Work permits and visas in Croatia: An employer’s guide

If you are hiring a new employee or relocating a team member to Croatia, you need to make sure they have the proper work permit under local immigration laws. Your company also needs to stay on top of labor and tax laws for compliant HR.

Known for its Adriatic coastline and growing role in technology, the Republic of Croatia is an attractive destination for international talent. In this article, Remote walks you through right-to-work checks, work visa types, and visa requirements for your employee to work in Croatia. 

See also: The complete employer's guide to hiring in Croatia

Right-to-work checks in Croatia

Before onboarding a third-country national in the Republic of Croatia, confirm they hold a valid stay and work permit (the Croatian “single permit”) issued by the Ministry of the Interior through the local police department or police station. This single permit is the document that authorizes both temporary stay and work in Croatia.

Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in Croatia?

Yes. Third-country nationals work in Croatia on the basis of a stay and work permit or, in limited cases, a work registration certificate.

If the person needs a visa to enter, they apply for a long-stay visa D after their temporary stay or single permit has been approved, then finalize their status with the police after arrival. European Union and European Economic Area citizens follow free-movement rules, not the single-permit route.

Work visa types in Croatia

Foreign nationals who want to work in the Republic of Croatia may need both an entry visa and a stay and work permit (the Croatian “single permit”). The visa allows the person to legally enter Croatia, while the single permit issued by the Ministry of the Interior provides the right to stay and work.

Visa C — short stay

The Republic of Croatia issues the Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period (e.g., transit, tourism, business). It is an entry visa only and does not authorize employment in Croatia.

Croatia joined the Schengen Area on January 1, 2023. A Schengen short-stay visa (Type C) lets a non-EU national enter and stay short-term. For work, a person needs a Croatian stay and work permit (single permit) issued by the Ministry of the Interior.

Visa D — long stay

The long-stay visa (Type D) is an entry authorization used when a third-country national has already been granted temporary stay or a stay-and-work permit in the Republic of Croatia but still needs a visa to enter. It can be issued for one or multiple entries, is valid up to six months, and allows up to 30 days of stay for entering Croatia to collect the single permit and complete police formalities.

How the EU Blue Card applies in Croatia

Croatia issues the EU Blue Card to highly qualified third-country nationals. The Blue Card in Croatia is a stay and work permit for the specific employer and role.

The EU Blue Card is valid in Croatia for two years. If the employment contract is for less than two years, the permit is issued for the contract term plus three months. Renewals are filed with the local police administration or station before expiry.

Visa application process in Croatia

Hiring a third-country national in the Republic of Croatia requires several steps. The process is managed under the Aliens Act (Zakon o strancima) and overseen by the Ministry of the Interior, with support from the Croatian Employment Service and the local Police Department.

Labour market test

In most cases, the Croatian employer must request a labour market test from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ) to confirm that no suitable local worker is available. This step may be waived in exempt categories such as the EU Blue Card or the Intra-Company Transfer Permit.

Stay and work permit application 

After a positive labour market assessment, the employer files the stay and work permit application (the single permit) with the Ministry of the Interior through the local Police Department.

Supporting documents include the employment contract, proof of health insurance, and confirmation of the employer’s compliance with Croatian labor and immigration laws.

Entry visa (if required)

If the employee requires a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia, they apply for a long-stay visa (Type D) at a Croatian embassy or consulate. This visa allows the individual to enter Croatia, collect their single permit, and provide biometric data for their biometric residence permit.

Arrival and registration

Once in Croatia, the employee registers their address, completes work authorization checks, and receives the residency permit from the Ministry of the Interior.

Employers must carry out work authorization assessments to ensure the employee holds both the single permit and the valid biometric residence permit.

Required documents for a work visa in Croatia

When applying for a stay and work permit or related work visas, Croatian authorities require documents from both the employer and the employee.

From the Croatian employer

• A valid employment contract or application for a business permit specifying the role, duration, and salary.
• Evidence of compliance with the quota system for the foreign labor force, unless exempt.
• Proof of purpose for the work placement (for example, scientific research projects, cultural and educational cooperation, or professional further training).

From the employee 

• Valid passport and completed visa application form (if applying for a Type D visa abroad).
• Health insurance valid in Croatia.
• Proof of professional qualifications and employment history, with translations if required.
• Bank statement or other proof of financial means to support a temporary stay.
• Biometric data submitted at the local Police Department to issue the biometric residence permit.
• Civil status documents if applying for family members under family reunification provisions.
  

Eligibility for a work visa in Croatia

Eligibility depends on the category of work permit or work visa.

• Stay and work permit (single permit): Most third-country nationals hired by a Croatian company require a stay and work permit. They must have a valid job offer, meet visa requirements, and pass a labour market test unless exempt.
  
  
• EU Blue Card: Available for highly qualified workers with an employment contract of at least one year and proof of higher education or equivalent experience. Valid for two years, renewable.
  
  
• Work registration certificate: Available for specific short-term roles, such as seasonal work, urgent repairs, or fairs and exhibitions, usually capped at 90 days.
  
  
• Intra-Company Transfer Permit: Available for managers, specialists, and trainees transferred within multinational companies.
  
  
• Digital nomad visa: Granted as a form of temporary stay for remote workers employed by non-Croatian companies.
  
  

All applicants must comply with the Law on Foreigners, work permit regulations, and any visa and employment framework adopted by the Croatian government.

Digital nomad visa in Croatia

Croatia introduced a digital nomad visa in 2021 through amendments to the Aliens Act (Zakon o strancima). This status allows a third-country national to be granted temporary stay for up to one year if they work remotely using communication technology for a company or clients outside the Republic of Croatia.

• Application process: Applicants apply at a Croatian embassy or consulate abroad or at a Police Department in Croatia. They must provide an application form, valid passport, proof of health insurance, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and proof of purpose (e.g., employment contract with a foreign employer or evidence of self-employment).
  
  
• Residence permit: If approved, the applicant receives a biometric residence permit after providing biometric data at the local Police Department.
  
  
• Validity: The permit is issued for up to one year, and is not renewable consecutively, but applicants can reapply after a cooling-off period.
  
  

Note that digital nomads cannot work for a Croatian company or provide services in Croatia’s local market. Immediate family members of remote workers may apply for a temporary residency permit.

How Remote can help with work visas in Croatia 

To hire or relocate employees to the Republic of Croatia, you need to navigate immigration laws to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll and benefits according to local tax laws. 

That's why Remote’s Employer of Record service is invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Croatia on your company’s behalf. Remote helps you stay compliant with local labor and tax laws, so you can onboard your employees in a matter of days to save time and resources. 

If you already have an entity in the Republic of Croatia, Remote can help with international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on Croatian work permit applications. 

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.