Residency
Croatia — Residency: Visa Overview
Croatia grants temporary stay (up to one year for most purposes, 18 months for digital nomads), long-term residence after five years, and permanent stay in narrow cases.
VerifiedGovernment / official sourceMinistry of the Interior / Ministry of Foreign Affairs — stay of foreignersLast reviewed: 2026-10-23
Key facts
- Temporary stay for third-country nationals requires health insurance, a valid travel document, funds and a stated purpose, and lasts up to one year (up to 18 months for digital nomads).
- Residence and work permits for employment are issued by the Ministry of the Interior after a labour market test.
- Long-term residence needs five uninterrupted years of legal stay, Croatian language and Latin script, health insurance and funds.
- The Aliens Act was amended in 2026 (OG 55/26) with an A1.1 Croatian exam after a year as a renewal condition per Invest Croatia.
Steps
- Choose the Correct Visa Category — Research and determine the appropriate visa category based on the purpose of stay and individual circumstances.
- Gather Required Documents
- Submit Application — Submit the application through the Croatian Embassy or Consulate in your home country.
- Wait for Approval — The processing time for visa applications can vary significantly depending on the category and individual circumstances.