Croatia offers a dedicated digital nomad permit with a straightforward application and Adriatic coastal living. The Czech Republic has no dedicated nomad visa — the trade licence (zivnostenske opravneni) route is more complex but rewards those who want a Central European base in Prague. Processing time and ease of application both favour Croatia; Prague's urban infrastructure and connectivity may appeal to those less drawn to coastal living.
Best for remote workers who want a simple, dedicated EU nomad permit route, coastal living, and lower living costs than a Western European capital.
Best for remote workers drawn to Prague's Central European capital lifestyle, who are comfortable with a more involved application process and non-Euro currency.
Croatia is better for most remote workers due to its dedicated nomad permit, faster processing, and simpler process. The Czech Republic suits those specifically drawn to Prague as a base who can handle the more involved trade licence route. The Czech Republic's 15% personal income tax is lower, but the overall process is significantly more complex.
Neither is straightforward, but Croatia is generally assessed as the more accessible of the two. The Czech Republic has been one of the more restrictive EU member states for Russian and Belarusian applicants since 2022. Both require an eligibility assessment before applying. Contact Nomadic Go for a current assessment.
For most remote workers earning in EUR or USD, the CZK is simply a local spend currency. It does mean your cost of living fluctuates slightly with the exchange rate. Croatia's Euro adoption in 2023 removes this variable entirely and simplifies banking and budgeting.