Local Demographics in Split (2026)

Official census (2021) shows 161,312 residents; population declining ~1% annually. However, Split hosts a 'vibrant expat and digital nomad community' not fully captured in official statistics—many stay on tourist or digital nomad visas (up to 18 months, not consecutive) and never register as permanent residents.
EU citizens have free movement rights; non-EU digital nomads can apply for Croatia's dedicated 18-month residence permit (€2,539+ monthly income requirement as of 2026). This means real on-the-ground population is substantially higher than the official city census suggests.
Tech and startup scene is growing but still developing. Split Tech City, SPINIT incubator, and the University of Split drive innovation, but the ecosystem remains smaller than Zagreb. Affordable engineering talent and low operating costs attract foreign founders and remote workers.
Notable communities: Expat and digital nomad groups meet regularly (Facebook groups, meetups, coworking spaces). German, Austrian, UK, US, and Southeast Asian nationals are documented as long-term residents. Large German/Austrian retiree populations across coastal Croatia.
English is widely spoken, especially among younger generations and in tourism/service sectors, making integration easier for foreign residents.

Figure: 161312
Source Type: 2021 Census (most recent official)
Note: Split city proper; 2026 estimate ~152,000–161,000 accounting for continued decline of ~1.0% annually

Startup Ecosystem: Split Tech City (formal association established 2010) drives innovation community; growing but smaller than Zagreb
Government Support: Split city ePotpore platform (2025) for digital grant management; non-refundable subsidies for craftsmen and trading companies; access to HBOR loans (~3% interest) and EU funding for startups
Competitive Advantages: Affordable engineering talent; university partnership; growing coworking infrastructure (AmoSfera, CoCreative, Smart Space mentioned); digital nomad and expat community presence supporting international business demand
Workforce And Salaries: Engineering/software tech salaries firmly above €1,000/month for basic roles, many earning far more; cost of living dramatically lower than Western European tech hubs (Paris, Berlin, Eindhoven)
Notable Companies And Startups: Evolutio (30+ staff, offices in Zagreb/Split/Zadar, iOS/Android/web development); Profico (30+ staff, digital product agency); Parklio, GetByBus, Include, AymoLive, GammaChef, Databuilder, dobartek.hr, Sailboat RC among local successes
Challenges Noted: Smaller ecosystem than Zagreb due to tourism dominance; lack of risk capital; regulatory complexity; but recognized by regional government and university as area for growth

Split Tech City – established as first formal tech association; organizes meetups, STup! university startup competition, and initiatives
SPINIT – startup incubator (recently opened)
ICT Županija – regional government project supporting tech community development
University of Split – technology transfer office and student business incubator involvement

Split Specific Notable Record: According to 2011 census, 83 Dalmatian Italians in Split (0.05% of population at that time)
Expat Communities Documented In Sources: US, Canadian, UK, German, Austrian, Asian (Vietnamese, other Southeast Asian) digital nomads and professionals documented in expat guides and nomad community profiles; large German, Austrian, and Northern European retiree populations mentioned for coastal Croatia broadly

Official Foreign Citizens Percentage: 0.74
Official Foreign Citizens Count All Croatia: 28784
Context: National figure (2021 census); Split-specific registered foreigner count not found in official sources

Basis: Community-sourced reporting; expat/nomad visa uptake; relocation and real-estate commentary
Estimate Type: Digital nomad, expat, long-term unregistered residents
Note: Split attracts substantial unregistered digital nomad population (visa permits allow up to 18 months; EU citizens free movement) plus tourist-visa residents and longer-stayers who never formally register. Official census captures only permanent residents. Real-estate and relocation sources indicate 'vibrant expat and digital nomad community' and 'robust expat community' but no precise count available. Facebook groups, coworking spaces, and nomad guides reference active communities but no aggregated registrations.

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this local demographics research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

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Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.