Regulating your stay in Croatia

3.1. Third-country nationals

3.1.1. Visas

WHY?

1. Transit through the territory of the Republic of Croatia or stay at the territory of the Republic of Croatia for the maximum duration of 3 months in any six-month period from the date of initial entry to the territory of the Republic of Croatia.

2. Transit through the international transit area of an airport.

3. For the purpose of stay in the Republic of Croatia for up to 30 days (long-term visa), if you are granted a temporary stay for family reunification, secondary education, study, research, humanitarian reason, life partnership, work, work posted worker, stay of a person with long-term stay in another EEA Member State, for other purposes or stay of digital nomads, i.e., if you are being issued a stay and work permit and if you need a short-term visa to enter the Republic of Croatia

Visas are issued by diplomatic missions or consular offices of the Republic of Croatia. A visa cannot be used as a work permit.

Knowing whether you need a visa is also important since it determines whether you can apply for temporary stay permits in Croatia or whether you need to do this through Croatian diplomatic missions or consular offices.

WHO?

Nationals of the following states do not require a visa for entering the Republic of Croatia and for a stay of up to 3 months or for passing through the territory of the Republic of Croatia:

Republic of Albania, Principality of Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentine Republic, Australia, Republic of Austria, Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, Kingdom of Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Federative Republic of Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Republic of Bulgaria, Canada, Republic of Chile, Republic of Costa Rica, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Kingdom of Denmark, Republic of Estonia, Republic of Finland, French Republic, Federal Republic of Germany, Republic of Guatemala, Hellenic Republic, Holy See, Republic of Honduras, Hungary, Republic of Iceland, Ireland, State of Israel, Italian Republic, Japan, Republic of Korea, Republic of Latvia, Principality of Liechtenstein, Republic of Lithuania, Grand Duchy of Luxemburg, Republic of Macedonia, Malaysia, Republic of Malta, Republic of Mauritius, United Mexican States, Principality of Monaco, Montenegro, Republic of Nicaragua, Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand, Kingdom of Norway, Republic of Panama, Republic of Paraguay, Republic of Poland, Portuguese Republic, Romania, Republic of El Salvador, Saint Christopher and Nevis, Republic of San Marino, Republic of Singapore, Republic of Seychelles, Republic of Serbia, Slovak Republic, Republic of Slovenia, Kingdom of Spain, Kingdom of Sweden, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Turkey, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Eastern Republic of Uruguay, United States of America, Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Republic of Armenia, Plurinational State of Bolivia, People’s Republic of China, Republic of Colombia, Republic of Cuba, Georgia, Republic of India, Republic of Indonesia, Islamic Republic of Iran, Republic of Kazakhstan, Republic of Kosovo, Republic of Moldova, Sultanate of Oman, Republic of the Philippines, Republic of Peru, State of Qatar, Russian Federation, Republic of South Africa, Kingdom of Thailand, Republic of Tunis, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Arab Republic of Egypt, Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of Turkey.

The exemption from the visa requirement also applies to the following holders of valid travel documents of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland:

• British Nationals (Overseas);
• British Overseas Territories Citizens who have the right of abode in the United Kingdom, and
• British Subjects who have the right of abode in the United Kingdom.

The exemption from the visa requirement also applies to the holders of valid travel documents issued in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and in the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

The exemption from the visa requirement also applies to holders of passports issued in the territory of Taiwan, if the passport includes an identity card number.

Nationals of the following countries may enter Croatia with a valid identity card or a document confirming their identity and nationality:

European Economic Area (EEA), Principality of Andorra, Holy See, Principality of Monaco, Republic of San Marino and Swiss Confederation. Nationals of Bosnia and Herzegovina can enter Croatia, without a visa, only on the basis of a biometric passport. All other nationals require a visa for entering Croatia and for a stay of up to 3 months or for passing through the territory of Croatia unless stipulated otherwise by international agreements. The Government of the Republic of Croatia may introduce a provisional suspension of the visa regime for a certain period, for nationals of some countries. For example, all foreigners who are holders of valid Schengen documents, as well as national visas and residence permits of Bulgaria, Cyprus, and Romania do not require an additional visa for Croatia.

For more information and possible temporary exceptions please check the visa requirements overview on the website of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs (MFA): http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/ (in English).

For a long-term visa, a third-country national must obtain one before arriving in the Republic of Croatia, which is thus valid for one or more entries into the Republic of Croatia. However, its validity period must not exceed six months. In addition, the start of the validity of a long-term visa cannot be earlier than the start of the validity period of the approved temporary stay or the issued stay and work permit in the Republic of Croatia.

HOW?

As a general rule, a foreigner must lodge a visa application personally. A visa application for a foreign minor or a foreigner deprived of their legal capacity shall be submitted by their legal representative.

Documents needed to apply for a visa:

• visa application form*, http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/forms/visa-application/
• original and a copy of a valid travel document (the period of validity of the travel document should exceed that of the visa’s by three months, must include at least two empty pages, and must be issued in the last 10 years)
• colour photograph 35x45 mm
• supporting documents that prove:
  a) purpose of the visit to Croatia
  b) means of support to cover the stay in Croatia **
  c) means of transport and intention to return to the country of origin or to a third country
  d) ensured accommodation
  e) travel health insurance (see Chapter 3.8.)
• evidence of paid visa fee.

! * Application form is available in several languages and can also be filled in online and printed out for submission. It must be filled in the official language of the applicant’s country or in English; in Latin alphabet, clearly and in block letters.

! ** Means of support can be proven with:

• appropriate certificate on the regular income of the applicant or the person responsible for allowance
• certified statement of a third legal or natural person-sponsor who agrees to take over the costs of maintenance, with a proper proof of solvency
• letter of guarantee, with appropriate proof of solvency
• cash in local or foreign convertible currency, non-cash payment funds (travellers’ checks, credit cards, etc.), provided that it is not a short-term payment of higher amounts with the aim of misrepresenting the actual financial situation (credibility).

For a long-term visa, the third-country national personally applies for one on the prescribed form, in order to attain biometric data. The said request should be submitted to the diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia no earlier than two months prior and no later than two months after the beginning of the validity of the temporary stay or issued stay and work permit in the Republic of Croatia.

Upon approval of the temporary stay or issuance of a stay and work permit, the competent police administration or police station shall submit a notification to the diplomatic mission or consular office, where the third-country national will apply for a long-term visa.

A third-country national who has been issued a long-term visa is obliged to contact the competent police administration or police station within 30 days of the start of the visa validity for the purpose of registering residence and obtaining a biometric residence card.

Please note: A foreign national submitting an application for a visa to a diplomatic mission or a consular office of the Republic of Croatia is obliged to prove that they have sufficient financial means to cover their subsistence during their stay in Croatia and the return to the country of origin or transit to a third country. When a foreign national enters Croatia, the body in charge of state border crossing control is authorised to request of them to present financial means necessary to cover their subsistence during his or her stay in Croatia and return to the country of origin or transit to a third country. The amount of financial means is fixed at the equivalent of EUR 70 per day of the estimated stay in Croatia. If a foreign national is in possession of a certified letter of guarantee by a natural or legal person from Croatia, proof of a tourist booking or a similar document, they are obliged to present proof that they possess the amount equivalent to EUR 30 per day of the estimated stay in Croatia.

WHERE?

At a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office. If there is no Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office in the applicant's country, visa application may be submitted to the nearest Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office. Visa applications can also be personally submitted at VFS Visa Application Centres in Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Egypt, Philippines, India, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lebanon, Qatar, Kuwait, Kosovo, Morocco, Mongolia, Nigeria, South Africa, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, and Vietnam.

Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices: http://www.mvep.hr/en/diplomatic-directory/diplomatic-missions-and-consular-offices-of-croatia.

VFS Visa Application Centres: http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/visas/visa-requirements-overview/.

HOW MUCH?

Airport-transit visa (A), Short-term visa (C) – EUR 60.

Urgent visa issuance (when the application has been submitted three or fewer days prior to the intended journey without justification) – EUR 70.

Following categories of persons are exempted from visa application fees:

• family members of a Croatian citizen (spouse and children)
• family members of citizens of EEA Member States
• children up to the age of 12
• holders of diplomatic and service passports travelling in their official capacity
• pupils, students, postgraduate students and teachers accompanying them when they come to attend school, study, and professional training
• researchers coming to conduct research
• representatives of non-profit organizations up to the age of 25, who are to attend seminars, conferences, sport, cultural or educational events organized by non-profit organizations.

WHEN?

Third-country nationals who are subject to the visa requirement are obliged to apply for a visa prior to their entry into Croatia.

A visa application must be lodged at the earliest three months prior to the date of the intended entry into Croatia and may be issued within a period of up to 15 days.

