EuropeSelect the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Croatia.
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Electronic travel authorisation for visa-exempt nationals (e.g. US, UK, Canada, Japan). Valid 3 years for short stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. We apply on your behalf end-to-end. Fees illustrative.
Tourist Visa
Short-stay visa for tourism: up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare your forms and documents; you attend the consulate/VFS appointment to submit biometrics. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Transit Visa
Required by some nationalities to pass through the international transit area of a Schengen airport without entering. Whether you need one depends on your nationality. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Business Visitor Visa
Short-stay visa for business trips (meetings, conferences, negotiations): up to 90 days within any 180-day period. We prepare forms and documents; you submit at the consulate/VFS. Government fee EUR 90 (illustrative).
Not yet researched
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
For stays over 90 days to study. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. We guide you; submission is in person. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Student Visa
For third-country nationals enrolled at a Croatian secondary school or higher-education institution. Since the June 2026 amendments the permit can cover the full study programme (up to 3 years) instead of annual renewals, with proof of continued enrollment due each 31 October; students may work up to 20 hours per week during term (full-time in holidays). Requires proof of enrollment, funds, health insurance; fee EUR 46.45 plus biometric card fees.
Language Course Visa
Enrollment in a Croatian language programme (e.g. Croaticum at the University of Zagreb) qualifies for a temporary stay on 'other purposes' grounds, distinct from student residence. Granted for up to 1 year, with no right to work; a new 'other purposes' application is only possible 6 months after the permit expires, and time on it does not count toward permanent residence. Requires proof of enrollment, funds, insurance and accommodation.
Not yet researched
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
For third-country nationals working remotely (employed or self-employed) for companies not registered in Croatia. Requires monthly income of at least EUR 3,622.50 (2.5x the average Croatian net salary; +10% per family member) or a lump sum of EUR 65,205 for an 18-month stay. Granted for up to 18 months, not consecutively renewable: a new application is possible only 6 months after the permit expires; consular fee EUR 55.74 (EUR 46.45 if filed at a Croatian police station, plus EUR 31.85-59.73 biometric card fees and EUR 93 for a long-stay D visa where needed).
Self-Employment Visa
For third-country nationals owning at least 51% of a Croatian company (d.o.o.) or craft business (obrt). Requires roughly EUR 26,545 invested in the business (formerly HRK 200,000; real estate capped at 50% of assets), self-employment income of at least 1.5x the average Croatian net monthly salary, and per the EU Immigration Portal the company route also requires employing at least 3 Croatian citizens full-time at the average gross wage. Granted without a labour market test, issued for up to 1 year and renewable; counts toward long-term residence.
Skilled Work Visa
For stays over 90 days to work. Requires employer sponsorship / a work permit before you can apply, so eligibility is conditional. Issued under national rules -- apply at the consulate of your destination country. Fees and processing times vary by country.
Skilled Work Visa
Employer-sponsored single permit combining residence and work rights; the 2021 Aliens Act abolished the old annual quota system and replaced it with a labour market test by the Croatian Employment Service (waived for shortage occupations and permit extensions). Since March 2025 permits can be issued for up to 3 years, and workers may change employers after the first year without a new permit. Fee EUR 74.32 plus biometric card fees (EUR 31.85 + EUR 9.29); time on this permit counts toward the 5-year EU long-term residence track.
Skilled Work Visa
Residence and work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals with a higher-education degree (or equivalent professional experience for some IT roles) and an employment contract of at least 1 year with a Croatian employer. Gross salary must be at least 1.5x the average gross annual salary published by official statistics (EUR 24,845.64/year when last fixed in 2023; updated annually). No labour market test; issued for up to 4 years since March 2025, with a path to EU long-term residence after 5 years (cumulable across member states).
Seasonal Work Visa
For seasonal jobs in agriculture, forestry, hospitality and tourism — a major route given Croatia's tourism sector. Permits up to 90 days need no labour market test; longer seasonal permits (extended from 6 to 9 months by the March 2025 amendments) require a Croatian Employment Service test. Employer must provide a contract and adequate accommodation (min. 14 m2/person, housing cost capped at 30% of net salary); from June 2026 a multi-year framework allows seasonal permits covering up to 3 consecutive seasons with the same employer.
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
For managers, specialists and trainees transferred for more than 90 days from a non-EU entity to a Croatian entity of the same group. Managers/specialists need at least 9 months of continuous prior employment in the group (trainees 6 months and a university degree); permits run up to 3 years for managers/specialists and 1 year for trainees, followed by a 6-month cooling-off period before a new transfer. Mobile ICT rules allow holders of ICT permits from other EU states to work in Croatia.
Not yet researched
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Croatia has never operated a golden visa, residence-by-investment or citizenship-by-investment program; claims by some agencies are marketing of standard business/property permits. Verified June 2026.
