Accommodation Croatia

Short-term rental: Usually lasts from a few days to a few weeks. Suitable for tourists and temporary visitors.

Long-term rental: Implies accommodation from several months to a year or more. Ideal for those planning a long stay or permanent residence.

Housing search:

Online platforms: In Croatia, there are numerous online platforms for renting housing for short and long terms. Here are some of them:

Airbnb: An international platform offering a wide selection of rental options from private rooms to entire homes. Suitable for short-term and long-term rentals.

Booking.com: A well-known booking service providing apartments and flats throughout Croatia. More often used for short-term rentals.

Flatio: Specializes in renting furnished apartments without a deposit for medium-term and long-term stays, convenient for digital nomads and remote workers.

Properstar: A platform offering more than 500 options for renting apartments and houses in Croatia suitable for long-term residence.

Tranio: An international real estate portal with rental offers for luxury villas and houses in Croatia mainly for short-term vacations.

Real estate agencies: Local agencies offer a wide range of housing and can help with paperwork.

Local advertisements: Announcements in newspapers and on bulletin boards can also be useful, especially in smaller towns.

A rental or purchase contract for housing in Croatia is a key document necessary for performing various administrative procedures.

Obtaining a temporary residence permit

Based on rent: To obtain a residence permit for prepaid rent, it is required to provide a notarized rental contract for housing, paid in advance for a year. This contract confirms your place of residence in the country and serves as a basis for applying for a residence permit.

Based on ownership: Owning property in Croatia can serve as a basis for obtaining a residence permit. A purchase contract confirms your ownership rights and is used when applying for temporary residence.

Registration at the place of residence

When renting or purchasing housing, it is necessary to register at the local police station. The rental or purchase contract serves as confirmation of your address and is used for official registration.

Payment of taxes and fees

Property tax: When purchasing property, it is necessary to pay a property transfer tax (usually 5% of the cost). The purchase contract is the basis for calculating and paying this tax.

Rental tax: Landlords are obliged to declare rental income and pay the corresponding taxes. Having an official rental contract ensures the legality of the transaction and correct taxation.

Obtaining permits and approvals

In some cases, especially when buying property by foreign citizens, it is required to obtain consent from the Ministry of Justice and Administration. The purchase contract is part of the document package needed to obtain such permission.

Connecting utilities

To arrange contracts with utility providers (electricity, water, gas) it is necessary to provide confirmation of housing use rights. The rental or purchase contract serves as such confirmation.

Protection of tenant and landlord rights

An official rental contract establishes the rights and obligations of both parties, providing legal protection in case of disputes or misunderstandings.

Thus, a rental or purchase contract for housing in Croatia is an integral element for performing numerous administrative procedures related to legalizing your stay, registering at the place of residence, and fulfilling tax obligations.

Types of rent

Short-term rental: Usually offered in tourist areas and is predominantly available in the summer season. Many owners prefer to rent out housing to tourists from May to September, which can complicate the search for long-term rentals during this period.

Long-term Rental: In major cities such as Zagreb and Split, the demand for long-term rentals is high, leading to limited supply and rising prices. It is recommended to start searching for accommodation in advance, especially in the autumn period when the supply may be broader.

Lease Agreement

The signing of a written lease agreement is mandatory and regulated by Croatian law. The agreement defines the rent amount, rights and obligations of the parties, as well as the notice period for termination. It is recommended to carefully review the terms of the agreement before signing.

Registration of Residence

The landlord is obliged to register the tenant at the local police station within a specified period after moving in. This is necessary for legal residence and obtaining a temporary residence permit.

Utilities:

The terms of payment for utilities can vary. Some landlords include them in the rental cost, while others require separate payment. It is important to clarify this point when signing the agreement to avoid misunderstandings.

Taxes and Fees

Landlords are required to declare rental income and pay appropriate taxes. Having an official lease agreement ensures the legality of the transaction and proper taxation.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

In tourist regions, rental prices can significantly increase during the summer season. When planning a budget, it is important to consider seasonal rental cost fluctuations.

Condition of the Property

Before signing the agreement, it is recommended to inspect the property and document its condition to avoid disputes upon departure. Photographing the premises and drafting a handover document will help protect the interests of both parties.

Real Estate Agencies

Consulting licensed agencies can facilitate the search for accommodation and document processing. However, a commission is usually charged for their services, so it is important to clarify the terms of cooperation in advance.