A long-term visa may be issued if the third-country national:

• has a temporary stay permit, i.e., a stay and work permit issued in the Republic of Croatia
• has an adequate travel health insurance
• is not banned from entering the Republic of Croatia and staying in the Republic of Croatia or if a warning has not been issued in the SIS for the purpose of banning
• does not pose a danger to public order, national security or public health

An application for a long-term visa is permitted if:

• it was filed within the deadline
• it is submitted on the prescribed form
• a travel document is presented along with it
• a photo is attached
• a third-country national has been granted a temporary stay permit or a stay and work permit issued in the Republic of Croatia
• the prescribed administrative fee has been paid
• the biometric data were collected.

TIPS

Third-country nationals who are subject to the visa requirement and intend to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days have to submit the necessary documents for both visa and temporary stay at a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office. However, third-country researchers may submit a temporary stay application at a police directorate or police station in Croatia (upon having been granted a visa). Third-country nationals who are subject to the visa requirement and intend to work less than 90 days, have to apply for a visa at a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office and submit a request for approval on work registration upon arrival at a police directorate or police station.

All original documents must be officially translated into Croatian, and an “apostille” of all original documents and certified translations may be required. It is suggested to check with the Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office whether the need for an “apostille“ exists.

3.1.2. Stay/work permits in Croatia

Option 1: Work registration certificate (Potvrda o prijavi rada)

WHY?

If you plan to work in Croatia up to 90 days.

WHO?

Based on a work registration certificate, the following categories of researchers and some other categories of workers and volunteers may work up to 90 days a year:

• scientists on scientific and professional training, scientists-representatives of international organisations and scientists who will participate in the implementation of scientific projects important for Croatia;
• administrative staff, experts, teachers, and lecturers at foreign cultural, educational and scientific institutions performing services in Croatia as part of a cultural and educational cooperation programme;
• administrative staff, experts, teachers, and lecturers at foreign cultural, educational and scientific institutions having branch offices in Croatia, provided that they come from their home institutions;
• third-country nationals at a traineeship or volunteering in the framework of EU Programmes, Erasmus+ programme, other international programmes as well as other programmes and initiatives managed by Croatian institutions in charge of education, science and/or volunteering.

HOW?

In order to obtain the work registration certificate, a third-country national or host institution (employer), needs to submit a request to the police directorate or police station, according to the place of business or registered seat of the employer.

The following documents are needed:

• a written request for the issuance of work registration certificate
• a contract, hosting agreement or other appropriate document proving the status of one of the above mentioned categories of foreigners
• original and a copy of a valid travel document
• registration papers of the host institution.

If third-country nationals are subject to the visa requirement, they should apply for a visa at a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office, prior to their entry into the Republic of Croatia (see Chapter 3.1.1.). They cannot start working prior to having obtained the work registration certificate from the local police directorate or station, according to the place of business or registered seat of the employer.

Please note that the aforementioned categories of foreigners who plan to stay and work longer than 90 days are obliged to regulate their temporary stay for the purpose of work or for the purpose of research. For more information please refer to Option 2 and Option 3, respectively.

WHERE?

At the police directorate or police station, according to the place of business or registered seat of the employer.
The organisation of police administration in Croatia is available at the website of the Ministry of Interior of the Republic of Croatia: https://mup.gov.hr/kontakti-281975/281975.

HOW MUCH?

The administrative fee upon a request for the issuance of work registration certificate is HRK 105 (approximately EUR 15). The fee needs to be paid to the IBAN of the State Budget upon collection of the certificate.

WHEN?

Upon arrival, before the start of the work. It usually takes about 1 - 2 days to issue this permit.

TIPS

The period of 90 days includes both working and non-working days (Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays).

If you need a visa for entering Croatia, then you need to first apply for a visa at a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office, and submit the request for work registration certificate upon arrival (see Chapter 2.4.).

No power-of-attorney (punomoć) is needed for the issuance of a work registration certificate when the request is submitted by the employer.

Option 2: Temporary stay for the purpose of employment / Stay and work permit (Dozvola za boravak i rad)

WHY?

In case you plan to work in Croatia longer than 90 days based on an employment contract.

In case you plan to work on a publicly funded research position in one of Croatian research organizations.

WHO?

Third-country researchers getting employed for a longer period in an open position (not on a specific research project), i.e., who are employed at scientific, scientific - teaching or other research positions available at research organizations; teachers - native speakers of foreign languages, foreign language assistants (lectors, editors) and other teachers who teach at Croatian universities or registered foreign language schools.

The employer can also submit the request for issuing a stay and work permit for third-country nationals. In general, before applying for a stay and work permit the employer is obliged to request the implementation of a labour market test at the regional office or office of the Croatian Employment Service. The following categories of third-country nationals, among others, are exempted from this procedure:

• a highly qualified third-country national who qualifies for an EU Blue Card
• scientific researchers who are employed in scientific, scientific-teaching or other research positions at the Croatian research organizations
• professors - native speakers of foreign languages, lecturers and other teachers who teach at Croatian universities and other educational institutions or registered international schools and foreign language schools
• a third-country national who came for professional practice, training or volunteering under the Union Program, the Erasmus + Education, Training, Youth and Sports Program and its successors, the European Solidarity Corps Program and other international programs and other programs and initiatives implemented by ministries responsible for education, science and volunteering, who does not have to provide proof that the host entity has a third-party liability insurance policy
• administrative staff, experts, teachers and lecturers of foreign cultural, educational and scientific institutions who perform activities in the Republic of Croatia within the programme of cultural and educational cooperation, as well as administrative staff, experts, teachers and lecturers of foreign cultural, educational and scientific institutions in the Republic of Croatia.

Please note: Third-country nationals do not need a stay and work permit in order to legally work in Croatia if they have been granted:

• temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification with a Croatian national, a third-country national on a long-term stay, permanent stay, an asylee or, a foreigner who has been granted subsidiary or temporary protection
• temporary stay for the purpose of a life partnership with a Croatian national, a third-country national on a long-term stay, permanent stay, an asylee or, a foreigner who has been granted subsidiary or temporary protection
• temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification or life partnership with a third-country national who has been issued an "EU Blue Card" or a stay and work permit for intra-corporate relocation
• temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification or life partnership with a third-country national holding a long-term stay permit in another EEA Member State
• a temporary stay on humanitarian grounds
• autonomous stay
• temporary stay as a posted worker
• a temporary stay for the purpose of research – see Option 3 below
• a temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification or life partnership with the researcher granted a temporary stay for the purpose of research.
• temporary stay for the purpose of studying, if the student works or is self-employed for a maximum of 20 hours per week, except when student internship is an integral part of the study program
• the status of a full-time pupil when working work through authorized intermediaries, without employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week
• temporary stay for the purpose of the stay of a long-term resident in another EEA Member State
• asylum or subsidiary protection or is an applicant for international protection
• permanent stay
• long-term stay.

HOW?

A request for granting a stay and work permit for a third-country national, who does not need a visa to enter Croatia, can be submitted by the employer or by the foreigner himself to the competent police directorate or police station according to the place of residence, the registered seat of the employer or working place. In case third-country nationals need a visa, they must submit a request at a Croatian diplomatic mission or a consular office.

Exceptionally, also full-time students (bachelor, master or doctoral level) and research with a hosting agreement, who are third country nationals and need a visa to enter and stay in Croatia, can submit the request for a stay and work permit to a police directorate or police station in Croatia after obtaining a visa and coming in Croatia! This is also possible for members of their families. Of course, they can also submit both requests (for visa and stay permit) at the same time at a Croatian diplomatic or consular office before coming to Croatia.

Documents needed to apply for a stay and work permit are:

• application form 9a
  (mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/Dokumenti/stranci/2013/obrazac_9a.pdf)
• one colour photograph (35x45 mm)
• proof of means of support*
• proof of health insurance**
• original and copy of a valid travel document
• employment contract or written proof of signed employment contract, or another appropriate contract
• evidence of the foreigner’s professional qualifications and skills
• proof of registration of a company, branch office, representative office, craft, association or institution in Croatia.

! *Proof of means of support: The minimum amount of funds that a foreigner needs to have on a monthly basis for his/her own needs is 2,000.00 HRK. For a two-member family the minimum amount is 2,750.00 HRK, for a three-member family 3,250.00 HRK, and for every additional family member the amount is increased by additional 500.00 HRK. Proof of means of support can be an employment contract which shows the amount of future salary, or a confirmation from the employer about the salary which the foreigner will receive (in case of an application for first-time temporary stay for the purpose of employment).

! **Proof of health insurance: In case a bilateral agreement on social security exists, the country of origin’s local health insurance authority must issue a document on the basis of which third-country national will be entitled to medical protection while in Croatia.

For citizens of countries with which Croatia has an agreement on social insurance in place, the proof of health insurance is considered to be:

• a European Health Insurance Card, accepted by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund
• a patient’s certificate issued by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund
• a regular certificate of a foreign health insurance agency or
• any other proof provided under the agreement on social insurance.

