If your organization is planning, or in the process of, expanding to Croatia, you may be aiming to bring in foreign workers to help. For this, workers will need valid Croatia work visas.
The process of applying for and obtaining Croatian work visas can be complex, with unique immigration laws, strict requirements, a language barrier, and more all having the potential to cause delays.
At Horizons, our global expansion team offers specialized services for Croatia work visas, immigration advice, and tailored support, helping foreign organizations of all kinds to expand into Croatia along with a globally sourced workforce.
Hire borderless talent with Horizons
Hire and pay talents
with Horizons in
180+ countries.
Basic requirements for Croatia work visas
With different requirements for the different types of Croatia work visas, it can be difficult to understand what is needed for applications. For example, the EU Blue Card has its own set of requirements. However, there are some general requirements that most applicants for any work visa will need, including:
- A valid passport and passport photos
- Contract of employment from a Croatia-based employer
- Details of relevant qualifications and/or work experience
- Proof of medical insurance
- Proof of company registration
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Biometrics
- Application forms and fees
Different types of work visas for Croatia
As a member of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA), non-EU/EEA Croatia requires foreign workers from outside the EU/EEA to have a work permit as well as a residence permit to undertake legal employment and live in the country. Most documents are valid for one year and can be renewed for longer stays.
Another option is the EU Blue Card, which is valid for two years and gives the option to work freely. However, it is only for highly qualified applicants so may not be suitable for many.
Finally, there is another document called a work registration certificate. This is valid for specific types of workers, such as journalists and those working for recognized religious purposes.
EU/EEA nationals do not need any special documentation to enter, stay, and work in Croatia.
How to get work visas for Croatia
The exact process of applying for Croatia work visas and permits varies from country to country and the type of document being applied for.
The simplest option is for the applicant to contact their local Croatian embassy or consulate. If already in the country, the applicant can alternatively go to their local police station.
For the application itself, the applicant will need to submit all requested documents for their work permits and residence permit applications, fill in the application forms, and pay any relevant fees. Once approved, the permits will be generally be issued within three weeks.
Other considerations for Croatia work visas
The process of bringing family members to Croatia varies depending on the type of permits held by an individual. EU Blue Card holders can bring family members without any extra visa/permit applications. However, those on normal residence and work permits will have to apply for permission.
How can Horizons help?
At Horizons, we help businesses of any size to expand into Croatia, and we’re experts in securing visas for workers and their families. Our Croatia work visa team offers tailored support and outsourcing services to help you through Croatia’s work visa process as quickly and simply as possible. We will make sure that you and your workforce are compliant with Croatia’s unique laws, save you time, and answer any queries you may have.
In addition, we provide extensive outsourcing services that cover recruitment, payroll, HR, administration, and more to help your organization start trading in Croatia as rapidly as possible, even if you don’t have a registered subsidiary in the country.
