform show that digital nomads stay in Croatia for an average of 69 days, highlighting the country’s appeal for medium-term stays.

Americans make up the largest share of digital nomads globally, followed by Russians and Ukrainians, and these groups are also the most common among remote workers choosing Croatia. Popular destinations within the country include Split, Dubrovnik, Zagreb, Rijeka and Zadar, while Istria and islands such as Brač, Hvar and Korčula continue to grow in popularity.

However, official figures from the Ministry of the Interior show a decline in applications for digital nomad residence permits. In 2024, applications fell by 25 percent compared with the record year of 2023. Experts stress that this does not reflect the true number of digital nomads, as many stay for shorter periods or come from EU countries and do not require visas.

Industry representatives say Croatia remains highly attractive but faces challenges related to infrastructure, connectivity, off-season flight links and rising costs. Despite this, digital nomads are seen as bringing clear economic and social benefits, contributing to local spending, cultural exchange and international visibility.

With recent changes extending digital nomad residence permits to up to 18 months, stakeholders hope Croatia can further strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for remote work.