A capital city is the center of its country. It's the seat of power of the nation; home to the head-of-state or the reigning monarch. It's often the major business and financial hub of the country, stabilizing and managing the national economy. Thus, it's no surprise that many people relocate to these cities. One that's become quite popular over the years is
Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Its population continues to grow, thanks in large part to the enlarging expat community. Are you thinking of moving to Zagreb yourself? If you are, let this relocation guide help you with the basics, ranging from which neighborhood to call home to getting around the city.
Is Zagreb Worth a Visit?
Before deciding to move to Zagreb, it's better to see if the city is even worth visiting in the first place. Well, if you like old-world districts and warm weather, then yes, Zagreb is worth your while. From its 18th and 19th-century Austro-Hungarian architecture to bright sunshine all year round, the Croatian capital is a dreamy metropolis worth exploring again and again!
Where is Zagreb?
Zagreb is right smack in the middle of Croatia. Though it's not a coastal city, the place is just as sunny. Croatia is still in Southeastern Europe, after all, which is the warmest part of the Old Continent. The country itself is one of the Mediterranean's sparkling gems.
Living in Zagreb as an Expat
Since Zagreb isn't a huge metropolis in the vein of London, Paris, Rome, Berlin, and Madrid, it's easy to assume that living as an expat here is more challenging. But that's not necessarily the case. Though it's always challenging to start a new life in a different city, it doesn't mean that it's automatically hard if the said city isn't a popular destination. Zagreb itself is still quite popular, albeit considerably less so compared to other European capitals. With that said, this still doesn't mean that moving to Zagreb as an expat will be more difficult than moving to other, more famous cities. For one thing, relocating to the Croatian capital comes with a few benefits, including:
- Living in a peaceful city.
- The costs are much lower here.
- You get to see beautiful sights every day.
- There are fewer tourists here compared to other capital cities.
Overview of Zagreb
Zagreb serves as the capital city of
Croatia. It's the largest metropolis in the country, with a current population of 684,000 residents. Surprisingly, considering its geographical location in the Mediterranean, Zagreb experiences all four seasons. Its hottest month is July, with an average temperature of 27°C (80.6°F), while its coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 4°C (39°F). It even snows in winter here too, which is relatively rare in this part of the world.
What is Zagreb Known For?
Beyond its role as Croatia's capital city, Zagreb is a popular destination in its own right. Is it as famous as other European capitals like Paris, Rome, London, and more? Not necessarily. But nevertheless, the city's tourism remains strong and stable. For those moving to Zagreb, they can expect a high-quality living standard at affordable costs, especially when compared to the aforementioned famous cities.
Where is Zagreb Located?
As mentioned previously, Zagreb is located in the middle of Croatia. The country itself is situated in Southeastern Europe, right on the edge of the Mediterranean. Zagreb is still technically a Mediterranean city, but the
Croatian Islands are more in line with the warmth and tropicality that the region is known for.
What to See in Zagreb in One Day
If you have a free
day in Zagreb, you can spend it just by sightseeing. There's the Zagreb Cathedral and St. Mark's Church, for example, which are marvelous pieces of Gothic architecture. Tkalčićeva Street is popular too, especially its series of cafes, bars, bistros, and more. And of course, you can't forget about Upper Town, the old town district of the city. This is the quarter where Croatian heritage is on full display.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Visa in Zagreb
For many of you out there, the first step to moving to Zagreb is applying for a visa. Although Croatia joined the EU back in 2013, it was only in January of 2023, ten years later, that it became part of the Schengen Area. So now, if you're coming from outside of the zone, you'll need a
Schengen Visa just to enter Croatia. You also have to be specific with your visa. Since you intend to move to Zagreb, you need to apply for a long-term Schengen Visa, some of which will let you stay in the country for around 90 to 180 days.
Do You Need a Visa for Zagreb?
