May 12, 2021 – The Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence (DNiR) program is in full swing. Today we are catching up with Alyssa Isogawa to get her view of the program and living in Dubrovnik.

What ties a young Californian of Japanese descent to Croatia? Well, water polo, of course. Alyssa Isogawa is anything but typical. This charming Californian from Huntington Beach spends her days working on her e-commerce brand Deep End she started at the age of 19. Her brand sells clothing, among other things, for water polo players. She also enjoys playing her guitar, dancing, and revelling in all things tied to the sea and water. She is a proud vegan and loves to meet new people.

Why did Alyssa Apply?

An interesting detail about Alyssa's introduction video is her love of water polo. Many think of this sport as exotic or uncommon. Not Croatians and certainly Dubrovnik locals. Water polo is a beautiful, albeit physically demanding sport enjoyed by many around the world. It is especially popular around the Mediterranean and in some central European countries. Croatia is one of the most successful countries in the history of the sport and Dubrovnik is one of the most important European water polo centres. It comes as no surprise Alyssa knew about Dubrovnik way before the Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence program. As an aspiring digital nomad, she wasted no time applying to the program. After the initial selection process, Alyssa Isogawa is now enjoying her time in Dubrovnik, exploring the city and learning about local culture.

Her experiences will be a valuable asset to the program as DNiR is all about envisioning ways in which Dubrovnik could improve its offer for people like her. It was designed by Saltwater Nomads in partnership with Total Croatia News. The program is a collaboration between the City of Dubrovnik and the global digital nomad community it hosts, all done with great help from the Dubrovnik Tourist Board as well. The DNiR program is bound to produce interesting and valuable results that could have a real impact on the local community.

This is one of the things high on Alyssa’s list as well. She enjoys the connection with the new culture and is looking forward to making new friends. In our interview below she states:

“Everyone here has been super friendly. I just walk down the street and people want to talk to me, which is so weird coming from LA…”

“Everyone here is just so willing to help you, wants to talk to you… and make sure to let you know that Croatia is an amazing place.”

Of course, not everything is perfect. There are areas that need improvement.

“I love Croatia so much, I love the people, and the only thing that has been super difficult is being a vegan here. Yeah, I would have to say I’ve had to ease up on my vegan-ness…”

Check out our video interview below and find out what Alyssa likes and dislikes about her Dubrovnik experience.

Learn more about the Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence program.

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Program

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

May 8, 2021 - Digital nomads in Split can now work at SPAlato Spa in the Radisson Blu Hotel, with free Wi-Fi and a relaxation zone. You may also want to book a treatment to destress your mind and body while you’re there…

The digital nomad lifestyle can sometimes be rough on my posture and my brainwaves. I live on a computer and some days it feels like I’m becoming a piece of the furniture, hunched over a keyboard with a never-ending to-do list. Recently, I had enough. I desperately needed a massage to release my tight muscles and clear my head. I decided to check out the spa at the Radisson Blu hotel near my apartment. I went there last year just before the pandemic shut things down and I enjoyed a terrific treatment with a stunning view of the Adriatic Sea.

SPAlato Spa opened in a completely renovated space on May 1, including treatment rooms, pools, a sundeck, relaxation zone, fitness center, and a yoga studio.

Cool vibe

A year ago the spa was under renovation and this time I was glad to see the new space. I went on a Sunday morning and the first thing I noticed was the cool ambiance with jazz music and a lounge vibe. I loved it immediately. It reminded me of places I used to go back home to settle in and relax with the Sunday New York Times and a pot of coffee.

A lounge area includes a retail display for purchasing organic products used during treatments.

I scheduled a facial and a massage and I arrived early to swim and sweat in the sauna before my treatments. The spa was airy and light, which I like, and the design was minimal yet elegant. I was delighted to find several different “zones” where I could hang out, including comfy couches near the pool and an outdoor sunbathing terrace. Later I found out that the designated Relaxation Zone has Wi-Fi, is kid-free, and it’s where I can set-up and work for a day. Wait a minute, what?

Digital nomads can set up shop in the Relaxation Zone, Wi-Fi included, and alternate between work and spa amenities.

No more WFH (work from home)

The concept was mind-blowing. The SPAlato (a cute name playing up Spa with the old Italian name for Split) could replace my dining table office and allow me to take breaks from the computer in any number of spots:  indoor and outdoor pools, gym, sauna, steam room, whirlpool, cold and hot plunge pools, or a yoga studio. And there’s another bonus for this spa and wellness devotee—I could tackle the enticing list of treatments.