Residence by Real Estate
Owners of residential property in Croatia can obtain a 1-year temporary stay on 'other purposes' grounds — there is no minimum purchase price, but this is not a golden visa: no work rights, the year does not count toward permanent residence, and reapplication normally requires a 6-month break outside the status. Since the 2024/2025 amendments, retired third-country nationals over 60 who own Croatian property (and their spouses/partners) may renew consecutively without the 6-month gap. Applicant must live in the property and show funds, insurance and a clean record.
Not yet researched
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Working Holiday Visa
Croatia operates a Youth Mobility MoU with Canada for citizens aged 18-35: stays of up to 12 months, usable twice with a break between participations, in categories including working holidaymakers (no job offer needed), young professionals and students on work placements (job/internship offer required). A reciprocal working holiday scheme with New Zealand (around 100 places a year) has also been agreed. Applicants need a return ticket or funds, insurance, clean record and proof of finances; MVEP lists a consular fee of about USD 100 and processing of up to 2 months.
Not yet researched
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
For close family members (spouse, common-law partner, minor children, parents of a minor child) of Croatian nationals or of third-country nationals holding temporary stay, permanent stay, long-term residence or international protection. Family members of Croatian citizens receive permits of up to 2 years and may work without a separate work permit; the sponsor must show adequate funds and accommodation. Leads to permanent stay after 4 years of temporary stay for family of Croatian citizens.
Spouse / Partner Visa
A distinct temporary-stay purpose for registered and informal life partners (including same-sex partners) of Croatian citizens or residence holders, alongside common-law partners under family reunification. Informal/common-law partnerships require proof of at least 3 years of shared household (or a common child). Conditions otherwise mirror family reunification: funds, insurance, accommodation, clean criminal record.
Ancestry / Repatriation
Generous naturalization route for the Croatian diaspora: emigrants who left the territory of Croatia before 8 October 1991 and their descendants can naturalize under Article 11 with no generation limit, no residence requirement and generally no language exam; ancestors who merely moved within former Yugoslavia are excluded. Applications are filed at police administrations in Croatia or Croatian diplomatic missions abroad with civil-status documents proving the lineage. Article 16 separately covers members of the Croatian people who can prove declared Croatian nationality. Related residence benefit: persons of Croatian descent qualify for permanent stay after only 3 years of temporary stay.
Not yet researched
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
EU long-term resident status after 5 years of uninterrupted legal stay in Croatia (temporary stay or international protection), with stable funds, health insurance and a mandatory exam in Croatian language and Latin script (exempt: under-school-age children, those schooled in Croatia, and persons over 65 not in work). Status is open-ended and confers free labour-market access; decision fee EUR 83.62 plus biometric card fees. Time on digital-nomad and 'other purposes' permits does not count toward the 5 years.
Permanent Residence
National permanent residence with shorter qualifying periods than EU long-term residence for specific groups: family members and life partners of Croatian citizens after 4 years of temporary stay, persons of Croatian descent after 3 years, refugees with 10+ years of protection, and certain children. Grants open-ended residence and full labour-market access; decision fee EUR 83.62. Distinct from the EU long-term residence status acquired after 5 years.
Not yet researched
Data verified against official sources — see how.
Completed application form
Complete the official visa or residence application form for your destination. Most consulates now use an online portal where you fill in the form, upload documents and book an appointment; print and sign the confirmation page.
| Issued by | Destination consulate / immigration portal |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free (the visa fee is separate) |
| Typical time | 30–60 minutes to complete |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport
Apply for or renew your passport at your country's passport authority (often the foreign-affairs or interior ministry, a passport office or designated post office). Most visa portals want a clear colour scan of the bio-data page; keep the passport valid at least 6 months beyond your trip with two blank pages.
| Issued by | National passport authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $20–$150 |
| Typical time | 1–6 weeks (expedited often available) |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Passport photo
Have a recent passport photo taken at a pharmacy, photo booth or photographer, or use a compliant online photo tool. The common size is 35×45 mm with a plain light background, neutral expression and no glasses; the US and a few others require 2×2 in (51×51 mm). Get 2–4 prints plus a digital copy.
| Issued by | Any photographer or photo booth (ICAO 9303 standard) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $5–$15 |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Travel medical insurance
Buy a travel-medical insurance policy covering your whole trip and every destination country, then print the certificate. For the Schengen Area the EU Visa Code requires at least €30,000 of cover for medical emergencies and repatriation, valid across all member states.
| Issued by | Any approved insurer |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$60 per trip |
| Typical time | Immediate |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of accommodation
Show where you will stay: a hotel booking, a signed tenancy/lease, a host's invitation with their address, or an address-registration document. For longer stays a registered rental contract is usually expected.
| Issued by | Landlord / host / municipality |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Return / onward ticket
Provide a flight reservation or an onward/return ticket itinerary. Many travellers use a held reservation (not a paid ticket) from an airline, travel agent or flight-itinerary service so they are not committed before the visa is granted.
