The land of The St Catherine's Church, Plitvice Lakes

& The Diocletian's Palace

Information on Relocating to Croatia

·       The capital city of Croatia is Zagreb with about 779 thousand people. The political centre is also in Zagreb where the President resides. Croatia is a Presidential/Parliamentary Democracy.

·         Languages: The languages spoken are Croatian 96%, other 4% (including Italian, Hungarian, Czech, Slovak, and German). The TV programs are in their local language. Cable & Satellite TV is available.

·         Population: The population is about 4.4 million people - 89.6% Croat, 4.5% Serb, 0.5% Bosniak, 0.4% Hungarian, 0.3% Slovene, 0.2% Czech, 0.2% Roma, 0.1% Albanian, 0.1% Montenegrin, 4.1% others (2001).

·         Expat areas: Popular area for the Expat community is Zagreb.

·         Housing: The availability of apartments and houses in the country varies. Most Expats rent their apartment or house; some buy their homes. Both options are available but mainly depend on your company policy, income, and the length of your stay.

·         Cost of housing: Varies from area to area and the size of the house or apartment. The local currency is Kuna (Kn).

·         Schools: We have the American and the French school available. Depending on the age we can tell you about a possible waiting lists, etc.

·         Transportation: The country's excellent bus and tram network is far-reaching and reasonably priced. There are also inter city trains that are cheaper and more comfortable than the bus.

·         Bank: The banks are open Monday-Friday 7.00 am - 7.00 pm. Saturday 7.00 am - 1.00 pm. Some banks may open on Sundays in larger shopping malls. 

·        Shopping: Traditional handicrafts like embroidery, woodcarvings and ceramics make good souvenirs. Tourists can reclaim VAT on expenditure of more than 500 Kn. Visitors should ensure that all receipts are retained after any purchase is made, as financial police have the power to fine visitors without relevant documents. This is to prevent VAT evasion by shopkeepers. The shops are open from Monday-Friday 8.00 am - 8.00 pm. Saturday 8.00 am - 2.00/3.00 pm. Some bigger malls and shops in cities are open on Sundays.

·        Climate: The Croatian coast has a Mediterranean climate: summer is hot and dry, spring and autumn are mild, winter is cool but humid. In contrast, the Dinaric Alps, backing onto the Dalmatian coast, have hot summers and cold winters with large amounts of snow. Pannonia - inland Croatia - has a continental climate and is prone to fog.

·       Culture: In Zagreb there are many international cultural events every year like: Zagreb Baroque Festival, International Folklore Festival, Eurokaz Festival, Movie festivals and many other.

·         Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; January 6th-Epiphany; March/April (dates vary)-Easter Sunday and Monday; May 1st-May Day; June 22nd-Anti-fascist Day; June 25th-National Day; August 5th-National Thanksgiving Day; August 15th-Assumption Day; October 8th– Independence day; November 1st-All Saints Day; December 25th-26th-Christmas Day.