Last updated on: Dec 12, 2020
Summary: If you are planning to stay in Croatia for more than 90 days, the Temporary-Stay Visa is what you'll be applying for. If granted, you may stay in Croatia up to 1 year. If you are working, the visa is called a Stay and Work Permit. This article contains detailed information about applying for the Temporary-Stay Visa, the Stay and Work Permit and the Biometric Residence Permit. Sources: Croatia's Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, Croatia's Ministry of Interior, the Croatian Embassy in Sweden and the US Embassy in Zagreb.
The Temporary Stay Visa is for foreigners interested in staying more than 90 days in Croatia. It is granted for up to 1 year. If you're applying to work in Croatia, this visa is called a "Stay and Work Permit." Additionally, once you obtain one of these visas you will need to apply for a Biometric Residence Permit at your local police administration station.
"U.S. citizens, currently in Croatia, who are intending in staying in Croatia for longer than 90 days must apply for a temporary residence permit and should contact the Ministry of Interior minimum 30 days prior to the expiration of 90 days," wrote the US Embassy in Croatia.
This article contains detailed information from Croatia's Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, Croatia's Ministry of Interior, the Croatian Embassy in Sweden and the US Embassy in Zagreb.
Temporary stay visas are granted for a period of up to 1 year. They may be issued to third-country nationals who are planning to stay in Croatia for the following reasons:
Proof of health insurance is required for both the Short-Term Stay Visa and Long-Term Residency Visas (Temporary Stay).
As part of your visa application process, you will need to complete the Ministry of Foreign Affair's:
Health Insurance Declaration Form
In that form, you are attesting to the fact that you have international medical insurance or travel health insurance (for short stays). Specifics:
Expats living in Croatia interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.
"Temporary stay for the purpose of work is granted as a stay and work permit," states the Ministry of the Interior.
Types of Stay and Work Permits:
The Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Interior and Embassies (i.e. Croatian Embassy in Sweden) have slightly different lists for documentation requirements. If, for example, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says you need (1) color photo and the Croatian Embassy in Sweden says that you need (2) color photos, we would list (2) color photos.
In addition to a passport valid for 3 months past the expiry date of the desired temporary stay visa, these documents are requested:
IMPORTANT:
Temporary Stay Visa and Stay and Work Permit applicants who do NOT need a visa for entering Croatia may submit the temporary residence application at the foreigner desk at their local administrative police station (note: not all police stations are administrative stations). To find the administrative station nearest to your place of residence or work, administrative police stations in Croatia. Your employer may file your application in you are applying for a Stay and Work Permit.
Most Temporary Stay Visa and Stay and Work Permit applicants who do need a visa for entering Croatia need to submit their application at a diplomatic mission or consular post of Croatia. Some exceptions are university students, scientific researchers on a visiting contract and those covered by Article 76, paragraph 1, items 12, 13, 14 and 15 of the Aliens Act. These exceptions may submit the temporary residence application at the foreigner desk at their local administrative police station (note: not all police stations are administrative stations). To find the administrative station nearest to your place of residence or work, administrative police stations in Croatia. Your employer may file your application in you are applying for a Stay and Work Permit.
The biometric residence permit is the residence permit that is issued to people who have been granted a Temporary-Stay Visa, a Stay and Work Permit or permanent residency. Once your Temporary-Stay Visa or Stay and Work Permit is approved, you will be able to apply for the biometric residence permit at your local police administration station (See list of police administration stations in Croatia). You will be given a receipt by the authorized police officer confirming that you have submitted your application. Once it is issued, you will collect it at the police station.
You will need:
"If the application is approved, an alien is issued a biometric residence permit. If the application is submitted at a diplomatic mission/consular post, aliens will be notified that a decision relating to the application has been issued, instructing them to appear at the competent police administration/police station to provide biometric data required for their residence permit," wrote the Ministry of Interior.
The Croatian Embassy in Sweden states, "A foreign national is obliged to report to the relevant Police station the exact place of residence no later than three days after arrival to Croatia. The validity of a Temporary Residence Permit shall cease if a foreign national fails to report the place of residence at a Police station within 30 days from the date of issue of the Temporary Residence Permit, or is absent from Croatia for over 30 days."
If you're application is submitted at the police administration station, you will need to pay HRK 350 for the temporary stay visa and HRK 240 for the production of the biometric residence permit. An additional HRK 70 fee is required for the issuance of the biometric residence permit.
There are two ways to pay:
Need an OIB/Personal Identification Number? How to Obtain an OIB or Personal Identification Number.
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Updated On: Dec 12, 2020
First Published: Dec 12, 2020
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If you're heading to Croatia, you'll need to know if you need a visa, what type of visa, how to apply for that visa, COVID-19 related entry requirements for Croatia, the health insurance requirement and more. Digital Nomad Visa information will be added when available. Sources: Croatia's Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs, Croatia's Ministry of Interior, the Croatian Embassy in Sweden and the US Embassy in Zagreb.
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