Brand new saunas are fresh and let you build up heat before jumping in the pool.

TCM (traditional Chinese massage) with a certified Chinese therapist; Power of the Sea—a combination of marine salt scrub, aromatherapy with local essential oils, a bath, full body massage, body wrap, and finisher with local immortelle oil; and other treatments promised to restore my body and mind energies.

It seems decadent, and perhaps dangerous in regard to keeping work deadlines, but my body would be so grateful and my mind would be so happy.

The indoor pool is surrounded by glass, giving a sense of being outdoors and close to nature.

Treatments

My therapist Doris asked what kind of massage I like and I said sports or deep-tissue. Every therapist I’ve ever said that to has interpreted it differently. For all the good massages, I’ve also endured being rubbed with inexperienced, weak hands and pounded with killer claws. Not this time. Doris not only had the right touch, she knew how to apply pressure in the correct way to get my muscles flowing. Yesss!

Treatment rooms are comfortable and calming, an ideal environment to relax.

She also did my facial and explained the steps and the products used, including my particular skin type needs. Small details in both treatments made all the difference, starting with the bowl of water and eucalyptus oil she held under my nose before we began. Oh my, I inhaled deeply. I’ve had enough treatments over the years to know that every place is different and charming in its own way. That also sets a benchmark for quality and this place rates high on my list.

Thalgo and Elemis spa products are organic and made with marine ingredients for maximum effectiveness.

Mediterranean experience

I spent the rest of my time on the upper dining terrace, looking over the sea and eating a fresh salad. It couldn’t have been nicer. I can’t believe I’m contemplating my future workspace in a spa; how cool would it be to be the first digital nomad to claim a co-working seat at SPAlato.

An upstairs dining terrace offers Mediterranean food and drinks in a casual, elegant atmosphere.

Learn more about SPAlato on Radisson Blu’s website.

Learn more at TCN’s Digital Nomads channel.

Story and photographs ©2021, Cyndie Burkhardt. https://photo-diaries.com

May 8, 2021 - Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence program is well underway with our digital nomads seriously getting to work on ideas and suggestions on how to improve the local nomad offer. We caught up with Kelsey Kay Love to get her opinion of living and working in Dubrovnik.

Digital nomads in residence are creating and sharing their vision of a nomad-friendly Dubrovnik. They are paving the way for their colleagues who will follow after them. We are catching up with them and chatting about their impressions so far. Today, we are talking to Kelsey Kay Love.

It is hard to imagine a group of people that wouldn't want Kelsey as one of their members. This Dallas Texas born digital marketing expert, travel writer and brand manager lives life to the fullest. She is a world traveller with a gift of contagious positivity. Kelsey is currently busy working as a brand manager for SelvaRey Rum Company, co-owned by Bruno Mars. That didn't stop her from applying to Dubrovnik Nomads in Residence program.

After searching for digital nomad options around the world she realised there was a possible option for applying to a program in Dubrovnik. Croatia was already high on her bucket list as a destination so she decided to apply. And the rest is history.

Living in Dubrovnik

Although she works full time Kelsey manages to enjoy Dubrovnik. She spends her days getting to know the local culture of living and local people. She enjoys activities and tours done with her fellow nomads in residence and is rapidly building a good understanding of what it's like to live and work in southern Croatia. Being a lover of boats, Kelsey is right at home in this ancient seafaring community.

In a short interview below Kelsey reveals her likes and dislikes when it comes to being a digital nomad in Dubrovnik. She also chimes in as to what the next steps for the local community need to be. Her varied list of interests helps her enjoy the width of the Dubrovnik experience and some of the things the area offers outside of the beaten path. Check out the interview below and pick up some of that Kelsey Kay Love positivity.

You can learn more about the Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence program here. 

Here is Kelsey's application video.

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Program

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

May 6, 2021 - The Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence program is well underway with the nomads getting accustomed to their new place of residence and colleagues. We have caught up with one of them, Ron Tardiff.

Ron Tardiff is quite a guy. He is a highly educated marine ecologist with an impressive educational background. He studied at seven educational institutions pursuing marine sciences (BSc), maritime studies (BA), and aquaculture (MSc). Ron dedicates his work and effort to bettering aquaculture and fishing practices. He advocates better regulation based on scientific research. Ron is also actively voicing his concerns regarding overtourism. Being a dedicated marine ecologist, he is well aware of the environmental damages it brings. In his spare time he practices yoga and learns foreign languages.

