Foreign Workers in the Republic of Croatia

Regarding the legal regulations for foreign workers in Croatia, there are several categories of foreigners.

1. EU Citizens and Their Family Members

This group also includes citizens of European Economic Area (EEA) countries as well as citizens of the Principality of Liechtenstein, the Kingdom of Norway, Iceland, and Switzerland, along with their family members. These individuals can work and provide services in Croatia without the need for a residence or work permit or registration, in accordance with the fundamental principles of freedom of services and free movement.

If EEA citizens temporarily stay in Croatia for work (from 3 months up to a year), they must present a valid ID card or passport and a certificate of employment or proof of self-employment. Based on this, they will be issued a temporary residence confirmation.

However, certain states were subject to transitional restrictions until July 1, 2015. Citizens from these countries could only work in Croatia with a work permit, as they were subject to the same regulations as citizens of third countries. These countries include Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

In addition, bilateral agreements with Germany have been made, such as agreements concerning the employment of workers to improve their professional and language skills (so-called guest workers), with an annual limit of 500 workers.

These workers are employed based on a work permit.

Another agreement regulates the employment of Croatian workers in Germany through the Croatian and German labor offices (Federal Employment Agency), particularly in sectors like agriculture, hospitality, and healthcare.

2. Citizens of Third Countries with Permanent Residence in an EEA Country and Their Family Members

Citizens who are not from EEA countries but have permanent residence in an EEA member state, along with their family members, are allowed temporary residence to work in Croatia, provided they meet certain requirements: a valid passport, proof of financial means to support themselves and their family members, proof of health insurance, and assurance that they do not have an entry or residence ban in Croatia or pose a risk to public order, national security, or public health.

If an individual has been issued an EU Blue Card in another EEA member state, they can apply for a residence and work permit in Croatia, provided they submit all required documents and proof that the EU Blue Card has been issued for at least 18 months.

For highly skilled nationals of third countries, the residence and work permit is issued together with the EU Blue Card, which serves as both a residence and work permit in Croatia.

They must apply for the permit at the Croatian diplomatic mission or consulate in their country of residence or at the police station in the area where they intend to reside.

A recent update from 2013 is that a residence and work permit may be issued for foreigners beyond the annual quota if they meet the requirements for temporary stay (valid passport, health insurance, financial means, no entry or residence ban in Croatia, and no risk to public order, national security, or public health).

• Such permits are available for individuals in key positions in the economy or those who own at least 51% of a business that is eligible for investment promotion or is involved in strategic investment projects in Croatia.
• The same conditions apply to foreigners engaged in business or projects in Croatia based on international technical assistance agreements.

In the last two cases, the police must issue the permit within 30 days of the application.

Upon approval, the applicant will receive a biometric residence permit.