Residence Permit in Croatia: All Available Options

A residence permit in Croatia allows third-country nationals to relocate for the purposes of living, studying, or working. Individuals under temporary protection granted by the Croatian government also have the right to reside in the country for the duration of that status. Entry and stay of immigrants in the Republic of Croatia are governed by the Aliens Act and related legal regulations. To access the full range of social benefits offered by the state, immigrants must go through the process of naturalization, one key step of which is obtaining a residence permit.

Foreign nationals are eligible to apply for a temporary residence permit in Croatia based on commonly accepted grounds. Before entering the country, applicants are generally required to obtain a visa.

What Does a Croatian Residence Permit Look Like?

A Croatian residence permit is issued in the form of an ID card containing the holder’s personal information and a built-in microchip. The document includes fingerprints and a photograph, as well as information about the permit’s validity period and the holder’s legal status.

There are three main types of temporary residence in Croatia:

• Short-term (up to 90 days).
• Temporary (up to 1 year).
• Long-term (5 years, with the possibility of unlimited renewal).

Requirements for Obtaining a Croatian Residence Permit

To qualify for a Croatian residence permit, the applicant must:

• Hold a passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended period of stay.
• Provide documented justification for their purpose of entry and residence.
• Have valid health insurance for the entire duration of their stay.
• Demonstrate sufficient financial means to support themselves.
• Submit a certificate of no criminal record.
• Pose no threat to public health, order, or national security.
• Have no history of deportation or entry bans.
• Have a working knowledge of the Croatian language.

Regardless of the type of residence permit requested, applicants must submit the required documentation to a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad.

What Documents Are Required for a Croatian Residence Permit?

To obtain a long-term residence permit in Croatia on a legal basis, the applicant must prepare a dossier that includes:

• A completed application form (Form 1A), either typed or handwritten (in some cases, a motivation letter may also be required if the applicant intends to later apply for citizenship).
• A color photograph (3 x 3.5 cm).
• A valid passport with appropriate expiration date.
• A receipt for payment of the consular fee.
• A certificate of no criminal record (issued no more than 6 months prior).
• A health insurance policy covering the applicant and all accompanying family members, in case of emergency medical needs;
• Proof of financial means (such as a bank statement, a sponsor’s letter of support, or documentation confirming an investment made on the applicant’s behalf).
• Evidence justifying the grounds for temporary residence.

If minor children accompany their parents, additional documents are required, such as civil status records and parental consent for the child’s residence status. All foreign documents must be translated into Croatian and notarized.

How to Obtain a Residence Permit in Croatia

According to the Aliens Act, individuals can apply for a Croatian residence permit based on settlement grounds. However, as of 2025, Croatia does not offer residency-by-investment programs, meaning that applicants cannot obtain resident status solely by purchasing property or making investments in the country.

That said, financial contributions to the Croatian economy and ownership of local real estate can provide significant advantages in the long term. Applicants with such assets often benefit from a simplified path to Croatian citizenship, with a high likelihood of approval. The typical processing time for a temporary residence permit is 20 to 30 working days.

Forced migrants are issued a special foreigners’ identification card, and their rights and obligations are governed by the Law on International and Temporary Protection. The conditions for these individuals are also outlined in the Act on Citizens of EEA Member States and Their Family Members. In all other cases, applicants must choose one of the recognized legal grounds for obtaining a residence permit.

Obtaining a Croatian Residence Permit for Different Purposes

Croatia offers several residence permit options depending on the purpose of stay, including work, business, family reunification, study, and long-term residence. This section explains the main types of Croatian residence permits, eligibility requirements, and key conditions to help applicants choose the most suitable option.

Secondary Education

Minors under the age of 18 may apply for a residence permit in Croatia to attend secondary school, provided they are participating in interregional or governmental exchange programs. In addition to the standard set of documents, applicants must submit:

• Written consent from parents or legal guardians, valid for one year with the possibility of renewal.
• Proof of accommodation, which may be provided by the educational institution for the duration of the child’s stay (this information is typically available on the school’s official website).

University Studies

A temporary residence permit for university studies is granted for up to one year, corresponding to the duration of the academic program. Students who arrive in Croatia under multilateral programs or inter-university agreements may receive permits valid for up to two years.

Students coming to Croatia for internships or practical training lasting less than 90 days do not need to apply for a residence or work permit. Likewise, international students working part-time during their studies are not required to obtain a separate work authorization.