As already mentioned, you'll need to apply for a Schengen Visa to travel to Croatia if you're coming from outside of the Schengen Zone. There is, however, the
ETIAS Visa Waiver Program too. Just as its name says, this program lets those coming from select countries enter Croatia (or the Schengen Zone at large) without a visa. The eligible territories include the US, the UK, the UAE, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Japan, Israel, and more.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Getting Around Zagreb
Despite its relatively small population, Zagreb remains a busy metropolis with people hustling and bustling about. Part of why they can go about their daily lives with little to no hassle is
Zagreb's public transport. Zagrebački Električni Tramvaj (ZET) is in charge of the different modes of public transportation in the Croatian capital. Thanks to its various systems in place, you can get from one destination to another with no problem at all. The buses and trams, all in a signature blue hue, can easily take passengers around the many stops and stations throughout the city. Funicular Railway travels vertically, allowing you to easily go from Lower Town to Upper Town and vice versa.
How to Get Around Zagreb
Beyond the usual modes of public transportation, you can also ride your bike to get around Zagreb. If you have your own, it's a free way to get to your destination. Bike rentals are also fairly affordable, whether you rent a bike for a couple of hours or the whole day. Another option is to use
transportation apps. Fortunately, popular ride-hailing apps Uber, EkoTaxi, and Cammeo operate in Zagreb. They're especially helpful during rush hours when the common public transport systems tend to get crowded.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Where to Live in Zagreb
Now, when relocating to a new city, you have to first decide which neighborhood you'll settle down in. There are many
neighborhoods in Zagreb, each more different than the next. You have to think very clearly about your situation and choice of lifestyle to determine which of them would suit you best. If you're more into a contemporary lifestyle and want to stray a little away from the typical historic nostalgia, Novi Zagreb is your best bet. Tkalčićeva, on the other hand, is a trendy district where you can eat and drink to your heart's content. And if you actually enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Croatian capital, then Britanski Trg is the place for you.
Best Neighborhoods in Zagreb
You don't need anyone to tell you that it's vital to stay in a neighborhood that suits your current situation and/or lifestyle. It applies to Zagreb as it does in other bustling metropolises out there. What might be a great district for you might not be suitable for another. Those living the single adult life will probably not find a place more suited for one that's raising a family all that cool, for example. However, there is a consensus that Lower Town, Upper Town, Britanski Square, Kaptol, Maksimir, Tresnjevka, and Jarun are the most popular neighborhoods in Zagreb, both for locals and tourists alike. These places are different from each other, but what they all have in common is that they're fun, safe, and exciting.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Zagreb Living Costs
Are you, perhaps, second-thinking about relocating to Zagreb? Is it because you're afraid that you might be unable to afford it here? Well, overall, the
living costs in Zagreb aren't that bad. At least, not for those who want to live a standard middle-class lifestyle here.
Numbeo states that the estimated monthly costs of a single adult living in Zagreb are €751.80 without rent. For a family of four, the estimated monthly costs add up to €2,596.90 without rent. That's not too bad considering that the average costs of living in other European cities, specifically other capital cities, are considerably higher than these figures.
Cost of Living in Zagreb, Croatia
Now let's talk about rent! Another good way to gauge the average cost of living in a city is by looking at the common rental fees here. For the most part,
renting a luxury apartment in Zagreb will cost you around €424.52 to €1,500.00 a month. It only depends on where the rental is located and how many bedrooms it has. And again, when you compare these prices to other capital cities in Europe, they're practically bargains! It just goes to show that the cost of living in Zagreb isn’t as high as many would think.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Employment in Croatia
Typically, your reason for relocating to Zagreb is that your job transferred you there. However, in the off-chance that you moved to Zagreb without a job, know that you don't have anything to worry about.
Croatia's job market is fairly stable, boasting a current 6.32% unemployment rate and a strong 66% employment rate. The economy is alive and well here, leading to more job opportunities for locals and foreigners alike.
