Moving to Croatia and Retiring There - What to Consider

In 2025 the absolute number of overnight stays in Croatia rose again - Croatia remains very popular and keeps recording growing numbers of overnight stays and holiday guests from abroad. In 2025 Croatia recorded around 21.8 million tourist arrivals and over 110 million overnight stays (source: eVisitor, the official online system for registering tourists in Croatia). For historical comparison: while only approx. 8.5 million tourist arrivals were recorded in 2008, this figure had risen to 18.6 million by 2018. Since 2010 in particular, the number of tourists has risen steadily every year. Whether visitor numbers will continue to rise, stagnate or fall in 2026 remains to be seen. Higher prices and aggressive pricing by other destinations could hold back further growth.

Freedom of movement to Croatia for EU citizens and legal provisions

Croatia has been a member of the EU since 01.07.2013, so freedom of movement applies - in principle every EU citizen is free to live in Croatia, look for work and work there without having to apply for a special work permit. With regard to working conditions, social benefits and tax rules, the same provisions apply to people moving there as to Croatian nationals.

Further information and special provisions can be found on the European Commission website at the following link: Freedom of movement for EU citizens. (Special rules apply to non-EU citizens; they can change very quickly and are complex. For Swiss nationals, for example, it is often advisable to set up a Croatian company - a d.o.o.).

In principle, freedom of movement is a fundamental right for workers from EEA (European Economic Area) member states. To stay in Croatia lawfully for more than three months as a national of the European Economic Area, and to carry out transactions that require a notary (e.g. buying property), you need a personal identification number, the so-called OIB number. A stay of more than three months is registered at the local police station in your place of residence in Croatia. The application form for an OIB number can be downloaded online in advance (a power of attorney may be required) in Croatian, German and English: OIB number application form (PDF) or information page on the PIN/OIB. If you decide to buy property in Croatia with Panorama Scouting, you will of course be supported on site in all matters.

The European Commission provides extensive information on social security in Croatia at the following link: Social security in Croatia.

Preparing to move - what arrangements should you make?

To prepare properly for moving to Croatia, you should ask yourself the following questions, among others:

• What is the economic situation in Croatia?

• What is the job market like? Which region is right for you? Do you want to buy or rent a property in Croatia?

• Living in Croatia - all year round or only for part of the year?

• What characterises the Croatian way of life?

• How high is the cost of living in Croatia?

• What is healthcare like in your new home?

How much of the year do I want to spend in Croatia?

You should ask yourself this question at the start of the "moving to Croatia / settling in Croatia" thought process - because several decisions depend on it. If, for example, you have decided to spend only the summer months in Croatia, a holiday property in a tourist resort is also an option. If, on the other hand, you want to spend the winter months or the whole year in Croatia, you should probably not choose a flat in an apartment building with 15 units that is only lively in summer and where you would be on your own in winter. When buying, you should rather choose a property in a residential area with at least some Croatian residents, where you will not be isolated outside the summer season. The climate is just as important: in the northern parts of Croatia you will not want to do without proper heating in winter, while this matters less in the south.

What characterises the Croatian way of life?

Croatians are generally very hospitable people, and Croatia is one of the countries that is very open towards Germans, Austrians and the Swiss. You can feel welcome in Croatia very quickly, but you also have to seek out social contacts and at least try to learn "a few words" of Croatian. It should also be said that crime in Croatia is much lower than in other Mediterranean countries, where property owners almost have to barricade their homes. It is also important - especially in the more laid-back regions - to enjoy the slightly slower pace of life and embrace the more relaxed way of living.

How high is the cost of living in Croatia?

Here, too, Croatia has to be divided into different regions. On the one hand there are - as in any other holiday destination - the famous "tourist traps", which are especially common in the biggest tourist centres such as Dubrovnik, Rovinj or Split. Prices are highest in these areas and tend to be somewhat higher than in Germany. At the other end of the scale is the interior, far from the tourist regions. In an average coastal town a little away from mass tourism, the price level is roughly comparable with Germany. While restaurant prices in Croatia tend to be somewhat lower than the European standard, imported branded goods from Germany, Austria, Switzerland or other countries are generally considerably more expensive than in Germany. Food prices in Croatia have also risen, especially in recent years. Overall, we would describe the price level and cost of living on the coast as comparable with the German price level, although there are big differences between individual sectors. Note: there are seasonal differences! The exact cost of living depends heavily on the region and your personal lifestyle. To give you a rough idea, here are examples of typical prices in Croatia:

Cost of living in Croatia 2026 - everyday examples

The following table gives you an up-to-date overview of typical prices in Croatia (as of: May 2026). The figures are based on consumer price databases and official statistics from the Croatian Bureau of Statistics DZS. Note: prices vary considerably by region - in tourist hotspots such as Dubrovnik, Split or Hvar they are noticeably higher than inland or in quieter coastal towns.

