Croatia Immigrate to Croatia: Residence and Work Permit Routes

EU Schengen

Capital: Zagreb
Currency: EUR
Languages: Croatian
Official fee: 138 – 175 EUR

Croatia is an EU member state (joined 2013) and full Schengen member (since January 2023), using the euro since January 2023. Immigration for third-country nationals is governed by the Aliens Act and administered by the Ministry of the Interior (MUP) and Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MVEP). Pathways include residence-and-work permits, the EU Blue Card, study, family reunification, a digital nomad temporary stay, plus routes to long-term/permanent residence and naturalisation. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens enjoy free movement and only register their stay.

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Immigration Pathways

(9) Last updated: Jun 19, 2026 2 months ago

6 of 9 pathways lead to long-term settlement — 5 to permanent residence, 6 to citizenship.

9 of 9 pathways are backed by official government sources.

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Work / Employment High confidence

Residence and Work Permit (Stay and Work Permit) for Third-Country Nationals

The standard route for non-EU nationals to live and work in Croatia. A combined stay-and-work permit is issued as a residence permit, generally requiring a Croatian employer, an employment contract, and (for most jobs) a labour market test through the Croatian Employment Service.

Processing time: Decision generally within statutory administrative timeframes; renewals should be filed at least 30 days before expiry
Validity: Up to 3 years when the Croatian Employment Service opinion is required (labour market test); up to 2 years when issued without a labour market test. Per amendment NN 40/2025 in force 15 March 2025.
Language requirement: Not required for the permit itself; Croatian language proficiency required later for permanent residence/citizenship
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term residence/permanent stay generally after 5 years of continuous lawful temporary stay
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation generally after 8 years of continuous registered residence with approved permanent stay

Requirements

Valid passport/travel document
Employment contract or other proof of work with a registered Croatian employer
Labour market test and opinion of the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ), unless exempt (e.g. seasonal work up to 90 days in agriculture/forestry/hospitality/tourism, key personnel, self-employment, EU Blue Card, intra-corporate transferees, service providers, volunteers, trainees, crew members)
Proof of adequate means of subsistence
Health insurance
Proof of qualifications where the profession is regulated
No security or public-order concerns

Required Documents

Completed application for stay and work permit required
Valid passport (with required remaining validity) required
Colour photograph (35x45 mm) required
Employment contract or written agreement on work required
Evidence of registered employer (court/registry extract) required
Proof of professional qualifications (where required)
Proof of health insurance required
Proof of means of subsistence required

Official fees

Stay and work permit 74.32 EUR

Biometric residence card (standard) 31.85 EUR

Biometric residence card (accelerated) 59.73 EUR

Estimated total 165.9 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure employment

Obtain a job offer/employment contract from a registered Croatian employer.
2
Labour market test

Unless exempt, the employer requests a labour market test and opinion from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ).
3
Submit application

Apply at a Croatian diplomatic mission/consulate abroad, or (if visa-exempt) at the competent police administration/station in Croatia.
4
Await decision

Application is processed by the competent police administration; if approved, enter Croatia (with a Category D visa if required).
5
Register and obtain biometric card

Register your residence address within 30 days and collect the biometric residence permit.

Official Sources

Work / Employment High confidence

Intra-Corporate Transferee (ICT) Permit

Third-country nationals transferred within a multinational company to a Croatian entity as managers, specialists, or trainees may obtain a combined stay and work permit under EU Directive 2014/66/EU without a labour market test. Managers and specialists may stay up to 3 years; trainees up to 1 year.

Processing time: 30–60 days (indicative)
Validity: Up to 3 years for managers and specialists; up to 1 year for trainees
Language requirement: None specified
Documents: 8 required

Requirements

Valid travel document (minimum 3 months validity beyond permit)
Employment contract or transfer letter confirming the intra-corporate transfer
Proof of prior employment with the same corporate group for at least 9 months (managers/specialists) or 6 months (trainees)
Evidence of accommodation in Croatia
Health insurance valid in Croatia
Proof of adequate financial means for self-support
No criminal convictions (criminal record certificate from country of origin; EEA-mobile ICT holders exempt)

Required Documents

Valid passport or equivalent travel document required
Intra-corporate transfer letter or secondment agreement required
Employment contract with the Croatian receiving entity required
Proof of prior employment with the sending company (9 months / 6 months) required
Proof of accommodation (lease, employer letter) required
Health insurance certificate valid in Croatia required
Criminal record certificate (from country of origin or habitual residence) required
Proof of financial means required

Official fees

Administrative decision fee 74.32 EUR

Biometric residence card (standard procedure) 31.85 EUR

Biometric residence card (accelerated procedure) 59.73 EUR

Additional card issuance fee 9.29 EUR

Estimated total 175.19 EUR

Process Steps

1
Prepare documents

Gather the transfer letter, employment contract, proof of prior employment (9 or 6 months), travel document, accommodation proof, health insurance, and criminal record certificate.
2
Submit application

File in person at the police administration/station with jurisdiction over the employer's registered seat or the applicant's planned place of residence in Croatia.
3
Await decision

The authority issues a decision within an indicative 30–60 days. The permit combines the right to stay and work.
4
Collect biometric card

Pay the biometric card fee and collect the residence document. The card serves as proof of both right to stay and right to work.