If third-country citizens have been issued a certificate of a foreign health insurance agency or any other proof provided under the agreement on social insurance with a validity period shorter than the planned duration of their stay, upon the expiration of validity of said certificate, they are obliged to present a new one or contact the competent office of the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO - Hrvatski zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje: https://hzzo.hr/en), in order to establish their rights to health insurance for the remaining time of their valid stay. If third-country citizens cannot obtain any of the above mentioned proof when applying for the first temporary stay permit or they are citizens of countries with which Croatia has not concluded an agreement on social insurance or the agreement does not regulate health care, they are obliged to submit a travel insurance certificate. Moreover, upon their arrival in the Croatia and upon having been granted a temporary stay permit, they are obliged to procure a health insurance policy from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund as described.

WHERE?

At the competent police directorate or police station according to foreigner´s place of residence, registered seat of the employer or working place, or at Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office. In case foreigner needs a visa, he or she must submit a request for a visa and stay and work permit at a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office. Exceptionally, above mentioned categories of third-country nationals can submit the request to a police directorate or a police station in Croatia (after having obtained a visa of course).

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):

https://mup.gov.hr/police/police-administration/146

Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices:

http://www.mvep.hr/en/diplomatic-directory/diplomatic-missions-and-consular-offices-of-croatia/

HOW MUCH?

The administrative fee for granting the stay and work permit 560.00 HRK (approximately 75.00 EUR). The administrative fee for production of biometric stay card is 240.00 HRK (approximately 30.00 EUR) and 70.00 HRK (approximately 10.00 EUR) in duty stamps. Documents required for the issuance of a biometric stay card are: passport, one colour photograph (30 x 35 mm) and confirmation of address registration. Biometric stay card should normally be issued within approximately three weeks from the submission of all required documents and needs to be returned to the police directorate before the final departure from Croatia.

WHEN?

It is recommended to start compiling documents at least 4 months before the arrival to Croatia and to submit them at least 3 months before the arrival. The procedure can take up to 3 months.

TIPS

A temporary stay for the purpose of employment is issued as a stay and work permit. A temporary stay permit for the purpose of employment can be issued to a third-country national for the same time period stipulated in their employment contract, but up to one year. This can be extended on certain conditions. The request for the extension of stay and work permit must be submitted to the police directorate or police station not later than 60 days before the expiry date of the valid stay and work permit.

All original documents must be officially translated into Croatian, and an ˝apostille˝ of all original documents and certified translations may be required. It is suggested to check with the Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office whether the need for an Apostille exists. More information about ˝apostille˝ is available at:
http://www.mvep.hr/en/consular-information/legalization-of-documents/

Option 3: Temporary stay for the purpose of research (Privremeni boravak u svrhu istraživanja)

WHY?

If you plan to work in Croatia on a research project for a period of more than 90 days and regulate your research stay with a hosting agreement.

WHO?

Foreign researchers who are third-country nationals whose host institution in Croatia has an approval from the Ministry of Science and Education (MSE) to host him or her, and who have concluded a hosting agreement with the same host institution. Host institutions can also obtain an accreditation to host foreign researchers from the Ministry of Science and Education for a period of five years. Accreditation is intended for research organizations planning to host a larger number of foreign researchers in that period.

HOW?

a) Stage 1 - Approval of scientific visit (or accreditation for hosting researchers)

The employer (host institution, a legal person registered for scientific activity, research organisation) must write a request for the approval of a scientific visit (odobrenje za ugošćavanje znanstvenika) or accreditation for hosting researchers (akreditacija za ugošćavanje znanstvenika) and send it to the Ministry of Science and Education along with the required documents.

Application form: http://eobrasci.mzos.hr/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=/Default.aspx 

In order to apply for the accreditation for hosting foreign researchers, the employer should submit a request, license for performing scientific activities and a proposal of the number of foreign researchers intending to host for the next five years.

Instructions for host institutions are available on the website of the Ministry of Science and Education:
https://mzo.gov.hr/istaknute-teme/znanost/ugoscavanje-istrazivaca-drzavljana-trecih-zemalja-u-republici-hrvatskoj/121 (in Croatian).

The list of research organisations approved by the MSE can be found on the following website:
https://mzo.gov.hr/UserDocsImages//dokumenti/Znanost/UgoscavanjeStranihIstrazivaca//lista_odobrenih_zahtjeva_za_ugoscavanje_istrazivaca.pdf (in Croatian).

The MSE will issue an approval or accreditation for research projects that last longer than 3 months.

b) Stage 2 – Hosting agreement

After the MSE issues an approval for a scientific visit or an accreditation, the employer and the researcher should sign a hosting agreement. Hosting agreement is an agreement signed between a public or private research organisation and a researcher to undertake a research project. The research organisation can only sign a hosting agreement with a researcher if there are funds available for the research and they are satisfied with the researcher's scientific skills. Hosting agreement has the effect of an employment agreement if it also contains essential clauses of an employment agreement according to the Croatian Labour Act. Only a research organisation approved by the MSE can sign a hosting agreement with a foreign researcher.

A list of registered research organisations in Croatia is available here:
http://pregledi.mzos.hr/Ustanove_Z.aspx

c) Stage 3 – Temporary stay permit

An application for a first-time temporary stay permit for the purpose of research can be submitted to a police directorate or police station in Croatia (no visa required) or to a diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia together with the visa application (if a visa is required). If the foreigner is subject to the visa requirement, the application for a first-time temporary stay permit for the purpose of  research can exceptionally be submitted to a police directorate or police station in Croatia after obtaining a visa.

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):
https://mup.gov.hr/kontakti-281975/281975

Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices:
http://www.mvep.hr/en/diplomatic-directory/diplomatic-missions-and-consular-offices-of-croatia

Documents needed to apply for a first temporary stay permit for the purpose of research:

• application form 1a,
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/stranci/Obrazac%201a.pdf
• hosting agreement – original and copy
• commercial court excerpt for the host institution:
  https://sudreg.pravosudje.hr/registar/f?p=150:1
• approval of a scientific visit or accreditation for hosting foreign researchers – a copy
• one colour photograph (35 x 45 mm)
• proof of means of support *
• valid travel document – original and copy.

! *Hosting agreement, employment contract or other contracts which show the amount of a future salary, or a confirmation from the employer about the salary which the foreigner will receive.

If both visa application and temporary stay application were submitted to a diplomatic mission or consular office, the respective police directorate or police station will inform the respective diplomatic mission or consular office on the completion of the procedure for a temporary stay. The respective diplomatic mission or consular office will then inform the concerned party of the decision on the application for both temporary stay and visa. The researcher must come to Croatia and register its residence/address within 30 days from the day of the temporary stay approval, otherwise the temporary stay permit will be cancelled.

Upon approval of the temporary stay in Croatia, a third-country researcher shall receive a biometric residence card. Documents required for the issuance of a biometric residence card are: passport, one colour photograph (30 x 35 mm) and confirmation of address registration. Also, confirmation on submission of an application for the approval of the temporary stay must be returned when applying for the production of biometrical residence card. Biometric residence card should normally be issued within approximately three weeks from the submission of all required documents and needs to be returned to the police directorate or police station upon the expiration of stay in Croatia.

WHERE?

An application for a temporary stay permit for the purpose of research can be submitted to a police directorate or police station or to a diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia. If a third-country researcher is subject to the visa requirement, the application for a first-time temporary stay permit for the purpose of research can nevertheless be submitted to a police directorate or police station in Croatia after having obtained a visa.

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):
http://www.mup.hr/1265.aspx

Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices:
http://www.mvep.hr/en/diplomatic-directory/diplomatic-missions-and-consular-offices-of-croatia

HOW MUCH?

The administrative fee for granting the permit for a temporary stay is HRK 350 (approximately EUR 50). The administrative fee for production of biometric residence card is HRK 240 (approximately EUR 30) and HRK 70 in duty stamps (approximately EUR 10).

WHEN?

It is recommended to start compiling documents at least 4 months prior to the arrival to Croatia and to submit them 3 months before the arrival (please note that consular offices and police administration will not accept applications for temporary stay submitted earlier than 3 months before the stipulated arrival date).

TIPS

Third-country researchers may not start working prior to having obtained a temporary stay permit.

A temporary stay for the purpose of research is usually valid up to one year. However, a temporary stay for the purpose of research of third-country researchers working within specific European Union mobility programmes or multilateral programmes involving mobility measures can be granted up to a period of two years.

In case of a short-term mobility (no more than 180 days in any 360-day period), a third-country researcher may conduct certain specific activities in Croatia without a temporary stay permit for the purpose of research or stay and work permit. Conditions are: signed hosting agreement in another EEA member state, granted stay in another EEA member state and that he/she does not pose a threat to public order, national security or public health. If a third-country researcher plans to conduct certain research activities for more than 180 days in any 360-day period on the basis of a long-term mobility, he/she should apply for a temporary stay permit for the purpose of research.

Third-country researchers who have been granted a temporary stay for the purpose of research may work without a stay and work permit or a work registration certificate.

All original documents must be officially translated into Croatian, and an “apostille” of all original documents and certified translations may be required. It is suggested to check with the Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office whether the need for an “apostille” exists.

If a researcher is staying at accommodation services provider (e.g. hotel), it is recommended to submit the application for a temporary stay at least 24 hours upon registration with the provider.

