Home » Croatia » Croatia – Work Permits and Working Legally

Croatia – Work Permits and Working Legally

Working Legally in Croatia

It is necessary for expats to obtain a work permit in order to work legally in Croatia. If an expat is planning on working for more than 90 days in Croatia, they must apply for a work permit.

Who Must Make the Application?

The expat’s employer is responsible for making the work permit application on behalf of the expat. The application process can be time-consuming, so it is advisable for the employer to start the process as early as possible

Citizens of European Union (EU) countries, European Economic Area (EEA) countries, and Swiss citizens do not need a work permit to work in Croatia. However, they are required to register their right to work with the relevant authorities.

Types of Work Permits for Expats in Croatia


Get Our Best Articles Every Month!

Get our free moving abroad email course AND our top stories in your inbox every month


Unsubscribe any time. We respect your privacy - read our privacy policy.


The main types of work permits for expats in Croatia are the Blue Card, the Work and Residence Permit, and the Temporary Stay and Work Permit

Blue Card: This type of work permit is designed for highly skilled workers who are able to demonstrate that they are in demand in the Croatian labor market. Eligible applicants must have a university degree, or equivalent qualifications, and at least five years of relevant work experience

Work and Residence Permit: This type of work permit allows expats to live and work in Croatia for an extended period of time. The permit is valid for one year and can be renewed for a maximum of three years. Eligible applicants must have a job offer from a Croatian employer

Temporary Stay and Work Permit: This type of work permit is for expats who are coming to Croatia to work for a specific period of time, for example, for a project or a limited engagement. The permit is valid for up to two years and can be extended if necessary.

Work Permit Application Process in Croatia

The procedure to apply for a work permit in Croatia involves several steps, including the following:

  1. The expat’s employer must obtain a confirmation of employment from the Croatian Employment Service.

  2. The employer must then submit the work permit application to the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs.

  3. The application will be reviewed and, if approved, the expat will be required to attend an interview and provide biometric data.

  4. The work permit will be issued once all the necessary steps have been completed.

The length of time it takes to obtain a work permit in Croatia will depend on the type of permit being applied for and the workload of the relevant authorities. On average, the process can take between two and three months.

Work Permit Documents in Croatia

Croatia is an attractive destination for expats looking to work in Europe. However, as with any other country, obtaining a work permit is necessary for non-EU citizens. This article will provide information on the documents required to apply for a work permit in Croatia, the associated costs, and where to find reliable information.

Required Documents

The following documents are required to apply for a work permit in Croatia:

  • A valid passport
  • A work contract or letter of intent from an employer in Croatia
  • A certificate of education and qualifications
  • A criminal record check
  • A medical certificate

All documents must be translated into Croatian by an official translator, and they must be notarized.

Costs

The application fee for a work permit in Croatia is HRK 1,500 (approximately USD 240). However, there may be additional fees for translation and notarization of documents.

Where to Find Reliable Information

The official website of the Croatian Ministry of Interior Affairs provides detailed information on the application process for a work permit, including information on the required documents and application fees. The site also includes a list of frequently asked questions that may be helpful to expats looking to work in Croatia.

Another useful resource is the Croatian Employment Service, which provides information on job vacancies and other employment-related matters. The site also has a job search engine that allows job seekers to search for available positions.

Expats looking for more general information on living and working in Croatia may find the official website of the Croatian National Tourist Board helpful. The site provides information on various aspects of life in Croatia, including housing, healthcare, education, and transportation.

Conclusion

Obtaining a work permit in Croatia requires several documents, including a valid passport, work contract or letter of intent, and certificates of education and qualifications. The application fee for a work permit is HRK 1,500, and additional fees may be required for document translation and notarization. For reliable information on working in Croatia, expats can consult the official websites of the Croatian Ministry of Interior Affairs, the Croatian Employment Service, and the Croatian National Tourist Board.


Latest Videos

Expat Focus

848 subscribers

Move abroad easily with Expat Focus.

Expat Focus
Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang. Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

Writer and Editor Kirsten Raccuia is known for her Sand in My Curls blog, which until recently, was all about her expat life in Malaysia. We last spoke at the height of the global pandemic, when she and her husband were closing in on a decade in Penang.

Fast-forward a couple of years, and they’re in a new country, Mexico. I’m chatting with Kirsten again to find out what factors influenced their decision to move, and why Mexico? And what it was like to close the Malaysia chapter of their life abroad.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_2iutaBgsCRk

Moving From Malaysia To Mexico

Expat Focus 15 August 2023 3:23 pm

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible? My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia. Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

A topic that comes up quite often in our Facebook groups is moving abroad with children. What’s the ideal age? Especially if they're going to need to learn a new language? What about the best time of year to move? And how do you make the assimilation process, from learning new cultural norms to making new friends, as smooth and enjoyable as possible?

My guest today is someone who can speak from experience. Sharon Green is the founding editor of online publication SHE DEFINED. And in 1998, just before she turned 12, Sharon migrated with her family from Durban in South Africa to Melbourne in Australia.

Sharon’s going to share her experience of being a third culture kid, and how it has shaped her sense of belonging as an adult.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_62EMRLnSni4

Growing Up As A Third Culture Kid In Australia

Expat Focus 26 July 2023 6:48 pm

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to.

When American, Samaki Dorsey Schneider moved to France permanently five years ago, the last thing the 44 year-old expected was to need to take a driving test. But that’s the reality for some expats who can’t simply exchange their existing driver’s license for a French one. Keep listening to find out why this is the case, what the testing process is like in France, some of the costs involved and the road rules that might be a little different to what you’re used to.

YouTube Video UCB21b-C4O2aXm7H18_GsXMQ_hrrVi0XbYgg

How To Get A French Driver's License

Expat Focus 23 June 2023 2:29 pm

Load More... Subscribe
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Important: No API Key Entered.

Many features are not available without adding an API Key. Please go to the YouTube Feed settings page to add an API key after following these instructions.