Croatia
Croatian digital nomad residence permit
The Croatian digital nomad permit is for people who work remotely for a foreign company or for their own business abroad.
News · European Union
The EU Entry/Exit System has been fully operational since 10 April
At the Schengen area's external borders, passport stamps have been replaced by a digital record. The change affects non-EU travellers on short stays. If you hold a residence permit issued by a country that operates the EES, the system does not register you.
Summary
In brief
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On 10 April 2026 the phased rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES), which began in October 2025, was completed.
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The system records the facial image, fingerprints and travel-document data of non-EU short-stay travellers, together with the date and time of entry and exit.
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According to the European Commission's information of 27 July 2026, people holding a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a country operating the EES are not registered.
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Holders of residence permits or long-stay visas issued by Cyprus or Ireland, however, are registered.
Background
What happened
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) became fully operational at all Schengen external border crossing points on 10 April 2026. The phased rollout had started in October 2025. When non-EU nationals enter or leave for a short stay, border guards now record their facial image, fingerprints and travel-document data digitally. Passports are no longer stamped.
At full launch, the Commission said the system had already recorded more than 52 million entries and exits. According to its information of 27 July 2026, the figure had passed 145 million.
In the same information, the Commission clarified who is not registered: non-EU nationals who hold a residence permit or long-stay visa issued by a country operating the EES. Holders of Cypriot and Irish permits, however, are registered.
During the summer season, the press reported longer waiting times at several border crossings.
For you
What it means for you
- On a short visit: if you travel before your application – for example to view a flat or hold meetings – your biometric data will be recorded at the border on your first entry. Allow extra time for the border crossing.
- The 90-day rule: the system records the date of entry and exit, and according to the Commission it automatically detects people who stay longer than allowed. The short-stay rule is up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
- With a residence permit: if your permit was issued by a country operating the EES, you show your passport and residence permit at the border; no biometric data is taken.
Programmes
Related programmes
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- Spain
Spanish digital nomad visa
The Spanish permit for international teleworkers is issued for 3 years and can be renewed for 2 years at a time; your family can come with you and work too.
- Hungary
Hungarian White Card
The White Card is the residence permit for remote workers based in Hungary: 1 year, renewable once by 1 year.
Sources
Sources
Last checked:
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System (EES) fully operational – 10 April 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System fully operational since 10 April 2026 – who is exempt – 27 July 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System – about the EES (opens in a new tab)
- European Commission: Main differences between EES and ETIAS – 28 April 2026 (opens in a new tab)
- Euronews: ETIAS after EES chaos – 8 July 2026 (opens in a new tab)