About us

Hi Welcome to our Blog

We are Danish expat family who has been living in Split Croatia since the beginning of 2004, where we decided to start a green field company down here. Prior to Croatia, we had been living 9 ½ in German, so we where already used to being “Strangers”, which of course made everything easier.

At the beginning of our Croatia adventure, we decide that my wife and the kids should move to Denmark, where the family is living, I should then set up the company and try to get it running. So for 18 month I was living partly 14 days here and 14 days back in Denmark, this was of course a tough time, so in October 2005 we decided to move our family base down here.

Here we are

A week after we arrived Caroline and Ida, which at that time where 5 and 2 years old, started in the local kindergarten, the first month was horrible everyday the kids where crying when we brought them to the kindergarten, so we really had some serious doubt about staying here, luckily that was not necessary, almost immediately after we returned from our Christmas holiday in Denmark, the kids started speaking Croatian, so the crying in the morning was replaced by smiles from two happy kids looking forward t

Croatian Public School

In 2007 we reach another milestone which required evaluation of our situation, Caroline had reached the age where she had to start in school, so we of course was considering if we should move back so she could start in the school in Denmark, but after asking around about the school system and talking with the teacher in the kindergarten, who said that Caroline’s Croatian, was good enough for here to start on a local school, we decided to try it out.

The first 3 year of school both Caroline and Ida attended a whole day program , meaning going to school from 8am to 4pm, they absolutely loved it, they have great teachers, and a bunch of nice classmates. From 4th to 6 grade, school was also great, at home they had some really nice private tutors helping them with the homework once or twice a week. The last two year (7-8) grade was more problematic, as the teachers at these grades were less interested in helping the students, which was tricky as the workload increased constantly, so they actually both started disliking school a bit.

High School

Do to the issues of the last years of public school, we decided to put the girls in a private high school called Dominis, which turned out just perfect, both girls started loving going to school and really started to love learning again, at Dominis they have some great teachers, and they pay attending to individual learning needs of the students, so here the kids really can learn something if they want.

Finding apartment or house our experience

All the years we have been living in rented apartments, the first years we had some bad experiences with greedy and extremely greedy landlords, but the third apartment and landlord was a perfect match, so we have stayed there since. Meanwhile we also have our own house which we rent out to tourist (Like most people in Dalmatia do 🙂 )

If you are new to Split, or any other tourist city in Croatia, and need to find a place to live you should know / do the following.

  • Lots of apartments in tourist areas are rented out to tourists during summer, so make sure you don’t end up in a flat where you are thrown out around the 1st of June.
  • The best places to look for apartment for rent (Or sale) is the website Njuskalo another great source is on FB, where there are many groups with rentals from privates, all are on Croatian, so you might need some help to find the best once, for the city you plan to stay in.
  • Once you find a place you like, make sure to check the parking options. Once you need to sign a contract, you might want to involve a lawyer if the landlord agrees!

If you are looking to buy a flat or a house, you should definitely get professional help (a recommended lawyer preferably), watch out with real estate agents, many would not necessarily act in your best interest. Also make sure to get everything on paper / in a contract, and signed by a Notary public!

Dealing with Public administration

Depending on where you originally come from, you might find the Bureaucracy in Croatia a bit annoying and time consuming, but trust me compared to how it was when i arrived, nowadays it’s almost a walk in the park 🙂 . Here is a list of some of the paperwork you might have to deal with.

  • Staying permit
  • Working permit
  • Health insurance (Public)
  • Car registration
  • Insurance
  • Visa

Please note we can not assist or advise you on exactly how to fix the paperwork, as we had external help fixing all the stuff!

Making a living in Croatia

We often get contacted by people considering moving to Croatia, their main concern or question they wish to have answered is related to work. I usually reply them the following:

Finding a job here is not easy, as the unemployment is quite high, the exception if you have particular skills, e.g. if you work with IT finding a job should be possible. The best option is if you can live here and work remotely for your employer at home.

We have been self employed all the year living here, that has been one big roller coaster, for many years we could hardly earn enough to put butter on the bread, but meanwhile we have an IT company with about 20 employees our main product we developed is a platform for bus tickets and we are currently also working on making a platform for ferry tickets, additionally as we mentioned above we also have a house we rent out to tourist during the summer season.

Our take on living in Croatia

So although it has been challenging to move down here, we can only say that everything has worked out perfectly for us, we really love the lifestyle here, the long summer, but most of all we love that we here have to possibility to spend lots of time on travelling and exploring, if you browse around on our blog you will know what I mean.

If you have any general question about Croatia and living in Croatia feel free to leave a comment here on our website or contact us on info(at)solitum.hr

Thanks for your support, and happy greetings from Split

Ida, Caroline, Lene and Morten

149 Comments

  1. Very nice website. I see that you have lived in Croatia for several years. Please consider participating in an online interview on our expat website. We have absolutely no information about Croatia.