Family Reunification

Residence permits for family reunification are available to relatives of Croatian citizens or legal residents who meet one of the following criteria:

• have refugee status;
• are under temporary protection;
• are immigrants with permanent residence in Croatia;
• hold a temporary residence permit and have resided in the country for at least one year.

Eligible family members include legal or common-law spouses, children (including adopted children), parents, and, in some cases, other relatives with strong personal or humanitarian grounds for reunification. Documents such as marriage certificates or birth certificates are required.

Family Partnership

Citizens of third countries may apply for a Croatian residence permit if they are in a recognized family partnership with:

• a long-term or temporary resident of Croatia;
• a Croatian citizen;
• a person holding refugee status or international protection.

The permit is issued for a minimum of one year. Foreign nationals are not eligible if they or their partners are in a relationship with other individuals.

Employment

Temporary residence permits in Croatia are available to:

• salaried employees;
• self-employed individuals;
• bBusiness owners operating in Croatia.

Applications may be submitted by the applicants themselves or their employers. In addition to the core application file, the following must be included:

• a degree or diploma proving relevant qualifications;
• an employment contract stating the intended monthly salary (at least €700 in 2024).

Entrepreneurs and business owners are eligible if they:

• Employ at least three Croatian nationals full-time, each earning above the national average salary.
• Have invested a minimum of €26,545 in their business.
• Earn a monthly income of at least €1,562 (approximately 1.5 times the national average salary).

Applicants must also submit tax payment reports, information about Croatian employees, and company registration documents. The validity of the residence permit depends on the applicant’s profession and the conditions of the employment contract.

Scientific Research

Foreign nationals invited by legal entities authorized to conduct research and host researchers in Croatia or those who have signed a hosting agreement are eligible to apply for a residence permit.

The permit is typically issued for one year, with the possibility of renewal for the same period. Participants in multilateral research programs may receive a permit valid for up to two years.

Humanitarian Grounds

Under Croatian legislation, a temporary residence permit on humanitarian grounds may be granted to:

• Orphaned children without guardians.
• Individuals participating in protection and assistance programs for victims of human trafficking.
• Refugees and displaced persons who have held their status for at least 10 years.
• Persons of Croatian origin, regardless of current citizenship.
• Foreign nationals assisting national authorities in ongoing investigations.
• Individuals who can provide substantiated humanitarian reasons for requesting residence.

Applicants under this category are not required to submit health insurance or proof of financial means. The duration and processing time of the permit are determined on a case-by-case basis.

Digital Nomads

A residence permit is available to financially independent remote workers who provide services to companies registered and operating outside of Croatia. The main requirement is to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to live and work while abroad.

In addition to the standard documentation, applicants must submit:

• Proof of income (e.g., payslips or contracts showing a monthly income equal to at least 2.5 times the average Croatian salary); or
• A bank statement confirming sufficient savings.

The residence permit for digital nomads is issued for one year and cannot be renewed.

Autonomous Residence

Third-country nationals may apply for a residence permit for autonomous stay in Croatia if they:

• Previously held a residence permit for family reunification and have resided continuously in the country for at least three years as a civil, permanent, or informal partner, or as a child who has reached legal adulthood and meets the residence requirements.
• Hold a valid passport, health insurance, sufficient financial resources, and have no entry bans to Croatia.

The duration of the permit is determined individually. The application must include proof of previous legal residence in the country.

Steps to Obtain a Croatian Residence Permit

The process of obtaining a residence permit in the Republic of Croatia involves several key stages:

Preparing the Document Package.
Applicants must collect a complete dossier, including documents such as:
• an employment contract;
• an enrollment confirmation from an educational institution;
• a marriage certificate or a child’s birth certificate (depending on the grounds for residence).

The exact list of documents will vary based on the reason for the applicant’s stay.

Obtaining a National Visa (if required).

A national visa must be obtained at a Croatian consulate or diplomatic mission in the applicant’s country of residence before entering Croatia. The visa application should be submitted no earlier than three months prior to the intended travel date.

Applicants must also submit:

• two passport-sized photos;
• health insurance documentation;
• proof of accommodation;
• financial documentation;
• proof of the purpose of stay.

Individuals eligible for visa-free entry to Croatia are not required to obtain this visa.

Submitting the Residence Permit Application.

The application for temporary residence must be filed at a Croatian consulate or embassy before entering the country. A sample of the required application form is provided by the consular office.

To apply for residence, the applicant must submit the full documentation package along with the form. After the application is approved and the applicant enters Croatia, they must report their temporary address to local authorities within 3 days. Applications are accepted by police departments and municipal administrative offices.

