Where to Apply for Temporary Stay in Croatia

You can submit your temporary residence permit application in Croatia in two main ways:

• At a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad (before entering Croatia)

• At a local police station in Croatia (if you qualify for visa-free entry)

Exception: If you require a visa to enter Croatia, you may still apply for temporary stay within Croatia only if you are:

• A close family member or life partner of a Croatian citizen

• A student, researcher, or visiting for humanitarian reasons

• A family member of an EU Blue Card holder

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Reasons to Apply for Temporary Stay in Croatia

You must have a valid reason to apply for temporary residence. Approved reasons include:

• Family reunification in Croatia

• Studying at Croatian high schools or universities

• Scientific research and academic purposes

• Humanitarian and compassionate grounds

• Life partnership with a Croatian citizen or resident

• Work permit or posted worker status

• Digital nomad visa for remote workers

• Other special or humanitarian purposes

Note: Switching between different types of temporary residence permits is only possible 6 months after your previous permit expires.

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Requirements for Temporary Residence Permit in Croatia

To be approved for temporary stay in Croatia, you must demonstrate that you:

• Have a valid and approved reason for your stay

• Hold a valid passport (valid for at least 3 months beyond the stay end date)

• Have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay

• Possess valid health insurance coverage

• Provide a criminal background check from your home country (required for first-time applicants only*)

• Have no prior bans on entering Croatia or the EU

• Do not pose any threat to public safety or public health

Criminal background checks are not required for students, researchers, or posted workers from EEA countries.

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When Can Your Temporary Stay Permit Be Revoked?

The Croatian Ministry of Interior or police may cancel your temporary residence permit if:

• You no longer meet the conditions of your stay

• You fail to register your address within 30 days of approval

• You spend too much time outside Croatia (over 30 consecutive days for stays up to 1 year, or over 60 days for stays up to 2 years)

• You no longer live with your partner if your permit is based on family or life partnership

• You use the permit for a purpose different from the one it was issued for

Always notify Croatian authorities if you plan to be away from Croatia for more than 30 days due to valid reasons.

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Duration and Validity of Temporary Stay in Croatia

• Temporary residence permits are typically granted for up to 1 year.

• Upon approval, you will receive a biometric residence permit card.

• You must register your address with local authorities within 3 days of arrival.

• If you applied abroad, you will need to visit a police station to provide fingerprints after arrival.

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Temporary Stay for Family Reunification in Croatia

You can apply for temporary residence based on family reunification if you are a close family member of:

• A Croatian citizen

• A foreigner with temporary or permanent residence in Croatia

• A foreigner with long-term residence or international protection status

Close family members eligible for reunification include:

• Spouse or life partner (married or common-law)

• Children under 18 (biological or adopted)

• Parents of minor children (under specific conditions)

Documents required include marriage certificates, proof of common-law partnership, birth or adoption certificates, and evidence of shared residence.

Note: Family reunification is not available if the sponsor holds only a seasonal work permit or temporary stay for other purposes.

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Temporary Stay for Digital Nomads in Croatia

Croatia is a popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers! You can apply for a digital nomad visa if you:

• Are a non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen

• Work remotely for a company or clients outside Croatia

• Do not provide services to Croatian companies

This visa is valid for up to 1 year (non-renewable), with the option to reapply 6 months after your permit expires.

Application process:

• Submit your application online via the Croatian Ministry of Interior

• Obtain a Category D visa to enter Croatia once approved

• Register your Croatian address within 30 days of arrival to maintain your permit

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Need More Help with Your Croatian Temporary Stay Permit?

For official information, visit the Ministry of Interior – Temporary Stay Information page.

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Or contact Breeza Abroad for personalized guidance through every step of your Croatian temporary residence permit application process, with English language support and expert advice. We make it simple, stress-free, and tailored to your needs! ❤️