Croatia attracts with its sea, climate, and resorts, but permanent residence here has several disadvantages. A Ukrainian woman who has lived on the Croatian coast for five years shared about high prices, seasonality, job issues, and legalization. This is reported by Telegraf.
«The sea, pines, and sun. This is what we associate with Croatia. But here are the downsides of living on the coast of Croatia that I noticed during my 5 years here», — said the Ukrainian woman on Threads.
High Prices, Seasonal Work, and Expensive Housing
One of the main disadvantages of the coast is seasonality. In summer, resort towns are crowded with tourists, while in winter, many cafes, restaurants, and shops close. Active life throughout the year mainly persists in larger cities.
The labor market is also limited. Salaries are lower than in many Western European countries, so some Croats go to work in Germany, Austria, and Ireland. Ukrainians often work remotely, run their own businesses, or look for jobs in tourism, construction, and the service sector.
In recent years, prices for products, rent, restaurants, and services in Croatia have risen significantly. Often, apartments are rented through agencies, and the commission must be paid by the tenant.
Purchasing real estate is also expensive. Especially high prices are found on the coast and in large cities. Specifically, in Split, the average cost of housing already exceeds 3,000 euros per square meter.
Difficult Without a Car, and Legalization Takes Years
Public transport in Croatia is unevenly developed, so outside of large cities, it is often inconvenient without a car. Air travel also depends on the season: there are more flights in summer, but tickets are expensive, while in winter, the choice of destinations decreases.
Another downside is bureaucracy. The paperwork can take a lot of time. For foreigners, one common method of legalization is working under a contract with a Croatian employer or running a business.
Obtaining long-term status can take years. The article notes that one can apply for it after five years of continuous legal residence, and the path to citizenship for many lasts about ten years or longer.
Among other disadvantages, the Ukrainian woman mentioned a smaller selection of goods and entertainment, apartment thefts during the tourist season, and strong winds. Due to this, roads may be closed, and ferry services canceled.
Outdated sewage infrastructure remains an issue in some coastal towns. During heavy rains, system overloads may occur, due to which water is temporarily advised against for drinking.
Despite this, the Ukrainian woman emphasizes that she does not regret moving to Croatia, but advises considering these particularities for those contemplating the country for permanent residence.
It should be noted that a British travel company named 10 best places for vacation in the Balkans.