Migration questions Croatia

Temporary Residence Permit

A temporary residence permit is granted for up to one year with the possibility of extension. It is suitable for individuals planning a temporary stay in Croatia, such as for work, study, or family reasons.

Required documents:

- Completed application form.

- Valid passport.

- Proof of the purpose of stay (e.g., employment contract, enrollment confirmation from an educational institution).

- Proof of sufficient financial means.

- Proof of accommodation in Croatia.

- Health insurance.

Application processing times: The processing time for temporary residence permit applications may vary but is usually between 30 and 60 days.

Permanent Residence Permit

A permanent residence permit can be obtained after continuous residence in Croatia for 5 years based on a temporary residence permit. It grants the right to permanent residence without the need for annual renewal. Holders of a permanent residence permit have broader rights, similar to those of Croatian citizens, except for voting rights in national elections.

Required documents:

- Completed application form.

- Valid passport.

- Proof of continuous residence in Croatia for 5 years.

- Proof of stable income.

- Proof of accommodation in Croatia.

- Health insurance.

- Certificate of basic knowledge of the Croatian language.

Application processing times: Processing of permanent residence permit applications may take between 60 and 90 days.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia or contact the local police station.

1. Determine the type of residence permit (Temporary Residence Permit/Permanent Residence Permit).

2. Prepare the necessary documents.

3. Application submission:

In person: Contact the nearest police station at your place of residence in Croatia.

Online: Some categories of applicants may submit their applications through the electronic services of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia.

4. Payment of fees: Pay the relevant state duties and fees.

5. Wait for the decision: The processing time for applications is usually between 30 and 90 days depending on the type of residence permit.

6. Obtain the ID: After approval, obtain the residence permit ID at the relevant police station.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to visit the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia.

Please note that requirements and procedures may change, so it is recommended to directly contact the relevant authorities or visit their official resources for the most current information.

Stay

Short-term stay: EU/EEA citizens have the right to stay in Croatia without registration for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

Long-term stay: If a stay of more than 90 days is planned, it is necessary to register the stay at the local police station according to the place of residence in Croatia. For this, a personal ID or passport needs to be provided, along with proof of the purpose of stay (e.g., employment, study, family reasons).

Work

Right to employment: EU/EEA citizens have the right to work in Croatia without needing a work permit. This right applies to all types of employment, including self-employment.

Working conditions: Upon employment, EU/EEA citizens have the same rights and obligations as Croatian citizens, including working conditions, pay, and social guarantees.

Additional Information

Social security: EU/EEA citizens working in Croatia are subject to the country’s social security system, which provides access to healthcare and other social services.

Family members: Family members of EU/EEA citizens who are not EU citizens have the right to join them in Croatia, but additional procedures may be required to obtain residency and work rights.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to refer to the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia or contact the relevant EU bodies.

Citizens of countries not part of the European Union (third countries) must comply with certain procedures for legal residence and work in Croatia.

Visas and entry

Short-term stay: For stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period, third-country citizens usually need to obtain a short-term visa (type C). Some countries have agreements with Croatia allowing visa-free entry; it is recommended to check current visa requirements before traveling.

Long-term stay: If planning to stay for more than 90 days, you must obtain a long-term visa (type D), which allows entry to Croatia for the purpose of applying for a residence permit.

Residence permit: Temporary or permanent.

Work permit

Permit requirement: Third-country citizens are required to obtain a work permit for legal employment in Croatia. It is usually a combined permit that integrates the residence permit and the work permit.

Application procedure: The application for a combined permit is submitted by the employer or the applicant themselves at the local police station or Croatian consulate abroad. Documents proving employment, qualifications, and compliance with the labor market requirements are needed.

Special categories

Digital nomads: Croatia offers a temporary residence permit for digital nomads — foreign citizens working remotely. The application can be submitted online through a special portal of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia.

General recommendations

Before traveling, it is recommended to familiarize yourself with the latest information on the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia or contact the nearest Croatian consulate.

Please note, procedures and requirements may change, so it is important to regularly check updates on official resources.

Timely submission of the application

Deadlines: The application to extend a temporary residence permit should be submitted at least 60 days before the current permit expires. Late submission may lead to illegal residence and possible fines.

