Family Reunification (Temporary Stay for Family Reasons)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 30 to 90 days
- Fee
- EUR 70 (Visa D) + EUR 80 (temporary stay permit)
- Validity
- Up to 1 year, renewable annually; after 5 years may apply for permanent residence
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Family reunification allows spouses, life partners, minor children (under 18), and in some cases dependent adult children and parents to join a third-country national legally residing in Croatia with a valid temporary or permanent stay permit. The sponsor must have held a temporary stay permit for at least 2 years (reduced to 1 year for EU Blue Card holders). Family members receive a temporary stay permit that includes the right to work. Regulated under the Croatian Foreigners Act (Zakon o strancima).
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals who are spouses, life partners, or minor unmarried children (under 18) of a person legally residing in Croatia with a valid temporary or permanent stay permit.
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Financial
Sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income to support the family member without recourse to public funds.
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Criminal record
Must have no criminal record.
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Health
Must have adequate health insurance.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement or ownership document; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Police clearance
Validity months: 6
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: Temporary stay permit application for family reunification
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["Embassy payment"]; Amount: 70
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Croatia; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather passport, photos, marriage/birth certificates (apostilled and translated), sponsor's stay permit copy, financial proof, accommodation proof, health insurance, and police clearance.
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Online application
Complete the temporary stay permit application form for family reunification.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
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Fee payment
Pay Visa D fee and temporary stay permit fee.
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Document submission
Submit all documents at the embassy or consulate. The application is forwarded to the Croatian police administration for processing.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data at the embassy or consulate.
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Processing wait
Processing can take 30-90 days.
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Visa collection
Upon approval, receive Visa D to enter Croatia. Collect the biometric residence permit from the police administration upon arrival. Register your address within 3 days.