Getting to Dubrovnik

Aside from being a dedicated ocean advocate, he is an avid traveller. Not only that, but a true digital nomad. With no preferred spot in which to spend his days, Ron has found himself working, studying and living in 10 different countries. COVID-related travel problems prevented him to get back to Europe. While trying to find a solution, the Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence program caught his eye. Now, he is testing the waters of the Croatian South and sharing his insights with us and the local community.

Ron is frustrated with the slow pace at which national governments adopt policies related to digital nomads. For him, it seems like the struggle between the comfort of familiar but outdated practices and progress is taking too long. All he wants is a chance to work in different spots, helping local communities in the process. It might be time to listen to what he has to say.

In a quick interview below check out some of his impressions of Dubrovnik, life in Croatia and Dubrovnik Digital Nomads-in-Residence. Through conversation with Paul Bradbury Ron reveals the reasons he never considered Dubrovnik before as a digital nomad destination. He also says a few words about cooperating with the other nomads. Find out more below.

You can learn more about the program here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Program

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

April 28, 2021 - As part of the first wave of the digital nomad campaign, "Croatia, your new office!", over 8 million impressions were achieved from mid-March to mid-April.

As reported by the Croatian National Tourist Board, activities within the digital nomad campaign, which the Croatian National Tourist Board is conducting on the US market, Canada, and the United Kingdom, were carried out on Facebook and Twitter and aimed exclusively at the target group of potential digital nomads, and all information on the conditions of registration and stay of digital nomads in Croatia can be found on the campaign landing page and subpage ‘‘Croatia your new office’’.

"Digital nomads in the current circumstances can contribute to better occupancy of tourist capacities throughout the year, while digital nomadism itself is increasingly becoming a global trend that brings numerous benefits for a number of activities, including the tourism sector. Croatia has the necessary preconditions to become an attractive and desirable destination for digital nomads, and we will continue to carry out the necessary activities to be as successful as possible", said Croatian Tourist Board Director Kristjan Stanicic, adding that the second wave of the promotional campaign is planned for the second half of 2021.

Let's add that the campaign page mostly searches for the conditions and steps that must be met in order to obtain a visa for "digital nomads", but also the content available in certain destinations. The data also show that the most interesting are tourist products such as active holidays, nature, culture, and eno-gastronomy, but also destinations such as Central Dalmatia, Istria, Dubrovnik, and Zagreb.

That Croatia is recognized as an interesting destination for digital nomads is confirmed by numerous publications in renowned foreign media such as GEO, Lonely Planet, The Washington Post, Forbes, The Mirror, and The Independent, which have dedicated their recent articles to the digital nomad campaign in Croatia.

You can learn more about the digital nomad visa through our interview with Melissa Paul, owner of Croatia's first digital nomad visa earlier this year.

For more on digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

April 23, 2021 - TCN meets the director of the Taxation Services Department at KPMG Croatia, Kristina Grbavac, to discuss the taxation of digital nomads in Croatia.

Croatian tax and immigration legislation were amended in 2020 to welcome digital nomads to Croatia: a digital nomad visa was introduced and income based on the acquired status of a digital nomad became tax-exempt and relieved of the tax reporting obligation in Croatia.

Even though it might look like all tax matters are covered with this exemption, there are still some open questions to be considered by digital nomads.  

Kristina Grbavac, director of the Taxation Services Department at KPMG Croatia, discusses the taxation of digital nomads in Croatia.

In which country is a digital nomad a tax resident?

The question of tax residency is important because the country of tax residency has the right to tax worldwide income, while another country has the right to tax income sourced in that country only.  

Therefore, digital nomads should first check and regulate their tax (non)residency status in their home country and country from which they are coming to Croatia (if different from their home country).   

Based on the Croatian tax legislation, a tax resident is a physical person who has a permanent residence or habitual abode in Croatia, which amongst other includes the following:

• owning or holding a home or flat in Croatia for at least 183 days;

• permanent stay in Croatia for at least 183 days; and
• other factors like his/her family residing in Croatia, not being tax resident elsewhere, etc.

Since there are no specific provisions in the Croatian legislation on the tax residency of digital nomads, the above rules for tax residency would apply to digital nomads too.

Based on the digital nomad visa, digital nomads can stay in Croatia for a year, which is more than 183 days mentioned above; therefore, due to their stay in Croatia, they might become Croatian tax residents.  

Should a digital nomad be a tax resident of a country with which Croatia has an effective Double Taxation Agreement and at the same time be a Croatian tax resident, the provisions of the relevant Double Taxation Agreement should be reviewed in order to determine the overall residency.

