Living in Split: the ultimate expat guide

Split's economy is driven primarily by tourism, maritime industries, and services. The city serves as the main economic hub of the Dalmatian region, with growing opportunities in IT, hospitality, and professional services. Croatia's labor market has tightened significantly, with the unemployment rate reaching historic lows.

Key Industries and Sectors

The dominant sectors include tourism and hospitality, which employ a significant portion of the workforce, particularly during the peak season from May to September. The maritime sector, including shipbuilding and nautical services, has deep roots in Split. The IT and tech sector is expanding rapidly, with increasing demand for software developers and digital professionals. The city also has a growing professional services sector catering to businesses and the expat community.

Work Permits and Visa Options

EU/EEA citizens can work freely in Croatia without a permit. Non-EU nationals have several options: the Digital Nomad Residence Permit allows remote workers earning at least €3,295 per month from foreign sources to live in Croatia for up to 18 months (recently extended from 12 months). The EU Blue Card, now valid for 48 months since 2025, targets highly qualified professionals. Standard work permits require employer sponsorship and are tied to specific positions.

The following table summarizes key employment indicators for the Split region:

Sources: Trading Economics, EURES, European Commission

Split is home to the University of Split (Sveučilište u Splitu), one of Croatia's most respected higher education institutions. Founded in 1974, the university has grown to include 11 faculties, one Academy of Arts, and four university departments, offering comprehensive academic programs across multiple disciplines.

University of Split Overview

The university enrolls approximately 19,000 students across undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate programs. International students make up about 3% of the student body, with numbers steadily increasing through exchange programs like Erasmus+. The student-to-staff ratio stands at 15:1, ensuring personalized attention. The university is ranked 1201-1400 globally by QS World University Rankings and participates in the SEA-EU Alliance, a network of European maritime universities.

Programs and International Offerings

The School of Medicine offers a prestigious 6-year Medicine program taught entirely in English, attracting international students seeking EU-recognized medical degrees. Graduates are eligible to take USMLE (US) and LMCC (Canadian) licensing exams. The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences provides an English-taught Psychology undergraduate program coordinated with the European Diploma in Psychology (EuroPsy). Key faculties include:

1. Faculty of Medicine – renowned for clinical training and research
2. Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture (FESB)
3. Faculty of Economics, Business and Tourism
4. Faculty of Maritime Studies
5. Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy

Tuition fees vary by program and nationality; EU students typically pay lower fees than non-EU students. Croatian language courses for international students are available through the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. For more information, visit the official University of Split website.

Split has emerged as an attractive retirement destination, offering a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, excellent climate, affordable living costs compared to Western Europe, and a safe, welcoming community. Many retirees are drawn by the combination of ancient culture, beautiful scenery, and modern amenities.

Why Retirees Choose Split

Croatia ranks 19th globally on the Global Peace Index, making it one of the safest countries in Europe. The Crime Index score of 24.6 (Numbeo 2025) is lower than Germany, France, or Italy. Split's walkable center, efficient public transport, and mild climate mean retirees can enjoy an active outdoor lifestyle year-round without needing a car. The city offers good healthcare facilities, with both public and private options available.

Residency Options for Retirees

Non-EU retirees typically apply for temporary residence based on "other purposes," which requires proof of sufficient funds, health insurance, and accommodation. After 5 consecutive years of legal residence, you can apply for Long-term Residence status, which requires passing a Croatian language test. For family members of Croatian citizens or members of the Croatian diaspora, faster pathways to permanent residence may be available (4 years or 3 years respectively).

Healthcare Considerations

Croatia has a universal public healthcare system managed by HZZO (Croatian Health Insurance Fund). EU citizens can access this system with a European Health Insurance Card. Non-EU retirees must arrange private health insurance. Many expats use private clinics for faster service—consultations typically cost €40-70. Split has several hospitals including the University Hospital Centre Split (KBC Split).

The cost of living for a retired couple, including rent, healthcare, food, and leisure, typically ranges from €2,000-3,500 per month depending on lifestyle choices.

Sources: Numbeo

Split offers several schooling options for expat families, including international schools that follow globally recognized curricula. While the selection is smaller than in Zagreb, the quality of education available meets international standards and serves the growing expat community in the Dalmatian region.

International School Options

The Split International School, located in Dugopolje near Split, is the primary choice for English-speaking families. The school offers programs from elementary through high school, following the International Baccalaureate (IB) curricular framework. It also provides an American-style high school diploma accredited by the Middle States Association (MSA) and is officially recognized by the Croatian Ministry of Education. The school uses the Harkness teaching methodology, emphasizing discussion-based learning, and offers a FIRST Robotics program. Additional language support is available for non-native English speakers.

Other options include the Harfa International School Split, which offers primary education entirely in English with Croatian as a mandatory subject, following both international standards and the Croatian Ministry curriculum. The International French School of Split provides bilingual French-Croatian education as part of the AEFE network. The Deutsche Schule Split offers German-based curriculum for younger learners.

Public School System

Croatian public education is free and compulsory for eight years, starting at age 6-7. Public schools teach exclusively in Croatian. From grades 1-4, students have one teacher covering all subjects. From grade 5 onwards, specialized teachers handle different subjects including a mandatory second foreign language (typically German, Italian, or French). Croatia boasts a 98.1% literacy rate.

