Moving to Croatia

Croatia's housing market varies widely by region. Coastal cities such as Split and Dubrovnik and the capital Zagreb are the most competitive, while the interior tends to be calmer and more affordable. Many arrivals rent first to get a feel for a neighbourhood before committing to a purchase.

Opening a local bank account, registering your address and organising utilities are usually early priorities, and having your identification and supporting documents in order makes these steps far smoother. A local personal identification number (OIB) is central to most administrative and financial matters in Croatia.

For the latest requirements on property, banking and registration, consult official Croatian government resources and, where relevant, a local notary or advisor. We time your delivery so your goods arrive when your home is genuinely ready to receive them.

Croatia operates a public healthcare system alongside a growing private sector. Once you are registered and contributing, you generally gain access to public healthcare services, while many expatriates also take out private health insurance for shorter waiting times and broader choice.

EU and EEA visitors may be able to rely on the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for the transitional period, but long-term residents should arrange proper local cover. Standards in the major cities are good, and English is often spoken in private clinics.

Because eligibility and registration steps depend on your status, verify current arrangements with the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO) and your own national provider before you rely on any particular route to coverage.

Families moving to Croatia can choose between public schools, which teach in Croatian and are free to attend, and a smaller number of international and bilingual schools concentrated mainly in Zagreb and along the coast. International schools often follow British, American or International Baccalaureate curricula.

Places at international schools can be limited and popular, so early application is wise particularly if you are arriving mid-year or targeting a specific programme for continuity in your children's education.

Gosselin's relocation specialists frequently coordinate moves around the academic calendar so that families arrive with enough time to settle before term begins. For enrolment rules and school listings, the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education is the authoritative source.

Croatia's economy is driven strongly by tourism, alongside growing IT, maritime, logistics and services sectors. Zagreb concentrates the largest share of professional and corporate roles, while the coast is shaped heavily by seasonal and hospitality work.

EU and EEA citizens can generally work without a separate permit, whereas non-EU nationals typically need an appropriate work and residence permit arranged in advance. Remote workers and digital nomads have also become a visible part of the arriving population, supported by dedicated permit routes.

Because employment and permit rules evolve, confirm the current position through official Croatian government channels. Whatever brings you to Croatia, a posting, a new employer or a fresh start, our teams build the move around your start date.