Expat Communities: Finding Your Network in Croatia

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Croatia: A Popular Destination for Expatriates

Croatia, with its stunning coastline and rich cultural heritage, attracts more and more expatriates eager for discovery each year. Settling in this beautiful country can present challenges without a strong network for personal and professional fulfillment.

Fortunately, there are numerous dynamic expatriate communities ready to welcome newcomers. Whether you’re seeking support, professional connections, or simply friends with shared interests, this article will guide you through the best ways to find and join these networks for successful integration in Croatia.

Facilitating Integration: Expatriate Networks in Croatia

Expatriates in Croatia benefit from a wide range of networks and associations that facilitate their integration, ranging from active social media groups to international clubs and chambers of commerce.

Examples of Expatriate Networks:

• Dedicated Facebook Groups:
  • Expats in Zagreb
  • Expats in Dubrovnik
  • Expats in Split Croatia
  • Expats in Zadar
  • Expat Croatia
• Specialized Networks:
  • Jobs for Foreigners in Croatia (employment)
  • Digital Nomads Split (digital nomads)
  • Foreign Business Owner’s Association (FBOA, foreign entrepreneurs)
  • Empowered Women, Empower Women (Split, support for expatriate women)
• International Clubs & Platforms:
  • InterNations Croatia (international events and French-speaking network)
• French-Speaking or Thematic Associations:
  • “Un autre monde” in Zagreb, connecting ecology and French-speaking communities through cultural and environmental actions.
• Private Expatriation Support Services:
  • Zelena Energija offers personalized support for all procedures related to settling in Croatia.

Facilitating Integration Through Networks

These communities play a key role in:

Providing Social Opportunities:

• Informal meetups at cafes or during themed gatherings.
• Intercultural evenings or after-work events organized by InterNations or FBOA.

Offering Practical Advice:

• Daily exchanges about local life via Facebook groups.
• Guidance on housing, healthcare, and the local school system.

Support with Administrative & Cultural Challenges:

• Assistance with administrative procedures through certain professional networks or specialized agencies.
• Sharing experiences to better understand Croatian mentality and avoid cultural isolation.

Event Type	Main Objective	Typical Organizer
Language Exchanges	Practice Croatian/French/English	Facebook Groups, InterNations
Cultural Meetings	Discover heritage/local culture	Associations like “Un autre monde”
Professional Gatherings	Networking & Business	FBOA, Digital Nomads Split
Meetup Cafés	General Socializing	Facebook Communities/InterNations
Themed Workshops	Specific Support	Empowered Women/Personalized Support

Importance for Community Feeling

Networks enable:

• Creating a genuine, close-knit community around cultural and professional sharing.

They foster a strong sense of belonging through mutual support in facing expatriation challenges and collectively celebrating personal or professional successes.

Actively participating in these groups not only facilitates adaptation but also contributes to the overall well-being of newcomers—whether they’re French families settling in Zagreb or digital nomads living along the Dalmatian coast.

Facebook Groups for Expatriates: A Valuable Resource

Facebook groups for expatriates in Croatia play an essential role in daily support. These virtual spaces provide quick answers to practical questions, access to local life recommendations, and advice on cultural integration. Here’s how these groups prove to be a valuable resource:

Functionality	Description
Practical Advice	Finding information on housing, healthcare, administration, or employment.
Cultural Recommendations	Discovering local customs, traditions, and must-see events.
Moral Support	Sharing experiences, asking questions, and receiving help from the community.
Social Integration	Meeting other expatriates, organizing gatherings, and expanding social circles.

Among the most active Facebook groups for expatriates in Croatia are:

• Expats in Croatia
• Foreigners in Zagreb
• Expat Women in Croatia
• Digital Nomads Croatia
• Living in Split, Croatia

Each of these groups offers exchanges tailored to different expatriate profiles, whether for families, expatriate women, professionals, or students.

The main benefits of these groups include:

• Facilitating social integration through event organization and meetups
• Sharing listings for apartments, job offers, or local services
• The ability to ask questions about complex administrative procedures
• Access to personalized advice on daily life (schools, transportation, healthcare, leisure)

To get the most out of these communities, it’s important to follow certain participation rules:

• Read group rules before posting or commenting
• Respect cultural diversity and avoid discriminatory remarks
• Use the search function before asking already addressed questions
• Prioritize constructive and kind exchanges
• Do not post unauthorized advertisements

Tips for Effective Interaction:

• Briefly introduce yourself during your first participation
• Be specific in your questions to get useful answers
• Thank members for their help or recommendations
• Also share your own experiences to help other expatriates

Facebook groups for expatriates in Croatia constitute a genuine support network, fostering mutual aid, information exchange, and integration into Croatian society.

French-Speaking Meetups: Building Connections in Croatia

Croatia hosts a dynamic French-speaking community, particularly in the cities of Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, which are major hubs for expatriates and lovers of French culture.

City	French-Speaking Presence	Associations and Activities
Zagreb	Active community, expatriates, students	Alliance Française, Zagreb Accueil, cultural events, meetup cafés, workshops, outings
Split	French-speaking community, students	Alliance Française, film screenings, cultural workshops
Dubrovnik	French-speaking presence, tourists	Alliance Française, occasional events, cultural exchanges

French-Speaking Associations and Clubs:

• Alliances Françaises: Present in Zagreb, Split, and Dubrovnik, they organize workshops, language courses, film screenings, and cultural meetings.
• Zagreb Accueil: A welcoming association for French speakers and Francophiles, offering varied activities (cafés, outings, hikes, themed evenings, cooking classes, sports clubs, cultural visits).
• Expatriate Networks: InterNations, Facebook groups dedicated to French speakers or Francophiles in Croatia, specialized forums.

Cultural and Social Events Around the French Language:

• Francophone Film Festival: Attracts passionate audiences each year and fosters connections.
• Meetup Cafés and Culinary Workshops: Opportunities to share the French language in a friendly context.
• Outings and Sports Activities: Walks, hikes, professional networking events.

Expatriate Testimonials:

“During the first weeks, joining Zagreb Accueil allowed me to quickly find my bearings and integrate thanks to the warm welcome from volunteers. Participating in activities gave me a sense of belonging to a genuine community.”

“Social media groups helped me ask practical questions and meet other French-speaking families, which facilitated my adaptation.”

“Attending French-speaking events opened doors for both friendship and professional networking.”

Practical Tips for Meeting French Speakers in Croatia:

• Register with local associations (Alliances Françaises, Zagreb Accueil) to benefit from a structured network and regular activities.
• Use online platforms:
  • Facebook Groups: “French in Croatia,” “French Speakers in Zagreb/Split/Dubrovnik”
  • Specialized forums (InterNations, Expat.com)
• Participate in cultural events (screenings, festivals, workshops).
• Contact consulates or the embassy who can direct you to existing networks.
• Prioritize openness by also participating in local Croatian celebrations to build connections with residents while strengthening your French-speaking network.

Building French-speaking connections in Croatia means combining the richness of cultural exchanges with mutual aid and sharing, essential for successful integration.