    The details are here https://www.retiredexpat.com/expat-interviews.php

    Also, it would be very helpful to have an article about “Living in Croatia as an Expat”. We would publish your article under your byline, add your bio and include live links to your very nice website.

    Best regards from Thailand.

  2. Hello (Bog!)
    Just wanted to compliment you on your site…I was born in Zadar, Croatia and moved to Canada in 1976 with my family. I long for Croatia so badly…I am trying to figure out a way to live there with my husband and 2 boys 🙂 Any suggestions???

    Cheers and congrats!

  3. Hvala Mirjana,

    I can imagine it must be hard living that far from home! The last years, many 2 generation Croatians mainly from countries like Australia and South Africa have returned, although the speak the language it is still a challenge for them to settle hear and find a job.

    My advice would be to go for your own business, I have several ideas what might work out so you are welcome to mail me if you are interested in my suggestions.

    regards

    Morten

  4. Thanks for your quick reply Morten. Yes, it is tough for me because I have always loved Croatia, even when it was a part of Yugoslavia. It is my homeland. We plan on visiting next summer.

    I would love to start a business, however, my background is in psychology and I am now finishing my Masters in education. My husband is a mechanical Engineer. He loves electronics and has a passion to invent. He knows a tiny bit of Croatian. But he is working on it! He also speaks English and French. I am fluent in Croatian, English and French. I would really appreciate your ideas!

    I am so impressed that your daughters are fluent in Croatian. Wow! My son who is 11, understands everything but doesn’t speak. The other one is a 7 mth baby.

    Pozdrav iz Montreala 🙂
    Mirjana

    • Mirjana,

      To get a job in Croatia, is not easy, I am not aware how specific situation is with in your area of Education. My experience as foreigner living here, is that setting up your own business is best way to succeed, with your language skills you could consider some think related to travelling.

      My big daughter will finish second grade in two weeks, she is attending a local school are doing quite well, we have a teacher who comes and helps here with homework and gives her extra lessons in Croatian, as we are not able to help with that part.

      My smallest daughter speaks better Croatia, then Danish.

  5. Thanks again. Other than travel, what are some other business ideas for foreigners? Much appreciated.

  6. I am a Indian Citizen and have a valid Schengen visa. I have to leave from India 17th July,2009 and have no time to apply for Croatian Visa from India. I have to travel to Czech,Germany and Slovenia. I am planning to go to Croatia on 25th July to 1st August and also have purchased a airticket. Please inform how to apply for Croatian visa in Frankfurt in the Croatian Consulate. Will i easily get visa from Frankfurt for Croatia. I already have proofs of my ongoing business in Croatia and invitation from Croatian company. I am going there for Business visit. Please inform ??

    Can i get the visa for Croatia from Frankfurt being an Indian Citizen ??

    • Hi Sahil,
      I think that it would be best if you contact Croatian consulate in Frankfurt, so that you can get right information from them.
      Contact info of Croatian consulate in Frankfurt is:
      Adress:
      Am Weingarten 25
      60487 Frankfurt/M
      DEUTSCHLAND
      email: gkrhf@t-online.de
      phone: 0049 69 7071 005
      fax: 0049 69 7071 011

      Hope everything will be ok for you.
      Have nice day!

  7. Hello I am a 25 year old native Australian, born and bred in Sydney. I have a family background of Croatian and I saw your blog on an EXPAT forum regarding living and working in Croatia. Your website is great and I see you have done well in your business. I am also interested in living and working in Croatia.

    I recently received my Croatian Citizenship and therefore am able to be employed, work and live in Croatia. In 2001, I completed my secondry schooling (Higher School Certificate) and in 2005, I completed a degree in the Bachelor of Policing.
    I speak fluent English and also intermediate Croatian. I also have a place to reside in the centre of Zagreb and a place on the island of Brac in Bol. I have an interest in teaching English but I am also experienced in the Hospitality industry.

    If it is possible, if you have any more information or contacts regarding positions and companies that hire native-English speaking people to teach English, (or hospitality) would you be so kind to pass them to me? Its hard looking around on the internet, there are so many websites to look through.

    This is a dream for me to work and experience Croatia, being that it is in my blood. I hope maybe you are able to assist me in finding employment in Croatia in 2010. I hope to hear from you soon.

    • Hello Bianca,

      There is quite a few native Australian with Croatian root living here, main part of them are from the Perth area.

      Getting a job here is not very easy, the unemployment rates are high and the financial crises has not helped improving things, but nevertheless jobs can be found, best place to look is at the largest Croatian job portal http://www.moj-posao.net here you also find international companies looking for employees.

      You could also contact embassy to see if any Australian companies has a business set up here.

      I general I think it would be good idea to go here for a period, which might also open doors to some companies that you don’t find on the internet.

