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Residence permit in Croatia

Obtaining a residence certificate in Croatia will allow you to move to a developed European country with quality infrastructure and favorable tax conditions.
Term of document processing
from 2 months
Duration of the residence permit
from 1 year

Residence permit in Croatia for the financially independent

Obtaining a residence certificate in Croatia will allow you to move to a developed European country with quality infrastructure and favorable tax conditions. The country attracts foreigners with its natural landscapes, rich culture, and ancient towns. The government offers convenient conditions to get a residence permit in Croatia for financially independent foreigners. This option is suitable for wealthy individuals who can prove their financial well-being and desire to reside in the state legally.

To obtain a Croatian residence permit it is necessary to confirm the presence of sufficient income. For 2024, the minimum amount is about 2,500 euros per person per month. For two people this figure increases to 3,000 euros. If a couple has children, they must have an income of at least 500 euros per month for each child to move to Croatia for permanent residence. Also, there must be at least 36,000 euros on your account. In this case, the amount must be supported by documentary evidence, for example, bank statements or other financial certificates proving the fact of availability of funds in the accounts or regular passive income.

In addition, those planning to obtain a permanent resident card in Croatia must submit documents for the real estate in which they will reside, whether it is property or long-term lease. It is also necessary to have a health insurance policy, the validity of which covers the entire period of stay in the country.

Advantages of a Croatian residence permit

Possibility of immigration to Croatia

Croatian passport (available on naturalization) gives visa-free entry to Schengen countries

No Croatian language skills required

Ability to use banking services

Access to quality medical services

Educational opportunities for children

No need for permanent residence in the country

Optimization of the taxation system

Visa-free travel with countries

USA
USA
United Kingdom
United Kingdom
Canada
Canada
Norway
Norway
Switzerland
Switzerland
Germany
Germany
France
France
Spain
Spain
Sweden
Sweden
Finland
Finland

Conditions for obtaining a residence permit in Croatia

In order to get a residence permit in Croatia, it is necessary to confirm your financial independence.  Another condition is the presence of real estate, which can be either purchased or rented. Among the types of residence permit in Croatia for foreign citizens is the ownership of housing, with the exception of buildings on agricultural land and in forests. The minimum cost of real estate investment for moving to Croatia is not set, but experts recommend focusing on properties with a price of 100,000 euros. Solvency of the investor confirms the seriousness of intentions and increases the chances of obtaining a residence permit in Croatia.

Documents to obtain a residence permit in Croatia

To obtain a residence permit in Croatia you need to submit the following package of documents:

  • Residence permit application form
  • Passport (copy and original)
  • 2 color photos of passport standard
  • Proof of housing (rental agreement or certificate of ownership)
  • Proof of financial stability
  • Medical insurance policy
  • Certificate of no criminal record at the place of residence in the home country.

Procedure and deadlines for obtaining a Croatian residence permit

1 month

Collection of documents

Registration begins with the collection of the necessary documents. The applicant will need to fill out an application, provide a passport (both a copy and the original), passport format photos. It is also important to attach to the package of documents proof of housing, whether it is a rental agreement or ownership, and confirm your financial solvency. The cost of a residence permit in Croatia should also include the cost of mandatory health insurance. Collecting all these documents can take time, so it is recommended to start the process early.

1 month

Getting a visa

If the applicant is outside the country, they will need to obtain a visa for entry. Depending on the nationality and purpose of the visit, this may be a tourist, business, or another type of visa. It is important to make sure that its format allows the applicant to apply for a residence permit while in the country.

1 day

Applying

Once you have collected all the necessary documents and received your visa, the next step is to submit your application. This can be done at the police department of your place of residence or at the consulate. It is important to fill out all the forms correctly and provide the required documents. The decision-making process can take from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the specific circumstances.

1 day

Receipt of a biometric residence permit

In case of a positive response, the applicant needs to obtain a residence permit. To do this, you will need to visit your local police station, where a photograph and your handprints will be added to the database. The biometric residence permit is usually issued for a period of 1 to 2 years with the possibility of renewal.

Renewal of residence permit in Croatia

The interested person must apply for renewal no later than 60 days before the expiration of the current residence permit. The basic documents include the same list as for the issuance of the initial residence permit. The renewal process may take several weeks. It is important to follow the deadlines and submit all necessary documents in time to avoid problems with legal stay in the country. In case of successful extension, the new residence permit is issued for a period of 1 to 2 years with the possibility of prolongation.

Citizenship in Croatia

In order to obtain a Croatia passport, one must have lived in the country for more than 5 continuous years on legal grounds. After that, you can apply for a citizenship by investment in Croatia with the right to further formalize your citizenship status through naturalization.

Popular Questions

How much is a residence permit in Croatia?

Costs can vary depending on the type of residence permit and the individual circumstances of the applicant. The main costs include:

  • State fees, which typically range from €50 to €100.
  • Health insurance, the cost of which depends on the chosen plan and insurance company.
  • Translation and certification of documents. The average amount is between €10 and €50 per document.

For more accurate information it is recommended to contact the local migration services or our consultant.

How long is a residence permit issued for and how long can I stay outside Croatia with residence permit?

A residence permit is issued for a certain period of time depending on the type of permit:

  • Temporary residence permit is usually valid for 1 year with the possibility of renewal. For non-EU/EEA property owners, a temporary residence permit allows them to stay in Croatia for up to 9 months per year.
  • A permanent residence permit can be obtained after continuous residence in Croatia for 5 years.

As for leaving the country, the temporary permit allows you to leave and return by crossing the country's border during its validity period, but it is important to respect the conditions of stay in order not to violate the requirements for further extension or obtaining a permanent residence permit.

How to renew residence permit in Croatia?

The list of what is needed for a residence permit in Croatia at the time of renewal includes the documents submitted at the initial registration. The application must be written no later than 60 days before the expiration of the period of validity.

How to get a residence permit in Croatia?

For registration it is necessary to submit correctly filled forms to the migration service.  The documents required for a residence permit in Croatia are:

  • Certificate of a criminal record absence.
  • Application form.
  • Medical insurance.
  • Proof of financial stability and availability of housing.
What are the benefits of Croatia residence permit?
  • The right to legal residence.
  • Freedom of movement within the territory of the state and, in some cases, in Schengen countries (if you have a Schengen visa).
  • Access to educational and medical services.
What documents are required to obtain a residence permit in Croatia?

Application, passport, documents confirming material stability and permanent income, health insurance, rental contract or certificate for purchased housing, certificate of no criminal record.

How long do I have to live in Croatia to obtain citizenship?

To get a passport in Croatia, the applicant must have lived in the country for at least 8 years on the basis of a residence permit, which can be issued after 5 years of residence.

Can I work in Croatia with a residence permit?

Temporary residence permit does not give the right to work in the country. It is intended for people who can support themselves financially from sources outside the state. Residence permit in Croatia for investment does not grant employment rights either.  

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Isabella Sanders
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