31 August 2026
Obtain Residence Permit in Croatia
See the main requirements and procedures for a temporary residence permit in Croatia, such as for work, family reunification or study. Ask our lawyers.
Would you like to get a residence permit in Croatia in 2026? This article explains the main requirements and procedures, mentioning that our Croatian lawyers can assist during the entire process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Temporary residence permit types | – employment, – family reunification, – study, – training, – medical treatments |
Time needed to obtain the temporary residence permit (approx.) | Around 3-4 weeks |
Temporary residence permit validity | Usually up to 1 year; stay-and-work permits up to 3 years |
| Documents for obtaining temporary residence | – valid passport, – work contract, – criminal record, – accommodation |
| Mandatory registrations with state authorities (i.e. with the population/municipality register) | Yes |
| Dependents can join the temporary permit holder | Yes |
| Temporary or permanent residency for investment purposes | No dedicated scheme; temporary residence is possible for work in one's own company |
| Minimum temporary residence before applying for permanent residence | 5 years |
| Documents for obtaining permanent residence | – valid passport, – proof of income, – former temporary residence permit |
| Naturalization requirements | – Croatian language and culture knowledge, – 8 years of continuous registered residence and permanent residence at the time of application, – release from the foreign citizenship |
| Citizenship after permanent residence | Yes |
| Cost of our package | From EUR 2,500 |
| Period imposed for local registration | 30 days from the date of the arrival in Croatia |
Other documents solicited for residence application | – marriage certificate, – proof of paid fees |
Long-term residence permits | Granted after 5 years of continuous legal stay; seasonal work, study, training, volunteering and intra-corporate transfers are temporary-stay purposes. |
| Specific verifications made by the Croatian authorities | To make sure candidates do not have criminal records and are not considered a public threat |
| Knowledge of Croatian language | Condition imposed at the time of application for a long-term residence permit |
| Cases in which long-term residence permit can be withdrawn | – for stays outside EEA for 12 consecutive months, – being absent from Croatia for more than 6 years, – if asylum status has been annulled. |
| Rights of third-country nationals with permanent residence in Croatia | – work, – self-employment, – child allowance, – social welfare, – education, – tax reliefs, etc. |
| Can family members join the application for Croatian residence? (YES/NO) | YES |
| Immigration authority in charge | Ministry of the Interior (MUP) – police administrations and stations |
| Proof of financial means | – salaries, – bank statements, – pensions, etc. |
| Interviews imposed | Depending on the nationality of the applicant and mostly for third-country nationals |
| Other conditions to obtain a permanent residence permit in Croatia | One must already hold temporary residence; permanent residence can be granted after 5 years of continuous legal stay. |
| How can our Croatian lawyer help you? | – personalized assistance for immigration cases, – representation at the police station for registration, – submission of documents and applications |
| Reasons to choose our law firm in Croatia | We can prepare the documents, represent you in front of the authorities, and communicate any changes to the application. |
| Other legal services available | For foreigners interested in staff relocation to Croatia |
Who is eligible for a residence permit in Croatia in 2026?
Non-EU/EEA and non-Swiss citizens who want to relocate to Croatia for more than 90 days.
What types of residence permits are available in Croatia?
For:
- Work,
- Study,
- Family reunification,
- Medical treatments,
- Training, etc.
What is the validity of a temporary residence permit in Croatia?
One year.
Is residency by investment available in Croatia?
No, a direct residency by investment program is not available in Croatia.
You might want to explore the following video presentation:
What are the requirements for a temporary residence permit in Croatia?
Applicants must provide:
- Completed application form – Obrazac 1A or Obrazac 1B,
- Proof of domicile,
- A valid ID/passport,
- Proof of funds/work contract,
- Clear criminal record,
- Health insurance,
- Proof of domicile in Croatia,
- Proof of paid administrative/consular fee.
NOTE! The passport must be valid for at least 3 months longer than the stay in Croatia. Plus, applicants must register their address with the local police before applying for residency in Croatia within 30 days.
Can family members be part of a residency application in Croatia?
Yes. Applicants must present marriage/birth certificates.
What is the cost of your package for obtaining a residence permit?
Our package starts from EUR 2,500 per applicant. Family members are charged separately. The amount is exclusive of VAT and official fees; notarial costs and certified translations are charged separately at actual cost.
What is the minimum residency required before applying for the permanent residence permit (PR)?
5 years.
The following infographic contains information about how to get a Croatian residence permit:
Are language requirements imposed for getting a PR in Croatia?
Yes.
How long does it take to obtain a residence permit in Croatia in 2026?
The residence permit application in Croatia can be processed in approximately 12 weeks. Then, the First Temporary Residence Permit is issued.
Can temporary residence permits be prolonged in Croatia?
Yes. Foreign residents must make a new application within 60 days before the expiration date of the permit.
Can long-term residence in Croatia be revoked?
Yes, if:
- people who have been outside the EEA for more than 12 months or absent from Croatia for more than 6 years,
- citizens who received long-term residence in another EEA country,
- citizens whose subsidiary protection was cancelled in certain circumstances,
- at the request of those who no longer wish to reside in Croatia.
Can I make real estate investments to get residency in Croatia?
Buying a property in Croatia does not allow permanent residency in Croatia. Applicants must follow the main residency paths available in Croatia.
Is there a “minimum investment amount” to obtain the Croatian permanent residence?
No! No fixed investment amount guarantees permanent residency in Croatia.
Can I open a company in Croatia to obtain residency?
Yes, this is possible. However, this scheme does not guarantee permanent residence in Croatia, as the 5 years of continuous residency in Croatia is an applicable condition.
What institution approves residency applications in Croatia?
The Ministry of Interior, through its dedicated immigration department.
Where do I apply for a residence permit in Croatia?
At the competent police administration/station in Croatia (or online), or at a diplomatic mission or consular office of the Republic of Croatia (mandatory for visa-required nationals).
Can I get a Croatian residence permit for humanitarian grounds?
Absolutely! Croatia issues residence permits for foreigners found in difficult situations:
- Victims of human trafficking,
- Stateless persons,
- No parental protection, etc.
What are the benefits of a residence permit in Croatia?
- Access to education,
- Access to public healthcare,
- Applying for existing jobs in Croatia,
- Visa-free travel within the Schengen area (up to 90 days in any 180), etc.
Would you like personalized assistance with obtaining a residence permit in Croatia in 2026? Feel free to contact our law firm in Croatia and discover our offers today. Our lawyers can also help you set up a business in Croatia and obtain the required permits/ licenses.