Work Permit in Croatia

As Croatia is in the European Union, the country opens economic opportunities for foreign workers who enjoy a high standard of living. Foreigners have to obtain a work permit in order to be legally employed in Croatia. The following article reveals the main aspects and requirements on how to receive one.

Main categories of work permits

In Croatia, depending on the category of labour activity, there are several kinds of work permit:

1. Single Permit: It connects the right to reside and work in one document. Most foreign workers are supposed to have this type of permit.
2. Seasonal work permit: For foreign nationals who come to Croatia for seasonal work in agriculture, tourism, etc.
3. Permit for highly qualified professionals: It is issued on special quotas, determined by the Croatian Government, and higher education or considerable professional experience is required.

Document requirements

Following documents are needed for the work permit in Croatia:

1. Foreign passport: It has to be valid for at least 6 months from the date of the end of the intended stay.
2. Application form: The application form is available on the official website of the Croatian Ministry of Interior.
3. Labour contract: Original and a copy of the contract with the employer in Croatia.
4. Proof of qualification: Diplomas, certificates and other documents confirming professional qualifications.
5. Health insurance: A policy covering the entire stay in Croatia.
6. Proof of financial solvency: Bank statements or other documents proving that you have sufficient funds to live on.
7. Criminal record certificate: A document from the applicant’s country of permanent residence.

Application process

1. Submission of documents: The employer or applicant sends an application for the work permit to a local police station or through an online portal on the website of the Croatian Ministry of Interior.
2. Permit issuance: After the application is approved, the work and residence permit will be granted for up to one year but shall be renewable upon application.

Permit renewal

The application for the renewal of a work permit should be submitted some months in advance from the end date of the currently issued permit with the provision of updated documents proving the continuance of the employment relationship and means of subsistence.

What is the Croatia work visa?

Croatia is a member of the European Union that lures foreign specialists with its high standard of living, developing economy, and favorable climate. For legal employment in Croatia, foreigners need to obtain a work visa. Further, we will consider the main aspects related to obtaining a work visa to Croatia.

Types of work visas to Croatia

There are different types of work visas, depending on the purpose and period, such as:

1. Short-term work visa: It is intended for foreigners employed in Croatia for up to 90 days in one year.
2. Long-term work visa – Single Permit: Work and residence permit combined, issued for up to one year with the possibility of extension. It is the main type of visa for foreign professionals planning to work in Croatia for a long term.

Procedure for Obtaining a Work Visa

To obtain a work visa for Croatia, several steps can be followed:

Extension of work visa

A work visa can be extended if there is a valid employment contract and all conditions set by Croatian law are met. The application for extension must be submitted several months before the expiry date of the current visa.

How to apply for the Croatia work visa in 2024?

Many foreign professionals find Croatia an attractive country to work in view of the economic opportunities and quality of life. Foreign nationals working in Croatia need to obtain a work visa. Let’s discuss here in detail the step-by-step process for obtaining a work visa for Croatia in 2024.

How can I get a Croatian work visa and permit?

Croatia, with its vibrant economy, coupled with the appealing climate of the country, is a very sought-after destination for many foreign specialists. To be legally employed in the country, one needs to obtain a work visa along with a work permit. Further on, this article outlines the steps and requirements to be met for receiving these documents.

What documents do I need for the work visa application in Croatia?

Applying for a work visa to Croatia, foreign professionals need to get ready a package of documents according to the regulations. The better understanding of requirements and timely completion of all papers – the easier and faster the procedure of the visa application will be without unnecessary delay. In this article we will look at the key documents you will need to apply for a work visa.

Basic documents

Additional documents

Depending on the specifics of your case and the requirements of the consulate, you may need additional documents such as letters of recommendation from previous employers, confirmation of accommodation or rental bookings in Croatia, and other documents confirming the purpose of your stay.

Where and when can you apply for an Croatia work visa?

