2 October 2026

Immigrate to Croatia from the UK

UK citizens staying in Croatia for more than 90 days need a temporary residence permit. See the main paths to obtain it and how our lawyers can help.

Immigrate to Croatia from the UK

If you want to relocate to Croatia from the UK for more than 90 days, you are required to apply for a temporary residence permit. There are different paths to get this permit, for which we suggest you explore the following lines. You can also be represented by our Croatian immigration lawyers throughout the relocation process.

Quick Facts
Visa-free travelUK citizens can stay up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Types of available visas in Croatia– short-stay (C) visa,
– long-stay (D) national visa,
– work visa,
– family reunification visa,
– student visa,
– digital nomad visa
Categories for immigration visa– work,
– family reunification,
– business/ investment,
– study
Registration requirements after arrivalThe accommodation provider must register the address with local authorities within 48 hours of arrival in Croatia.
Duration for long-term visasThe D visa is valid up to 6 months, for entry to take up an approved temporary stay (UK citizens are visa-exempt and can apply for residence directly).
Time frame for obtaining visaAround 2–8 weeks, depending on visa type.
Cost of our packageFrom EUR 2,500
Passport validityMust be valid at least 3 months beyond departure date.
Residence permit in CroatiaRequired for stays longer than 90 days
Types of residence permits in Croatia– temporary,
– long-term,
– permanent
Investment residence permit criteriaBusiness registration or investment with proof of funds
Permanent residencyAvailable after 5 years of continuous legal residence
Dual citizenship in CroatiaDepends on the route: ordinary naturalization requires release from British citizenship; descent-based routes do not.
UK Embassy in Croatia (YES/NO)YES
Why immigrate to Croatia from the UKEU access, lower living costs, business opportunities, lifestyle
Assistance from our Croatian immigration specialistsOur specialized immigration lawyers in Croatia can help with: visas, residence permits, business setup, and citizenship.

What types of visas are available in Croatia?

  • Short-stay visa,
  • Long-stay visa,
  • Business visa,
  • Tourist visa, etc.

What are the main paths for immigration to Croatia from the UK?

  • Employment
  • Study,
  • Family reunification,
  • Digital nomad, etc.

NOTE: UK citizens are visa-exempt; those relocating apply directly for temporary residence in Croatia.

What is the institution that issues approvals in matters of visa & immigration to Croatia?

The Ministry of Interior in Croatia (MUP).

Please also explore the following infographic with details on this subject:

What are the conditions to obtain a residence permit in Croatia?

For employment:

  • proof of a work contract must be presented,
  • must obtain the tax identification number in Croatia – OIB,
  • must provide proof of qualifications,
  • must present proof of domicile,
  • a clear criminal record is also required.

For studies:

  • the same as for foreign workers, plus:
  • proof of enrolment at the Croatian educational institution/Letter of Acceptance,
  • application form A1,
  • valid UK passport & photos,
  • proof of financial means during the courses, etc.

For family reunification:

  • marriage and/or birth certificates,
  • health insurance,
  • proof of accommodation where the partner or family is established,
  • police clearance certificate from the UK authorities,
  • proof of paid fees, etc.

NOTE: All foreign documents must be translated into Croatian before submission. We can put you in contact with local translation specialists/partners.

Where do I apply for a residence permit in Croatia?

  • at the local Embassy or Consulate in the UK,
  • in Croatia, at the local police administration office.

What is the validity of a temporary residence permit in Croatia?

1 year with the possibility of extension.

Can I open a bank account in Croatia after relocation from the UK?

Yes. Our attorneys in Croatia can help you deal with the formalities.

Are the work and residence permit issued at the same time?

Yes.

How can I relocate to Croatia from the UK for business purposes?

  • you can open a limited liability company (minimum share capital EUR 2,500); for a residence permit based on work in your own company, at least EUR 26,544.56 must be invested.
  • make sure you look for the proper house when moving to Croatia. There are short-term rental properties during the summer period in coastal zones of Croatia,
  • you should apply for customs exemption to import your belongings/household items,
  • the OIB is mandatory! It is best to obtain it from the start of your relocation process,
  • your UK documents must be apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office in the UK.

What is the time frame to relocate to Croatia from the UK?

A few months until all the formalities, including logistics, are concluded.

Ready to start your journey and relocate to Croatia from the UK? We invite you to contact our law firm and find out more about what the immigration process entails. Get your personalized offer today.