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Head to head

Croatia vs Italy: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026

The short version

  • Italy has the lower entry bar: €2,065.83 per month versus €3,622.50 for Croatia.
  • Croatia grants a longer initial stay (18 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Italy offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Croatia — foreign income exempt; Italy — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Croatia DN and the Italy DNV.
Criteria Croatia DN Italy DNV
Minimum income / month €3,622.50 €2,065.83 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 18 months (better) 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 18 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Digital nomad exemption, Income Tax Act Art. 9(1)(26)) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit), min. €30,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €46.45 (better) ≈ €116
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate
Processing time — 4–18 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Croatia DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Italy DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Sources