Croatia has implemented a major visa policy reform in 2025, making the country even more attractive to foreign workers. Find out what types of work visas are available in Croatia, what has changed in terms of validity and requirements, how to apply for a visa, what documents are required and much more useful information about employment in Croatia

In April 2025, Croatia introduced comprehensive reforms to its work visa policy aimed at attracting a variety of professionals, including skilled workers, digital nomads, and seasonal workers. These changes extended the validity of visas, simplified the application process, and introduced greater flexibility for foreign workers, including citizens of Nepal, Uzbekistan, and Bangladesh. Below is a detailed overview of the different work visa options available in Croatia in 2025, their requirements, application process, validity period, and other important information.

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Types of Work Visas in Croatia

1. General Work and Residence Permit

This permit is intended for non-EU citizens who have obtained employment with a Croatian company. It combines a work and residence permit and is usually tied to a specific employer and position. As of 2025, the validity of this permit has been extended from 1 year to 3 years, reducing the frequency of renewals and providing greater stability for foreign workers.

2. EU Blue Card

The EU Blue Card is intended for highly qualified professionals, particularly in sectors such as information technology. Key features include:

- Validity: increased from 2 to 4 years.

- Qualification requirements: candidates can now apply for the permit with at least three years of relevant work experience within the last seven years, even without a formal diploma.

- Flexibility: holders can change employers without obtaining a new permit, provided that certain rules are met.

- Self-employment: it is now allowed to engage in self-employment or professional activity, simply by notifying the Croatian authorities within five working days of starting.

3. Digital Nomad Visa

This visa is intended for remote workers hired by companies outside Croatia. Key features include:

- Validity: increased from 12 to 18 months.

- Income requirements: Applicants must demonstrate a monthly income of at least €2,870 or have savings of €34,440.

- Inclusion of family members: Close family members can be included in the application, provided they meet the income requirements.

4. Seasonal work permit

Targeted for non-EU citizens seeking temporary work in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, hospitality and tourism. Key details:

- Validity period: extended from 6 to 9 months within one year.

- Re-application rule: Workers must spend at least six months outside Croatia before re-applying.

- Labor market test: not required for jobs up to 90 days; may be required for longer periods if the position is not in high demand.

Requirements for a Work Visa in Croatia

While specific requirements may vary depending on the type of visa, general requirements include:

- Employment Contract: A signed contract with a Croatian employer.

- Qualifications: Proof of education, relevant experience or professional qualifications.

- Clean Criminal Record: A certificate of no criminal record from the applicant’s country of origin.

- Valid Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.

- Proof of Accommodation: Proof of organized accommodation in Croatia.

- Financial Capabilities: Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.

- Health Insurance: Valid coverage for the entire duration of your stay.

Procedure for Applying for a Croatian Work Visa

Step 1 – Receive a job offer from a Croatian company.

Step 2 – The Croatian employer initiates the application for a work and residence permit on behalf of the applicant.

Step 3 – Once the permit is approved, apply for a visa at the Croatian embassy or consulate in your country.

Step 4 – Upon arrival in Croatia, register your place of residence and obtain a biometric residence permit.

Croatian work visa package

- Completed visa application form.

- Valid passport.

- Employment contract.

- Proof of qualifications and experience.

- Certificate of no criminal record.

- Proof of accommodation.

- Proof of sufficient financial resources.

- Health insurance documents.

- Passport-sized photographs.

Croatian Work Visa Validity

- General Work Permit: valid for up to 3 years.

- EU Blue Card: valid for up to 4 years.

- Digital Nomad Visa: valid for up to 18 months.

- Seasonal Work Permit: valid for up to 9 months within one year.

Extensions are possible for most types of visas. Applications for extensions should be submitted at least 30 days before the expiry of the current permit. Required documents usually include an updated employment contract, proof of continued residence and valid health insurance. Approval is at the discretion of the Croatian authorities.

Other important conditions and tips

- Changing jobs

EU Blue Card holders can change employers without a new permit, provided that the conditions are met. Holders of standard work permits can change employers in the same professional field after one year.

- Periods of unemployment

Standard work permit holders can stay in Croatia for up to 60 days after dismissal. EU Blue Card holders have enhanced protection when changing jobs.

- Second job

Work permit holders can take on a second job for up to eight hours per week.

- Biometric permits

All work permits and EU Blue Cards are issued as biometric documents, which increases security and simplifies identification processes.

- Employer obligations

Croatian employers must provide financial guarantees when applying for work permits, ensuring accountability and reducing visa abuse.

With the updated visa rules, Croatia is becoming an attractive point on the map for professionals from all over the world. Add to this the fantastic nature and high standard of living and you have the ideal place to find work abroad.

Contact a migration lawyer to get up-to-date information on employment in Croatia in 2025. We help you solve simple and complex issues when moving abroad.

Reminder! Against the backdrop of Croatia's rapid economic growth, more and more foreigners are planning to move to this country for employment. We have already talked about the features of employment in Croatia and the prospects for moving to the country for work.

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