Extending temporary stay for the purpose of research (Produljenje privremenog boravka u svrhu istraživanja)

WHY?

To legally work and reside in Croatia longer than one year.

WHO?

Third-country researchers with a valid temporary stay permit.

HOW?

The host institution needs to prepare a new hosting agreement and notify the Ministry of Science and Education (as in the case of a first temporary stay) – if the hosting agreement has been concluded for a period of one year the first time. If not, the same hosting agreement concluded for the whole period of research is submitted for each extension.

Documents needed to extend the temporary stay permit for the purpose of research:

• application form1a,
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/stranci/Obrazac%201a.pdf
• hosting agreement - original and copy
• approval of a scientific visit or accreditation for hosting foreign researchers – a copy
• court registry excerpt for hosting institution - original or available on the internet:
  https://sudreg.pravosudje.hr/registar/f?p=150:1
• one colour photograph (35 x 45 mm)
• passport - original and copy.

The procedure for extending a temporary stay granted on some other grounds is the same; you only need to present specific proof for the purpose of your stay in Croatia (work, studies, family reunification, etc.).

HOW MUCH?

The administrative fee for granting the permit for a temporary stay is HRK 350 (approximately EUR 47). The administrative fee for the production of biometric residence card is HRK 240 (approximately EUR 30) and HRK 70 in duty stamps (approximately EUR 9).

WHERE?

An application to extend a temporary stay should be submitted to the police directorate or police station.

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):
https://mup.gov.hr/kontakti-281975/281975

WHEN?

At the latest 60 days before the expiration of the current temporary stay permit.

TIPS

It is advisable to apply for the extension even more than 60 days before the expiration of stay. Otherwise, a fine is prescribed in the amount of HRK 500 up to HRK 5000 (approximately EUR 70 up to EUR 650).

When applying for the production of new biometrical residence card, the old one should be returned to the police directorate or police station.

Option 4: Temporary stay for the purpose of studies (Privremeni boravak u svrhu studiranja)

WHY?

Third-country nationals intending to study in Croatia must regulate their temporary residence for the purpose of studying. International students are not allowed to attend classes at the university until they have procured a stay permit.

WHO?

International students (can apply to PhD students as well) coming to study to Croatia as regular students or in the framework of a student mobility programme or for traineeships.

HOW?

Documents needed to apply for a temporary stay permit for the purpose of studies:

• application form 1a,
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/stranci/Obrazac%201a.pdf
• proof of admittance to a higher education institution in Croatia – (in Croatian); it can also be presented by the host institution)
• one colour photograph (35 x 45 mm)
• proof of means of support *
• proof of health insurance **
• original and a copy of a valid travel document.

! *Proof of means of support: a scholarship or proof of having access to finances in the amount of at least HRK 1000 per month for 12 months. The proof of receiving a scholarship is issued by the legal entity granting the scholarship while the proof of finances is issued by a bank in the form of a bank statement.

! **Proof of health insurance (bilingual document) coming from a home country that has a bilateral agreement on social insurance with Croatia. The form should be presented at the Croatian Health Insurance Fund (HZZO - Hrvatski zavod za zdravstveno osiguranje), which will issue a health insurance document valid in Croatia (bolesnički list). Nationals of countries which do not have the aforementioned agreement with Croatia have to report to the Croatian Health Insurance Fund to establish their right to health insurance under the Croatian health insurance regulations. For more information please see Chapter 4.3.

The obligation to submit a proof of health insurance when applying for a temporary stay permit does not apply to trainees and volunteers who come to Croatia within the Youth in Action mobility programme and its successor programmes.

WHERE?

International students coming from third countries can submit a temporary stay permit application in one of two ways:

An application for a temporary stay permit for the purpose of studies can be submitted to a diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia. If a third-country student is not subject to the visa requirement, the application for a temporary stay permit can be submitted to a police directorate or police station in Croatia.

An exception applies in the case of third-country students who need a visa for entry into the Republic of Croatia, but are coming for the purpose of studies at a higher educational institution as regular students (Bachelor, Master or PhD level). They can submit the application for a temporary stay permit for the purpose of studies in Croatia at a police directorate or police station.

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):
https://mup.gov.hr/kontakti-281975/281975

Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices:
http://www.mvep.hr/en/diplomatic-directory/diplomatic-missions-and-consular-offices-of-croatia

HOW MUCH?

The administrative fee for granting the permit for a temporary stay is HRK 350 HRK (approximately EUR 47). The administrative fee for the production of biometric residence card is HRK 240 (approximately EUR 30) and HRK 70 in duty stamps (approximately EUR 9).

International students receiving a grant from the Croatian Ministry of Science and Education are exempt from paying an administrative fee in the amount of HRK 350 for granting their temporary stay in Croatia.

WHEN?

Students submitting an application to a diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia in their home country should start compiling documents at least 4 months prior to arrival to Croatia and submit them 3 months before the arrival (please note that consular offices and police administration offices will not accept applications for a temporary stay submitted earlier than 3 months before the arrival). The procedure can take one month or longer.

Students submitting the application to an appropriate police department or police station in Croatia should do so immediately upon entering Croatia and certainly before the start date of the studies/traineeship.

Temporary stay permit for the purpose of studies is valid up to one year, i.e. until the end of the academic year. Students enrolled in European Union programmes or multilateral programmes involving mobility measures or an agreement between two or more higher education institutions shall be granted a temporary stay permit for the purpose of studies with a validity period of up to two years.

Biometric residence card will be issued within approximately three weeks from the submission of required documents and needs to be returned to the police directorate or police station upon the expiration of stay in Croatia.

TIPS?

Students, coming to practice up to 90 days, through an authorized organization or based on a Union programme or multilateral programmes that includes mobility measures or inter-university programmes, do not have to regulate their temporary stay for the purpose of studies and can work without a work and stay permit or work registration certificate. If their practice lasts for more than 90 days, they are obliged to regulate their temporary stay for the purpose of studies.

A student with a valid stay permit issued by another EEA Member State and enrolled in one of the European Union programme or multilateral programme that includes mobility measures or agreement between two or more higher education institutions may carry out part of his/her studies at a higher education institution in Croatia during the period of a maximum of 360 days, without the obligation to regulate temporary residence for the purpose of studying. Conditions are: he/she is not a threat to public order, national security or public health and the student, when applying for a short-term stay, has informed competent police station on his/her longer stay in Croatia.

All original documents must be officially translated into Croatian, and an “apostille” of all original documents and certified translations may be required. It is suggested to check with the Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office whether the need for an “apostille“ exists.

Student work – Foreigners with the status of regular pupils or students in Croatia, provided they find a job through the mediation of authorised student agencies, may work without a stay and work permit or a work registration certificate.

Students with a valid stay permit issued by another EEA Member State and enrolled in one European Union programme or multilateral programme that includes mobility measures or agreement between two or more higher education institutions may also work or be self-employed for up to 15 weeks without  a stay and work permit or work registration certificate.

Useful information for international students may be found on the Study in Croatia portal: www.studyincroatia.hr.

Option 5: Temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification (Privremeni boravak u svrhu spajanja obitelji)

WHY?

In order to regulate the stay in Croatia on the basis of an immediate family member's permit.

WHO?

Members of the nuclear family of a third-country researcher who has already been granted a temporary stay.

Members of the nuclear family are:

1. spouses

2. persons living in a common-law marriage in accordance with Croatian legislation (a relationship between an unmarried woman and unmarried man which lasts at least three years or less, if a child has been born during the period of cohabitation)

3. minor children of both married couples and common-law partners, their minor adopted children as well as minor children of each of the partners/spouses, who have not formed families of their own

4. parents or adoptive parents of underage children.

HOW?

Documents needed to apply for a first temporary stay permit for the purpose of family reunification:

• application form 1a,
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/stranci/Obrazac%201a.pdf
• one colour photograph (35 x 45mm)
• proof of means of support*
• proof of health insurance**
• original and a copy of a valid travel document
• supporting documents are to be included optionally, depending on what the applicant seeks to prove:
  
  - for proving a marriage – a marriage certificate (not older than six months) or certified statement from both spouses on the existence of the marriage (if the marriage certificate is older than six months)
  - for proving a common-law marriage –a statement from both common-law spouses on the existence of the common-law marriage, proof of common address for three years prior to the submission of the application, birth certificates for both common-law partners and the child, if a child was born, as well as other proof of the existence of the common-law marriage
  - for proving a child-parent relationship – a birth certificate (not older than six months) or a decision of a competent authority on child adoption
  - for proving other kinships and serious personal or humanitarian grounds for family reunification - all relevant documents from which any kinships and serious personal or humanitarian reasons can incontestably be entailed.

! *Proof of means of support: a certified copy of the last three received salaries, a tax ruling, pension excerpt, employment agreement or written confirmation on the employment agreement or a corresponding proof showing the amount of salary (if a third-country national works less than 3 months), evidence of scholarship, etc. The minimum amount of funds that a third-country national needs to have on a monthly basis for his/her own needs is HRK 2000.