      I wish good luck with your job search

      Brgds, Morten

  8. We will be visiting Crotia and arriving in Split on August 27th. We depart on Sept.3. What do you recommend we see in this short period of time whch is reasonable priced and canou suggest Hotel at a rasonable price. Do we have to prepurchase a visa to enter the country or are they available at the airport. Please forward any suggestions you may have.
    Thanks Larry

  9. Morton,
    You have a fantastic website, full of information pertaining to Croatia. My friend and I are traveling to Croatia in September for only four days. After reading some of your website I wish our time was longer there.
    Thank you!
    Kelly

  10. Hi! Just wanted to thank you for the inspiration when it comes to moving to Croatia. It´s one of my biggest dreams! I live in Gothenborg in Sweden right now and my parents (they are from Croatia) are helping me with getting my Croatian Citizenship,it should be done before christmas. I do not for the moment have any direct plans moving to Croatia (to Split) but I sure would if knowing I would have a job there. I need to return to Sweden in autumn of 2010 but I am daydreaming of living in Split from the spring of 2010 until I have to return to (hopefully) studying economics for three years. I have family and friends in the small village Vinisce,if you know where that is? and Trogir so I would’nt be alone it´s just the part with getting a job,which is,as you say,hard..especially now. Wow! sad sam napisala cijeli roman! Hard not to get excited reading about your life in my homeland, thanks again for the inspiration.

    • Hi Patricia,

      I am glad you like our page, and i can imagine it most be a dream for you to move back here, did you consider working on the internet for some Swedish companies, then you would not need to worry about the job part?

      I think i know where Vinisce is close to Marina as far as i remember? We by the way also run a swedish page http://www.semesterkroatien.se, but lately we had no time to update it.

      I wish you best of luck and hope you find way to get down here.

      kindest regards, Morten

  11. Hej Morten,

    My wife and I are flirting with the idea of moving from the US to the Croatian coast. I design online help systems and write documentation for a software company. She teaches at a high school. It is possible, though not guaranteed, that I could perform my current job remotely. How is internet access on the coast? Is it common? Is it stable? We’re considering Sibenik.

    Tak for hjælpen,
    Dan

    • Hi Dan

      Great idea! Internet access is available, in most of the cities along the coast larger then > 500 people, it is relative cheap, (flat rate cost from about 20-25$ / month).

      In terms of stability, I can only speak for Split, in my 3 location where I currently have broadband internet, I don’t think at had any outage the last year which was related to my (two) internet providers, what happens from time to time is that you loose power for few second which then requires a restart of the routers, and in general I would recommend you to buy your own router, as ones the which is provided with your broadband subscription normally are of bad quality.

      For back up I have a web and walk Mobile data stick which you can buy as a prepaid solution, with no monthly subscriptions.

      Brgds, Morten

      PS: your Danish is excellent (-:

  12. Hi Morten! Me again. Thank you for the idea,a very good one! Actually you inspired so much that I´m now fighting for my dream.
    I´m trying to find a course given in english somewhere in Split, or for that fact anywhere in Croatia. That way I could improve my croatian by living there,improve my english by studying and improve myself with this experience. And yes,Vinsice is near Marina,you have to pass through to get there.

    Well,would you give me the update job on your swedish page? =D I have seen it,and with everyday or at least everyweek updates you could really draw people to Croatia,not only in the summer. I know enough croatian so that I can speak with people – give swedes a picture of the croatian people,read the newspapers and update thoose on your webpage and run arund town and tour them through it. Would actually be a lot of fun! 🙂 Haha,this was not suposed to sound as I am applying for a job, but I am interested if thats the case 🙂

    With all my thanks (again,for the inspiration), Patricia M.

  13. Good to find you and your site…we moved to Split a year ago from Russia. I am American, wife is Russian. Our focus is design and development of unique tour programs that showcase authentic Croatian experience. Best known example is probably our “Diocletian’s Palace Map”, the first real walking map of the actual palace. Available at most tourist offices, hotels, etc. And it’s free…and also on our site when you click Split. Ouyr blog is viewfromtheriva.wordpress.com
    Be good to meet you personally and chat…..

    Robert and Natasha Aronson

    • Hi Natasha and Robert,

      we have spend a few years here in Split as you can see on our blog, i think Shane and Julie mentioned your names once?

      We are in Split most of the time, so lets see if we cant meet up for a coffee

      Morten

  14. Hello Morten,
    I am an American of Croatian heritage. I visited Croatia in September and want to live there at least part of the year. I am thinking about starting a company to bring Croatian products to the states. My background is in the hospitality business and I am a wine expert. Wine and olive oil are two of the products I am interested in. Any ideas? Does the Croatian Trade Commission offer any financial help? Thanks for any ideas.
    Anton

    • Hi Anton,

      That sound like and interesting project, is there nobody running a Webshop with Croatian Product already? I am not aware of any kind of help from the Trade commission but I will ask around.

      I think a great idea could be to offer Wine tours e.g. on Peljecas to all the cruise ship guest arriving in Dubrovnik, if you find some great product for them, you might be able to generate additional online sales to the clients when they are back in the states?

      Also wine picking and olive picking tours in Sep / October could be interesting.