Receiving the Biometric Residence Permit.

Once the application is approved, the applicant will be invited to the local police department to submit their biometric data (fingerprints and photograph). The biometric residence card (plastic ID) is produced within 1 to 3 months and sent to the applicant by post.

If the applicant’s grounds for residence remain unchanged, the permit may be renewed by applying again at the police department before the current permit expires.

How Much Does It Cost to Obtain a Croatian Residence Permit?

The state fees for obtaining a Croatian residence permit vary depending on the processing timeframe. A standard application typically costs around €88, while expedited processing may cost approximately €115.50. Detailed cost breakdowns are presented in the table below:

Additionally, some immigrants must pay a fee for the issuance of a Type D national visa, which costs €93.

The naturalization process also involves a series of government fees at various stages, including:

• Residence permit extensions.
• Permanent residence application (approximately €115).
• Croatian citizenship application (around €140).

Becoming a Croatian citizen—especially when factoring in the required residency period and associated expenses—can be a costly and time-consuming process.

However, there is a simpler path to EU citizenship through repatriation programs in Poland, Bulgaria, or Romania. More information on these alternatives is available during a consultation with an international migration law expert. Experienced legal professionals can assist with the paperwork and help you become an EU citizen in the shortest possible time.

Rights and Opportunities for Croatian Residents

Under Croatian law, not only citizens but also foreigners applying for residence permits are considered part of the population. Those seeking permanent residence (PR) and eventual naturalization must live in the country for an extended period. Permanent residency can typically be obtained after 3 to 5 years of legal stay under a temporary residence permit, depending on the grounds for residence.

Holding a Croatian residence permit grants the following rights and benefits:

• Access to free primary and secondary education.
• The ability to enroll in public universities funded by the state (instruction is in Croatian; tuition-based programs are offered in English).
• The right to work or start a business.
• Access to free healthcare (with insurance coverage).
• The ability to open a bank account.
• The opportunity to apply for citizenship after 3–5 years.

While residents enjoy many of the same rights and responsibilities as citizens, they cannot vote or participate in elections.

Reasons for Residence Permit Denial

Some applicants from former USSR countries have reported residence permit denials due to procedural or legal issues. While residence provides equal access to employment, naturalization involves specific legal requirements.

Retirees and families with minor children may be eligible for state social assistance, but must respect strict rules regarding time spent outside the country. In order to qualify for citizenship later, a resident may not: leave Croatia for more than 60 consecutive days, or spend more than 6 months cumulatively abroad after receiving a residence card.

According to immigrant feedback, the residence permit process in Croatia has both advantages and challenges. Denials can occur if, for example:

• The applicant fails to register their address with the police within 30 days of receiving their permit.
• The applicant enters the country for reasons different from those stated in the application.

To ensure a successful application, it is strongly recommended to seek help from international legal professionals. While naturalization in Croatia takes 3 to 5 years, some EU countries offer faster paths to citizenship, sometimes within just 12 months.

A consultation with experienced migration lawyers will help assess your eligibility, prepare your documents, and identify the most suitable country and legal program.

How to Renew a Residence Permit and Obtain Citizenship

After 3 to 5 years of uninterrupted residence under a valid permit, individuals may apply for permanent residency or Croatian citizenship. Until then, they must ensure that their temporary residence permit is renewed on time.

Renewals are available to all foreign residents, except digital nomads and certain other categories. These groups may only apply for a new permit six months after the previous one has expired.

To become a full Croatian citizen, the applicant must:

• renounce their current citizenship;
• provide proof of income;
• demonstrate proficiency in the Croatian language (required for applicants under the age of 60).

The citizenship application must be submitted to the local police department at least two months before the current permit expires. During the processing period, applicants may remain in Croatia.

Why Croatian Residence May Not Be the Best Legalization Option

Obtaining residence in Croatia is a lengthy process, often taking over five years, and does not grant foreigners full rights of citizenship.

Nationals of post-Soviet states may find faster and simpler pathways to EU citizenship through repatriation programs in countries such as Poland, Romania, or Bulgaria. These programs may grant EU passports in as little as 12 months, without requiring renunciation of the applicant’s original citizenship.

To check your eligibility for EU citizenship, consult with specialized international lawyers. Qualified experts with years of experience will guide you through:

• eligibility assessment;
• document preparation;
• program selection based on your background;
• legal representation tailored to evolving legislation.