Accessing Croatia for British citizens has become more challenging since Brexit, with new regulations limiting stays to 90 days for non-EU citizens. However, inspired by the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa, Brit Kevin Macadam took the plunge and decided to move to Croatia. Below is his story of making this transition.

From Yorkshire to Croatia: A New Beginning

The journey to Croatia began on a rainy walk in Yorkshire, where Kevin and his partner contemplated their future living options. Despite having just returned from a holiday in Italy, they felt an urge to explore living abroad sooner rather than later since they both work remotely.

The Challenge of Moving to Italy

Initially, Kevin and his partner looked at moving to Italy, drawn by its charm and beauty. However, they encountered complications with residency requirements, which mandated the establishment of a local company to handle tax payments. Faced with the unlikelihood of gaining employer consent for this arrangement, they shifted their focus elsewhere.

Discovering the Croatian Digital Nomad Visa

While researching options, Kevin stumbled upon the Digital Nomad Visa offered by Croatia. Excited by the prospects of moving to a country they had enjoyed visiting before, they ruled out other locations like Georgia and Estonia due to harsh climates. Croatia stood out not just for its aesthetic appeal, but also its welcoming community, food, and affordability.

The Journey to Residency

On March 1st, 2021, they made their way to Croatia during a narrow window of travel permissions from the UK. While they initially planned to apply for the Digital Nomad Visa before the end of 2020, delays due to UK lockdowns forced them to adjust their timelines. After a six-week wait and navigating through some bureaucratic hurdles, including the need for an apostilled DBS check, their residency was finally approved.

A Genuinely Inviting Community

Settling in Novigrad, Dalmatia, turned out to be a fortunate choice. Despite challenges finding long-term accommodation, Kevin and his partner were warmly welcomed by locals. They discovered an inviting community and enjoyed the stunning landscapes Croatia offers, making it an ideal place for digital nomads.

Life as Digital Nomads in Croatia

Kevin’s new lifestyle comprises working remotely, exploring the vibrant Croatian culture, indulging in local cuisine, and enjoying various outdoor activities. As they travel across Croatia, they make the most of their time by taking long walks with their dog and savoring some of the finest Croatian wines.

Plans and Reflections

With aspirations to purchase property in Croatia, they are conscious of what lies ahead once their first-year permits expire. Their hope is for a more manageable extension process that allows them to remain in the country without leaving for 90 days—a plan that could potentially lead them to other countries where they might choose to settle instead.

For those interested in following their journey, Kevin and his partner share their adventures on Instagram at @livingincroatia2021, celebrating life in a beautiful and welcoming country.

For more information and insights into the experiences of digital nomads in Croatia, check out the dedicated features provided by Total Croatia News.

Embracing the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Croatia

Accessing Croatia has become more complex for British citizens post-Brexit, with strict regulations limiting stays to 90 days. Despite the challenges, many Brits are drawn to the idea of living in this beautiful country. One such individual is Kevin Macadam, who shares his journey to becoming a digital nomad in Croatia, illustrating how modern work paradigms can enable new adventures.

A New Adventure Begins

Kevin’s journey began during a rainy walk in Yorkshire, where he and his partner contemplated their future. The thought of waiting until retirement to enjoy life led them to realize that, as remote workers, they could embark on a new chapter sooner. Inspired by a recent trip to Italy, they began to consider relocating abroad.

Challenges of Relocation

Initially, their plans to settle in Italy were hampered by the need to establish a local business, which was unfeasible given their employment situations. However, their search for alternative options led them to the digital nomad visa, which offered a more straightforward path to living in Europe without extensive business complications.

Why Choose Croatia?

Having visited places like Hvar and Dubrovnik before, Kevin and his partner already had a strong appreciation for Croatia’s scenery, cuisine, and friendly locals. Familiarity with the country was reinforced through Kevin’s connections with baseball communities in Croatia, making it an appealing choice.

The Application Process for the Digital Nomad Visa

On March 1, 2021, Kevin and his partner made their move to Croatia. They applied for the digital nomad visa about six weeks into their stay, navigating the online submission process and attending an interview at the local police station. Although they faced some hurdles, such as needing to apostille their DBS check, persistence led to the approval of their residency.

Life in Croatia: The Joys and Challenges

Despite minor inconveniences in the documentation process, Kevin appreciates Croatia’s strong appeal for digital nomads. With a burgeoning community, an array of outdoor activities, and a welcoming atmosphere, Croatia checks all the boxes for a fulfilling lifestyle. Their biggest challenge resided in finding long-term accommodation, but a determined search led them to settle in Novigrad, a town known for its charm.

A Future in Croatia

As Kevin and his partner settle into their new life, they remain optimistic about the future. They hope to own a property in Croatia and are advocating for a more flexible approach to visa renewals for digital nomads, suggesting annual extensions based on criteria such as good behavior and continued eligibility.

Join Their Journey

With a lifestyle of working remotely, exploring the beauty of Croatia, and enjoying the local cuisine, Kevin and his partner invite others to follow their adventures on Instagram @livingincroatia2021. With the right preparation and mindset, embracing life as a digital nomad in Croatia can be a dream come true.

For additional insights into the digital nomad scene in Croatia, stay tuned for more stories and resources in our dedicated section.