The Right of Foreigners to Purchase Real Estate

EU/EEA and Swiss Citizens: Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland can purchase real estate in Croatia on the same terms as Croatian citizens, with the exception of agricultural land and forests.

Third-Country Nationals: Citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA can purchase real estate in Croatia, provided there is a reciprocity agreement between their country and Croatia. This requires obtaining approval from the Ministry of Justice and Administration of Croatia.

Legal Support

It is highly recommended to engage an experienced lawyer specializing in real estate to accompany the transaction, check documents, and ensure compliance with all legal procedures.

Where to Find Offers

In Croatia, there are numerous online platforms offering real estate for sale. Here are some of them:

Njuskalo.hr: Croatia's largest online marketplace with a real estate section featuring various listings from individuals and agencies.

Oglasnik.hr: A popular classifieds portal with an extensive real estate section, including listings for apartments, houses, and plots of land.

Crozilla.com: A specialized real estate portal offering a wide selection of properties across Croatia.

Indomio.hr: One of the largest real estate portals in Croatia, where you can find listings for both sale and rental properties.

RealEstateCroatia.com: A portal aggregating offers from various real estate agencies across the country.

Croestate.com: A leading real estate agency in Croatia, offering a variety of properties on the coast and islands.

Some platforms are aimed at local buyers and presented only in Croatian, so for convenience, you can use international platforms with support in other languages.

In Croatia, real estate insurance is not legally mandatory, but it is strongly recommended to protect your property from various risks such as fires, floods, earthquakes, and theft.

Composition of Utilities

Electricity: Supplied by the national company HEP (Hrvatska elektroprivreda).

Water supply and sewage: Provided by local utility companies.

Gas: Not available in all regions; in some cases, liquefied gas in cylinders is used.

Heating: In multi-apartment buildings, there may be central heating, but in most cases, individual heating systems are used.

Garbage disposal: Organized by municipal services; payment depends on the number of residents and the area of the housing.

Payment Methods:

Bank transfers: The most common method of paying bills via internet banking or in bank branches.

Post offices: Payment is possible through postal services (Hrvatska pošta).

Payment terminals: Terminals for bill payment are installed in supermarkets and shopping centers.

Automatic deductions: It is possible to set up automatic deductions from the account for regular payment of utility services.

Frequency and Calculation

Bills: Issued monthly or quarterly, depending on the type of service and provider.

Meter readings: Taken regularly; in some cases, residents are required to provide the readings themselves.

Rates: May vary depending on the region and service provider.

Living in apartment buildings in Croatia is regulated by a combination of national legislation and the internal rules of each building.

Rights and Responsibilities of Residents

Use of common areas: Residents have the right to use common parts of the building, such as staircases, elevators, and courtyard areas. They are obliged to keep them clean and not clutter them with personal belongings.

Maintenance of the apartment: Residents are obliged to keep their apartments in proper condition, prevent damage, and promptly report the need for repairs to the owner or manager.

Changes in the apartment: Making changes or repairs that affect the structural elements of the building or shared communications requires prior written consent from the owner and, in some cases, the appropriate authorities.

Noise and Order

Quiet hours: Most regions have quiet hours, usually from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, during which loud noises and activities disturbing neighbors' rest are prohibited.

Public order: Residents must maintain public order, avoid conflicts, and treat neighbors with respect.

Pets

Keeping pets: Allowed provided they do not disturb the neighbors and do not pose a threat. Some buildings may have their own rules limiting or prohibiting certain types of pets.

Security

Building access: Residents should ensure security by not leaving doors open and not allowing unauthorized persons without accompaniment.

Fire safety: Storing flammable materials in apartments and common areas and blocking evacuation exits is prohibited.

Parking

Parking spaces: If the building is equipped with parking spaces, residents must use them according to established rules, not occupying others' spaces and not blocking passages.

Building Management

House meetings: Regular meetings are held for residents to discuss management, repairs, and improving living conditions.

Manager: Apartment buildings usually have a manager or representative responsible for day-to-day maintenance and problem-solving.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the internal rules of a specific building upon moving in, as they may contain additional requirements.

The real estate market in Croatia shows steady growth driven by high demand from both locals and foreign investors.

Volume of New Construction

Price increase for new buildings: In 2024, prices for new housing in Croatia increased by 5.4% compared to the same period of the previous year, indicating ongoing interest in new construction.