! **Proof of health insurance: please see Chapter 4.3.

A temporary stay permit for the purpose of family reunification can be issued for a period of up to one year or until the expiration of the temporary stay permit of the third-country national with whom reunification is sought.

WHERE?

An application for a first-time temporary stay permit for the purpose of family reunification can be submitted to a police directorate or police station or to a diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia. In the case of a researcher’s family, even if they as third-country nationals are subject to the visa requirement, the application for a first-time temporary stay permit for the purpose of family reunification can also be submitted to a police directorate or police station in Croatia.

Croatian diplomatic missions and consular offices:
http://www.mvep.hr/en/diplomatic-directory/diplomatic-missions-and-consular-offices-of-croatia

HOW MUCH?

The administrative fee for granting the permit for a temporary stay is HRK 350 (approximately EUR 47). The administrative fee for the production of biometric residence card is HRK 240 (approximately EUR 30) and HRK 70 in duty stamps (approximately EUR 9).

WHEN?

It is recommended to start compiling documents at least 4 months prior to the arrival to Croatia and to submit them 3 months before the arrival (please note that consular offices and police administration will not accept applications for temporary stay submitted earlier than 3 months before the arrival). The procedure can take one month or longer.

TIPS?

If family members, as well as a foreign researcher, are not subject to the visa requirement, they can apply together for temporary stay permits at the competent police directorate or police station in Croatia. Likewise, family members who are subject to visa requirement can also apply for a temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification together with the foreigner whose temporary stay will be the basis of their application.

When applying first time for a temporary stay permit at the police directorate or police station in Croatia, all family members have to be present, including minor children and babies. In the case of the application for temporary stay for minor children, both parents need to sign the application form.

All original documents must be officially translated into Croatian and an “apostille” of all original documents and certified translations may be required. It is suggested to check with the Croatian diplomatic mission or consular office whether the need for an “apostille“ exists.

In the case of a polygamous marriage, family reunification in the territory of the Republic of Croatia shall be permitted to one spouse only. Only foreigners who have been granted a temporary stay for the purpose of a family reunification with a Croatian national or a foreigner on permanent stay may work without a stay and work permit or a work registration certificate. Please find more information about the permanent stay in Chapter 3.1.2., option 6.

A foreigner who has been granted a temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification with a foreign researcher (on a temporary stay for the purpose of research) may work in Croatia only on the basis of a stay and work permit or a work registration certificate and may not start working prior to having been granted a temporary stay. A foreigner who has been granted a temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification with a Croatian citizen, a foreigner who was granted a permanent stay, a foreigner who was granted protection pursuant to provisions of the Asylum Act, or a foreigner who was granted subsidiary or temporary protection, may work in Croatia on the basis of a temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification (no additional permit is necessary).

An autonomous stay is a type of temporary stay which can be granted to foreigners who have been granted a temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification for an uninterrupted period of at least four years, provided that they meet the general conditions for granting a temporary stay in Croatia. An autonomous stay may be granted to spouses or common-law partners and children coming of age. Third-country nationals who have been granted an autonomous stay may work in Croatia without a stay and work permit or a work registration certificate.

Termination of temporary stay of third-country nationals

Temporary stay of a foreigner shall cease:

1. When the circumstances for the approval of temporary stay cease to exist;

2. If entry and stay have been prohibited;

3. If the foreigner fails to register temporary residence within 30 days after the approval of temporary stay;

4. If the foreigner moves out of Croatia or resides abroad for a period over 30 consecutive days;

5. If the foreigner resides in Croatia contrary to the purpose of the temporary residence permit.

Exceptionally, temporary stay of third-country researchers and students shall not be terminated if they reside in another EEA country based on a short-term and long-term mobility.

Prior to the termination of temporary stay and departure from Croatia, third-country nationals and hosting research organizations (in case of third-country researchers) are obliged to notify respective police directorate or police station about the termination and return the biometrical residence card. Exceptionally, temporary stay of a foreigner, who stays out of Croatia for a period of up to 90 days for justified reasons, shall not cease if he, prior to departure from Croatia notifies the relevant police administration or police station thereof. If emergency circumstances arise after departure from Croatia, a foreigner shall be obliged to, within 30 days of arising of such circumstances, notify the Diplomatic Mission or Consular Office of the Republic of Croatia thereof.

Option 6. Long-term stay (Dugotrajni boravak)

WHY?

In order to reside and work without a stay and work permit or work registration certificate.

WHO?

A third-country national who has been legally residing in Croatia for an uninterrupted period of 5 years before the submission of the application. Stay of foreigners in Croatia, is considered continuous, without any interruptions, if their several-time absence from Croatia within a period of five years has not lasted longer than 10 months, that is, if their one-time absence from Croatia within a period of five years has not lasted longer than 6 months.

Long-term stay shall be granted only to third-country nationals who have knowledge of the Croatian language and the Latin script as well as of the Croatian culture and the organization of the Croatian society.

HOW?

At the time when the long-term stay is being granted, a temporary stay permit must still be valid.

Long-term residence shall be granted to third-country nationals who:

• have submitted Application form 1a
  http://www.mup.hr/UserDocsImages/Dokumenti/stranci/Obrazac%201a.pdf
• have a valid foreign travel document
• have the means of subsistence
• have health insurance
• have knowledge of the Croatian language and the Latin script as well as of the Croatian culture and the organization of the Croatian society
• do not represent a danger for public order, national security or public health

WHERE?

A request for a long-term residence must be submitted at the competent police directorate or police station according to the place of registered residence/stay.

HOW MUCH?

The administrative fee for granting long-term stay is 630.00 HRK (approximately 85.00 EUR). The administrative fee for production of biometric residence card is 240.00 HRK (approximately 30.00 EUR) and 70.00 HRK (approximately 9.00 EUR) in duty stamps.

WHEN?

After an uninterrupted period of 5 years of residing in Croatia, a third-country national can apply for the approval of a long-term residence in Croatia.

TIPS?

In case of third-country citizens who have been granted long-term stay for the purpose of university studies, only half of the granted temporary stay period for the purpose of university studies shall be included in the time required for granting long-term residence.

Long-term stay shall be granted only to third-country citizens who have knowledge of the Croatian language and the Latin script as well as of the Croatian culture and the organisation of the Croatian society. The knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script may be tested by institutions of higher education that are responsible for Croatian language study programmes based on the permission of the ministry responsible for higher education, in line with their general legal act.

Preschool children, attendants or persons who finished primary, secondary or higher education in Croatia as well as persons above the age of 65 if they are not employed shall not have to pass the knowledge test of the Croatian language and Latin script. Third-country citizens will have to prove their knowledge of the Croatian culture and the organisation of by filling in a questionnaire in the course of the procedure needed for granting a long-term residence. Third-country citizens, who, by independently filling in the questionnaire, have proven their knowledge of the Croatian culture and the organisation of the Croatian society, shall not be obliged to take the knowledge test of the Croatian language and Latin script.

Termination of long-term stay of third-country nationals

Long-term stay of a third-country citizen shall cease if:

• his entry and stay have been prohibited in Croatia or he has issued a warning in SIS for the purpose of the entry ban

• he resided outside the territory of the EEA without interruptions for a period over 12 months

• he resided outside the territory of the Republic of Croatia without interruptions for a period longer than 6 years

• it is required by the reasons of protecting public order, national security or public health

• he has acquired long-term residence status in another EEA Member State

• asylum or subsisiary protection was cancelled to a foreigner concerned

• he requests such termination.

Option 7. Permanent stay (Stalni boravak)

WHY?

In order to reside and work without a stay and work permit or work registration certificate.

WHO?

A third-country national who has been legally residing in Croatia for an uninterrupted period of three or four years before the submission of the application. Stay of foreigners in Croatia, is considered continuous, without any interruptions, if their several-time absence from Croatia within a period of three or four years has not lasted longer than 6 months, that is, if their one-time absence from Croatia within a period of three or four years has not lasted longer than 4 months.

Permanent stay can be granted to the following categories of foreigners in Croatia:

• a family member or life partner of a Croatian citizen who, until the day of applying, has been granted a temporary stay for a continuous period of four years for the purpose of family reunification or life partnership
• a member of the Croatian nation with foreign citizenship or statelessness, who has been found to have returned intending to live permanently in the Republic of Croatia, and until the date of application, he has been granted a temporary stay for a continuous period of three years
• a minor child who, until the day of applying for permanent residence, has been granted a temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification for a continuous period of three years, and one of the parents has been granted a permanent stay or long-term residence
• a foreigner with a permanent residence in the Republic of Croatia on 8 October 1991 and is a beneficiary of a national programme for return, recovery, or housing
• a minor child living in the Republic of Croatia:
  - whose one of the parents, at the time of the child's birth, has an approved permanent stay or long-term stay with the consent of the other parent
  - whose one parent, at the time of the child's birth, has an approved permanent stay or long-term stay in the Republic of Croatia, and the other parent is unknown, died, declared dead, deprived of parental care or completely or partially deprived of legal capacity in relation to parental care
• a foreigner who was born in the Republic of Croatia and has lived here since birth, but for justified reasons which he could not influence, did not have a regulated stay.