Item	Average price	Price range
Eating out
Meal per person in an inexpensive restaurant	12.00 €	7.00 - 20.00 €
Three-course meal for two, mid-range restaurant	60.00 €	40.00 - 110.00 €
Cappuccino	2.21 €	1.70 - 3.20 €
Local draught beer (0.5 litre)	3.20 €	2.50 - 6.00 €
Coke / Pepsi (0.33 litre, restaurant)	2.72 €	2.00 - 4.00 €
Water (0.33 litre, restaurant)	2.20 €	1.50 - 3.00 €
Groceries (supermarket)
Fresh white bread (500 g)	1.40 €	0.90 - 2.40 €
Milk (1 litre)	1.08 €	0.80 - 2.00 €
Eggs (12)	3.33 €	2.40 - 4.20 €
Local cheese (1 kg)	10.57 €	6.49 - 23.00 €
Chicken fillet (1 kg)	8.50 €	4.50 - 12.00 €
Beef (1 kg)	11.74 €	8.00 - 20.00 €
Apples (1 kg)	1.66 €	1.00 - 3.00 €
Tomatoes (1 kg)	2.23 €	1.00 - 3.00 €
Potatoes (1 kg)	1.19 €	0.79 - 2.00 €
Wine (1 bottle, mid-range)	7.00 €	4.00 - 12.00 €
Housing (rent)
One-bedroom flat in the city centre	635.00 €	450.00 - 900.00 €
One-bedroom flat outside the city centre	489.00 €	350.00 - 650.00 €
Three-bedroom flat in the city centre	1,060.00 €	700.00 - 1,820.00 €
Three-bedroom flat outside the city centre	811.00 €	550.00 - 1,205.00 €
Housing (purchase - average for all of Croatia - not just the coast)
Purchase price of a flat per square metre, city centre	3,791.00 €	2,254.00 - 6,166.00 €
Purchase price of a flat per square metre, outside the city centre	2,883.00 €	1,729.00 - 4,329.00 €
Utilities and communication (monthly, fixed and variable)
Utilities (electricity, heating, water, refuse) for an 85 m² flat	173.00 €	110.00 - 250.00 €
Internet (unlimited, 60 Mbps or faster)	33.15 €	22.00 - 45.00 €
Mobile phone contract with more than 10 GB of data	19.26 €	11.00 - 30.00 €
Transport
Single ticket, local public transport	1.25 €	0.53 - 2.50 €
Monthly pass, local public transport	45.00 €	30.00 - 53.00 €
Petrol (1 litre)	1.53 €	1.44 - 1.71 €
Taxi starting fare	3.32 €	2.00 - 5.00 €
Taxi per kilometre	1.30 €	1.00 - 2.00 €
Sport, leisure and education
Gym membership (monthly)	45.58 €	30.00 - 69.00 €
Cinema ticket	7.55 €	5.00 - 10.00 €
Private nursery per month	292.00 €	100.00 - 708.00 €
Income and finance
Average monthly net income	1,358.00 €	-
Mortgage interest rate, fixed, 20-year term	3.69 %	2.90 - 4.70 %

Sources: The data in this table comes from the consumer price database Numbeo (as of: May 2026, based on 5,663 entries from the past twelve months). Inflation rates and wage trends are confirmed by the Croatian Bureau of Statistics DZS and by Eurostat.

Context: Croatia has seen significant price increases in recent years. Food in Croatia now costs slightly more than in Germany and is slightly above the EU average (Eurostat). The general price level, however, is only around three quarters of the EU average. The household electricity price, on the other hand, is one of the lowest in Europe. Rents rose by around 35.5 per cent year on year (source: DZS), which is why for people moving to Croatia buying a property is often financially more attractive than renting long term.

Bear in mind, however, that the cost of living in tourist areas such as the Adriatic coast and the islands is often higher than in other parts of the country.

What is the economic situation in Croatia?

The economic situation in Croatia is currently stable and shows strong growth. In 2025 Croatia achieved GDP growth of 3.2 per cent - four times the eurozone average. For 2026, 2.7 to 2.9 per cent is expected, still well above the EU average. GDP was around 106.1 billion US dollars in 2025, and 116.6 billion US dollars is forecast for 2026. The introduction of the euro in 2023 boosted tourism, which is particularly important for the Croatian economy, as this sector now accounts for 18 to 20 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

Despite positive economic growth, Croatia faces some challenges. In October 2023 inflation was still around 9.6 per cent. Update: inflation has cooled considerably and was only 3.4 per cent in January 2026. Raiffeisenbank expects an inflation rate of approx. 3 per cent for 2026 as a whole. Another problem is the labour shortage in many sectors of the economy, which is to be solved by recruiting foreign workers.