Preparation of necessary documents

Required documents: 

- Completed application for extension.

- Valid passport.

- Proof of ongoing purpose of stay (e.g., extended employment contract, proof of continued studies).

- Evidence of sufficient financial resources.

- Proof of accommodation in Croatia.

- Valid health insurance.

Submission of the application

Place of submission: The application is submitted to the local police station in your place of residence in Croatia.

Process: Personally visit the police station with the prepared documents. Some categories of applicants may have the opportunity to submit their application online through the electronic services of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia.

Payment of fees

Pay the applicable state fees and charges associated with the extension of the residence permit.

Waiting for a decision

The processing time for an extension application can vary, usually taking from 30 to 60 days.

Receiving the updated permit

After approval of the extension, collect the new residence permit at the appropriate police station.

Special cases

Change of circumstances: If your purpose of stay has changed (e.g., change of employment or studies), it is necessary to notify the relevant authorities and provide supporting documents.

Recommendations:

Consult official sources or legal advisers to receive the most current information and assistance in the extension process.

For additional information and access to electronic services, visit the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia (eusluge.mup.hr).

To obtain a residence permit in Croatia, you must provide proof of valid health insurance covering medical expenses within the country.

Options for arranging medical insurance

Private International Medical Insurance: A policy purchased from an international insurance company valid in Croatia. The policy should cover basic medical services and be valid for the entire intended stay. Before purchasing, ensure that the insurance company is recognized in Croatia and that the policy meets local authority requirements.

Croatian Private Medical Insurance: A policy arranged with a local Croatian insurance company. It must provide coverage of medical expenses according to local standards. Contact several insurance companies in Croatia to compare policy terms and costs.

Mandatory Health Insurance (HZZO): The Croatian state health care system managed by the Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO). Some categories of foreigners may register with HZZO after obtaining a residence permit. Clarify the possibility and conditions of registration with HZZO upon arrival in Croatia.

Necessary documents

To arrange insurance, a passport, proof of residence address, and in some cases, a medical questionnaire are usually required.

Recommendations

Checking requirements: Before arranging insurance, clarify the current medical insurance requirements for obtaining a residence permit with local authorities or official resources.

Validity period: Ensure that the policy is valid for the entire period of your intended stay in Croatia.

Language of the document: It is recommended to have the policy in Croatian or English or provide its official translation.

For more information, please visit the official website of the Croatian Ministry of Interior or the Croatian Health Insurance Institute.

Acquisition of Croatian citizenship is regulated by the Citizenship Act and can be carried out in several ways: by descent, through naturalization, based on belonging to the Croatian nation, and in special cases.

Citizenship by descent

Being born to Croatian parents: A child automatically acquires citizenship if both parents are citizens of Croatia.

One parent is a Croatian citizen: If one parent is a citizen of Croatia and the other is a foreigner, the child acquires citizenship if:

Born on the territory of Croatia.

Born outside of Croatia but registered by the parents with Croatian authorities before reaching the age of 21 or if they settled in Croatia.

Citizenship through naturalization

Foreign nationals may apply for naturalization if they meet the following conditions:

Age: Be at least 18 years old.

Residence permit: Continuous legal residence in Croatia for at least 8 years and possession of a permanent residence permit.

Knowledge of language and culture: Proficiency in the Croatian language and Latin alphabet, as well as knowledge of Croatian culture and social structure.

Release from previous citizenship: Provision of proof of renunciation of previous citizenship or confirmation that such release will occur after obtaining Croatian citizenship.

Compliance with laws: Respect for the rule of law in Croatia, payment of taxes, and no threat to national security.

Citizenship based on belonging to the Croatian nation

Individuals who consider themselves to be Croatian may obtain citizenship if:

Origin: Can prove their Croatian origin or affiliation with a Croatian ethnic community abroad.

Application: Submit an application expressing the desire to become a citizen of Croatia.

Knowledge of language and culture: Possess basic knowledge of the Croatian language, culture, and social structure.

Special cases

Interests of the Republic of Croatia: Citizenship may be granted to individuals whose acceptance into citizenship aligns with Croatia's national interests.

