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Expat Guide to Residency in Croatia

How to get residency in Croatia. A Guide for Expats, Retirees and Immigrants in Croatia.
|-Expat Guide to Residency in Croatia

Obtaining a residency visa in Croatia is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Croatia gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

  • Gather the necessary documents for residency status in Croatia. These include:
    • Valid passport
    • Proof of health insurance
    • Proof of financial means
    • Proof of accommodation
  • Visit the local police station in the area of Croatia where you will be living. Submit the documents listed above and fill out the application for residency status.
  • Pay the applicable fees for the application.
  • Wait for the police station to process your application. This can take up to 30 days.
  • Once your application is approved, you will receive a residence permit.
  • Apply for a Tax Number at the local tax office.
    • Visit the local tax office in the area of Croatia where you will be living.
    • Fill out the application for a Tax Number.
    • Submit the application along with your residence permit.
    • Wait for the tax office to process your application. This can take up to 30 days.
    • Once your application is approved, you will receive a Tax Number.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Croatia?

“A visum to start with, a permit after that, and no, it’s not as easy as it could/should be for retiring people (bringing their money with them). I still say “hey Zagreb (the capital), get some more people like us”,” said one expat living in Dubrovnik.

“Croatia is part of EU – so as an EU citizen moving here is easy. Obtaining the local Residency card which is not a requirement, but having one opens up access to all the locals discounts was easy. Get a form from the police station. Produce bank statement to show pension income, European medical card, retirement certificate and passport photo. Pay fee at Government bank and produce receipt and a temporary card is issued there and then at the police station. 3 weeks later collect permanent card,” wrote a member in Split.

“If you plan to stay in Croatia for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a long-term visa or residency permit. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa before entering Croatia. Once you are in Croatia, you will need to apply for a temporary residence permit, which is valid for up to one year. If you plan to stay longer than one year, you will need to apply for a permanent residence permit. You will need to provide proof of sufficient financial resources, health insurance, and a valid passport to apply for any of these documents,” commented one expat who made the move to Croatia.

“In order to visit Croatia, foreign nationals must obtain a visa from a Croatian embassy or consulate prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a valid passport, a completed visa application form, a passport-sized photograph, and any other documents required by the embassy or consulate. In order to obtain residency in Croatia, foreign nationals must submit an application to the Ministry of Interior. The application must include a valid passport, a completed application form, a passport-sized photograph, proof of health insurance, proof of sufficient financial means, and any other documents required by the Ministry of Interior. Once the application is approved, the foreign national will be issued a residence permit,” commented one member living in Croatia.

Joshua WoodJoshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

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