Croatia residence permit allows individuals to live and work in this picturesque European country, offering a gateway to its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes
Is it easy to get a residence permit in Croatia?
The ease of obtaining a residence permit in Croatia can vary depending on your specific circumstances, such as the purpose of your stay, your nationality, and the type of permit you are applying for. In general, the process may involve meeting certain criteria, providing necessary documentation, and possibly undergoing background checks.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, the process is typically more straightforward compared to non-EU/EEA citizens. Non-EU/EEA citizens may need to go through additional steps and provide more documentation.
If you are an EU/EEA citizen, the process is typically more straightforward compared to non-EU/EEA citizens. Non-EU/EEA citizens may need to go through additional steps and provide more documentation.
How do I get a residence permit in Croatia?
Following a period of five years under a provisional residence permit, individuals become eligible to request a permanent residence permit.
Residence permit in Croatia: requirements and documents
Documents required for permanent residence include a valid passport, evidence of income, and the previous temporary residence permit.
To qualify for naturalization, individuals must demonstrate proficiency in the Croatian language and culture, in addition to holding permanent resident status for a minimum of 8 years.
To qualify for naturalization, individuals must demonstrate proficiency in the Croatian language and culture, in addition to holding permanent resident status for a minimum of 8 years.
Croatia visa requirements for Spain residence permit holders
EU nationals are exempt from the need for a long-stay visa or the application for a Residence Permit in Croatia. However, if their stay extends beyond 90 days, it is mandatory for them to register with the local police department in Croatia.
You are a business owner and need a residence permit in Croatia? Requirements
To obtain a work and residence permit as a self-employed business owner, the first step is to gather the necessary documentation. The required documents include:
Form Obrazac 2a: Complete and submit the specified form for the permit application.
Passport Photo (30×35 mm): Provide a recent passport-sized photo.
Copy of Valid Passport: Submit a copy of your valid passport.
Copy of Work Contract (not required for obrt): If applicable, include a copy of your work contract. Note that this is not required for obrt (sole proprietorship).
Government-Issued Background Check and Certificate of Length of Stay: Obtain a background check and a certificate of the length of stay, especially if you have lived in a country other than your nationality in the last 12 months.
Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate your financial stability and means to support yourself.
Proof of Health Insurance: Provide evidence of health insurance coverage.
Proof that You Meet Company Requirements, Including:
Decision on Recognition of Foreign Educational Qualifications: If applicable, obtain a decision on the recognition of foreign educational qualifications, especially for third-country nationals intending to perform a regulated profession listed in Croatia. Apply for this document at the Ministry of Science and Education.
Form Obrazac 2a: Complete and submit the specified form for the permit application.
Passport Photo (30×35 mm): Provide a recent passport-sized photo.
Copy of Valid Passport: Submit a copy of your valid passport.
Copy of Work Contract (not required for obrt): If applicable, include a copy of your work contract. Note that this is not required for obrt (sole proprietorship).
Government-Issued Background Check and Certificate of Length of Stay: Obtain a background check and a certificate of the length of stay, especially if you have lived in a country other than your nationality in the last 12 months.
Proof of Financial Means: Demonstrate your financial stability and means to support yourself.
Proof of Health Insurance: Provide evidence of health insurance coverage.
Proof that You Meet Company Requirements, Including:
- Proof of ownership share or proof of business registration.
- Evidence that you have hired at least three Croatian nationals with salaries meeting the minimum requirements, including applications for pension and compulsory health insurance.
- List of company members certified or notarized by the Commercial Court.
- Accounts and other evidence showcasing the investment in tangible and intangible assets totaling at least EUR 26,544.56.
- Proof of your "bruto" salary as the owner of d.o.o and j.d.o.o.
- Evidence of income earned from self-employment through obrt.
Decision on Recognition of Foreign Educational Qualifications: If applicable, obtain a decision on the recognition of foreign educational qualifications, especially for third-country nationals intending to perform a regulated profession listed in Croatia. Apply for this document at the Ministry of Science and Education.
Marriage residence permit in Croatia
The Croatian government acknowledges various relationship scenarios for the purpose of family reunification, and each is detailed below.
#1 Unmarried or Common-law Relationship: If you are not yet married but plan to marry in Croatia, congratulations! After marriage, you can apply for temporary residence. Alternatively, if you've been cohabiting for at least 3 years, you can apply based on a common-law marriage.
#2 Married in Croatia: If you were married in Croatia, your marriage is registered with the Croatian Registry of Marriages (Matica vjenčanih). You'll need the marriage certificate for your residence application.
#3 Married Outside of Croatia: If married outside Croatia but intend to live there, register your marriage with the Croatian Registry of Marriages. Provide an apostilled/legalized and translated marriage certificate, along with passport and proof of citizenship.
#4 Same-Sex Relationship: Same-sex partners cannot legally marry in Croatia but can form a life partnership (životno partnerstvo). Foreign same-sex marriages are recognized. Common-law same-sex couples have family reunification rights.
#5 Civil Union or Life Partnership: Civil unions and life partnerships are recognized as marriages in Croatia. Non-Croatian partners in these unions qualify for temporary residence.
#6 Polygamous Marriage: In a polygamous marriage, only one spouse can receive temporary residency based on family reunification in Croatia.
#1 Unmarried or Common-law Relationship: If you are not yet married but plan to marry in Croatia, congratulations! After marriage, you can apply for temporary residence. Alternatively, if you've been cohabiting for at least 3 years, you can apply based on a common-law marriage.
#2 Married in Croatia: If you were married in Croatia, your marriage is registered with the Croatian Registry of Marriages (Matica vjenčanih). You'll need the marriage certificate for your residence application.
#3 Married Outside of Croatia: If married outside Croatia but intend to live there, register your marriage with the Croatian Registry of Marriages. Provide an apostilled/legalized and translated marriage certificate, along with passport and proof of citizenship.
#4 Same-Sex Relationship: Same-sex partners cannot legally marry in Croatia but can form a life partnership (životno partnerstvo). Foreign same-sex marriages are recognized. Common-law same-sex couples have family reunification rights.
#5 Civil Union or Life Partnership: Civil unions and life partnerships are recognized as marriages in Croatia. Non-Croatian partners in these unions qualify for temporary residence.
#6 Polygamous Marriage: In a polygamous marriage, only one spouse can receive temporary residency based on family reunification in Croatia.
Temporary residence permit in Croatia: renewal cost and first time registration
The renewal costs are approximately 50 euros.
Approximately 3 to 4 weeks is the estimated time required to acquire a temporary residence permit.
Approximately 3 to 4 weeks is the estimated time required to acquire a temporary residence permit.
Croatian residence permit: processing time
The processing time for a residence permit application in Croatia typically takes around 12 weeks to be resolved.
Can I travel to Croatia with German residence permit?
In accordance with Schengen rules, a Schengen visa is generally applicable to all countries within the Schengen area. However, it's important to note that you must apply at the Embassy/Consulate of the country that serves as your main destination (refer to FAQ no 5). The territorial validity of your visa is specified on the visa sticker under the "Valid For" section. Refer to FAQ no 16 for information on checks at external borders.
Can I travel to Croatia if I have a polish residence permit?
Having a Polish residence card enables you to travel within the Schengen Area for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without requiring a visa. During your travels in the Schengen Area, it's essential to carry a valid passport along with the residence card. Additionally, it is necessary to possess a document confirming the possession of health insurance.
Can permanent residents of Bulgaria get a residence permit in Croatia?
Foreigners holding valid Schengen documents, as well as national visas and residence permits of Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania, are not obligated to obtain an additional Croatian visa for entry into Croatia.
Can I travel to Croatia with EU residence permit?
Being a European Union (EU) member, Croatia has a visa exemption arrangement with both EU and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) nations. Citizens from these regions enjoy freedom of movement and are not obliged to obtain a visa when traveling to Croatia.
If I buy a house, can I get residence permit in Croatia?
A temporary residence permit can be issued upon the purchase of property in Croatia.
