• OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Croatia
• CAPITAL: Zagreb
• OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Croatian
• MONEY: Kuna
• AREA: 21,621 square miles (56,594 square kilometers)
• MAJOR MOUNTAIN RANGES: Dinaric Alps, Biokovo
• MAJOR RIVERS: Drava, Danube

Long-Term Residence and Permanent stay

Long-Term Residence
To obtain long-term residency in Croatia, third-country nationals need to have legally resided in Croatia for a continuous period of five years before applying, which includes temporary stay, asylum, or subsidiary protection.
Eligibility:

• Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA citizens) are eligible for long-term residence after residing in Croatia for five years continuously.
• This continuous stay can include periods of temporary residence, asylum, or subsidiary protection.
• EU/EEA citizens can apply for long-term residence after five years of continuous legal temporary residence.

Continuous Residence:

• Absence from Croatia for more than 10 months in total or once for more than 6 months during the 5-year period will interrupt the continuous residence requirement.

Permanent stay
To obtain permanent stay in Croatia, non-EU/EEA nationals typically need to first obtain a temporary residence permit, then after 5 years of continuous legal residence, apply for a permanent residence permit, and eventually, after 8 years of legal residence, apply for Croatian citizenship.

Quick Facts:

Types of permanent residence

In Croatia, permanent residency comes in two forms:
1. Dugotrajno boravište (Long-term residence):
This is the first step towards permanent residency, requiring a continuous legal residence in Croatia for 5 years.
2. Stalini boravak (Permanent residence):
This is the final stage, granted after meeting specific conditions and holding long-term residence for a certain period.

Permanent Residency & Path to Citizenship

In order to apply for permanent residency in Croatia, you must have lived in the country for five years. You’ll need a valid passport, proof of permanent income, health insurance and social security, and a basic knowledge of the Croatian language in order to be approved.

After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship. You’ll be required to know the Croatian language and Croatia will also require that you relinquish any other citizenship, as it does not allow dual citizenship.

How do I obtain a permanent residence permit in Croatia?

To obtain permanent residence in Croatia, as a third-country national, you typically need to have lived legally in Croatia for a continuous period of five years, have a valid travel document, and not pose a threat to public order, national security, or public health.

Reasons to move to Croatia

1. Stunning Coastline and Islands:
Croatia boasts a beautiful Adriatic coastline with numerous islands, offering opportunities for sailing, swimming, and exploring unique coastal towns and villages.
2. Rich Natural Landscapes:
Beyond the coast, you’ll find diverse landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and national parks like Plitvice Lakes National Park, known for its stunning waterfalls and turquoise lakes.
3. Mediterranean Climate:
Enjoy warm, sunny summers and mild winters, perfect for outdoor activities and a relaxed lifestyle.
4. UNESCO Heritage Sites:
Croatia is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing its rich history and cultural heritage.
5. Lower Cost of Living:
Compared to many other European countries, Croatia offers a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for expats seeking to stretch their budget.
6. Safe Country:
Croatia is known for its low crime rates and generally safe environment, making it a good place to raise a family or retire.
7. Travel Opportunities:
Croatia’s location in the heart of Europe makes it easy to travel to other countries, with numerous international airports and ferry terminals.

Permanent Residence in Croatia for EEA Nationals

EEA nationals can obtain permanent residence in Croatia after five years of continuous legal residence, though exceptions exist for certain categories of persons. Family members of EEA nationals who are not themselves EEA nationals can also apply for permanent residence after five years of continuous legal residence with their EEA national family member.
General Requirements for EEA Nationals:
1. Continuous Legal Residence:
EEA nationals are entitled to permanent residence after five years of uninterrupted legal residence in Croatia.
2. Application:
Apply for a residence card confirming permanent residence at the competent police administration or police station.
3. Exceptions:
The law outlines exceptions where EEA nationals may be entitled to permanent residence even before the five-year period.
4. Family Members:
Family members who are not EEA nationals and who have been legally residing in Croatia with an EEA national for at least five years are also entitled to permanent residence.
5. Biometric Residence Card:
A biometric residence card with a validity period of ten years will be issued to an EEA national and to a family member who is not an EEA national on permanent residence.

Permanent Residence in Croatia  for Non-EEA Nationals

Like EEA nationals, non-EEA nationals are not subject to any minimum investment requirements when seeking permanent residence in Croatia.

The procedure for becoming a permanent resident in Croatia involves two steps:

1. Obtaining a temporary stay permit and a stay and work permit outside the annual quota,
2. Obtaining permanent residence permit after five years of legal and uninterrupted residence in Croatia.