Official Sources

Work / Employment High confidence

Seasonal Worker Permit

Third-country nationals may obtain a combined stay and work permit for seasonal employment in agriculture, forestry, hospitality, and tourism. The permit is issued for up to 90 days (without a labour market test) or up to 6 months (with a labour market test). Accommodation must be arranged and documented. Seasonal work time does not count toward long-term residence.

Processing time: Standard administrative processing at the jurisdictional police administration/station
Validity: Up to 90 days (short-season) or up to 6 months in any 12-month period
Language requirement: None specified
Documents: 5 required

Requirements

Valid travel document
Employment contract specifying type of work, duration, remuneration, and working hours
Proof of adequate accommodation
No criminal convictions (criminal record certificate from country of origin)
No entry or stay bans in Croatia or the EEA
Labour market test (for stays exceeding 90 days, unless profession is on the exemption list)

Required Documents

Valid passport or equivalent travel document required
Employment contract for seasonal work required
Proof of accommodation (lease, employer accommodation letter) required
Criminal record certificate from country of origin required
Health insurance certificate valid in Croatia required
Labour market test confirmation from Croatian Employment Service (stays over 90 days)

Official fees

Administrative decision fee (stays over 90 days) 74.32 EUR

Biometric residence card (standard procedure) 31.85 EUR

Biometric residence card (accelerated procedure) 59.73 EUR

Card issuance administrative fee 9.29 EUR

Estimated total 175.19 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure employment contract

Obtain a signed seasonal employment contract from a Croatian employer in agriculture, forestry, hospitality, or tourism specifying duties, dates, and wages.
2
Arrange accommodation

Confirm accommodation meeting minimum legal standards. If employer-arranged, ensure the cost does not exceed 30% of net salary.
3
Labour market test (if required)

For stays over 90 days, the employer must obtain a labour market test opinion from the Croatian Employment Service unless the role is on the exempt high-demand list.
4
Submit application

Apply at the jurisdictional police administration/station with all documents. Pay the administrative decision fee.
5
Collect permit / biometric card

For stays over 90 days, collect the biometric residence card upon approval. For stays of 90 days or less, a biometric card is not required.

Official Sources

EU Blue Card High confidence

EU Blue Card (Stay and Work of Highly-Qualified Third-Country Nationals)

A residence-and-work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals, requiring an employment contract of at least one year in a highly qualified position and recognised higher-education qualifications.

Processing time: Renewal applications must be submitted no later than 30 days before expiry; holder may remain in Croatia while renewal is decided
Validity: Up to 48 months (4 years) per amendment NN 40/2025 in force 15 March 2025. Renewal application must be submitted at least 60 days before expiry.
Language requirement: Not required for the Blue Card; Croatian language required later for permanent residence/citizenship
Documents: 5 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term residence after 5 years as a Blue Card holder in Croatia, or 5 years across EU/EEA states with at least 2 years in Croatia
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation generally after 8 years of continuous registered residence with approved permanent stay

Requirements

Employment contract for a highly qualified job of at least one year with a registered Croatian entity
Higher education diploma/certificate recognised in the country of origin
Proof of meeting requirements for a regulated profession where applicable
Valid travel document
Health insurance
No security/public-order concerns

Required Documents

Application for stay and work permit (EU Blue Card) required
Valid passport required
Employment contract (minimum 1 year, highly qualified position) required
Recognised higher education diploma/certificate required
Evidence of regulated-profession requirements where applicable
Proof of health insurance required

Official fees

Stay and work permit issuance 74.32 EUR

Biometric residence card (standard) 31.85 EUR

Biometric residence card (accelerated) 59.73 EUR

Estimated total 165.9 EUR

Process Steps

1
Obtain qualifying job offer

Secure a highly qualified job with a contract of at least one year from a registered Croatian employer.
2
Prepare qualification proof

Gather recognised higher-education credentials and, where applicable, regulated-profession documentation.
3
Submit application

Apply at a Croatian diplomatic mission/consulate abroad or at the competent police administration if visa-exempt.
4
Receive Blue Card

Upon approval, register residence and collect the biometric EU Blue Card residence permit.
5
Renew before expiry

File any renewal at least 30 days before the permit expires.

Official Sources

Study / Student Medium confidence

Temporary Stay for Secondary Education and Study

Temporary residence for non-EU nationals pursuing study at a Croatian higher-education institution, or secondary education under an approved student exchange programme.