Permanent stay shall be granted only to third-country nationals who have the knowledge of the Croatian language and the Latin script as well as of the Croatian culture and the organization of the Croatian society.

HOW?

At the time when the permanent stay is being granted, a temporary stay permit must still be valid.

Permanent stay shall be granted to third-country nationals who:

• have submitted Application form 1a
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/stranci/Obrazac%201a.pdf
• have a valid foreign travel document
• have the means of subsistence
• have health insurance
• have the knowledge of the Croatian language and the Latin script as well as of the Croatian culture and the organization of the Croatian society
• do not represent a danger for public order, national security or public health

WHERE?

A request for a permanent stay must be submitted at the competent police directorate or police station according to the place of registered residence/stay.

HOW MUCH?

The administrative fee for granting a permanent stay is HRK 630 (approximately 85 EUR). The administrative fee for the production of biometric residence card is HRK 240 (approximately 30 EUR).

WHEN?

After at least three or four years of stay in Croatia with a temporary stay permit. Issuance may take up to 60 days.

TIPS?

In case of third-country nationals who have been granted a temporary stay for the purpose of university studies, only half of the granted temporary stay period for the purpose of university studies shall be included in the time required for granting permanent stay.

The knowledge of the Croatian language and Latin script may be tested by institutions of higher education that are responsible for Croatian language study programmes based on the permission of the ministry responsible for higher education, in line with their general legal act.

Preschool children, attendants or persons who finished primary, secondary or higher education in Croatia as well as persons above the age of 65, if they are not employed, shall not have to pass the knowledge test of the Croatian language and Latin script. Third-country nationals will have to prove their knowledge of the Croatian culture and the organisation by filling in a questionnaire in the course of the procedure needed for granting a permanent stay. Third-country nationals, who, by independently filling in the questionnaire, have proven their knowledge of the Croatian culture and the organisation of the Croatian society, shall not be obliged to take the knowledge test of the Croatian language and Latin script.

Termination of permanent stay

Permanent stay of a third-country citizen shall cease:

• When the circumstances for the approval of temporary stay cease to exist

• If his entry and stay have been prohibited in Croatia or he has issued a warning in SIS for the purpose of the entry ban

• If he does not report his residence to the police administration or police station within 30 days after obtaining the approval of the temporary stay or the issuance of a long-term visa

• If he requests such termination

• If from the day of granting temporary stay, granted for a period of up to one year, he stays abroad several times longer than 90 days in total or longer than 30 days once

• If from the day of granting temporary stay, granted for a period of up to two years, he stays abroad several times longer than 180 days in total or longer than 60 days once

• If he resides in the Republic of Croatia contrary to the purpose of the temporary stay permit

3.2. Nationals of the European Economic Area

EEA nationals do not need to register their stay or work if they plan to stay/work up to 3 months in Croatia. If they plan to stay/work longer than 3 months they need to register their temporary stay.

Option 1: Certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of work
(Potvrda o prijavi privremenog boravka u svrhu rada)

WHY?

In case you plan to work or do research in Croatia longer than 3 months either being employed or self-employed.

WHO?

Foreign researchers who are nationals of the European Economic Area countries (28 EU Member States and Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland), who have concluded an employment contract with their employer or who are self-employed, and who are nationals of the EU Member States with which Croatia has no mutual employment restrictions.

HOW?

An application for issuing a certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of work can be submitted only by the EEA national himself, to the competent police directorate or police station.

Documents needed to apply for a certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of work:

• application form 1b,
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/stranci/2013/obrazac_1b.pdf
• valid personal identity card or travel document – original and copy
• employment agreement – original and copy.

Nationals of the EEA countries do not have to apply for a biometric residence card. After the submission of the application for a temporary stay permit, police directorate or police station will issue a certificate on registration of temporary residence which is a sufficient proof of validity of their temporary stay in Croatia.

WHERE?

An application for issuing a certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of work can be submitted by the foreigner himself, to the competent police directorate or police station according to his or her place of residence.

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):
https://mup.gov.hr/kontakti-281975/281975

HOW MUCH?

Nationals of EEA countries may apply for a biometric residence card, but are not obliged to. In case they apply, the cost of a biometric residence card is HRK 240 (approximately EUR 30). Biometric residence card will be issued within approximately three weeks from the submission of required documents.

WHEN?

Researchers from the EEA countries with no mutual employment restrictions with Croatia do not have an obligation to report their stay and work in Croatia up to 3 months from the day of entry to Croatia.

In case they can anticipate that their work in Croatia shall last longer than 3 months, it is advisable to apply for the certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of work upon their arrival to Croatia approximately a week before they start to work (in order for the employer to timely register the researcher with the Health Insurance Fund and the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute).

TIPS

Researchers from Austria with which Croatia still has mutual employment restrictions in place are considered as third-country nationals. They shall undergo the same procedure of approving their temporary residence as third-country nationals, as described in Chapter 3.1.2., option 3.

For more information about mutual employment restriction, please visit the official webpage of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security:
http://www.mrms.hr (in Croatian).

Option 2: Certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of studying or occupational training
(Potvrda o prijavi privremenog boravka u svrhu studiranja ili strukovne izobrazbe)

WHY?

Nationals of EEA countries intending to study or attend an occupational training in Croatia must regulate their temporary residence for the purpose of studying or occupational training.

WHO?

International students (can apply to PhD students as well) coming to study to Croatia as regular students or in the framework of a student mobility programme or for occupational traineeships.

HOW?

Documents needed to apply for a certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of study or occupational training:

• application form 1b,
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/stranci/2013/obrazac_1b.pdf
• proof of admittance to a higher education institution in Croatia for the purpose of studying or vocational training – (in Croatian)
•  a statement on the means of support for themselves and their family members so that they do not become a burden to Croatian Social System
• proof of health insurance*

! *Proof of health insurance: EEA students who have the European Health Insurance Card may use urgent healthcare services upon presentation of the card and submission of the printout copy of the card, if other instructions are not given, according to the Croatian legislation in force. EEA students that do not use the European Health Insurance Card are obliged to have a health insurance policy during their stay in Croatia. Croatian Health Insurance Fund, for example, offers health insurance for HRK 417 per month (approximately EUR 55) and entitles the user to full healthcare coverage. A private health insurance policy from another EU Member State is also a valid (proof of) health insurance in Croatia.

WHERE?

An application for issuing a certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of studying or occupational training can be submitted by the foreigner himself, to the competent police directorate or police station.

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):
https://mup.gov.hr/kontakti-281975/281975

HOW MUCH?

Nationals of EEA countries may apply for a biometric residence card, but are not obliged to. In case they apply, the cost of a biometric residence card is HRK 240 (approximately EUR 30). Biometric residence card will be issued within approximately three weeks from the submission of required documents.

WHEN?

Students from the EEA countries do not have an obligation to report their stay and studies in Croatia up to 3 months from the day of their entry to Croatia. However, they need to report their address at the competent police administration office or police station within three days from the date of entry to Croatia, if this is not done automatically by their accommodation provider.

Students only need to apply for the certificate of the registration of temporary residence for the purpose of studying or occupational training if they plan to study in Croatia longer than three months at the competent police directorate or police station within 8 days from the expiration of their three-month stay in Croatia.

TIPS

Student work – Foreigners with the status of regular pupils or students in Croatia, provided they find a job through the mediation of authorised student agencies, may work without a stay and work permit or a work registration certificate.

Useful information for international students may be found on the Study in Croatia portal:
www.studyincroatia.hr.

Option 3: Registration of temporary stay of a family member
(Prijava privremenog boravka člana obitelji)

WHY?

In order to regulate the stay in Croatia on the basis of an immediate family member's permit.

WHO?

Members of the nuclear family of an EEA researcher who has already been granted a temporary stay. Family members may be EEA nationals as well as non-EEA nationals.

Members of the nuclear family are:

1. Spouses

2. The common-law partner in line with Croatian legislation, and persons in a durable relationship which can be demonstrated by shared residence at the same address in the duration of at least three years, and if the intention of continuing to live together is evident.

3. Relatives of a national of the EEA Member State and of his spouse or common-law partner by blood in the vertical line downwards, until they have reached 21 years of age.

4. Adopted children and step-children of a national of the EEA Member State or of his spouse or common-law partner, until they have reached 21 years of age.

5. Persons referred to in Points 3 and 4 of this Paragraph who are above 21 years of age and who must be and actually have been supported by a national of the EEA Member State, or by his spouse or common-law partner.

6. Relatives by blood in the vertical line upwards, who must be and actually have been supported by a national of the EEA Member State or by his spouse or common-law partner.

7. Other members of the family of a national of the EEA Member State for whom an individual assessment determines that in view of their material and social positions in the country they arrived from, they are dependent on the national of the EEA Member State in terms of providing for their basic needs, or they are members of his household, or for whom, due to serious health-related reasons, a special personal care of the national of the EEA Member State is required.

