A Croatian 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 fighting for jobs and stability, the unemployment rate in Croatia at the beginning of 2022 was only 6.7%. Its GDP grew by 5% that year and the average monthly salary recorded was 1,018 euros in 2022. Furthermore, in addition to a high standard of living, Croatia became even more popular thanks to the popular web series Game of Thrones. Unfortunately, there are no vacancies in the GOT cast and crew that they are offering.
However, with high demand for employees in sectors such as 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 start your professional career, you must have the Croatian Work Permit. The procedure includes several steps and specific documents are required to be submitted to be eligible for a work permit. In this blog, we will go over the various details regarding the work permit in Croatia.
What is the Croatia work permit?
Workers need both a work permit and a residence permit if they intend to work in Croatia. Since Croatia is a member of the EU, most Europeans can live and work there without a visa. Candidates from other countries will need to apply for a work permit at the neighboring diplomatic mission of the Republic of Croatia 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 combination of work and residence permit, individuals may also qualify for a labor registration certificate. These diplomas are often awarded to advisors, artists, writers and clergy.
| Type of work permit in Croatia | Eligibility |
| Work permit in Croatia+residence permit | All immigrants from countries outside the European Union. |
| Certificate of work registration in Croatia | Consultants, artists, journalists and members of the religious order. |
Validity and details
Most immigrants enter Croatia through the first option: work and residence permits. Both permits are valid for 12 months. They can be renewed 60 days from the expiration date. Otherwise, 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 joint effort of 25 European countries, helps third-country nationals to have this temporary residence card 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 will be your responsibility to guide them in applying for your work permit. After carefully checking the details of your job offer, you can accept the offer and apply for a work permit in Croatia:
- Visa application form
- A passport with a minimum validity of 3 months after the expiration date of the work permit. Also carry a copy of it.
- 2 passport size photographs on a white background.
- Travel medical insurance must be valid for at least one year.
- Proof of travel on one side with documents.
- Proof of academic skills and qualifications and whether they are appropriate for the job.
- A work permit letter or contract issued by the Croatian employer.
- Evidence that migrants will be paid enough to stay in Croatia
- Health insurance in Croatia is paid for by the employer
- Copy of the Police Clearance Certificate with apostilled seal.
- A letter of reason for 1. Not using the previous Croatian visa and 2. If there was any rejection from any other European country.
Check out the countries that grant work permits after studying!
Croatia Work Permit Eligibility
It is necessary to meet some basic criteria to qualify for a residence and work permit in Croatia. Here are the requirements;
- You do not have to be an EU citizen. This is because European citizens are allowed to work in the country without a visa.
- They must have an employment contract with a Croatian employer. To apply for a visa it is necessary to have already obtained a job in Croatia.
- Pass the Labor Market Test. Once your employer has signed a contract, you must apply to the HZZ (Croatian employment services) for a work permit for which they will conduct a labor market test.
Labor market test exemption
This exemption may be granted under certain conditions to employees for work permit. Here is a list of applicable conditions.
- If the employee works for the same employer and requests an extension of the work permit.
- Substandard occupations do not require a labor market test.
- Employment lasting less than 90 days in the agriculture, forestry, restaurant and tourism sectors.
- The groups listed in article 110 of the Immigration Law are exempt from the test.
How to apply for a work permit in Croatia?
A common feature of work permits in almost all countries is the employer contribution. The employer has full responsibility for ensuring that the immigrant employee enters the country safely. He has to guide the employee correctly to avoid confusion. He must renew his permits 60 days before the expiration date every 12 months. Although the process given below is generic for Indians, once he visits the Croatian embassy, the representatives will mention to him if any special requirements are needed. Here is the detailed process to apply for work permit in Croatia.
Step 1: Accept the job offer in Croatia
One of the essential requirements for a future employee in Croatia is to have a job offer on hand before applying for a work permit. Check that your name, personal details, job description and salary in the contract and offer letter are the same as discussed. Do a quick background check on the company and your position. The best way to learn about the company’s work culture is by connecting with former employees. If it’s okay with you, go ahead and accept the proposal.
Step 2: Apply for a work permit and residence permit in Croatia
After acceptance, you will need to visit the Croatian consulate or embassy closest to your home country. We have three Croatian embassies and consulates in India: Mumbai, New Delhi and Kolkata. You have to present the documents and apply for a work permit. You will be required to take a medical exam or even appear for an interview before your work permit is issued. Generally, it takes between 2 and 3 months to issue a work permit in Croatia. You can apply for the residence permit that supports the work permit in Croatia.
Step 3: Fly to Croatia
You can now book your tickets to Croatia once you have your work permit and residence permit in hand. Please ensure that at no time do you send original copies of your visa, passport, proof of identity or financial evidence details.
Must read: How to apply for a visa?
Fee
In addition to the application fee, there are other fees that you will need to pay when applying for a work permit and residence permit in Croatia.
| Rate type | Amount |
| Application fee | Rs 6,968 |
| To store the original Guarantee letter of the legal entity. | 1,655 rupees |
| To lodge a complaint against a decision if your visa application is refused, canceled or annulled | Rs 3,745 |
Applicable rates are subject to change with currency exchange. The embassy or consulate will charge you for the work permit in Croatia 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 granting work permits. Certain reasons for refusing a work permit are:
- If your health status does not meet Croatian standards. In the case of infectious diseases, your work permit application will be rejected.
- Incomplete application form with misleading information.
- Inadequate information to support the reasons for your work permit.
- Expired or damaged passport.
- You cannot demonstrate financial strength to survive in Croatia.
- If you are unable to provide proper documents such as your lease, police record, etc., your work permit will be rejected.
In case of rejection of 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.
See reasons for UK visa rejection
When to Apply for Croatia Work Visa
We advise candidates to submit their applications no earlier than 90 days before their scheduled departure date. To take into account any unforeseen delays in processing, the Croatian High Commission recommends that you submit your application at least 3 weeks before your planned departure date.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a job to apply for a work permit in Croatia?
Yes, you need an employment contract before applying for a permit.
My child is 10 years old, will I have to pay the visa application fee?
No, children under 12 years of age are not required to pay the application fee.
When do I have to renew my work permit?
You must renew your work permit in Croatia every 12 months. You can apply for renewal at the nearest Croatian municipal office 60 days before the expiration date.
Can I apply for a work permit if I am 18 years old?
Yes, you can apply for a work permit if you are over 15 years old and not studying.
My work permit was rejected. Can I request a new one?
It is advisable to file a complaint against the reason for rejection if the reasons for rejection are incorrect.
Can I bring my family with me to Croatia?
You can bring your family as long as you have enough funds to support them and they have their residence permits.
Croatia is developing at a rapid pace along with the other countries of the European Union. Live the high life with a job during the week and relax on the islands on weekends in Croatia. All you need is a work permit in Croatia and the assistance of Leverage Edu , your guiding partner throughout the installation process in Croatia.