On the positive side, the construction sector makes a significant contribution to economic momentum, supported by numerous EU-funded projects for earthquake repair and infrastructure development (e.g. water / sewage pipes, etc.).

Public debt fell to 57.6 per cent of GDP at the end of 2024, well below the Maastricht limit of 60 per cent. For comparison: EU average 80.8 per cent, eurozone 87.4 per cent. The rating agencies S&P and Fitch most recently confirmed an A- rating with a stable outlook. Trade relations, especially with countries such as Austria and Germany, are strong. Austria is the second-largest investor in Croatia, with substantial direct investment in various sectors.

Croatia's main traded goods with Germany are chemical products, cars and vehicle parts. In summary, Croatia's economy is on a good path, supported by tourism, the introduction of the euro and EU investment, but it still faces challenges such as inflation and labour shortages.

What is the job market like in Croatia?

The job market in Croatia has improved significantly in recent years, although challenges remain. Here are the key points:

• Unemployment rate: Croatia has seen a marked fall in its unemployment rate in recent years. In 2023 the unemployment rate was around 7.5 per cent, just above the EU average. Particularly notable is the fall in youth unemployment, which was still over 40 per cent in the 2010s. In March 2026 unemployment was only 4.3 per cent (source: Trading Economics). By comparison, the unemployment rate in Germany in March 2026 was 6.4 per cent.

• Labour shortage: A central problem of the Croatian job market is the shortage of workers in various sectors. This is being addressed by recruiting foreign workers, but there is still no viable long-term plan for this.

• Wage growth: Wages in Croatia have risen in recent years. In 2023 average real gross wages rose by 4.9 per cent compared with the previous year. The minimum wage was raised by 20 per cent at the start of 2024, which should further boost private consumption. Average real salaries rose by 11 per cent in 2024 and by around 5 per cent in 2025. A further rise of 3.8 per cent is forecast for 2026.

• Differences between sectors: While tourism and construction contribute strongly to economic growth, other sectors such as industrial production show weaknesses. Food production and wood processing in particular have declined.

• Reforms and bureaucracy: Another obstacle for the job market and the economy as a whole is bureaucratic hurdles and the lack of urgently needed reforms in the legal system and public administration. These problems delay investment projects and increase costs.

Overall, the Croatian job market is developing positively but is still burdened by structural problems and labour shortages. The government needs to tackle these challenges through reforms and by recruiting foreign workers.

Which region of Croatia is suitable as a new home?

The basic question here is whether you prefer the coast or the interior. Most people moving to Croatia choose the popular coastal regions. Croatia can be roughly divided into five different regions along the coast:

	Infrastructure	Climate / temperature	Property prices
Istria	very good	cold winters	high
Northern Kvarner Bay	very good	cold winters	high
Southern Kvarner Bay	weak	stormy winters	low
North Dalmatia	very good	mild winters	medium
Central Dalmatia	very good	mild winters	high
South Dalmatia	good	warm winters	medium - high

More information on current property prices in Croatia in 2026.

Istria

Istria - partly because it is easy to reach from Italy, Austria, Slovenia and Germany - is a well-known and popular destination for tourists and people moving abroad from all over the world. German, English or Italian are very often spoken in Istria; in some places Italian is the second official language. As a newcomer you get a certain international feel here and can settle in more quickly without having to master Croatian. Much of Istria's landscape is remarkably varied and attractive. Property here is generally somewhat more expensive than in Kvarner Bay or parts of Dalmatia. Istria has a pleasant climate, but there is often snow in winter. In terms of climate, Istria is still regarded as the south of Central Europe - with all the advantages and disadvantages that brings. For more information on this region, please follow this link: Property in Istria.

Kvarner Bay

Kvarner Bay can be roughly divided into the northern area around Opatija and Rijeka (with rather higher property prices) and the central and southern part (Krk Island, Crikvenica, Novi Vinodolski, Senj, Karlobag). In terms of climate, Kvarner Bay is somewhat more Mediterranean than Istria, but here too you should expect a rather tempered northern European climate. Strong storms (especially the bora, a downslope wind) are particularly fierce around Senj. This affects quality of life, especially in winter. Those who only want to spend the summer in Croatia may even find this "refreshing" - with the exception of skippers, who need to take care here. In the north of Kvarner Bay there is good infrastructure and all the shops and facilities you need for everyday life (hospitals, doctors, pharmacies etc.). From Senj onwards begins a coastal stretch that is structurally weaker and more remote, but all the more attractive in terms of scenery. In addition, since the motorway was built inland, the coast road there has become much quieter than it used to be. This is also reflected in property prices. Property in Kvarner Bay.

North Dalmatia

In terms of climate, the north of southern Europe begins roughly at Zadar. Zadar itself is a lively centre in northern Dalmatia with approx. 75,000 inhabitants, a university and a famous old town. The whole North Dalmatia region has much better infrastructure. The landscape around Zadar is fairly flat, whereas the Sibenik area becomes hilly and wildly romantic again. Property prices are at an average Croatian level. For more information on this region, please follow this link: Property in North Dalmatia.

Central Dalmatia

Central Dalmatia is the region south of Rogoznica / Primosten up to and including the Makarska area. The climate is already very Mediterranean, and some winters you can even swim now and then, especially on the offshore islands such as Brac, Hvar, Ciovo or Solta. The region is particularly suitable for sailors and boating enthusiasts, or simply for people who like swimming, diving, snorkelling or other water sports. In the north of Central Dalmatia property prices are still at a medium level, whereas prices in the city of Split or further south on the Omis Riviera and Hvar Island rise noticeably. In the Primosten / Rogoznica area there is a wide choice of property and many interesting new-build projects. Via Split international airport, Central Dalmatia is very well connected with Europe's major cities (low-cost airlines included). Property in Central Dalmatia.

South Dalmatia

The border between Central and South Dalmatia begins at the southern part of the beautiful Makarska Riviera, one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Croatia and the whole Adriatic. The climate is very Mediterranean and southern European. Along with the temperatures, property prices also rise quite sharply. The Dubrovnik area is one of the most expensive in Croatia - though also one of the most beautiful and popular. Dubrovnik is something of a special case in general, including in terms of tourism and property purchases. The city and the area around it are much more shaped by an international clientele than the regions in the north and centre (which are easy to reach by car). Property in South Dalmatia.

Should you buy or rent a property in Croatia?

Again, this depends on the region. While rents inland are rather low by Central European standards, they can be quite high in the popular tourist centres on the coast. So if you want to live near the sea, you should consider looking for a suitable property some time before you move or settle. Especially for those interested in a second home, or people moving abroad who want to spend the whole year in Croatia, buying a property has many advantages over renting a flat or house. Unlike other agencies, we offer only properties by the sea or with sea views on the Croatian Adriatic coast. We have more than 1,500 properties along Croatia's entire coastline. Take some time to browse our listings!

Where you spend your retirement is your decision. We show you property in Croatia with sea views along the entire coast.

If you intend to rent out your future house in Croatia to tourists before you retire, there are some key aspects to bear in mind. First, it is important to register the house properly with the local authorities and obtain the permits required for letting. These requirements can differ depending on the region and the type of letting, whether as a holiday let or a long-term let.

Another key point is the management and maintenance of the property, especially if you are not on site. It is a good idea to hire a local property management company to look after guests, cleaning and any necessary repairs. This service comes at a cost, which you should include in your financial plan.

It is also advisable to carry out a thorough market analysis (e.g. via booking.com) to estimate the potential rental income in the region realistically. Rental prices can vary greatly depending on the location of the house and the season.

In the long term, you should also keep an eye on the property's future prospects. Check whether the house is in an area that could gain value in the coming years, whether through planned infrastructure projects, tourism development or general economic trends. You should also think about quality of life in retirement: what is healthcare like in the region? Are there shops, restaurants and leisure facilities nearby?

Last but not least, it is important to prepare for a permanent stay in Croatia if that is your intention. Getting to know Croatian culture and the language can help you settle into your new surroundings more easily and make everyday life in retirement more pleasant.

What is healthcare like in Croatia?

The quality of healthcare in Croatia has improved significantly in recent years and now meets a good standard - although, of course, there are differences between regions. Many doctors speak good German and/or English. Especially in centres such as Rijeka, Zagreb, Split and Dubrovnik, there is no need for major concern - at least for routine matters. In smaller coastal towns you will usually also find well-trained general practitioners, outpatient clinics and pharmacies. Healthcare in Croatia is generally good. The country has a public health system funded by the Croatian government. There are also private healthcare facilities, but they are more expensive than the public system. Croatia's larger cities have well-equipped hospitals and medical facilities. In rural areas, however, healthcare can be more limited. In general, healthcare is better in the tourist regions than in less visited areas. EU citizens receive free or reduced-cost healthcare under the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Non-EU citizens should take out travel health insurance so that they are covered in case of illness or injury.