Jobs in Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia's economy is heavily reliant on Zagreb. Its capital city is also its major business hub, where big industries flourish. They include the pharmaceutical, textile, food & drink, and manufacturing industries. As you
look for a job in Croatia, specifically in Zagreb, focus on these specific fields. And even if your industry isn't any of these, many others operate in this bustling metropolis. Over time, you will find the job for you in Zagreb!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Education in Zagreb
Moving to Zagreb with your kids? Then you're probably worried about their education, right? Of course, if you're coming from a different country and you and/or your kids don't even know how to speak the language here, it's gonna be a problem finding the right school where they can continue their studies. But in truth, there's no need to worry! Croatia boasts excellent education programs, with eight compulsory years and prominent higher education.
Zagreb's International Schools
At the very least, you can expect many prestigious
international schools in Zagreb. They're perfect for your kids who might not be fluent in Croatian. Among the cream of the crop include the American International School of Zagreb, British International School of Zagreb, Deutsche Internationale Schule Zagreb, and Ecole Française Internationale de Zagreb. These are the kinds of private institutions that make it easier for students to get to the best universities in the world.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Healthcare in Zagreb
Let's not forget about healthcare! This is yet another thing you don't have to worry about when relocating to Zagreb.
Croatia's healthcare system is lauded as one of the finest, not just in Europe, but in all the world. The moment you become a legal resident here, you can gain access to public health coverage with all its medical benefits and the like.
Zagreb Hospitals
As for living in the Croatian capital itself, there are a ton of
excellent hospitals and clinics in Zagreb that ensure that you get the best treatment for whatever health problem you're facing. The University Hospital Centre Zagreb and Merkur Clinical Hospital are just some of the best out there. There's also the Sisters of Charity Hospital, which boasts one of the best neurology clinics around. While Privatklinik Sinteza specialized in various medical fields like otorhinolaryngology, gynecology, and more.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Safety in Zagreb
Safety in Zagreb is a non-issue. Typically, capital cities are notoriously unsafe. They're not dangerous per se, but they don't have low crime rates. The
crime rates in Zagreb, however, are actually low. The general crime rate here is 15.48%, which is considered very low. At the same time, the city's rate of increasing crimes is 43.31%. It's considered moderately high, but still fairly low in the whole grand scheme of things.
Is Zagreb Safe?
Yes, it is. The city boasts a high 92.37% high safety rate during the day. At night, it drops to 79.56% which is still considered high.
Is Zagreb Safe to Walk?
Of course, it is. With its high safety rate and low general crime rate, you can go out and about in Zagreb with little to no worry at all. It also helps that the city is beautiful, making it perfect for a stroll.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Taxes in Zagreb
It probably goes without saying but you ought to learn about
Croatia's tax system before you settle down in Zagreb. The way they do their taxes here is different from other countries. Let's focus on your income tax, for example. Croatia only has two income tax rates imposed on its residents. Those who earn a salary of under €47,780.28 per year have a tax rate of 20%. On the flip side, those who earn a salary above €47,780.28 per year have a tax rate of 30%. This alone is already far from the ascending system common in other tax systems in Europe.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Relocation Tips for Zagreb
Let’s end this relocation guide with a few tips that will surely help you along the way:
- Learn the Croatian language before getting to Zagreb.
- Enroll in a
language school in Zagreb to brush up on your Croatian.
- Learn the
Croatian social customs to avoid offending the locals in Zagreb.
- Set up a
local Croatian bank account before going to Zagreb (if you can).
- Join a
local Croatian mobile network and get a SIM card for your phone.
- Choose the right neighborhood to settle down in.
- Get your rental/ property papers in check before moving into your new home in Zagreb.
- Memorize the route you'll be taking every day.
- Get to know the locals and build a strong network in the city.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Moving to Zagreb might just be the best decision you'll ever make in your life. You definitely won't regret it if you do it properly too! Let this relocation guide show you the basics of the process so you can start on the right foot.
