What a year!
After a team of hardworking individuals managed to break all Croatian records in getting the digital nomad permit through ready for January, the work was far from over. The first digital nomad permit was issued the same month and since then 356 applications have been made from non EU nationals who want to stay longer than the three month tourist visa.
Digital Nomads in Dubrovnik
Whilst they were busy getting documents apostilled, filling in forms and background checks, Dubrovnik was organising its next Digital Nomads event. This time bigger, longer and more impactful, thanks to Tanja from Saltwater‘s award winning concept – Digital Nomads in Residence. A four week stay where 10 nomads (and some of their partners) came to Dubrovnik to work. They also participated in weekly feedback sessions. In turn, these helped inform the city on how to become DN friendly.
Digital Nomads in Zagreb
With the previous successes in Dubrovnik, Zagreb wanted in on the action. Saltwater duly delivered another award winning concept with the Zagreb Digital Nomad Week in June. The week explored a range of topics whilst introducing Zagreb to all nomads in the city at the time.
It also saw the announcement of the Digital Nomad Ambassador program, which each month selected a winner who would then get to stay in Zagreb for a month, rent-free, and learn what Zagreb has to offer and tell the rest of the world about it. It was all wrapped up just in time for Christmas as the Jolly Wrap Up.
Digital Nomads in Opatija
Fast forward a little to September, and NoviList organised a conference and panel discussion in Opatija to share the Croatian government’s views on Digital Nomads and how they are working to improve and promote Croatia for digital nomads.
Digital Nomads in Zadar
Then it was time for potentially the biggest news of the year so far. Zadar and the team at GrabaHome announced a high end offer for digital nomads at the Digital Nomad Valley. It includes accommodation, coworking space, restaurant offers, access to 5 star facilities and a community manager.
Digital Nomads in Croatia
The Digital Nomad Croatia Facebook page has grown to a community of more than 8,000. The Digital Nomad Association LinkedIn page to more than 4,000. Then there’s the estimated 1400 digital nomads currently in Croatia right now according to nomadlist.com.
Croatia was also voted the second favourite country by NomadList users, as well as having Zagreb, Zadar and Split listed as great places to work as remotes.
The stats are moving in the right direction. The meetups, parties, events, conferences and programs all having an effect, so we can safely say it’s been a good 2021.
A huge thanks to all of you who have been involved, we can all agree it’s always been enjoyable and we look forward to the next time we meet.
Want to know what’s in store for 2022? Keep coming back as we will be making exciting announcements pretty much every month.