The Republic of Croatia is already a member of the European Union. That is why it has now become possible for foreign specialists to work legally within the territory of this country. In this respect, one will need to get a certain type of visa, which would allow one to be employed and reside in this country. In this paper, we are going to discuss where and when one can apply for a work visa in Croatia and the main stages of this process.

Where to apply for a work visa

1. Consulates and embassies of Croatia

The application for a work visa is lodged with the consular section of the Croatian embassy or consulate in the country of your permanent residence. Addresses and contact details of consular offices can be found on the official website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

• Consular sections: Croatian embassies and consulates receive applications and interview candidates.
• Visa Application Centres: Some countries have accredited visa application centres, which make the application process easier and even offer advice.
• Online platforms: Some categories can be applied for via an online platform through the website of the Croatian Ministry of Interior. This saves time in submitting documents and eliminates the need to visit the consulate personally.

When to apply for a work visa

1. Advance filing

Application for a work visa is well-advised 2-3 months in advance of the foreseen commencement of employment. Applications take from several weeks up to months for processing, considering workload factors of consular services and specific case details.

2. Accounting for seasonal fluctuations

All the consultates have ups and downs in their work because of summer holidays and festive periods when the times of processing are considerably longer. It is recommended that you apply well in advance to avoid delay and receive your visa in time.

Main steps of the submission process

1. Preparation of Documents: Collect all the necessary documents, such as your passport, contract of employment, proof of qualifications, health insurance, and a criminal record certificate. Sometimes it is necessary to make an appointment for a consulate or visa application center. Often, this can be done online.
2. Make an appointment: Make an appointment at a consulate or visa application centre. In some cases this can be done online.
3. Submission of the Application: The documents are to be submitted either in person at the consular section or at the visa application center. In case of online submission, all documents are to be uploaded on the appropriate platform.
4. Waiting for the Decision: After document submission, you need to wait for a decision from the consulate. During this period, additional documents or clarifications may be required.

How long is the Croatia work visa valid?

A work visa for Croatia is, in fact, the most crucial document to legally work and live inside the country. Understanding if this is the case—that is, if it expires, and at what point—is going to help you in planning well in advance for your work and life in Croatia. We are going to focus on some of the main aspects related to the validity of a work visa in Croatia throughout this article.

Visa extension

To extend a long-term work visa, an application shall be submitted several months before the expiration date of the permit already in one’s possession. In the course of an extension procedure, the following documents will be required, inter alia:

• A valid employment contract: Confirmation of continued employment with current employer.
• Updated health insurance: A policy that covers the entire period of the extended stay.
• Proof of financial solvency: Bank statements or other documents proving that you have sufficient funds to live in Croatia.
• Registration documents: Proof of residence registration in Croatia.

Is it possible for foreigners to work in Croatia?

As a member of the European Union, Croatia offers attractive employment and career opportunities to foreign professionals. Whether foreign citizens can work in Croatia – undoubtedly yes, but under some conditions concerning legality and following procedures.

Legislative framework

Labour activity of foreign citizens in Croatia is regulated by several acts of legislation. The main ones are:

• Law on Employment and Work of Foreigners: This law defines the rules and conditions of employment of foreigners in Croatia.
• Law on Foreigners: Includes provisions concerning the entry, stay and work of foreigners on the territory of Croatia.

Categories of foreign workers

1. EU/EEA and Swiss nationals: Do not require a work permit to exercise the right to free movement and work in Croatia; they only need to be registered with the police at their place of residence.
2. Third-country nationals: Must obtain a work permit and an entry visa in order to be employed legally in Croatia. The procedure for this includes several steps, and there are also a number of documents that need to be presented.

Procedure for Getting a Work Permit

The procedure of getting a work permit for third-country nationals includes the following activities:

• The foreigner has to obtain an employment contract from a Croatian employer. This employment contract shall be the main document based on which it commences the work permit procedure and it shall include:
• Work permit application: The employer submits the application at the police station responsible for their place of residence or through the e-citizens portal of the Croatian Ministry of Interior. The employment contract shall be attached to the application, along with other relevant documents.
• Visa obtaining: After the application for the working permit is approved, the foreigner needs to apply for the D visa at the Croatian consulate or embassy in the country of residence.