HOW?

Family members who are EEA nationals apply for a certificate of the registration of temporary stay. Family members who are not nationals of the EEA countries apply for a biometric residence card.

Documents needed to apply for registration of temporary stay of a family member:

• application form 1b (for family members who are EEA nationals),
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages/dokumenti/stranci/2013/obrazac_1b.pdf
• application form 2b (for family members who are not EEA nationals),
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages//dokumenti/stranci/2013//obrazac_2b.pdf
• valid identity card or passport – original and copy*
• proof of means of support **
• a document proving that he or she is the family member of an EEA citizen
  - or proving a marriage – a marriage certificate (not older than six months) or certified statement from both spouses on the existence of the marriage (if the marriage certificate is older than six months)
  - for proving a common-law marriage - a statement from both common-law spouses on the existence of the common-law marriage, proof of common address for three years prior to the submission of the application, birth certificates for both common-law partners and the child, if a child was born, as well as other proof of the existence of the common-law marriage
  - for proving a child-parent relationship – a birth certificate (not older than six months) or a decision of a competent authority on child adoption
  - for proving the relationship of the family member with a national of a Member State EEA which would indicate the need for the reunification due to the material needs of healthcare or by a national of a Member State EEA with whom reunification is sought (medical records, proof on the maintenance or custody, etc.).

! *Family members who are not EEA nationals need to bring an original and a copy of a valid passport.

! **Proof of means of support for both EEA nationals and non-EEA nationals: a certified copy of the last three received salaries, a tax ruling, pension excerpt, employment agreement or written confirmation on the employment agreement or a corresponding proof showing the amount of salary (if a third-country national works less than 3 months), evidence of scholarship, etc.

WHERE?

An application for registration of temporary stay of a family member can be submitted by the foreigner himself at the competent police directorate or police station according to his or her place of residence. If a family member who is a third-country national is subject to visa requirements, (s)he needs to obtain a visa before entering Croatia (see Chapter 3.1.1). Visa application will be processed faster and without charging visa fees, with the presentation of only the minimum documentation: a visa application form, valid passport, photo and a proof of family relationship with an EU or an EEA Member State citizen.

As an exception, such a family member can travel without a visa to Croatia only if (s)he already has a valid passport and a valid identification card called "Residence card of a family member of a Union citizen", and if (s)he travels with or joins the family member who is a citizen of the European Union or an EEA Member State.

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):
https://mup.gov.hr/kontakti-281975/281975

HOW MUCH?

Nationals of EEA countries may apply for a biometric residence card, but are not obliged to. In case they apply, the cost of a biometric residence card is HRK 240 (approximately EUR 30). Biometric residence card will be issued within approximately three weeks from the submission of required documents. Non-EEA nationals need to apply for a biometric residence card.

WHEN?

EEA nationals do not have an obligation to report their stay in Croatia up to 3 months from the day of entry to Croatia. If they plan to stay in Croatia longer than three months, within 8 days from the expiration of their three-month stay in Croatia, they need to apply for a certificate of the registration of temporary residence of a family member who is a national of the EEA Member State at the competent police directorate or police station. Non-EEA nationals also need to apply for a biometric residence card within 8 days from the expiration of their three-month stay.

TIPS

When applying first time for the registration of temporary residence of a family member at the police directorate or police station, all family members have to be present, including minor children and babies. In the case of the application for the certificate of the registration of temporary residence for minor children, both parents need to sign the application form.

Termination of temporary residence of EEA nationals

Temporary residence of a national of the EEA Member State shall terminate if:

1. He is prohibited to enter and to reside in Croatia.

2. He obtained temporary residence by having provided false information or having concealed the true information and circumstances which were decisive for the registration of temporary residence.

3. He no longer meets the conditions for temporary residence.

4. He cancels his residence in Croatia.

Temporary residence of a national of the EEA Member State and of a member of his family shall not terminate if he does not have sufficient funds for supporting himself during his residence in Croatia, provided that the national of such an EEA Member State is employed or self-employed or provided that he arrived with the intention of employment, and he proves that he continues to actively seek a job where it could be reasonably assumed that he would be able to find a job.

Option 4: Permanent stay of an EEA national
(Stalni boravak državljanina države članice EGP-a)

WHY?

If you plan to stay and work in Croatia for a longer period of time, longer than 5 years.

WHO?

EEA nationals who have been legally residing in Croatia for an uninterrupted period of 5 years before the submission of the application. Periods of absence from Croatia shall not be taken into account for the calculation of a 5-year period when they are shorter than 6 months (in one year) or up to 12 months continuously, for justified reasons such as pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, studies, professional training, assignment to work in another country or for duration of military service.

HOW?

At the time when the permanent stay is being granted, a temporary stay permit must still be valid.

Permanent stay shall be granted to EEA nationals who:

• have submitted Application form 3b:
  https://mup.gov.hr/UserDocsImages//dokumenti/stranci/2013//obrazac_3b.pdf
• have a valid foreign travel document.

WHERE?

A request for a permanent stay must be submitted at the competent police directorate or police station according to the place of registered residence stay.

HOW MUCH?

There are no costs for granting the permit for permanent stay. EEA citizen needs to apply for a biometric residence card and the cost is HRK 79,50 (approximately EUR 10) for the production of the card.

WHEN?

After at least 5 years of residence in Croatia with a temporary stay permit. An EEA national shall be issued the permit as soon as possible. The uninterrupted residence shall not be affected by the time of absence from Croatia of up to 6 months per year, or up to 12 months continuously for justified reasons (pregnancy, childbirth, serious illness, studies, professional training, assignment to work in another country), or for duration of military service.

TIPS

A family member who is not a national of an EEA Member State, and who has been legally residing in Croatia with the national of an EEA Member State for at least five years without interruptions, is entitled to permanent stay as well.

3.3. Mobility during your stay in Croatia
(third-country nationals and EEA nationals)

WHY?

If you have a secondment to an institution in another country, need to return to your own country for a short while, wish to visit a conference or seminar abroad, etc.

WHO?

Third-country nationals and EEA nationals with a temporary stay permit.

HOW?

If a third-country national, who is in Croatia on a temporary stay, goes abroad for less than 30 days at a time, (s)he does not need to notify the authorities.

If third-country nationals leave Croatia for a single period of 30-90 days for justifiable reasons, they need to notify the police directorate or police station with an official letter (dopis). If third-country nationals stay abroad for more than 30 days at a time without notifying the authorities, their temporary stay permit will be revoked.

The abovementioned restrictions do not apply to EEA nationals regarding their absence from Croatia.

WHERE?

The organisation of police administration in Croatia (police stations):
https://mup.gov.hr/kontakti-281975/281975

WHEN?

A foreigner with a temporary stay permit who has been abroad for up to 90 days for justifiable reasons needs to notify the competent police directorate or police station at the latest 10 days after returning to Croatia.

TIPS

A third-country national who has been granted a temporary stay in Croatia may not leave the country for longer than 90 days. If they wish to do this, they need to “cancel” their temporary stay, give notice of their departure at a police directorate or police station and re-apply for a temporary stay permit upon their return.

Before leaving Croatia for another country, it is advisable to check whether you need a visa to enter that country. If you do, you may apply for it in foreign diplomatic missions and consular offices in Croatia. A full list of these offices is available here:
http://www.mvep.hr/en/diplomatic-directory/diplomatic-missions-and-consular-offices-of-croatia.

Daily Life

Arrival

Arrival by car

To enter Croatia, a driver's licence, an automobile registration card and vehicle insurance documents (including Green Card) are required. An international driving licence is required for the use of rent-a-car services. The permit is issued by the parent motor-club. The driver of a motor vehicle registered abroad entering the territory of Croatia must have a valid International Motor Third Party Liability Insurance document valid on the territory of the European Union, or some other evidence of the existence of such insurance. International insurance documents and evidence are considered to be either an official licence plate of a vehicle normally stationed on the territory of a country whose national insurance bureau is a signatory of the Multilateral agreement, or a valid Green Card issued for a vehicle which originates from a country whose national insurance bureau is not a signatory of the Multilateral agreement and other documents and evidences whose validity is recognised by the Croatian insurance Bureau. Tolls are charged on motorways and certain three-lane two-way roads in Istria.

Arrival by plane

There are nine airports in Croatia: in Zagreb, Split, Zadar, Dubrovnik, Pula, Rijeka, Supetar (island of Brač), Lošinj (island of Mali Lošinj) and Osijek. The national airline is Croatia Airlines, which operates regular national and international flights. A number of low-cost airlines fly to Croatia, especially during the tourist season. The procedure for international airport arrivals in Croatia is more or less the same as in all other European countries. For example, see the passenger information of the Zagreb airport http://www.zagreb-airport.hr/home (in English).

Useful links:

Croatia Airlines: www.croatiaairlines.com/

List of airlines flying to Croatia: www.skyscanner.net

Online booking tool for flight tickets: www.aviokarte.hr

Arrival by rail

The railroad network connects all major Croatian cities except Dubrovnik. There are direct lines to Slovenia, Hungary, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Germany, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. There are indirect lines to almost all other European countries.

