Residency Information
What are the requirements for a foreign national to reside in the Republic of Croatia?
Students that do not have Croatian citizenship must register their stay in the Republic of Croatia and get an initial entry (90 day) and then a temporary stay (1 year) permit.
Students can apply for the initial entry permit (90 days) with a diplomatic mission or a consular office of the Republic of Croatia. If no visa is required for their entry into the Republic of Croatia, the application may be submitted to the Police Administration in the territory he/she intends to stay.
The following elements are required to apply for a residency permit:
1. A contract for accommodation (e.g. a rental contract).
2. State the purpose of the stay (e.g. work or education).
3. Sufficient means of subsistence.
4. Health insurance.
5. Police clearance certificate issued by the country of nationality or of permanent residence.
What are the requirements for a foreign national to get permanent residence in the Republic of Croatia?
An alien may be granted permanent residence if he/she has been granted temporary stay for five continuous years or if he/she has been granted temporary stay in the Republic of Croatia and has been married for three years to a Croatian citizen or to an alien with the permanent residence permit.
Sources:
The Aliens Act (Official Gazette "Narodne Novine" No 109/03 and 182/04) lays down the conditions under which aliens may stay in the Republic of Croatia.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration
