Skip to content

Head to head

Croatia vs Philippines: the digital nomad visas compared

Low confidence Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Croatia grants a longer initial stay (18 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Croatia — foreign income exempt; Philippines — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Croatia DN and the Philippines DNV.
Criteria Croatia DN Philippines DNV
Minimum income / month €3,622.50 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 18 months (better) 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 18 months No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Digital nomad exemption, Income Tax Act Art. 9(1)(26)) Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit) Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €46.45
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate, In country Embassy / consulate, Online
Processing time

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Croatia DN →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Philippines DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Sources