7 July 2026
Immigrate to Croatia
Learn the key steps to immigrate to Croatia, from entry and visa rules to residence requirements, and how our immigration lawyers can support your move.
Ready to immigrate to Croatia in 2026? This article explains the key steps, residency requirements, and much more. Our Croatian immigration lawyers have experience in the field and can provide legal support throughout the entire relocation process.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Entry visa requirement (from EU) | No |
Entry visa requirement (outside EU) | Depends on nationality (e.g. US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens are visa-exempt for up to 90 days) |
Types of visas available | – short-stay visa, – long-stay visa for students, workers, and family reunification, – tourist visa, – business visa |
| Time frame for obtaining work visa (approx.) | Around 3 months |
| Validity of the temporary residence permit | Usually up to 1 year; stay-and-work permits up to 3 years |
| Time frame for obtaining permanent residence (approx.) | 5 years |
| Investor Visa Availability | Yes |
| Sponsorship requirement | Yes |
| Time frame for obtaining citizenship | At least 8 years of residence (naturalization) |
| Citizenship/Residency by investment scheme availability | No (residence is possible through work in one's own company) |
| Tax benefits for expats | – digital nomads' income from foreign employers is exempt from Croatian income tax, – capital gains on financial assets held for more than 2 years are not taxed |
| Types of residence permits | Issued for: – work purposes, – family reunification, – studies, – medical treatment, etc. |
Long-stay visa available for | Foreigners accepting a job in Croatia |
Who issues the temporary residence permit for Croatia? | Local police department |
| Digital nomad visa available (YES/NO) | YES |
| Registration with the local authorities (YES/NO) | YES |
| Formalities for study purposes relocation to Croatia | – obtaining the long-stay student visa, – registration with the local authorities, – getting a residence permit |
| Validity of family reunification residence permit | 1 year |
| Residence permit ID number | Issued for: – opening a bank account, – purchasing a local phone number, – registering with relevant authorities, etc. |
| Is permanent residence granted for an indefinite period? | Yes, those obtaining permanent residence in Croatia do not need to apply for an extension of such document. |
| Ways to get Croatian citizenship | – by naturalization, – by birth, – by descent, – by marriage |
| Documentation for personal belongings relocation | – valid passport, – work and residence permit, – other forms, if applicable |
| Visa fee (approx.) | EUR 90 (short-stay Schengen visa); EUR 93 (long-stay D visa) |
| Dual citizenship permitted | Yes for descent/emigrant routes; ordinary naturalization requires release from the foreign citizenship |
| Type of services we provide | Legal assistance for: – relocation to Croatia, – obtaining visas and residence permits, – applying for citizenship, – business relocation, etc. |
| Why work with our Croatian lawyers? | – wide experience in immigration matters, – professionalism, – affordable costs |
What is the institution that oversees immigration in Croatia?
The Ministry of Interior in Croatia (MUP).
Do I need a visa to enter Croatia?
No visa is needed for citizens of the USA, the UK, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, etc.
How much time can I spend in Croatia without a visa?
Up to 90 days within any 180 days.
What type of visas are available for non-EU citizens relocating to Croatia?
- Long-stay D visa,
- Digital Nomad temporary visa,
- Family visa,
- Work visa, etc.
NOTE! Croatia issues Schengen visas.
What do I need to obtain at the time of relocation to Croatia?
The residence permit in Croatia.
Also, you can discover the following infographic:
What are the requirements for a Croatian residence permit in 2026?
- the application is submitted via the local police station using MUP.
- applicants must present a valid passport and complete Obrazac 1a or 2a form,
- must present 2 biometric color photos,
- proof of accommodation in Croatia is needed.
NOTE! Immigrating to Croatia on a digital nomad visa requires a minimum monthly income of EUR 3,622.50.
What type of health insurance policy is required for immigrating to Croatia?
A local health insurance policy is required.
Do I need a criminal record certificate when relocating to Croatia?
Yes, issued in the country of origin.
Where do I apply for a visa & residence permit for Croatia?
- at the Embassy/Consulate in the country of origin,
- in Croatia.
You can also watch the following video presentation for extra details:
What is the validity of a Croatian temporary residence permit?
Ranging from 1 to 3 years, depending on the purpose of relocation to Croatia.
OBSERVATION! A digital nomad visa is valid for up to 18 months (an extension of up to 6 months can be requested at least 60 days before expiry). Foreign citizens will have to wait 6 months after the previous stay expires and then apply for a new digital nomad visa.
Do I get the work and residence permit in Croatia at the same time?
Yes.
When can I change the temporary residence permit into a permanent one in Croatia?
After 5 years of living in Croatia with a temporary residence permit.
What are the conditions to immigrate to Croatia for work purposes in 2026?
Present:
- valid work contract & passport,
- clear criminal record (Police Clearance Certificate),
- health insurance,
- proof of salary and accommodation in Croatia.
NOTE! Employing companies will act as sponsors for foreign staff. These will have to meet a turnover threshold (under the 2025 rules, at least EUR 10,000 per month over the previous six months, tightened again in June 2026) and pass the labor market test to hire personnel from abroad.
What are the conditions for starting a business in Croatia and getting residency?
To set up an LLC (DOO) in Croatia and invest at least EUR 26,544.56 (former HRK 200,000) in the company, holding at least 51% of the shares.
Can I get residency in Croatia by making real estate investments?
No, Croatia does not have this type of residency program.
What is the path for getting citizenship in Croatia?
- naturalization after 8 years of living in Croatia,
- by marriage, once the foreign spouse holds permanent residence and lives in Croatia,
- by descent.
NOTES!
- Croatia allows dual citizenship for citizens by descent (ordinary naturalization requires release from the foreign citizenship),
- applying for citizenship by descent in Croatia is the fast track. There is no need to prove residency or language proficiency, or to pass any culture test.
Would you like to learn more about immigrating to Croatia in 2026? You are invited to contact our law firm in Croatia to obtain the information you need and learn about our tailored legal services.