Temporary Stay and Work Permit (Dozvola za boravak i rad)
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 365 days
- Processing time
- 30 to 60 days for Visa D; work permit processing 30-60 days
- Fee
- EUR 70 (Visa D) + EUR 80 (work/stay permit fee)
- Validity
- Up to 1 year, renewable annually; after 5 years may apply for permanent residence
- Entry
- Multiple entry
The combined temporary stay and work permit (dozvola za boravak i rad) is regulated by the Croatian Foreigners Act (Zakon o strancima). The employer in Croatia must initiate the work permit process by filing an application with the local police administration. Croatia operates an annual quota system for foreign workers, which sets limits on the number of work permits issued per sector. Certain categories are exempt from the quota, including key workers, ICT specialists, and posted workers. After receiving the work permit approval, the worker applies for Visa D at the Croatian embassy. Upon arrival, the combined stay and work permit card is issued. After 5 years of continuous legal residence, the worker may apply for permanent residence (stalni boravak).
Eligibility
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Nationality
Third-country nationals (non-EU/EEA/Swiss) with a job offer from a Croatian employer.
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Employment
Must have a binding job offer or employment contract from a registered Croatian employer. The position must either fall within the annual quota for foreign workers or be exempt from quota requirements (e.g., key workers, ICT specialists, company founders).
Required status: Job offer from Croatian employer
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Criminal record
Must have no criminal record. Criminal background check required.
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Health
Must have adequate health insurance coverage.
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 2; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 35x45mm, colour, not older than 6 months
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Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.
Accepted types: Rental contract, employer-provided housing, accommodation declaration; 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: Visa D and work permit application
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Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: ["Embassy payment"]; Amount: 70
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Work contract
Provide a signed job offer, contract or assignment letter showing the role, dates and employer.
Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes
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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, employment contract, CV, professional qualifications, police clearance (apostilled and translated), health insurance, and accommodation proof.
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Online application
Employer submits work permit application to the local police administration in Croatia (Policijska uprava). Worker completes Visa D application form.
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Appointment booking
Book appointment at the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country of residence for Visa D application.
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Fee payment
Pay Visa D fee (approximately EUR 70) and work/stay permit fee (approximately EUR 80).
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Document submission
Employer submits work permit application in Croatia. Worker submits Visa D application at the embassy with all supporting documents.
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Biometrics
Provide biometric data at the embassy or consulate.
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Processing wait
Work permit processing by police administration: 30-60 days. Visa D processing: 30-60 days. Total timeline can be 2-4 months.
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Visa collection
Once work permit is approved, receive Visa D to enter Croatia. Upon arrival, register with local police within 3 days. Collect the combined stay and work permit card (biometric residence card) from the police administration.