Therefore, there is no unique answer on the tax residency of digital nomads, but to conclude on someone’s tax residency, his/her specific personal facts should be considered.

If digital nomads would become Croatian tax residents, Croatia would have the right to tax their worldwide income.  

Is other income earned by a digital nomad taxable in Croatia?

A digital nomad who only earns income based on which he/she acquired the status of a digital nomad in Croatia, will neither pay tax in Croatia nor will have tax reporting obligations in Croatia.

Furthermore, a digital nomad who would be tax non-resident in Croatia, and his/her only income source in Croatia would be income based on his/her digital nomad status, will also have no tax payment or reporting obligations in Croatia.

However, Croatian tax resident digital nomads who earn other types of income will be taxable in Croatia on these other types of income. Other types of income include all different sorts of income, and the most common examples are dividend income, capital gains, and rental income.  

For example, if a Croatian tax resident digital nomad while staying and working in Croatia as a digital nomad receives dividends from shares in non-Croatian companies (e.g. US or German companies) or rental income for renting an apartment to someone else while he/she is in Croatia, that income should be reported to the Croatian tax authorities and tax paid in Croatia. 

Therefore, digital nomads should carefully consider whether they earn any other types of income that could be taxable in Croatia.

Is a Croatian digital nomad subject to tax in some other country?

Even though a digital nomad's income is tax-exempt in Croatia, it does not mean digital nomads do not have to report their income to their home country or some other country in which they resided before.

Therefore, besides checking their tax status in Croatia, digital nomads should carefully check if they have any tax liabilities in the countries they lived before.

Will the work of a digital nomad in Croatia create any tax risk for his/her own company or his/her employer?

This is the question most individuals who work remotely are not aware of, and most individual travellers think that their mobility impacts their personal taxation only.

However, working abroad might create some tax obligations and risks for employers or companies owned by international travellers.

For example and in a very simplified manner, if a digital nomad in Croatia manages his own company’s business from Croatia, his/her company might become taxable on its profits in Croatia.  

Furthermore, digital nomads who work for their foreign employers from Croatia might create a taxable presence (so-called taxable permanent establishment) in Croatia for their employers. This would depend on various factors, including their job description, activities, authority to conclude contracts or negotiate their terms, etc. 

A taxable permanent establishment is not a term specific for Croatia, but is common in most countries; however, awareness of international travellers on this matter is low and, therefore, many times is the question of the taxable permanent establishment not examined.

Any changes in the tax legislation expected in the future?

Significant changes to the legislation have already been made, which answered the main questions. 

However, the idea behind the digital nomad's initiative was to make the move of digital nomads to Croatia easier, to remove administration obstacles and tax costs that could refrain them from moving to Croatia, and there are still many open questions related to their taxation.

Therefore, it is important to resolve the remaining matters too to allow digital nomads to move to Croatia without being concerned about their taxation.

In the light of that, further changes to the Croatian tax legislation would be expected.

For more on digital nomads in Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

April 20, 2021 - Now you can work from any location in Croatia, as unlimited internet for digital nomads with Hrvatski Telekom is now available! 

One of the great benefits that technology provides is that today we do not necessarily have to be tied to a desk, office, or even a country to do the job. A laptop, tablet, or smartphone, and a reliable internet connection make it possible to work anywhere in the world, and Croatia is an excellent choice.

To support the fast-growing community of digital nomads and provide them with quality working conditions, Hrvatski Telekom has prepared an ‘Unlimited Internet’ bundle that is simple to activate. All digital nomads need is to ask for this bundle on the website and it will arrive at their chosen address. This allows the user to easily top up and use the card for a longer stay in Croatia.

The ease of use and the fact that no contractual obligation is required make the ‘Unlimited Internet’ bundle ideal for all digital nomads living life on the move. It can be activated first for one week at the price of 85 kunas. This weekly offer includes seven days of unlimited surfing. The SIM card is activated when you first connect to the internet, and immediately after activation, you can use the unlimited surfing option. For each further reactivated Flat Surf option, users get a 20 kuna discount, so that the price of this option is 60 kunas per week. The maximum single top-up is HRK 2,000, which is enough to cover slightly more than eight months.

The estimation is that there are 4.8 million people in the world who have in some way opted for a digital-nomadic lifestyle, with as many as 17 million people aspiring to it. Having in mind the characteristics of such a lifestyle, mobility, flexibility, creating your own schedule, and choosing the location of work, Hrvatski Telekom wants to provide digital nomads with a fast and stable internet connection at any time and in any place, which is crucial for their work.