      Morten

  15. Hi Morten, Thanks for getting back to me so soon. The wine tour idea is indeed interesting. Actually I have also been working with a tour operator here in the states concernig leading a culinary tour to Alsace in France. I am going to contact the Croatian Trade Commission through the Embassy in Washington D.C. They appear to have some people there to help promote Croatian trade ideas. I thought you might have some first hand advice for me.
    Hvala,
    Zbogom,
    Anton

    • Hi Anton, I think it is good idea to contact the Trade commission directly, i my selves never had anything to do with them as i am already here, anyway good luck with the project, let me know if there is any progress. Morten

  16. Hi,

    My name is Bitu Mihai ( NiceBlogger ) and I’m from Romania,my age is 16 years old and I want to show that the young bloggers can be serious and we’re able compete with any other blogger.
    I’ve decided to start a project that includes bloggers from all over the world and I’ve chosen one blogger from each country.In your country I’ve seen a lot of valuable bloggers but I’ve choosen you for my project.
    The project it’s called “Planet of bloggers”.If you accept my invitation to join this project you have to make a video with you (in this clip you can say your name,your age,where are you from and what is the most important thing that you’ve accomplished as blogger.
    What I will do with your clip ?
    After I will receive the videos from all bloggers I will make a video with all bloggers and i will get it promoted.
    I think that is a win-win situation as your blog will be featured in the video spot, the chances are high to transform this video in a great viral.
    Waiting for your answer at: niceblogger [at] niceblogger [dot] com .

  17. Hello! And sorry about so long letter..
    I came by your website while planing a trip to Croatia with some friends and I have found it quite informative. Also I have many questions now and you seam to be the people to ask from. We already have an apartment in Split for 12 days and now we wonder what to do there. We thought it would be good to rent a car for a few days so we could visit some more remote places in the mountains and national parks. The problem is, both of our drivers are 19 and have had their licences for about 10 months. Do you think it would be possible to find anything? Our second question is about the islands and bike rental. Is it possible to rent 5 bikes and go to the islands with them? What are the rental prices and do we get to the ferry, do we have to pay extra for the bikes? Right now our favourite seems to be Vis, but as it is quite far away, we should spend a night there. Can you recommend a cheap place to stay at, some camping etc? Then about the internet cafe. Is it possible to use a laptop there, is there Wifi for example, what are the aprox. prices? And last but not least- the markets. Are they cheaper than shops? What kind of local ingredients may I find there in the beginning of June? Not if I need to know that at the moment, but I just love markets!
    Great thanks and wintery regards from Estonia,
    Kaily

    • Hi Kaily, you do not have to apologize for the length of your letter (-:

      Now I will try to do my best to answer your questions!

      Car rental, I will have to check it there is any problem renting do to your age, I will get back to you on that one.

      Bike rental, actually we are renting bikes out at our internet cafe, but for a short trip to Vis like you are planning it, the best is to rent the bikes when you get on the island (There is a fee for bringing bikes on the ferry), In Vis town there is a bike rental place just when you get off the ferry, on Brac (Supetar) you can also rent bikes close to ferry arrival point, for Hvar I am not sure, anyway for bike ridding Vis and Brac are the best island, to my opinion. (But just to warn you, the island are not flat (-: )

      For overnight stay on Vis I am not sure what to recommend you, there are no campsites on the island, if you bring your own tents you might be able to find a private house owner, who will let you put up the tent for a small fee? If not the best alternative is to find some private accommodation, but I unfortunately don’t have knowledge of anybody renting out just for one night, but I will ask around.

      You of course can connect your laptop at our internet cafe, we don’t have any wireless, but we have air-conditioned and cold water inside which you will appreciate (-: we charge 30/kuna hour for the internet.

      Regarding the market in June, you can find regular stuff like, salad, Tomatoes, potatoes etc, in terms of fruit I think June is season for peaches and cherries and you of course have the all year stuff like apples, lemons etc.

      Prices at the market is higher then in the larger supermarket, but the charm is unbeatable (-:

      Kindest regards, Morten

  18. Hi Morten

    Congratulations on you web site it is very informative. My wife and I are expat Aussies currently here in Split. We have a charter yacht here which we plan on using for day sailing charters to the islands during the summer months. The idea was seeded after talking to Shane and Julie at Lifejacket Adventures. It appears that no operator is doing day sailing trips so we are going to give it a try this summer. When we are not chartering we plan on spending the rest of the time cruising the Med. and returning here each summer.

    I have put together a web page about our day trips and have included your web site on the links page. I would be greatful if you could include us in your things to do in Split.

    Purhaps we could arrange to get together at some stage

    Regards Tim & Katie

  19. Dear Morten,

    I am a Dutch Expat living in Istria. Everyone reacting to your webside seems to be interested or is situated in Split. Do you have any information on expats living in this part of the country?