Temporary Stay Permit

A temporary stay permit can be obtained by submitting the following documents:

1. A valid travel document.
2. Proof of sufficient funds to support self and family during the stay in Croatia.
3. Proof of having adequate health insurance.
4. Purpose of the temporary stay i.e. proof of the stay and work permit outside the annual quota. This permit can be obtained by submitting the following documents:
   1. Proof of educational qualifications.
   2. Proof of ownership of 51% stake in a company that is executing strategic investment projects in Croatia and executes activities and projects involving expert and technical assistance from other countries or international organizations.
5. Proof of good character of the applicant indicating that his or her presence is not a threat to safety, national security, or public health.

Fulfilling these conditions will result in issue of temporary permit with a validity of one year. The permit must be repeatedly renewed for a period of five years.

Permanent Stay Permit

The non-EEA national can seek permanent residence after five years of uninterrupted residence in the country. The applicant should not be absent from the country for more than six months in a single trip and for not more than ten months over the five year period. The applicant must have a valid temporary stay permit when applying for permanent residence.

Documents Requirements

The applicant must submit the following documents with the application for permanent stay permit:

1. Valid travel documents.
2. Proof of having adequate funds to support self and family in Croatia.
3. Proof of adequate health insurance.
4. Proof of familiarity with the culture of the country and the setup of the Croatian society. This shall be determined on the basis of the questionnaire that is a part of the permanent application form.
5. Proof of knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script. This may be obtained by taking tests conducted by educational institutions providing adult education in Croatia. This test is mandatory only if he applicant did not fill the above-mentioned questionnaire on his or her own. This test need not be taken by a retired applicant who is aged over 65 years.
6. Proof of good character

WORK IN CROATIA

Working in Croatia can be a good experience, offering a balanced lifestyle, economic opportunities, and a rich cultural experience, especially in sectors like IT and engineering.

To work in Croatia, you’ll likely need a work visa and permit, requiring a valid passport, photos, proof of ability to support yourself, health insurance, an employment contract, and potentially proof of qualifications.

Popular Types of Jobs in Croatia by Industry

1. Construction
2. Health care
3. Hospitality industry
4. Information technology
5. Cybersecurity experts
6. Machine operators
7. Manufacturing
8. Plumber
9. Electrical engineering
10. Warehouse Worker

Short overview of the labour market:

Croatia’s labor market has seen positive progress, with rising employment rates and falling poverty, but faces challenges like aging population and skill gaps, requiring investment in education and flexible policies.
Challenges:
1. Aging Population: A significant portion of the working-age population is 50 or older, leading to a potential skills shortage.
2. Skills Gaps: Employers struggle to find workers with advanced skills, particularly in emerging sectors like digitalization and the green economy.
3. Low Youth and Older Adult Employment: Relatively few young and older adults are in work, contributing to lower incomes and higher poverty risks.
4. Labor Shortages: Croatia is experiencing a shortage of seasonal workers, particularly in tourism and construction, leading to a reliance on foreign labor.
5. Tight Labor Market: While unemployment rates are declining, the labor market remains tight, with increasing wages.

Salary for Working in Croatia

The average monthly gross salary in Croatia is around €1,630, with the minimum wage set at €970. However, salaries can vary significantly based on factors like industry, experience, education, and location.
1. The average monthly gross salary in Croatia is approximately €1,630 (around 12,265 HRK).
2. After deductions for income tax and social security contributions, the net average salary is around €1,180.
3. Salaries can vary significantly depending on industry, experience, education level, and location.
4. The minimum gross monthly wage in Croatia for 2025 is €970.
5. This represents a 15% increase from the 2024 figure of €840.
6. The minimum wage is regulated by the Minimum Wage Act.

CROATIA WORK PERMIT

To work in Croatia, non-EU citizens generally need a work permit and a residence permit, obtained through their local Croatian diplomatic mission after a labor market test confirms the absence of suitable local candidates.

Types of Work Visas in Croatia

Temporary Residence Permit with Work Authorization:

•  This is the most common type of work visa for non-EU citizens.
• It allows individuals to live and work in Croatia for a specific period, usually up to 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
• To obtain this permit, you’ll need a job offer from a Croatian employer and meet the requirements set by the Croatian Ministry of Interior.

 EU Blue Card:

• This is a type of work and residence permit for highly qualified workers from outside the EU who are seeking to work in Croatia
•  It offers a longer validity period (2 years) and allows for easier access to the Croatian labor market.
•  To be eligible, you must have a valid job offer for a job that requires a high level of qualification and meet the requirements of the EU Blue Card directives.

Work Registration Certificate:

• This certificate is issued by the Ministry of Interior for specific types of work, such as for consultants, performers, journalists, and members of a religious order.
• It allows individuals to perform contracted work for up to 30 or 90 days in a calendar year.

Requirements to Obtain Croatia Work Visas

1. Valid Passport
2. Visa Application Form
3. Passport-sized photo
4. Visa Fees
5. Job Offer
6. Employment Contract
7. Employer Registration
8. Proof of Financial Means
9. Health Insurance
10. Police Clearance Certificate
11. Travel Health Insurance