“We listen to the market and the needs of our users every day. With the ‘Unlimited Internet’ bundle, we wanted to make work easier for digital nomads who are already in Croatia and for those who consider Croatia as a destination from which to work to show that one of the ten fastest mobile networks in the world makes it not only possible, but also an excellent choice“, said Richard Brešković, Director of Residential Marketing Sector of Hrvatski Telekom.

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

April 11, 2021 - The 10 winners of the innovative Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence (DNiR) competition have been announced. Meet them one by one. Next up Ron Tardiff from the USA, but currently in Budapest.

The DNiR programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

1. You are a DN-i-R winner. Congratulations! How do you feel?

I’m ecstatic and honored to participate in this groundbreaking program! I’m also just really humbled to have the opportunity to work with such an iconic city. 

2. How did you hear about the competition, and why did you decide to apply?

Well, there’s a bit of a back story here. After things fell through trying to get a digital nomad visa to relocate to Portugal (in part because of Covid, in part because of bureaucratic indifference), I ended up stuck in the US with no way to get back to Europe. Having spent most of the last 5 years in Europe, I was pretty desperate to get back. I stumbled upon Total Croatia News and the travel Viber group back in July explaining how Americans could get back into Europe through Croatia. After two weeks in Zadar, I moved on to Budapest where I basically got a digital nomad residency and ended up meeting my girlfriend who will be joining me on this adventure. So, cheers to you, TCN. 

While checking out TCN one day, I read about Jan de Jong’s letter to the government and I’ve been following him on LinkedIn ever since. So, that’s how I found out about the program. Apart from the fairly drab Budapest winter, made more dull by persistent lock-down conditions, I was motivated to apply for a few reasons. 

1. I have been routinely frustrated by antiquated bureaucracy that makes life hard for digital nomads for no reason. I actually have a Master’s degree from Greece, but there’s no practical way for me to stay there and contribute to the economy as a digital nomad. Nonsense. So basically, I’m on board with anything that helps illustrate the value of digital nomads.
2. Having travelled extensively, and usually slowly (for weeks or months in one place at a time) I find the whole notion of short-duration, shallow tourism to be pretty silly. And as a marine ecologist, I understand the myriad environmental problems that stem from this kind of mass tourism. It seems the pandemic has given cities like Dubrovnik and Venice a chance to stop, take a breath, and realize that embracing the future of work could be a better path forward for both locals and travelers. I’m also eager to research and write about how rethinking tourism is frankly essential for meeting key sustainability goals like the EU Blue Growth Strategy.
3. Plus, who could resist a month stay in the city where Game of Thrones was filmed??

3. Which particular skills and ideas will you be bringing to the party?

I’ve been fortunate enough to live, work and study in 10 countries, so I bring a wealth of multi-cultural experience and international perspective. Having dedicated my life to understanding and improving how humans interact with our marine environments, I’m also excited to contribute the sustainability/ecology angle to our co-creation with the city.

4. What are you must looking forward to about DNIR?

I’m most looking forward to exploring this unique model with a really eclectic group of people. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to experience what Croatia has to offer as my new office and sharing that with the world. I hope at the end of this first iteration, that Dubrovnik and other cities around the world will embrace the potential of hosting Digital Nomads-in-Residence and leveraging the highly diverse skillset they often bring.

I’m sure it comes as no surprise to anyone that I can’t wait to be exploring the many sights southern Croatia has to offer! Oh, and as I discovered during my first visit to Croatia, the wine there is phenomenal and I’m already anticipating my first glass by the sea.

5. Let's get you involved in the Dubrovnik community. Who or what would you like to connect with?

I’d love to connect with anyone engaged in Croatia's blue economy. That includes those in marine conservation, research, the aquaculture industry, fishing, etc. I also have an interest in innovation and youth engagement in sustainability, so meeting anyone working along those lines would be fantastic!

Here is Ron's application video:

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

The winner announcement video:

April 9, 2021 - 10 digital nomads from 7 countries have been announced as the winners of the inaugural Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence in a video presentation at a press conference in the city. 

They originate from California, Texas, Japan, Finland, Spain, Hungary, the Netherlands, and the UK, but are currently located in several other locations. But they all have one thing in common - on April 23, they will all descend on Dubrovnik, to take up their positions in the world's first Digital Nomad-in-Residence programme (DN-I-R), set to take place in Croatia. 