    Thanks,

    Karin Jongman
    Savudrija

  20. I am glad I found your site on digg. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me and my husband were just preparing to do some research about this. I am happy to see such great information being shared for free out there.
    Regards,
    Bronson from Sterling Heights city

  21. Hello, Morten!
    You had a very good site!! I am glad I found it :).
    Me and my husbund (we are from Russia) like to travel and we want to spend our vacations (honeymoon) in Croatia this spring. So we are a bike fans))) Do you know, is it easy to find a bike rental office in Split? Are there many bike rental offices? Could you write, please, where can we rent a mountain bike in Split?
    Thank you!
    Best regards,
    Olga.

    • Thanks Olga,

      I am glad you like our site (-:

      Actually we run an internet cafe down in the center of Town where we also rent out bikes, we do not have real mountain bikes, but a mix of a city and mountain bike.

      here you can see where our internet cafe is places https://www.dencall.com/internet_club.htm

      You can always mail me if you want to reserve the bikes, my mail is info(at)solitum.hr

      Brgds, Morten

  22. Great blog. Congratulations on your life decisions.
    Any ideas how I can get in touch with an english translator to do a few hours work in the Zadar old town area? To come along with us to translate converstions in person.
    When I get a website running I will defenitely link up.
    thanks.
    Regards.
    Gino

    • Hi Gino, i am glad you like our work, thanks.

      for what languages you need a translator? Croatian – english?

      I am working with a few translators here in Split, they might know somebody in Zadar also.

      Brgds, Morten

  23. Hello we will beon a cruise arriving in split at the end of august. What should wedo? Do you recommend any guides? Thank you.

    • Hi Lori, you should for sure she the Diocletian Palace in Spliit, depending on how much time you have, you might also consider visiting Trogir.

      Brgds, Morten

  24. Dear Morten,

    We are playing with the idea of buying a summer apartment in Croatia – Istria – but we are rather confused about the legal issues regarding renting out while we are not there. As far as we understand there are 3 different solutions:
    1. Establish a company which buy’s the apartment (but this is expensive/complicated???)
    2. As a private person buying the company but then we can only allowed to rent it out to a number of family members every year?
    3. Buy apartment as a private person and then establish a small company and rent it out through that???

    Solution no. 3 – only one person has mentioned and no body seems to have any clear answers. Hope you can help or refer us to somebody who can.

    Look forward to hearing from you.

    Best regards,
    Louise (from Denmark)

    • Hi Louise

      I am also only aware of solution number 1 and 2, i never hear about third version.

      Another issue is the zone where the property is places, as far as i understood it has to be in the correct zone according to the urban plan, if this is not the case, you are not able to rent it out even if you own it in a company.

      I will send you a mail, with a few person who might be able to give you some more information.

      PS: did you see our danish page? http://www.feriekroatien.dk

      Brgds,

      Morten

  25. Hej Morten,

    Hvordan går det med dig?:)

    I really like your site, it’s really great.
    We’re going to move to Croatia too so I’m happy that I’ve found your site.
    I emailed you about online businesses in Croatia.
    I would appreciate it if you could send me a reply.

    Thank you and have a great summer!

    Noemi

  26. Hello

    Can you recommend any companies for airport transfers – 2 people traveling from Pula to Porec. Have been quoted unbelievable rates!!

    Thanks, hope to hear from you

    Fay

    • Fay

      What was qoute? taxi from Pula airport to Porec should be around 600 kuna (distance 55km), as transfer is normally cheaper when you get about 25 km i would guess transfer should be around 450-500 kuna.

      Is that similar to the qoutes you got?

      Morten

  27. Hi Morten,

    You don’t know me, and until I stumbled across your website, I did not know you; however, I have heard all about your wonderful daughter Ida (how many danish families are living in Split with a daughter named Ida?). You see your daughter was my daughters classmate in vertic last year (in Mertojak). Your daughter was my daughter Talia’s favorite classmate. I thought I would introduce myself. My wife and daughter curently live in Split, and unfortunatley, I live back in the US for the past 2 years. I would love to get some ideas from you about how you have found your way in Croatia over the beaurecratic obstacles and challenges of making a living. I lived in Croatia for about 2 years prior to moving back to the US and of course would love for my family to all live together again. Anyway I wanted to thank you for posting this nice blog and if you ever feel the urge please drop me a line. Although Ida is in “big kids” school now, if she ever wishes to have a play date with Talia, I can pass you my wife contact information.

    With kind regards,

    Michael

    • Hi Michael

      Sorry for late reply, of course i know who your daughter is, you are welcome to mail me the contact deals of your wife, i am sure Ida would love to meet at Carobni grad or down by the trampolines. Well regarding to your question about the bureaucratic obstacles, i somehow got used to them as a part of everyday life, is not always easy, but alt least it gets better from year to year,

      Brgds, Morten

  28. Dear Morten,

    Next summer we’ll stay in Porec with 6 persons.
    4 persons are travelling by car from Holland and 2 persons by plane to Pula. Please could you tell me which company could arrange an airport-transfer from Pula to Porec? Thank you in advantage for your reaction.

