Croatian Residency Permit – Start Your New Chapter in Croatia
Unlock the benefits of life in Croatia by obtaining a Croatian Residency Permit. Whether you're relocating to work, start a business, invest in property, join family, or enjoy Croatia’s relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, our legal team will help you navigate the appropriate residency pathway with confidence and compliance.
Croatia offers a stable legal framework, access to the EU single market, and a growing expat community—all set against the backdrop of stunning coastline, rich culture, and affordable living. Whether you're seeking temporary residency or planning for long-term settlement and potential citizenship, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
Let’s make your move seamless—contact Relocation Croatia today for expert residency support.
Why Choose Croatian Residency?
Croatia is rapidly emerging as a preferred destination for expats, entrepreneurs, digital nomads, and investors seeking a high quality of life, EU market access, and a secure, welcoming environment. Whether you're applying for temporary or long-term residency, Croatia offers multiple legal pathways supported by a clear regulatory framework.
✔ Legally live, work, study, or operate a business in Croatia.
✔ Benefit from EU residency rights, with easier access to European markets.
✔ Competitive cost of living and supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
✔ Pathways to permanent residency and Croatian citizenship (in select cases).
✔ Coastal lifestyle, modern infrastructure, and a growing international community.
Curious if Croatia is the right fit for your next chapter? Reach out to Relocation Croatia today—we’ll help you explore your options and build a plan tailored to your goals.
Obtaining temporary residency in Croatia involves meeting specific legal requirements based on your purpose of stay. The process is governed by the Foreigners Act (Zakon o strancima) and managed by the Ministry of the Interior (MUP).
Who Can Apply?
Anyone who is not an EU/EEA/Swiss citizen may apply for temporary stay (privremeni boravak) if they meet the legal basis under Croatian law.
Common eligible applicant categories include:
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Employment or Work
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Establishing a Company or Self-Employment
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Real Estate Ownership
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Family Reunification
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Study or Research
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Digital Nomad Visa (Temporary Stay for Remote Work)
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Other purposes, including humanitarian grounds or other justified personal reasons
- EU/EEA citizens follow a simplified registration of residence process under different rules.
Basic Legal Requirements
Valid Purpose of Stay
Proof of Sufficient Financial Means
Valid Health Insurance
Proof of Accommodation
Clean Criminal Record
Passport & Legal Entry
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
We have put together some commonly asked questions.
Who is eligible to apply for temporary residency in Croatia?
Anyone who is not an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen may apply for temporary residency if they have a valid purpose of stay—such as work, business ownership, study, family reunification, property ownership, or remote work (digital nomad visa). EU/EEA citizens follow a simpler registration process.
How long is temporary residency valid in Croatia?
Temporary residency is typically granted for up to one year, depending on the purpose of stay. Most categories allow for annual renewal, and after 5 continuous years, you may qualify for permanent residency.
Can I apply for temporary residency while I’m already in Croatia?
Yes, in most cases you can apply from within Croatia if you entered legally (visa-free or on the appropriate visa). However, some categories—such as digital nomads or those requiring a visa—may need to apply from a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad.
What documents are required to apply?
While it depends on your residency basis, common requirements include:
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A valid passport
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Proof of legal purpose (e.g. employment contract, property ownership, school enrollment)
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Croatian address registration
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Health insurance
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Proof of sufficient funds
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Clean criminal record (for some categories)
Relocation Croatia will help you prepare all required documentation.
Can owning property in Croatia qualify me for residency?
Yes, non-EU citizens who own residential property in Croatia may apply for temporary stay for "other purposes." This does not automatically grant work rights, but it allows legal residence in Croatia. Additional conditions still apply, such as sufficient income and health insurance.
Does temporary residency allow me to work in Croatia?
Only if your residency is granted based on employment or business activity. Residency through real estate ownership or family reunification does not automatically include the right to work. Our legal team can help you choose the correct category based on your goals.