Skip to content
living-abroad.org

Head to head

Croatia vs Japan: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026

The short version

  • Croatia has the lower entry bar: €3,622.50 per month versus €4,500 for Japan.
  • Croatia grants a longer initial stay (18 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
Side-by-side comparison of the Croatia DN and the Japan DN.
Criteria Croatia DN Japan DN
Minimum income / month €3,622.50 (better) €4,500
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 18 months (better) 6 months
Renewable Yes (better) No
Maximum total stay 18 months 6 months
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Digital nomad exemption, Income Tax Act Art. 9(1)(26)) Foreign income exempt
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit), min. €53,999
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €46.45 ≈ €16.20 (better)
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time — 1 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Croatia DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Japan DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Sources