Comfort of Housing Offered for Rent and Sale

Housing classification: In Croatia, housing is classified by comfort level, from standard apartments to elite villas on the coast. The quality and equipment of housing vary depending on the class and location.

Demand for Comfortable Housing: There is a high demand for housing with modern amenities, especially in tourist regions and major cities.

Prices by Region

Zagreb: In the capital, property prices increased by 9.4% in 2024, reflecting stable demand in this region.

Adriatic Coast: Prices increased by 10.6%, driven by the region's appeal to tourists and investors.

Other Regions: The price growth was 9.2%, indicating increased interest in real estate across the country.

Types of Residential Real Estate

Apartments: Popular in cities, especially among young families and professionals.

Houses and Villas: Preferred in suburbs and coastal areas, sought after by both locals and foreigners.

Land Plots: Attractive to investors planning construction, especially in tourist-attractive zones.

Supply and Demand Balance

Limited Supply: Despite active construction, housing supply remains limited, especially in popular regions, leading to price increases.

High Demand: The demand for housing is supported by a stable economy and interest from foreign buyers.

Investment Attractiveness

Price Growth: The average annual growth in property prices in Croatia is about 10%, making real estate investments profitable.

Tourism Potential: The high tourist flow ensures stable rental income for coastal properties.

Thus, the Croatian real estate market is characterized by stable price growth, a variety of offerings, and high demand, especially in coastal regions and major cities.

The cost of living in Croatia varies depending on the region, lifestyle, and individual preferences. Below are the key aspects influencing monthly expenses:

Housing

Rent:

One-bedroom apartment in city center: 430–560 euros per month.

One-bedroom apartment outside the center: 300–450 euros per month.

Three-bedroom apartment in the center: 700–900 euros per month.

Three-bedroom apartment outside the center: 500–750 euros per month.

Utilities:

For an 85 m² apartment: around 150 euros per month, including electricity, heating, water, and waste removal.

Internet and mobile services: about 45 euros per month.

Food

Milk (1 liter): from 1 euro.

Bread (500 g): around 1.5 euros.

Rice (1 kg): around 2 euros.

Eggs (12 pcs): around 4 euros.

Chicken fillet (1 kg): around 9.5 euros.

Apples (1 kg): around 1.5 euros.

Tomatoes (1 kg): around 2.6 euros.

Transportation

Public transport ticket: about 0.6 euros.

Monthly pass: about 56 euros.

1 liter of petrol: about 1.4 euros.

Restaurants

Meal in an inexpensive restaurant: 10–20 euros per person.

Cappuccino: about 1.5 euros.

Bottle of water (0.33 l): about 1 euro.

Average Salary

Average net monthly salary: about 1,100 euros.

Overall Monthly Expenses

One person: 700–1,000 euros excluding rent.

Family of four: 2,400–2,600 euros excluding rent.

Regional Differences

Large cities (Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik) and tourist regions have higher prices for housing and services compared to less popular regions.

Additional Expenses

Sports subscription: about 42 euros per month.

Cinema ticket: about 7.5 euros.

It should be noted that these figures are average and may change depending on the economic situation, inflation, and personal preferences. For more accurate budget planning, it is recommended to regularly check current prices and consider individual needs.

Entrepreneurship Support Programs

Subsidized loans for small and medium-sized businesses: Loans with a reduced interest rate (up to 2%) up to 700,000 euros are provided to support the development of small and medium-sized businesses.

Grants for small entrepreneurs: Grants up to 6,667 euros are foreseen to support startups and the development of small businesses.

Programs for Returning Citizens

Program "Biram Hrvatsku" ("I Choose Croatia"): An allowance of 7,000 euros is provided to Croatian citizens under 60 years old wishing to return to their homeland and start entrepreneurial activity.

Programs funded by EU funds

Program "Competitiveness and Cohesion 2021–2027": aimed at supporting projects that promote economic growth and infrastructure development.

Program "Effective Human Resources 2021–2027": focused on increasing employment, education, and social integration.

Programs for business zone development:

Incentives for business zone development: Grants up to 270,000 euros are provided for the creation and development of business zones, promoting regional economic growth.

Programs for educational and scientific institutions

Grants for enhancing business competencies: Grants up to 8,000 euros are provided for employees of educational and scientific institutions to conduct activities related to modern technologies.

For more detailed information and participation conditions, it is recommended to contact the relevant government institutions or visit official government portals.