The DN-i-R programme, which has been designed by Saltwater Nomads, in partnership with Total Croatia News, the CIty of Dubrovnik and the Dubrovnik Tourist Board (and financed by the latter two), is an innovative direction for the Pearl of the Adriatic, as it looks to diversify its tourism strategy away from overtourism and in the wake of the pandemic. 

Given the global situation, it was perhaps fitting that the location of the press conference was just outside the UNESCO World Heritage Site and its famous old walls at Lazareti. Completely renovated in 2018, Lazareti is now a spectacular multi-purpose event location. Its origins are as the original quarantine station in Dubrovnik. The Dubrovnik Republic was the first state to introduce quarantine back in 1377. 

The press conference was given by Deputy Mayor of Dubrovnik, Jelka Tepsic, Dubrovnik Tourist Board Director, Ana Hrnic, Saltwater Nomads CEO, Tanja Polegubic, and TCN CEO, Paul Bradbury. 

The lucky 10 digital nomads were chosen from a very international field of 115 applicants, from 27 countries. You can see who they are with this compilation video above, which was put together from the application video submissions. Over the coming days, TCN will be introducing them individually. They are:

Kelsey Kay Love from Texas (currently in Los Angeles)

Charlie Brown from UK (currently in Zagreb)

Ron Tardiff from USA (currently in Budapest)

Marlee McCormick from Texas

Albert Cañigueral from Spain

Zoltan Nagy from Hungary (currently in Tenerife)

Alyssa Isogawa from USA/Japan (currently in California)

Rob Schubert from the Netherlands (currently in Estonia)

Carolyn Zelikow from USA (currently on Hvar)

Kaisu Koskela from Finland (currently in Gran Canaria)

It was a high-quality field of applications, and there are several ways that other applicants can still be involved. TCN will shortly be announcing giveaways, virtual networking opportunities, and the chance to attend the final event in May. 

The press conference over, it was down to the hard work. The excellent relationship between city, tourist board and Saltwater Nomads has already delivered the first digital nomad conference in Croatia, Dubrovnik for Digital Nomads in October, 2020. Jelka and Tanja have built up an excellent working relationship, and there is still plenty of organisation ahead, now that the selection process is over.  

One of the gorgeous Lazareti rooms has been made available to the DN-i-R project as a coworking space, right on the water.  

You can learn more about the programme here. 

Saltwater Nomads' Tanja Polegubic on Dubrovnik Digital Nomad-in-Residence Programme

Dubrovnik Mayor Mato Frankovic on Digital Nomads, US Flights, 2021 Season

For the latest digital nomad news from Croatia, follow the dedicated TCN section.

March 26, 2021 - Croatia, your new office, is a new campaign by the Croatian National Tourist Board to attract digital nomads. 

HRTurizam reports that the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) has launched a campaign to position Croatia as an attractive destination for digital nomads.

Thus, the campaign started in the renowned and most widely read British dailies, The Mirror and The Independent, which published articles in which Croatia was presented as a desirable and attractive destination for digital nomads. They are some of the most widely read media publications in the UK, with a total follow-up of more than 50 million readers.

"Croatia is recognized in Great Britain as an attractive destination whose rich natural and cultural heritage the British admire. We are sure that our gastronomy, climate, and nature will inspire many Britons to get to know our country even better as digital nomads and enjoy its benefits," said the director of the Croatian National Tourist Board in the United Kingdom, Darija Reić, adding that these announcements significantly contribute to the general visibility of Croatia as a tourist destination in this important market.

The Independent states that a special visa for digital nomads has been introduced in Croatia this year, making Croatia one of the few countries in the world where formal conditions for the life and work of digital nomads have been created. In the continuation of the article, the journalist writes about the Croatian Tourist Board's promotional campaign, "Croatia, your new office!" launched to promote Croatia as an interesting destination with quality living conditions for digital nomads.

The Mirror says that "Croatia's new remote worker visa allows Brits to come and stay for up to a year," listing the excellent living conditions in Croatia in the status of digital nomads, emphasizing the unique natural beauties of Croatia, such as islands, national parks, interesting cities, and beautiful beaches.

In addition to PR and media activities, the advertising campaign will be conducted through the social networks Facebook and Twitter with a special focus on the markets of the USA, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the CNTB points out.

As a reminder, the Croatian National Tourist Board (CNTB) recently published on its website a special subpage for digital nomads - Croatia, your new office, which contains all important information related to the registration and stay of digital nomads in Croatia.

To read more about digital nomads in Croatia, follow TCN's dedicated page.