    Kind regards from Holland of Nico

  29. Mr. Morten

    I browsed through all your business web pages. They are very interesting. I am local living in one of the eastern european countries and would like to consult with you on certain issues.

    Could you please write me on my email in order we could conversate through email.

    Thank you

    elvin

  30. Hello,
    We are a family of 5 and looking at moving to Zadar….My whole family and wife’s family live in Croatia and we would like to move…

    I own a toy manufacturing business and can work from anywhere…I only worry about the kids school…They all speak Croatia, but it is the writing…THey are all great students..

    THey are in gr. 9 (15yrs) , 7 (12yrs) and kindergarden…We would like to go to Zadar…Any idea on the schools and what to do?

    well appreciated..
    david

    • Hi David

      I don’t know about schools in Zadar, and I don’t have experience with older kids, as mine was only 2 and 5 when we moved here, so for them school hasn’t been a problem.

      If I where you I would definitely go and visit the schools before moving there and have a talk with the principle, most properly there is not much help to get, so you will need to hire a private teacher for the beginning, which should not be a problem.

      Brgds

      Morten

  31. Hi Morton

    Interesting reading on your website.
    I am in the process of arranging a 2 year contract to refit a boat in Split.
    I travel a lot for my job but the long term game is knew to me.
    I am leaving my family (wife and daughter(5yrs)) in england until I get established then take a view point on whether they join me or not once there.
    One question I have is I have been told to purchase a car in england and drive to Croatia then continue using english insurance, mainly due to cost of both used cars and insurance, is this true? Are there any rules a few months in that will cause me problems with this?

    Regards

    Karl

    • Hi Karl,

      Sounds like interesting project 🙂

      I am not sure how the rules are in relation to bringing a car, i know some foreigners drive with English / German plates, but I never investigated anything in relation to this my selves. I would although assume you would be able to bring a car with out any big problems, but i cant say for sure, will ask around, to see if anyone knows the answer.

      Kindest regards,

      Morten

  32. Hello sir, i am a young college student in the United States looking to move to Croatia permanently and start my life. How is the job market there? i have a college education with a major in business economics and a minor in accounting. Do you know how the job industry is in Croatia or even if YOU may be hiring? I am 22 yers old, a hard worker, college educated, and able to pay for my own transportation to Croatia. I have done some research and i still cannot find out what the minimum wage rate is in Croatia, but i just want to be able to afford a place to live and food to eat. If you could give me a job i would appreciate it tremendously and i would put 100% into whatever you allow me to do. I am sure my skills could be of some use to your business in some way. I have searched the internet and i cannot find anyone who is hiring and you are my last hope because i don’t have the money to take a job hunting trip before i move permanently. Any information of job opportunities would be Greatly appreciated.
    Thank you for your time,
    Justin Underwood

  33. Hi Morten.

    I have just stumbled accross your website and am finding it very interesting reading. We are originally from the UK but now live in Slovenija. We came here with two children 6 long years ago but now have four! It must be something in the water.

    I’m particularly interested in your experiences as your kids seem to be a similar age to ours so you have also gone through the whole soul-searching process of “are we doing the right thing?” especially when it comes to kindergarten and schooling.

    Anyway, after attempting various business ventures here we have now somehow settled down into selling mini-donut machines of all things. Who would have thought back in London 6 years ago that I would end up living in Slovenija selling mini-donut machines of all things?!

    Thankfully business is going Ok but we are desperate to break in to the Croatian market. The whole coastal region is a huge potential market for us. We’ve sold a couple of machines in Zagreb and Varazdin and one down in Dalmatia but we would like to be doing more. We’ve also sold machines in Denmark!

    The machines really are fantastic, you can see more information at http://www.donut-machine.com and in a tourist area can make the user a fortune. We also supply the dry donut mix and serving cartons and even kiosks to sell the donuts from. It’s a great low start-up cost business for any ex-pats who are struggling for something to do and also for anyone living in a busy area. Low investment, high return.

    Anyway, I wonder if you would know the best places to advertise our machines, internet based forums or trade magazines? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    We also have holiday cottage for rental if you are ever up this way, very family friendly. You can see it at our other website http://www.sloveniaforfamilies.com. There is also lots of background information about us and our life in Slovenija if you are interested.

    I hope to hear from you soon. I would also like to take this oppurtunity to wish you and your family the very best for the future.

    Regards,

    Ian

    • Hi Ian,

      Sound like you also have an interesting project going, I check both of your pages, and saw the video about assembling the donut machine, looks like I would even be able to do it!

      Meanwhile are kids are 150% integrate have lots of friends in school and in the neighbourhood, so this really is home for us.

      In relation to selling your machines, well I really have now Idea how to do, there is a few online sites offering free commercial are don’t know if they could be useful, most of selling we do had been the hard way on the road.