Processing time: Subject to standard administrative processing; renew before expiry
Validity: Typically up to 1 year, renewable for the duration of studies
Language requirement: Depends on the study programme; not a separate immigration requirement
Documents: 6 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Study periods may count partially toward long-term residence per the Aliens Act conditions
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation generally after 8 years of continuous registered residence with approved permanent stay

Requirements

Enrolment/admission at a recognised Croatian education institution (or approved exchange programme for secondary education)
Valid travel document
Proof of means of subsistence
Health insurance
Proof of accommodation
No security/public-order concerns

Required Documents

Application for temporary stay for study/secondary education required
Valid passport required
Proof of enrolment/admission required
Proof of means of subsistence required
Health insurance required
Proof of accommodation required

Process Steps

1
Get admitted

Obtain admission/enrolment at a Croatian higher-education institution, or join an approved exchange programme for secondary education.
2
Apply

Submit a temporary stay application at a Croatian diplomatic mission/consulate, or at a police administration if visa-exempt.
3
Register and obtain card

After approval, register your address and collect the biometric residence permit.

Official Sources

Family Reunification High confidence

Temporary Stay for the Purpose of Family Reunification

Temporary residence for close family members of a Croatian national, or of a third-country national holding permanent, long-term, or temporary stay, or international protection in Croatia.

Processing time: Standard administrative processing; renew before expiry
Validity: Typically up to 1 year, renewable
Language requirement: Not required for the permit itself
Documents: 7 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Long-term residence/permanent stay generally after 5 years of continuous lawful temporary stay
Citizenship: Yes · Spouses of Croatian nationals may naturalise under more favourable conditions; otherwise general residence-based rules apply

Requirements

Be a close family member of a Croatian national, or of a third-country national with permanent, long-term, temporary stay or international protection
Where the sponsor holds a 1-year stay-and-work permit, that sponsor must already have been granted temporary stay for at least 1 year
Meet general conditions for temporary stay (subsistence, health insurance, accommodation)
Valid travel document
No security/public-order concerns

Required Documents

Application for temporary stay for family reunification required
Valid passport required
Proof of family relationship (marriage/birth certificates, legalised) required
Sponsor's status documentation required
Proof of means of subsistence required
Health insurance required
Proof of accommodation required

Process Steps

1
Confirm sponsor eligibility

Verify the sponsor's status (Croatian national, or third-country national with qualifying stay/protection) and the relationship qualifies.
2
Apply

Submit the application at a Croatian diplomatic mission/consulate, or at a police administration if visa-exempt.
3
Register and obtain card

After approval, register your address and collect the biometric residence permit.

Official Sources

Official MUP - Temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification · Ministry of the Interior (MUP)

Research / Scientist High confidence

Scientific Researcher Temporary Stay

Third-country national researchers who hold a hosting agreement with a recognised Croatian research organisation may apply for temporary stay for the purpose of scientific research. Unlike most temporary stay categories, researchers on a hosting agreement may apply directly at a Croatian police administration/station even if they normally require a visa.

Processing time: Standard administrative processing; applications submitted at police administration/station
Validity: Up to 1 year; renewable for the duration of the research project or hosting agreement
Language requirement: None specified
Documents: 4 required
Permanent residence: Yes · Time spent on researcher temporary stay counts toward the 5-year qualifying period for long-term residence
Citizenship: Yes · After 8 years of lawful residence (general naturalisation rule under Croatian Citizenship Act)

Requirements

Valid travel document (at least 3 months validity beyond intended stay)
Hosting agreement with a recognised Croatian research organisation
Proof of adequate financial means
Health insurance valid in Croatia
No threat to public policy, national security, or public health

Required Documents

Valid passport or equivalent travel document required
Hosting agreement signed by a recognised Croatian research organisation required
Proof of financial means for the duration of stay required
Health insurance certificate valid in Croatia required
Criminal record certificate (if required by the authority)

Official fees

Temporary stay fee (police station) 46.45 EUR

Biometric residence card (standard procedure) 31.85 EUR

Biometric residence card (accelerated procedure) 59.73 EUR

Card issuance administrative fee 9.29 EUR

Estimated total 147.32 EUR

Process Steps

1
Secure hosting agreement

Obtain a signed hosting agreement from a recognised Croatian research organisation before travelling.
2
Enter Croatia

Enter on a valid visa or visa-free (depending on nationality). Researchers with a hosting agreement may then apply locally rather than at a diplomatic mission abroad.
3
Apply at police administration/station

Submit the temporary stay application, hosting agreement, financial means proof, and health insurance at the jurisdictional police administration/station within 3 days of establishing residence.
4
Collect biometric card

Pay the biometric card fee upon approval and collect the residence card.