| Issued by | Airline / travel agent |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$30 for a reservation |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of sufficient funds
Show you can support your stay using bank statements, a salary or pension certificate, a sponsorship/affidavit of support, or evidence of savings or income that meets the published minimum for the visa. Combine several documents if one is not enough.
| Issued by | Your bank / employer / sponsor |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$20 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of enrollment
Once you are accepted, request an admission/acceptance letter or certificate of enrolment from the school or university's admissions or registrar office. It should confirm the programme, the dates and that tuition is arranged.
| Issued by | School / university (admissions office) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Usually free |
| Typical time | A few days–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Criminal record certificate
Request a criminal-record certificate from your country's police or justice/interior ministry — many issue it through a national online portal, sometimes requiring fingerprints. For foreign use it usually must be apostilled or legalised and translated, and most consulates accept one issued within the last 3–6 months.
| Issued by | National police / justice ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | A few days–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of remote work
Gather evidence that you work remotely for clients or an employer outside the destination: your employment or client contracts stating remote work, recent invoices or payslips, and a letter from the employer confirming you may work from abroad.
| Issued by | Employer / clients |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of ownership
Get an up-to-date extract from the commercial/companies register (chamber of commerce or trade registry) showing your company's registration, or your trade or professional licence. Many registries issue this online for a small fee.
| Issued by | Commercial register / chamber of commerce |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of investment
Provide documentary proof of the qualifying investment: a bank confirmation of the deposit or transfer, share or title certificates, an escrow or blocked-account statement, or a notarised purchase contract, depending on the programme's rules.
| Issued by | Bank / notary / company registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | 1–4 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Employment contracts of Croatian staff
Obtain a signed copy of your employment contract from your employer's HR. It should show the parties, job title, salary, duration and signatures; some consulates want it stamped or, for work visas, registered with the labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day–1 week |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Labour market test result
Request a letter on company letterhead from your employer stating your position, start date, salary and that your leave or continued employment is approved, signed by HR or a manager. For work visas this may instead be a formal work permit or job-offer letter issued by the employer or labour authority.
| Issued by | Employer (HR) / labour authority |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | A few days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of qualifications
Use your original diploma or degree certificate; for a replacement or official copy, ask the issuing institution's registrar. For use abroad it usually needs to be apostilled or legalised and translated.
| Issued by | Issuing institution / education ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 (plus apostille) |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of property ownership
Obtain the title deed or an extract from the land registry proving ownership; for a purchase, provide the notarised purchase contract. The land-registry office issues certified copies.
| Issued by | Land registry / notary |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$100 |
| Typical time | Same day–2 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Marriage certificate
Order a certified copy of your marriage (or divorce) certificate from the civil registry that recorded it. For foreign use add an apostille or legalisation and a certified translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Birth certificates
Order a certified copy of your birth certificate from the civil-registry/vital-records office where you were born (often available online). For foreign use it usually needs an apostille or legalisation and a translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry / vital records |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $10–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–3 weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Sponsor's proof of status
Have your sponsor sign a letter or affidavit of support undertaking to cover your costs, attaching their ID and proof of funds or income. Some countries require a notarised affidavit or an official guarantee form.
| Issued by | Sponsor (sometimes notarised) |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Days |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of partnership
Prove the family link with civil documents — marriage and birth certificates connecting you to the relative, a family or household register, or, for unmarried partners, evidence of cohabitation (joint lease, bills, photos). Civil documents often need an apostille and translation.
| Issued by | Civil registry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Varies |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
CV and motivational letter in Croatian
Write a signed cover or motivation letter explaining the purpose of your trip or application, your plans and your ties to your home country, addressed to the consulate. You prepare this yourself.
| Issued by | Self-prepared |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | Free |
| Typical time | Same day |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Proof of ancestor's emigration
Obtain a national ID card or a citizenship/nationality certificate from your civil-registry or interior ministry. For ancestry- or origin-based routes, request the birth, naturalisation or archive records that prove the qualifying lineage.
| Issued by | Civil registry / interior ministry |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Same day–several weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Police clearance certificate
Apply for a police clearance or good-conduct certificate from the national police or a designated portal (and from any country where you lived long-term). It typically needs an apostille and translation and must be recent — issued within the last 3–6 months.
| Issued by | National police |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | free–$50 |
| Typical time | Days–weeks |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
Croatian language and Latin script exam certificate
Take the required language test (e.g. IELTS or TOEFL for English, DELF/TCF for French, Goethe or telc for German, or a national integration exam) at an accredited test centre and collect the certificate. Book early, as test slots fill up.
| Issued by | Accredited test provider |
|---|---|
| Typical cost | $100–$300 |
| Typical time | 2–6 weeks including results |
Verified 11 Jun 2026
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