Emigrants and their descendants: Emigrants from Croatia and their descendants can obtain citizenship without needing to renounce previous citizenship, knowledge of the language, or residency in Croatia.

Additional information

Dual citizenship: Croatia allows dual citizenship, however, it is recommended to check whether your current country permits citizenship of another country.

Responsibilities of Citizens: After obtaining citizenship, you are required to comply with the laws of Croatia, including possible military obligations and tax payments.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia or the nearest diplomatic mission.

Yes, holders of a temporary residence permit in Croatia have the right to leave the country and return during the validity of their permit. However, it is important to consider the following points when planning trips:

Validity of Documents

Residence Permit: Ensure that your temporary residence permit is valid at the time of your return to Croatia. If it expires during your absence, it is recommended to extend it in advance.

Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months after the intended date of return to Croatia.

Visa Requirements for Other Countries: When traveling to other countries, ensure that you have the necessary visas or permits to enter those states.

Extension of Residence Permit

If your temporary residence permit is due to expire soon, it is recommended to apply for an extension no later than 60 days before its expiration. This can be done at the local police station at your place of residence in Croatia.

Restrictions on Long Absence

A long absence from Croatia may affect your rights, especially if you plan to apply for permanent residence or citizenship in the future. It is recommended to clarify the allowable periods of absence with the relevant authorities.

For the most up-to-date information, it is recommended to consult the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia or consult with local migration services.

Receiving a refusal for a residence permit in Croatia can be unpleasant, but there are steps that can be taken to appeal the decision or resubmit the application.

Analysis of Reasons for Refusal

Receiving Official Notification: After a refusal, you should receive a written notification specifying the specific reasons for the refusal.

Analysis of Reasons: Carefully study the specified reasons to understand which requirements were not met or which documents were insufficient.

Appealing the Decision

Deadlines for Filing an Appeal: In Croatia, there are strict deadlines for appealing administrative decisions. Usually, an appeal must be filed within 15 days from the date of receiving the refusal decision.

Preparation of Appeal: Write a detailed appeal outlining the arguments against the refusal, providing additional evidence or documents supporting your position.

Submitting an Appeal: The appeal is submitted to the appropriate administrative body or court specified in the refusal notification.

Resubmitting the Application

Correction of Deficiencies: If you decide to resubmit your application, ensure that all previously mentioned deficiencies are corrected.

Updating Documents: Provide current and complete documents that meet the requirements of the immigration authorities.

Consultation with a Lawyer

Professional Assistance: Contact a qualified immigration lawyer who will help you understand the reasons for the refusal, prepare an appeal or a new application, and represent your interests in the relevant authorities.

Alternative Options

Seeking Other Grounds: Consider the possibility of obtaining a residence permit based on other criteria if applicable to your situation.

Note that the appeal process can be complex and time-consuming. Thorough preparation and understanding of the legal aspects will increase your chances of a successful resolution of the situation.

For additional information and consultation, it is recommended to consult the official website of the Ministry of the Interior of Croatia or professional immigration consultants.

When undergoing immigration procedures in Croatia, foreign citizens are often required to provide official documents issued in their country.

Translation Requirements

Official Language: All documents submitted to Croatian government bodies must be in Croatian.

Certified Translation: The translation must be done by a certified (court-appointed) translator officially recognized in Croatia. Such translations have legal force and are accepted by government institutions.

Document Legalization Process

Apostille: Documents issued in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention must be apostilled.

Consular Legalization: For countries that are not parties to the Hague Convention, consular legalization of documents is required.

Finding a Certified Translator in Croatia

Translator Associations: In Croatia, there are professional associations that train and certify court translators. Contacting such associations can help you find a qualified specialist.

Online Directories: There are online resources where you can find information about professional translators in Croatia who provide services in various languages.

Recommendations: Consulting local law firms or consulting companies specializing in migration issues can help in finding a reliable translator.

For more information about certified translators in Croatia, you can visit the following resources:

EUservice24.info: A directory of professional translators in Croatia providing services in various languages.

Schmidt & Schmidt: Information about certified translators and the sworn translation procedure in Croatia.