Contact schools directly for current tuition information; many offer flexible tuition programs and scholarships. For enrollment, international schools typically require previous academic records, immunization documentation, and proof of residence.

Sources: Split International School, Harfa International School, Expat in Croatia

Finding accommodation in Split requires understanding the city's unique rental market dynamics. The short-term tourism rental industry significantly impacts availability and pricing, with many landlords preferring lucrative summer tourist rentals over year-round leases. Long-term rentals typically run from October to June, making the off-season the best time to search.

Popular Neighborhoods for Expats

Meje and Spinut offer an excellent balance between proximity to the center and residential tranquility, favored by many expats. Bačvice is popular for its famous beach and lively atmosphere. Žnjan provides modern apartments and family-friendly beaches. The Old Town (Grad) and Varoš neighborhoods offer character and walkability but can be noisy and touristy. Firule and Lučac-Manuš provide good local amenities at moderate prices.

Rental Prices and Procedures

Rental prices vary dramatically between seasons. In the off-season, expect to pay €500-800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment in a good area. The same apartment can cost €1,200-2,000+ during summer months. A security deposit equivalent to one to two months' rent is standard.

The following table shows average monthly rental prices:

Use local platforms like Njuškalo.hr for better deals rather than expat-targeted agencies. Note that Croatian listings count total rooms, not bedrooms (a "2-room apartment" has one bedroom plus living room).

Sources: Numbeo, Total Croatia News, Investropa

Split offers an exceptional quality of life, combining rich cultural heritage with Mediterranean outdoor living. From ancient Roman ruins to pristine beaches and vibrant nightlife, the city caters to diverse interests and lifestyles year-round.

Cultural Attractions

Diocletian's Palace, the UNESCO World Heritage heart of Split, is not a museum but a living city center with shops, restaurants, and homes within its ancient walls. Key sites include the Peristyle Square, the magnificent colonnaded courtyard; the Cathedral of St. Domnius, built in Diocletian's mausoleum with a climbable bell tower offering panoramic views; the Temple of Jupiter, now a baptistery; and the atmospheric underground Palace Cellars, famous as a Game of Thrones filming location.

Notable museums include the Archaeological Museum (one of the oldest in Croatia), the Split City Museum in the Gothic-Renaissance Papalić Palace, and the Meštrović Gallery, showcasing works by Croatia's most famous sculptor in his former seaside residence.

Outdoor Activities and Beaches

Marjan Hill is Split's green oasis—a forested peninsula with hiking and cycling trails, viewpoints, historic chapels, a small zoo, and secluded beaches like Kasjuni. Popular city beaches include Bačvice, famous for the local sport of picigin (a shallow-water ball game), and Žnjan, a family-friendly stretch with excellent facilities.

Water activities include sea kayaking around Marjan, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat trips to nearby islands. Day trips to Krka National Park (waterfalls) and Plitvice Lakes are easily arranged from Split.

Nightlife and Social Scene

The Riva promenade is Split's social heart, lined with cafes perfect for people-watching. The Old Town comes alive at night with bars tucked into ancient stone buildings. The Split Summer Festival brings classical music and theater performances to historic venues from mid-July to mid-August. Sports fans can experience the passionate atmosphere at Poljud Stadium, home of Hajduk Split football club.

Sources: Diocletian's Palace Official, Lonely Planet, Wikipedia

Daily life in Split revolves around the Mediterranean pace—mornings at outdoor markets, afternoon coffee rituals on the Riva promenade, and evening strolls through ancient streets. The city is highly walkable, with most essential services within reach of the historic center. English is widely spoken, particularly in tourist areas, though learning basic Croatian phrases is appreciated.

Getting Around

Split's public transportation system, operated by Promet Split, consists of an extensive bus network covering the entire metropolitan area. Single tickets cost approximately €1.50 for the central zone and €1.75 for outer zones. Monthly passes are available for regular commuters. Buses run from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight, with frequent service on major routes.

Ride-sharing apps Uber and Bolt operate in Split, offering convenient alternatives to traditional taxis. Prices vary based on demand; a trip from the suburbs to the center typically costs €7-15. The city center is largely pedestrianized around Diocletian's Palace, making walking the preferred option for exploring the Old Town.

Practical Information

Major supermarket chains include Konzum, Lidl, Kaufland, and Studenac. The daily Pazar green market, located just east of Diocletian's Palace, offers fresh local produce at competitive prices—arrive early for the best selection. The fish market (Ribarnica) provides fresh Adriatic catch daily.

Banking services are widely available, with major banks including Zagrebačka banka, PBZ, and Erste Bank. ATMs are plentiful in the city center. Croatia uses the Euro (€) as of January 2023. Healthcare is accessible through the public system (HZZO) for residents, though many expats opt for private clinics offering shorter wait times at reasonable costs (general practitioner visits from €40, specialists from €70).

Split offers a more affordable lifestyle than most Western European coastal cities while maintaining excellent quality of life. However, costs have risen notably since Croatia adopted the Euro in January 2023, with inflation around 4-5% in 2025. The biggest variable is housing, which fluctuates significantly between tourist and off-seasons.

Monthly Budget for a Single Person

The following table estimates monthly expenses for a single person living a moderate lifestyle in Split:

Monthly Budget for a Family of Four

Sources: Numbeo, Croatia Wise, Inspired by Croatia