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Pros and Cons of Living in Croatia
Croatia is an enchanting country. It has a long strip of Mediterranean coastline that primarily faces west. This means that you’ll have vibrant sunsets of peach and cherry colors over a sapphire-blue sea.
The lands of Croatia are rich and fertile. The wines date back to the ancient Greeks and Romans. And Croatian olive oil regularly wins gold medals at olive oil competitions.
But most importantly, the Croatians are some of the most generous and kind people I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. Plus, the level of English proficiency here is incredible.
Let me introduce you to Croatia—a Mediterranean delight in southeastern Europe.
Climate
Pros:
The coastal climate of Croatia is exquisite. Total annual sunshine hours range from 2,665 in the south around Dubrovnik to 2,409 in the north around Rovinj.
Winter temperatures along the coast rarely drop below freezing and snow is infrequent.
Cons:
The summers can be blisteringly hot. As a result, swarms of beach-going tourists descend on Croatia seeking a Dalmatian tan on the sand.
The winds along the coast can be sudden and powerful. It is probably why there are many wrecks of ancient Greek, Roman, and Venetian ships in Croatian waters.
Cost of Living
Pros:
Croatia’s cost of living varies dramatically depending on location. It will also fluctuate based on your consumption habits and housing requirements. The good news is that if you shop at local markets, you’ll find incredible deals on delicious food and wine. Depending upon the season, you might even be able to buy seafood right from a fisherman’s boat. Or, if you visit a green market, it’s possible to pick up a bag of fresh figs, tangerines, quince, pomegranates, or kiwi for a fraction of the supermarket price. Also, more discount stores are piling into Croatia after it joined the European Union in 2013. This means increased competition and reduced prices. Transportation can be reasonably cheap. In the warmer months, discount airlines fly out of regional airports to other exciting European destinations. Ferries to the islands are affordable and the bus network is extensive. Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt can also be cost-effective.
Cons:
Croatia has an onerous web of taxes and regulations. As a result, it may be difficult to get things done. Be sure to enlist the help of local friends and professionals for larger purchases.
Safety & Security
Pros:
Croatia is one of the safest countries in the world. In February of 2020, it was ranked at a “Level One” —the safest category. The country is also a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU). This means they are protected by large multi-national support structures. Croatia ranked 28th in the 2019 Global Peace Index.
Cons:
Croatia has many sparsely inhabited areas, especially on its islands. As a result, essential emergency services may be slow to arrive in parts of the country.
Medical Care
Pros:
If you decide to live in Croatia for longer than three months, you will be required to contribute to the national health insurance system. The system provides universal coverage to the entire population.
Cons:
Croatia’s healthcare network is under increasing strain. The country is hemorrhaging healthcare workers to other EU countries with higher salaries.
Language
Pros:
Croatian is the official language. However, a large section of the population speaks English at a high level of proficiency. The Croatian proclivity for English seems to stem from the use of Croatian subtitles for television and films, English is dubbed into the local language.
Cons:
Learning Croatian can be challenging. The language is South Slavic in origin and is classified as a “Category III” language. These “hard” languages have large cultural and linguistic differences when compared to English.
However, the Croatians are incredibly friendly and patient. They will be very pleased to help you learn the language.
Activities & Recreation
Pros:
Croatia’s bountiful sunshine and warm weather make it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. With over 1,000 islands, it has a wealth of exciting sailing, snorkeling, and scuba opportunities.
The rugged coastal topography of Croatia is perfect for hiking and for wine cultivation. It is also densely packed with fascinating historical sites.
Cons:
Croatia’s cyclical economy is based on tourism. This means that many recreational activities shut down during the winter months. It also means that it can be obscenely crowded in the summer.
Transportation
Pros:
During the warmer months, it is relatively easy to connect to major European transportation hubs by discount airways.
Cons:
During the winter, many airlines stop servicing Croatia’s coastal destinations. This may require taking a bus or a train to a larger international airport.
Croatia has one of the most enviable lifestyles in the world. The Croatians place considerable value on spending quality time with family and friends.
The Croatians relish a good cup of coffee in the Dalmatian sunshine. The waterfront cafes of most coastal towns are regularly filled with socializing kava drinkers.
On the weekends, Croatians also fire up an incredible BBQ dish called peka. This regional specialty takes several hours to cook under hot coals.
Croatia Residence Permit
Application conditions
1. Non-criminal record;
2. Have domestic property related information certificate.
Why choose us: WZ&P is the expert in residence and citizenship planning. There are hundreds of clients and advisors rely on our expertise and experience. Our highly qualified professionals work together as one team worldwide.
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