31 August 2026
Croatian Long-Stay Visa
Information on how to get a long-stay visa in Croatia can be offered by our team of experts. Contact us for personalized services.
Foreigners interested in a Croatian long-stay visa can call our team of lawyers for the formalities and procedures for obtaining it. A long-stay visa is also called a D visa in Croatia and is addressed for some of the non-EU/EEA citizens who want to stay in this country for longer than 90 days. We invite you to discover the features of the D visa for Croatia and helpful information for obtaining it. Our immigration lawyers in Croatia can help you with paperwork and procedures.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| What is a Croatian long term visa? | A type of visa that allows non-EU nationals to stay in Croatia longer than 90 days (type D Visa) |
Types of long term visas | For: -work, -study, -family reunification, -digital nomads, -retirement. |
Who is eligible for a retirement visa? | Non-EU citizens who present proof of sufficient funds and retirement income to live in Croatia. |
| How long is long term visa valid in Croatia? | Up to 6 months (entry visa); the stay itself is covered by the temporary residence permit. |
| What is the financial requirement? | Varies by visa type. For example, for digital nomad visa the minimum monthly requirement is 3,622.50 EUR (2026). |
| Can a long term visa be extended? (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Can a long term visa holder work in Croatia? | Only if the visa is work-related or includes a work permit. |
| How to apply for a long term visa? | Application is made through a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad, after the temporary stay has been approved. |
| Cost of our package | From EUR 900 |
| What documents are needed? | -valid passport, -proof of purpose, -financial proof, -health insurance, -accommodation proof, -official police record |
| Can I travel outside Croatia with a long term visa? (Yes/No) | Yes |
| Can I switch between long term visa types? (Yes/No) | No |
| What is the marriage visa? | A type of visa based on marriage to a Croatian citizen or legal resident. |
| What is the temporary residence permit for work in Croatia? | A type of permit that allows non-EU citizens to live and work in Croatia based on employment, self-employment, or company ownership. |
| Is health insurance required? | Yes, it is required for application. |
| Assistance | Our immigration lawyers in Croatia can offer support in obtaining a long term visa. |
Croatian long-stay visa requirements
Croatia’s long-stay visa or D visa needs to be obtained by a part of non-EU citizens before traveling to this country. The application can be made at the nearest consulate or embassy and specialized legal help is recommended to avoid possible errors or complexities. Here are other important aspects that you should take into account if you want to immigrate to Croatia and apply for a long-stay visa:
- With the Croatian long-stay visa, multiple entries are allowed for a period of up to 6 months, as long as this visa is valid;
- In the case of minors, parents or guardians can apply for a long-stay visa in Croatia on their behalf;
- The application for a Croatian long-stay visa must be made two months before the relocation;
- Ensure sufficient financial resources, as the applicant needs to demonstrate enough money to sustain himself/herself while staying in Croatia;
- Provide a good criminal history, meaning new applicants for the long-stay visa in Croatia might need to show that they have not previously been found guilty of any crimes;
- Have no security alerts, as applicants must not be included as a risk to a security or entry request in the Schengen Information System (SIS).
Those who wish to obtain a Croatian long-stay visa can opt for the services offered by our specialists. Our lawyers in Croatia can take care of the documents and all the formalities imposed by the authorities. Plus, our specialists present you this infographic:
Documents to obtain the Croatian long-stay visa
If your country of citizenship requires a visa for relocating to Croatia, you will also need to apply for a Croatian long-stay visa following the approval of your stay on a temporary basis. The following are part of the documentation requirements imposed by the authorities:
- completed visa application form;
- passport which must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay, with at least 2 blank visa pages;
- one recent passport-size photo;
- travel medical insurance which must be valid for the entire Schengen area with a minimum coverage of EURO 30,000 covering all costs, including repatriation;
- evidence of travel arrangements (plane tickets, accommodation, etc.);
- receipt of visa fee payment;
- The application has to be made in person at the Croatian embassy or consulate, where you will show the form and be present for the biometric data (fingerprints).
Find support from our Croatian law firm regarding the preparation of documents in order to successfully immigrate to Croatia.
Registration with the Croatian local authorities
Once the Croatian long-stay visa has been issued, you can prepare the formalities for travel and relocation. Those who arrive in Croatia must register with the local authorities, respectively, police stations, and provide information about their place of residence. This formality is necessary and can be done quite quickly. Our Croatian lawyers can help you in this endeavor.
Moreover, while similar to a residence or work permit on the surface, the Croatian long-stay visa serves a distinct purpose for foreign nationals. Issued solely for entry, it enables approved holders to continue the process of obtaining temporary residence or employment authorization upon arrival. Those exempt from visa requirements can proceed directly and finalize their stay documents once in the country without first securing this preliminary visa.
Applying for a Croatia long-stay visa in person
As mentioned earlier in this article, the application for a D visa for Croatia can be made at the embassy or consulate. Those who present themselves with the required documents must also provide fingerprints. The immigration authorities in Croatia reserve the right to check and ask for a clear criminal record before issuing a long-stay visa. We advise you to contact our attorneys in Croatia and prepare your visa application in the smallest detail.
Do I need a Croatian long-stay visa as an American citizen?
There is a list of countries whose citizens do not require a long-stay visa for Croatia. Citizens from the USA also belong to this category. Australians, Argentinians, Albanians, Canadians, Colombians, Brazilians, and Ukrainians do not need to apply for a Croatian long-stay visa either.
Steps to follow after arriving in Croatia
The step of registering the place of residence is a requirement for some of the non-EU citizens wishing to remain longer than a brief visit. For those who entered the country using a long-stay D visa, please note an extra requirement: a visit to the police station within 30 days following the beginning of the validity period of the visa is mandatory, in order to finalize the residence procedure and ensure the validity of the temporary permit.
Our specialized immigration lawyers in Croatia can offer professional guidance in this process and ensure you obtain the necessary approvals in order to relocate to Croatia.
What is the cost of your package?
Our package for obtaining a long-stay visa starts from EUR 900. The amount is exclusive of VAT and official fees; notarial costs and certified translations are charged separately at actual cost.
Data on immigration to Croatia
Here are some statistical data about the immigration rate in Croatia:
- Net migration in Croatia in 2024 was positive: +31,394 people (about +8 per 1,000 population).
- Moreover, net migration in Croatia in 2023 was +30,178 people (about +7.8 per 1,000 population).
Those who want more information about the Croatian long-stay visa can discuss it with our immigration lawyers. Contact our law firm in Croatia to benefit from specialized legal advice on immigration issues. Our lawyers can also help you set up a business in Croatia in just a few days.