The Croatian Railways: www.hzpp.hr

Arrival by bus

A very comprehensive coach network connects all parts of the country. There are regular international coach services connecting Croatia with all neighbouring countries, as well as Austria, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Slovakia.

Bus services between major cities (intercity lines) are quite frequent, as are the regional services. The bus terminal with the most frequent services in Croatia is the Zagreb Bus Terminal.

Zagreb Bus Terminal: www.akz.hr

Arrival by boat

Croatian coastal towns and cities are served by ferry and ship services. The inhabited islands are linked with the mainland (and some of them also with other islands) by ferry/ship services. During the summer, the frequency of ferry routes is usually increased and fast hydrofoil services are added. The summer routes schedule normally remains in operation from 31 May to 28 September.

For customs information please visit the following website: www.carina.hr

6.2. Driving in Croatia

Driving regulations: Driving with dipped headlights is obligatory during winter time. The use of mobile telephones while driving is forbidden! The use of seat belts is obligatory. A reflective sleeveless jacket is an obligatory part of the emergency equipment of every vehicle.

Speed limits: In settled areas 50 km/h (31 mph), outside settled areas 90 km/h (55 mph), but 110 km/h (68 mph) on expressways and 130 km/h (80 mph) on motorways, unless otherwise indicated by road signs. If towing a trailer/caravan the speed limit is reduced to 90 km/h (55 mph). Minimum speed on motorways: 60 km/h (37 mph).

All motorists under 24 years of age must not exceed: 80 km/h (49 mph) on normal roads outside populated areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on expressways and 120 km/h (74 mph) on motorways.

Further information about driving rules and requirements in Croatia:
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/croatia.pdf

Roadside assistance: Hrvatski Autoklub (HAK), telephone: 1987 (+385 1 987 if calling from a mobile phone)
www.hak.hr

Driver’s License and Car Registration

Foreigners who have been granted a temporary stay or permanent residence in Croatia, as well as employees of foreign commercial, traffic, cultural and other agencies, may drive a motor vehicle if they have a valid foreign driver’s license for a period of one year following the day of entry into Croatia.

Foreigners who have been granted temporary stay in Croatia and are in possession of a vehicle registered abroad (with valid registration documents and insurance), may use their car not longer than three months following the day of entry into Croatia, after which period the vehicle should be re-registered in Croatia.

For more information please visit the website of the Ministry of Interior: www.mup.hr/

6.3. Accommodation

Renting an apartment is a process that needs to be started at least one month prior to arrival in Croatia. One can use the services of real estate agencies, a comprehensive list of which is collected on the website mentioned below:

www.realestatecroatia.com

Useful information on accommodation facilities (to buy or rent) in Croatia can be found on the following websites:

• Real Estate Croatia: www.realestatecroatia.com  
• Go Home: www.gohome.hr  
• Airbnb: www.airbnb.com

For longer stays, a search through newspaper listings is also advisable. However, it is necessary to consult a person who speaks Croatian in order to translate the advertisements. The main newspaper for advertising accommodation is “Plavi oglasnik”. It can be bought nation-wide in Croatia or accessed online: www.oglasnik.hr. Another option is Njuškalo: www.njuskalo.hr (in Croatian).

The monthly rate for a single-bedroom furnished apartment in cities varies from EUR 200-400 per month, depending on the quality and location. In most cases, it is necessary to pay a deposit in advance in the amount of one month’s rent, which is returned when moving out. There is a possibility of finding a roommate, and this is quite common in cities with lots of students. You can also use “Plavi oglasnik” to find a roommate.

A further possibility is living in student dormitories/housing. The student dormitories are managed by Studentski Centar, and there is a certain quota of spaces reserved for the University. It is the University's responsibility to contact Studentski Centar and recommend a foreigner to them – if there are rooms available for the required period, the foreign researcher/student can get a room in the dormitory.

Buying real estate has been made very easy for EU citizens since February 2009, i.e. their rights in buying and selling real estate are now equal to those of Croatian citizens. Other foreigners may encounter problems, as their rights will be subject to the reciprocity rule (i.e. equal to the rights of Croatian citizens in the real estate market of their home country) and an agreement from the Ministry of Justice may be needed.

6.4. Learning Croatian

The official language in Croatia is Croatian. It is a South Slavic language and along with Serbian and Bosnian, it belongs to the Central South Slavic diasystem. In writing, the Croatian alphabet is used, which is a variant of the Latin alphabet. The alphabet was modelled after the Czech alphabet and contains one letter of the Latin script for each sound in the language (30 letters in total).

A foreigner may decide to learn Croatian in one of the private language schools offering Croatian for foreigners. An overview of the providers of Croatian courses for foreigners can be found on:

http://www.unizg.hr/homepage/learn-croatian/

6.5. Culture & Nightlife

In most Croatian cities there are various cultural events on offer – music, theatre, cinema, and dance – as well as interesting monuments of Croatian cultural heritage. Please find more information on the following websites:

• Culturenet.hr, a project initiated by the Ministry of Culture of Croatia and the Open Society Institute-Croatia aimed at pooling available information resources on Croatian culture: www.culturenet.hr
• Ministry of Culture: www.min-kulture.hr
• Croatian Cultural heritage: www.kultura.hr

For night-life ideas, consult, among others, the following websites:

• Tulumarka – parties, happenings and night-life in all of Croatia: http://www.tulumarka.com (in Croatian)
• Grad Rijeka-Kalendar – cinema, theatres, clubbing in Rijeka: https://www.rijeka.hr/teme-za-gradane/kultura-2/kulturne-i-druge-manifestacije/ >English/Italian
• Tourist board of Split: http://www.visitsplit.com > English/Italian/German/French/Spanish
• The biggest online calendar of events in Split: http://infozona.hr/kalendar > English
• Croatian Tourist Board: croatia.hr

6.6. Moving with children

Validation of foreign elementary and secondary school qualifications

Foreign education qualifications of primary or secondary education for the purpose of continuation of primary or secondary education are recognized by the authority of the school at which the applicant wishes to pursue his/her education. Recognition of qualifications attesting the completion of primary education and general, gymnasium and art secondary education programmes (for the purpose of employment or continuation of education) is under the authority of Education and Teacher Training Agency. Details can be found at the website of the Education and Teacher Training Agency: www.azoo.hr (The recognition of a foreign educational qualification).

Organized preschool care

There is a large number of public and private preschool institutions in Croatia. Some of the international schools listed below also have preschool programmes. Foreigners with temporary stay permit in Croatia may enroll their child in a public or private kindergarten, but they will have to pay a full economic price because they do not have a permanent residence permit in Croatia.

The majority of public preschool institutions have lengthy waiting lists, therefore, inquiries about placements should be made directly and as soon as possible. Several private international kindergartens and playrooms (all located in Zagreb) are listed here: http://www.zagrebexpat.com/site/list/business-directory-kids-corner-kindergartens/103 (in English).

Schools where a foreign language is the main language:

There are several international schools in Zagreb, for example:

(listing is for informational purposes only and does not signify endorsement)

• American International School of Zagreb - (International Baccalaureate Diploma): http://www.aisz.hr/
• Deutsche Internationale Schule Eurocampus: deutscheschule.hr
• Ecole Francaise Eurocampus: http://www.efz.hr/
• XV Gymnasium (International Baccalaureate Diploma): mioc.hr
• The Learning Tree International Kindergarten: tltkindergarten.com
• XVI Gymnasium: gimnazija-sesnaesta-zg.skole.hr/
• Matija Gubec International School: http://www.os-mgubec.hr/

6.7. Pets

Pets which are being imported, or which are travelling through for non-commercial purposes, in the company on their owner (up to 5 animals), will be allowed to enter Croatia only if the following conditions are fulfilled:

• they have a valid EU passport or health certificate (veterinary certificate)
• they do not come from an area in which infectious diseases are present and which that particular type of animal can transfer.

In the legal sense, pets are animal species such as: dogs, cats, ferrets (Mustela putorius), invertebrates (with the exception of bees and crustaceans), ornamental tropical fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds (all species with exception of poultry), rodents and domestic rabbits.

Dogs, cats, and animals of the marten family must:

• be marked with a clearly legible tattoo or fitted with a microchip;
• have a passport issued by a licensed veterinary surgeon proving they have been vaccinated or re-vaccinated against rabies.

Entry into the territory of any EU Member State, including Croatia, of dogs, cats, and ferrets over three months of age is permitted if a minimum of 21 days have elapsed since the day the pet was first vaccinated.

For additional information please contact the Ministry of Agriculture: https://poljoprivreda.gov.hr/.

Download PDF with detailed information about non-commercial movement of pets into Croatia: http://www.veterinarstvo.hr/UserDocsImages/veteInspekcija/GVI/17_12-14_Brochure %20- %20dogs, %20cats %20nad %20ferrets %20english.pdf