Document requirements

In order for a foreign citizen to obtain a work permit and then a visa, he/she will need the following documents:

• A valid passport.
• Labor contract with a Croatian employer.
• Documents confirming qualifications and experience.
• Health Insurance.
• Certificate of no criminal record
• Proof of financial solvency.

Rights and obligations of foreign workers

Foreign workers employed in the Republic of Croatia enjoy all rights and are obliged by all duties under the Labour Act, among which the right to pay, safety at work, social security and the obligation of an employer to apply all statutory labour-related provisions to enable appropriate working conditions to their foreign employees.

Types of work visas in Croatia

Being a member country of the EU, Croatia is one of the favourite destinations for a number of foreign professionals due to its developing economy. Normally, in Croatia, foreigners are considered legal employees when they obtain the right kind of work visa. This article provides a broad look at the main types of work visas in Croatia and their peculiarities.

Procedure of work visa application

Application procedure for any type of work visa to Croatia involves a few basic steps, which include:

• Getting a job offer: The main step to start the process is getting an official job offer from a Croatian employer.
• Collection of required documents: One should, depending on the type of visa, prepare a package of documents—one’s passport, employment contract, proof of qualification, health insurance, and criminal record certificate.
• Application: The application needs to be submitted to the Croatian Consulate or Embassy in one’s country of residence. It is also allowed to apply via the online platform of the Croatian Ministry of Interior.
• Waiting for a decision: It generally takes anything between a few weeks to a few months for the entire application process to be wrapped up.

Croatia work permit requirements

Because of this, Croatia is attracting foreign professionals due to its membership in the European Union and economic development with a high standard of living. A foreign citizen should get a work permit, which allows him or her to work legally in Croatia. Further, we will describe the main requirements and steps for the procedure of work permit issuance in Croatia.

Work permit categories

1. Single Permit: It combines the right to work and residence in one document, issued for a renewable period of up to one year.
2. Seasonal Work Permit: For temporary work in seasonal industries such as agriculture and tourism, for periods not exceeding six months.
3. Authorization for highly qualified specialists: Based on specific quotas, for which proof of a high level of qualification and experience is needed.

Documents required

Below, is a list of the documents needed to be submitted for a work permit in Croatia:

1. Passport: Its validity should not be less than 6 months after the end of the intended period of stay.
2. Completed application form: Application form for work and residence permit, which can be downloaded from the official website of the Croatian Ministry of Interior.
3. Labour contract: Original and a copy of the contract with the Croatian employer, stating the working conditions, position, salary and duration of the contract in writing, as well as other mutual rights and obligations of the employee and the employer.
4. Evidence of qualifications: Diplomas, certificates and other documents attesting professional qualifications and work experience.
5. Health insurance for the entire period of intended stay in Croatia.
6. Police record certificate: Document from a country of permanent residence stating there are no criminal records. Translate the document into Croatian and notarise it, since it needs an apostille stamp as well, depending on the country of its origin.
7. Proof of financial solvency: Bank account statements and other documents that prove you have means sufficient to secure a living in Croatia.
8. Filing of documents: The employer or applicant submits the application for a work permit at the local police station or via the online portal of the Croatian Ministry of Interior.
9. Application review: The review process can take from several weeks to several months depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the service.
10. Permit Receipt: After the application has been approved, a work and residence permit is issued, which must be registered with the local police at the place of residence, whereupon it becomes valid for a year.

Permit renewal

To renew a work permit, an application must be filed several months prior to the expiration date of the current permit, supported by updated documents that prove the continuation of the employment relationship and the availability of funds for living expenses.

Obtaining a work permit in Croatia requires preparing everything with great care and in full accordance with the law. Correct paperwork with timely submission of the application increases the probability of obtaining the permit successfully and being able to work legally in Croatia.