      Brgds,

      Morten

  34. Morten

    I came across your website today and was excited to read about everyone’s experiences. I am an American with Croatian heritage and have taken 5 trips to Croatia during our summers. I have two children (ages 7 and 10) and we are often looking for opportunities to come to live there for a year (maybe more). We have looking into the American International School of Zagreb and the timing has to be perfect for us and a job there. We both teach. My wife also has her educational administration degree. She has a math degree and I have social/history/math. Are there opportunities in other cities such as Split or Dubrovnik, as examples for International schools?

    Any direction you could give us would be appreciated.

    Thanks.

    Joel

    • Hi Joel,

      to my knowledge there is only and international school in Zagreb, they talked about opening one in Split years ago, but i am not sure if they every did, but be aware that job situation is not good here, especially if you are non Croatian.

      Best, Morten

  35. Hi Joel

    I came across your website today and enjoyed reading about other people’s projects/experiences/questions about living in Croatia. I live in England and have taught Geography in a secondary school for 5 years. Having met my boyfriend in Trogir, visited many times in the past year, I am really interested in living there for a year – 2011-12. However, I’m having trouble finding a job. I would love to teach English in a language school, but there doesn’t seem to be that many in Split. I’m planning on sending my CV to the schools I’ve researched however, I’m quite worried because I’m not Croatian so it’s unlikely I will be chosen over a native Croatian.

    Do you have any advice about what I should do? How could I move to Croatia? Would it even be possible?

    Regards,
    Hannah

    • @Hannah, currently it is very difficult as unemployment is high and general economic situation is not very good.

      I can only think of two options,

      1. Work online, for companies from UK, you could make sell travel stories or similar to some magazines? do you know the the textbroker service? check that out.
      2. Find out if it possible to become a guide for one of the bigger UK travel agencies, that would at least give you job from April to October.

      Be aware it is not easy to get staying and working permit, actually it is very difficult.

  36. Hi Joel,

    My name is Sheila Pearson, I am from the United States and looking for a job in Croatia (I see that may prove difficult). My boyfriend will be doing a 3 year research project at the University of Split and I am looking to join him for his time there. I am a physical therapist in the states (working primarily in pediatrics (with kids with disabilities)). I am trying to figure out if my skills could be useful at all. My boyfriend will be making good money, that is not a huge issue for me – But I am guessing the government wont let me stay if I dont have a good reason to stay there (like a job). Any ideas you have for me?

    Sheila Pearson
    You can send me a direct email at pear0294@umn.edu

  37. Hello Morten

    We are South Africans relocating to Croatia. We have a business registered in Croatia and will buy real estate. As owners’ of Croatian property we will have a temporary resident visa. As we understand, the temporary visa can be renewed yearly and one can apply for permanent residency after 5 years? Can you confirm if that is correct?
    Also, can you advise us about schooling – will our children be able to go to any local school / university and will they qualify for free education?
    We also need to know about health insurance. Can you make use of the national health system and what are the costs involved?

    Thanks

    Peter

    • Hi Peter

      In relation to resident visa, i would advise you to contact your embassey and MUP in Zagreb, to get confirmtion from them, as far as i know what you write is correct, but i am normally not involved in that process, so i am really not the expert.

      Rergarding school, if you have all the papers done your kids should be able to attend public school like mine, school is partly free (books and other materials you have to pay your selves, whcih goes for all.) Local healt insuarance which is obligatory is about 400 kuna a person / month.

      Regards, Morten

  38. Hi everyone,

    I’m also an Aussie-Croatian who moved back to Split 5 years ago. If anybody is interested in some casual teaching work, i’m looking for a native English speaker for our school in Split. You can email me: split@inicijativa.biz

    hope that would be of help to someone 🙂

  39. Hi Morten,

    I am a teacher at a Belgian school and we are organizing a trip through ex-yuguslavia for our last year students (17-18 years old) in april. In the past we went to Italy or Ireland but we wanted to start something else. We made an organizing trip to Bosnia and Serbia where we set up a wonderfull mixed programm and have found all the necessary accomodation. We thought we could arrange things from behind the computer for Split and Ljubljana. For Ljubljana there was no problem. But in Split we can’t find any big hostel that is able to lodge 70 persons (not even if we split the group in two) and we cant afford the starhotels. One big hostel (Goli Bosi) was already full booked. In Bjelasnica via via we arranged to stay in a big mountain hut that is property of schools in Sarajevo. I wonder if you know of any similar sleeping place where normally students or so sleep in Split? We are looking for a place to stay the 7the of april.
    Kind regards,
    Daan

    • Hi Daan,

      Try to contact Hotel Duja, it is a bit from the centre (10-15 minutes walk). Dujam is a combined Hotel / Hostel, they have about 30 double and triple bed room, so it should be big enough for all of you, i think there prices is about 15 euro / person, and i am sure you can get a bit of discount if you are 70.

      Hope they can accommodate you there,

      Best, Morten

  40. Hello

    I’m planning to move to split from uk with my wife and child age(5)
    is there a privat school or english speaking school near by?

