Croatia Work Permit: Latest Detailed Guide for 2023-24

A Croatia Work Permit is required to work in Croatia, which is among the best countries in Europe to work and gain stability. When the world was battling for jobs and stability the unemployment rate in Croatia in early 2022 was 6.7% only. Their GDP grew by 5% in that year and the average monthly salary recorded was EUR 1,018 in 2022. Moreover, apart from a high standard of living, Croatia became even more popular because of the popular web series Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, there are no vacancies in the cast & crew of GOT that they are offering.

However, with a high demand for employees in sectors like construction and tourism, students can explore various options and select the most suitable one based on their qualifications. However, let’s not forget that to initiate your career path, you must have the Croatia Work Permit. The procedure includes multiple steps and one is required to present specific documents to be eligible for a work permit. In this blog, we will go through the various details about the Croatia work permit. 

What is the Croatia Work Permit?

Workers require both a work permit and a residence permit if they intend to work in Croatia. Since Croatia is a member of the EU, the majority of Europeans can live and work there without a visa. Candidates from other countries will need to apply for a work permit at their neighbourhood Republic of Croatia diplomatic mission if they are from outside the EU.

Types of Work Visas in Croatia

While the most typical option for workers to receive a work visa in Croatia is through a work and residence permit combination, individuals may also be qualified for a job registration certificate. These diplomas are frequently given to advisors, artists, writers, and clergymen.

Type of Croatia Work Permit	Eligibility
Croatia work permit+residence permit	All immigrants from countries outside of the European Union.
Croatia work registration certificate	Consultants, performers, journalists and members of the religious order

Validity and Details

Most of the immigrants enter Croatia via the first option of work and residence permits. Both permits are valid for 12 months. They can be renewed 60 days from the expiry date. Failing this, the immigrant will be asked to leave the country. 

You can also apply for a work permit if you have an EU Blue Card. The EU Blue Card network, a combined effort of 25 European countries, helps third-country nationals to hold this card of temporary residence in any of the 25 countries for 2 years. 

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Essential Documents Required

Once you receive an offer letter from your employer in Croatia, it becomes his responsibility to guide you to apply for your work permit. After carefully checking your job offer details, you can accept the offer and apply for a work permit in Croatia:

• Visa application form
• A passport that is valid for at least 3 months over the expiry date of the work permit. Also carry a copy of the same.
• 2 passport-size photographs against the white background.
• Travel medical insurance must be valid for at least one year.
• Proof of one side travel with documents.
• Proof of academic skills and qualifications and whether they are job-appropriate.
• A work permit letter or contract issued by the employer from Croatia.
• Evidence that immigrants will be paid enough to support themselves in Croatia 
• Health insurance in Croatia is paid by the employer
• Copy of Police Clearance Certificate with an apostille stamp.
• A reason letter for 1. Not using the previous Croatian visa and 2. If there was any refusal from any other European country

Check out the countries that give work permits after study!

Eligibility for Croatia Work Permit

One needs to fulfil some basic criteria to qualify for a residence and work permit in Croatia. Here are the requirements;

1. One must not be a citizen of the EU. This is because European nationals are allowed to work in the country without a visa.
2. They must have a work contract with a Croatian employer. One must already have secured a job position in Croatia to apply for a visa.
3. Pass the Labour Market Test. Once your employer has signed a contract they have to request HZZ (Croatian employment services) for a work permit for which they conduct a labour market test.

Exemption from the Labour Market Test

This exemption can be granted under certain conditions to the employees for the work permit. Here is a list of conditions applicable.

• If the employee is working for the same employer and asking for an extension of work permit.
• Deficient occupations do not require a labour market test.
• Employment for less than 90 days in fields of agriculture, forestry, catering and tourism.
• Groups that are listed in the Article 110 of the Aliens Act are exempted from the test.

How to Apply for the Croatia Work Permit?

One common feature of work permits in almost all countries is the employer’s contribution. The employer holds complete responsibility for getting the immigrant employee into the country safely and securely. He has to guide the employee correctly to avoid any confusion. You are required to renew your permits 60 days before the expiry date every 12 months. Although the process given below is generic for Indians, once you visit the embassy of Croatia, the representatives will mention if any special requirements are needed. Here is the detailed process of applying for the Croatia work permit.

Step 1: Accepting the job offer in Croatia

One of the essential prerequisites as a future employee of Croatia is to have a job offer in hand before applying for a work permit. Check that your name, personal details, job description and wages on the contract and offer letter are the same as discussed. Do a quick background check on the company and its position. The best way to know about the company work culture is by connecting to the ex-employees. If it seems good to you, go ahead and accept the proposal. 

Step 2: Applying for the Croatia work permit and residence permit

After acceptance, you need to visit the closest Croatian consulate or embassy in your home country. We have three embassies and consulates of Croatia in India- Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata. You have to submit the documents and apply for a work permit. You will be asked to get a medical test done or even sit for an interview before the work permit is issued to you. It usually takes 2-3 months for the Croatia work permit to be issued. You can apply for the residence permit supporting the Croatia work permit.

Step 3: Fly to Croatia

You can now book your tickets to Croatia once your work permit and residence permit is in your hand. Ensure that at no point do you submit original copies of your visa, passport, proof of identity or financial evidence details. 

Must read: How to apply for a visa?

Fees

Along with the application fee, there are certain other fees that you will be required to pay when you apply for the Croatia work permit and residence permit. 

Type of Fee	Amount
Application fee	INR 6,968
For storing the original letter of Guarantee of the legal person	INR 1,655
For a complaint against a decision if your visa application is rejected, cancelled or annulled	INR 3,745

The fees applicable are subject to change with a change in currency exchange. The embassy or consulate will charge you for the Croatia work permit according to the latest values. 

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Reasons for Rejection of Work Permit

The Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs is very strict when it comes to the issuance of work permits. Certain grounds for rejection of the work permit are:

• If your health condition doesn’t meet Croatian standards. In the case of infectious diseases, your work permit application will be rejected. 
• Incomplete application form with misleading information.
• Inadequate information supporting reasons for your work permit.
• Expired or damaged passport.
• Unable to prove financial soundness to survive in Croatia.
• If you are unable to provide proper documents like your lease agreement, police record, etc, your work permit will be rejected. 

In case of rejection of the work permit, you can complain about the reason for rejection to the embassy by paying a fee of INR 3,745 within 15 days of rejection.

Check out the Reasons for UK Visa Rejection

When to Apply for the Croatia Work Visa

We advise candidates to submit their applications no earlier than 90 days before the scheduled departure date. To account for any unanticipated processing delays, the Croatian High Commission advises that you submit your application at least 3 weeks before your intended departure date.

FAQs

Croatia is developing at a fast rate along with the other countries in the European Union. Live life king-size with a job on weekdays and relax by the islands on the weekend in Croatia. All you need is a Croatia work permit and assistance from Leverage Edu– your guiding partner throughout the entire process of settling in Croatia.