Official Sources

Digital Nomad High confidence

Temporary Stay of Digital Nomads

A temporary residence for non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals who work remotely via communication technology for a foreign-registered company (or their own company abroad) and do not provide services to employers in Croatia. Cannot be combined with local employment.

Processing time: Extensions of up to six months must be requested before expiry; a new application may only be filed 6 months after the previous stay expires
Validity: Up to a maximum of 18 months
Language requirement: None
Documents: 7 required

Requirements

Be a third-country national (non-EU/EEA/Swiss)
Work remotely for a company not registered in Croatia, or own such a company, without providing services to Croatian employers
Proof of sufficient income (at least 2.5 average monthly net salaries; verify the current statutory amount on the MUP portal)
Valid passport with required remaining validity
Health insurance valid in Croatia
Criminal record clearance (legalised)
Proof of an address in Croatia

Required Documents

Application for temporary stay of digital nomads required
Valid passport (validity beyond intended stay) required
Proof of remote work / employment contract or company ownership abroad required
Financial proof (bank statements or payslips) required
Health insurance covering Croatia required
Criminal record clearance, legalised required
Proof of address in Croatia required

Official fees

Temporary stay approval (at police administration) 46.45 EUR

Biometric residence card (standard) 31.85 EUR

Biometric residence card (accelerated) 59.73 EUR

Estimated total 138.03 EUR

Process Steps

1
Confirm eligibility

Verify you work remotely for a non-Croatian company and meet the income threshold.
2
Gather documents

Prepare passport, proof of remote work, financial evidence, health insurance, and legalised criminal record clearance.
3
Apply

Apply online via the MUP digital nomad portal, at a Croatian diplomatic mission/consulate (if a visa is required to enter), or at a police administration if visa-exempt.
4
Register address

Register your residence address at a police administration/station within 30 days of being granted stay or obtaining the Category D visa.

Official Sources

Permanent Residence High confidence

Long-Term Residence / Permanent Stay

Permanent stay (and EU long-term residence status) for third-country nationals who have lawfully resided in Croatia on continuous temporary stay, typically for five years, meeting subsistence, insurance, and Croatian language conditions.

Processing time: Standard administrative processing
Validity: Permanent; biometric card renewed periodically
Language requirement: Proof of Croatian language and Latin script proficiency required
Documents: 6 required
Citizenship: Yes · Naturalisation generally after 8 years of continuous registered residence with approved permanent stay

Requirements

Five years of continuous lawful temporary stay in Croatia (special rules for EU Blue Card holders: 5 years across EU/EEA with at least 2 years in Croatia)
Valid travel document
Proof of means of subsistence
Health insurance
Croatian language and Latin script proficiency
No threat to public order/national security

Required Documents

Application for permanent stay / long-term residence required
Valid passport required
Proof of continuous lawful residence required
Proof of means of subsistence required
Health insurance required
Proof of Croatian language proficiency required

Official fees

Decision fee (permanent stay or long-term residence) 59.73 EUR

Process Steps

1
Meet residence threshold

Accumulate five years of continuous lawful temporary stay (or the Blue Card variant).
2
Demonstrate language

Obtain proof of Croatian language and Latin script proficiency.
3
Apply

Submit the permanent stay/long-term residence application at the competent police administration.
4
Receive status

On approval, obtain the permanent residence biometric card.

Official Sources

Official MUP - Long-Term Residence and Permanent stay · Ministry of the Interior (MUP)

Some pathway details are machine-translated and may contain minor inaccuracies. Always verify with official sources.

Views of the country

Frequently asked questions

What residence and work permit options are available in Croatia?

Croatia offers a Stay and Work Permit for third-country nationals, an EU Blue Card for highly-qualified workers, and an Intra-Corporate Transferee permit. The Ministry of the Interior administers these pathways under the Aliens Act.

How can I get an EU Blue Card in Croatia?

The EU Blue Card in Croatia is for highly-qualified third-country nationals who want to stay and work. It is one of the residence-and-work permits covered on this page. Check the eligibility requirements and application steps for this route.

Can I stay in Croatia as a digital nomad?

Croatia has a temporary stay for digital nomads, allowing remote workers to reside in the country. This is separate from the standard work permits and is available to third-country nationals who meet the conditions.

How do I apply for a study stay in Croatia?

For secondary education and study, Croatia issues a temporary stay permit. You will need to be enrolled or accepted at an educational institution. The process is part of the Aliens Act administered by the Ministry of the Interior.

Is family reunification possible in Croatia?

Yes, Croatia offers a temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification. This allows family members of a legal resident to join them in Croatia. Specific conditions apply under the Aliens Act.

What is the route to long-term or permanent residence in Croatia?

Croatia provides a long-term residence and permanent stay status for eligible third-country nationals. This pathway is separate from temporary stays and work permits. You can find the requirements for transitioning to permanent status on this page.

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