    Thank you

      • Hi Joe

        Morten is right, there are no private schools full stop, english or anything, only kindergartens (and they’re playgroups, not schooling, they don’t school till 7 here), but I am here with my 6yr old daughter from england and we have a fantastic tutor, my wife and I are trying desperately to get her to start up a school that caters for post kindergarten english speaking kids, she wants to do it and has even found a place for her to host it in, but problem is there are not enough kids to make it work for her. So this is a real possibility for you. Certainly get in touch when you are here on Morten’s blog and we’ll go for coffee. (You’re invited too of course Morten!)

        Regards

        Karl

        • Karl,
          Would you be willing to email me directly? My email is pear0294@umn.edu – I am from the US relocating to Split and have a history of working with kids. Wondering if your tutor would be interested in any help.
          Sheila Pearson

    • Hi Joe,
      I am the tutor Karl is talking about and I am interested in talking to you if you need help with educating your child in Split. My email address is zrinkamaduni5@yahoo.com and feel free to contact me at any time.
      Thank you
      Zrinka

  41. Hello,

    We are looking for an education kindergarden, english spoken, in Split.

    Our children are both 16 months old, would anybody have any advice for us ?

    Thank you very much for your advice,

    Kindest regards,

    Teska

    • Hi Teska, i once hear somebody mention that there should be one kindergarden where english is spoken, but i really cant recall any of the details.

      Sorry, Morten

  42. Hi,

    My boyfriend and I have booked flights to Split at the beginning of September we are in Croatia for 10 nights and leaving from split. We want to spend most of our time on the islands but I am struggling to find a route to include about 3 islands to visit. I was initially thinking Vis, Hvar, Korcula but looking into it there only seems to be one ferry from vis to Hvar which would give us just 1 or 2 nights. We are quite keen to experience a variety of island life. I have also looked in to Solta but I cant find any ferries that depart from or go to Hvar or Korcula. Are there any private boats we can get or is that really expensive?

    I dont know if you can help or not but I am stuck!

    I look forward to your reply.

    Thanks

    Nicole

    • Hi Nicole

      except for the catamaran you mentioned and the one between Jelsa (Hvar) and Bol, all ferry and catamaran connections goes via Split. which means you have to travel back to Split, to get to the next island. There is a daily catamaran from Hvar to Korcula. check krilo.hr, also there the coastal ferry which runs twice a week. Private boat hire is quite expensive.

      Brgds, Morten

  43. Hello we are planning on coming to Croatia Sept 2nd through Nov 2nd. I will be traveling with my 14 year and 16 year old. They do school via Internet. I am very flexible as to where we stay. I am hoping to find a decent rental 3bedroom/2bath…with hopes of a pool near by. We will not have a car, so public transportation is important, and not so small an island where the kids won’t have any outlets.
    Does that exist any where in Croatia? Any help you could offer would be great!

    Thank you,
    Lisa

    • Hi Lisa,

      finding something with Swimmingpool might be a bit difficult, at least for the start of the period, as many of the houses / villa with pool are still rented out in Septemer, in October you would proberly be able to find an apartment with shared pool.

      I will not recommned staying on and Island at that time of the year if you have to kids and no car.

      Do you have any perticular place you would preffer in Croatia?

      Brgd, Morten

  44. Hi,
    We visited Croatia in June, following your advice, we stayed in Split, Baska Voda and Dubrovnik. We loved it and have booked flights back to Zadar for early October. Could you tell me what the weather is likely to be at that time ? Also, we will be hiring a car, are there any recommended towns/sights to see ? We will be there for 5 days.
    Thanks

    • Hi Dave,

      I am very glad to hear you liked Croatia and that my advice was useful!

      In October, you normally have mixed weather, you can have days with +20 degrees and Sun, but you can also have days with lots of wind and rain.

      I would recommend you to visit the National park Krka, also a drive down the coast towards Trogir/Split is quite nice.

      Close to Zadar, you have the small town Nin, which is aslo very nice. If you like hiking the national park Paklenica is great place to go.

      Brgds, Morten

  45. Hi guys 🙂

    I read your story and it really inspire me.

    I’ve been to Split many times because it’s my favourite city in all the cities that I have visited in Europe.

    I would like to move to Split next summer to live there but it seems to be really hard to find work there as an ex-pat.

    Maybe you could give me some advices about it 🙂

    Thank you so much !

    Hugo

    Ps: I’m from Canada and I’m fluent in English and French

    • Hi Hugo,

      glad to hear that you like Split 🙂

      Well, finding work here is really not easy, unemployment rates are high and still seams to be growing, so currently best options is if you can find an employer outside and then do home office work here.

      Best,

      Morten

  46. Hi Morten,
    Can you please help me on deciding something? How it is easy for an average Filipino to apply for a Croatian Tourist Visa? I belong to a multinational IT firm and they are planning to have an outing in Croatia. Any suggestion would be highly appreciated.
    I heard that some EU countries are indeed very hard to get a Visa. I applied for a business Visa in Spain and get denied.
    I’m not sure about Croatia.

    Thanks,
    Emerson

Leave a Reply to Kelly Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

It is main inner container footer text