National Visa D - Student (Temporary Stay for Study)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 30 to 60 days for Visa D; temporary stay permit processing up to 30 days after application in Croatia
- Fee
- EUR 70 (Visa D) + approx. EUR 46 (temporary stay permit)
- Validity
- Up to 1 year (Visa D valid up to 6 months; then temporary stay permit valid up to 1 year, renewable)
- Entry
- Multiple entry
National Visa D for students enrolled or accepted at a Croatian university or higher education institution. Croatia has several public and private universities, with the University of Zagreb being the largest and oldest. After arriving in Croatia with Visa D, students must apply for a temporary stay permit (privremeni boravak) at the local police administration within 30 days. The temporary stay permit is valid for the academic year and renewable with proof of continued enrollment. Students from visa-free countries may enter Croatia visa-free and apply for the temporary stay permit directly. Students may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays with a work registration certificate.
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) who have been accepted at a Croatian higher education institution.
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Purpose of visit
Must be enrolled or accepted for a study programme at a recognized Croatian university or higher education institution.
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Financial
Must demonstrate sufficient financial means for living in Croatia, approximately EUR 500/month. Scholarships, blocked accounts, or parent guarantees accepted.
Minimum funds: EUR 500/month
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Health
Must have adequate health insurance coverage valid in Croatia.
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Criminal record
Must provide evidence of no criminal record. Police clearance certificate required.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: 35x45mm, colour, not older than 6 months
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Bank statement
Months required: 3
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Travel insurance
Minimum coverage: 30000
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental agreement, student dormitory confirmation, host declaration; Must cover full stay: Yes
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Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: 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: National Visa D application form
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["Embassy payment"]; Amount: 70
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Private health insurance
Coverage territory: Croatia and Schengen area; Minimum coverage: EUR 30,000
How to apply
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Document gathering
Obtain admission letter from Croatian university, gather passport, photos, financial proof, accommodation proof, health insurance, and police clearance certificate.
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Online application
Complete the national Visa D application form.
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Appointment booking
Book an appointment at the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country of residence.
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Fee payment
Pay the Visa D application fee of approximately EUR 70.
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Document submission
Submit all documents in person at the embassy or consulate.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data (fingerprints and photograph).
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Processing wait
Wait for processing, typically 30-60 days. Apply well in advance of university start date.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with Visa D. After arrival in Croatia, report to the local police administration within 30 days and apply for a temporary stay permit (privremeni boravak) for study purposes.