Croatia work permit 2026: a step-by-step guide for non-EU workers

Croatian employers hire many workers from outside the EU, especially in construction, tourism, manufacturing, transport and retail. If you are offered a job here, this guide explains each step of the permit process, how long it takes and what you have to do yourself.

1. Who needs a Croatian work permit

You need a work and residence permit if you are a third-country national: a citizen of any country outside the European Union, the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) and Switzerland. Citizens of those countries can work in Croatia without a permit.

The permit is linked to one employer, one occupation and one job. The police issue a certificate (*potvrda*) that names your employer, your job, your occupation and how long the permit is valid (Aliens Act, Art. 91). Working for another employer or in another job needs a new procedure (see our guide to your rights as a foreign worker).

2. Step by step: from job offer to first day of work

The labour market test checks the register of unemployed people. If suitable people are available, HZZ tries to place them first. The employer can then apply for permits within 90 days of the test result (Aliens Act, Art. 98). For occupations on HZZ's exemption list the employer skips the test (Art. 101).

3. What documents you need

The employment contract is always required. With it, the application includes proof that you meet the employer's requirements for education, qualifications and work experience (Aliens Act, Art. 97 para. 3). In practice, ask your employer or agency for the exact list for your job. It usually includes:

• a valid passport (copy, and the original when you come to the police)
• diplomas or training certificates for the job, translated into Croatian where required
• proof of work experience, for example letters from previous employers
• a recent photo for the residence card

Requirements depend on the occupation, so prepare documents early. Diplomas and certificates often take the longest.

4. How long it takes

The police must decide as soon as possible and within 90 days of a complete application. This period includes the labour market test. In exceptional and justified cases, linked to the complexity of the application, the deadline can be extended by 30 days, and the police must inform the applicant (Aliens Act, Art. 91 paras. 8 and 9).

Add the time your embassy needs for the visa D if you need one. There is no appeal against the permit decision, but an administrative lawsuit is possible (Art. 91 para. 11).

5. Visa D and your first 30 days in Croatia

If citizens of your country need a visa to enter Croatia, you enter with a long-stay visa (visa D). It is issued after your permit is approved and allows a stay of up to 30 days (Aliens Act, Art. 35).

Within 30 days of the visa start date you must apply for your biometric residence card at the police administration (Art. 169). You can start work:

• on the basis of the permit certificate given to your employer, until you apply for the residence card, or
• on the basis of your residence card application,

in both cases only once your employer has registered you for health and pension insurance (Art. 91 para. 6). Do not start work before you are registered.

6. Official fees

7. How long the permit lasts and how to renew it

The permit is issued for the length of your employment contract, up to three years. Seasonal permits are shorter: up to 90 days, nine months or a three-year multi-season permit (Aliens Act, Art. 91 para. 12).

To renew with the same employer and in the same job, the application must be filed at least 30 days before the permit expires. If it is filed on time, you can stay and work in Croatia until the decision (Art. 92). From 4 June 2027, workers who have lived in Croatia for at least one year on this type of permit must add proof of a basic Croatian language test (A1.1) to a renewal; the employer pays for the test, and speakers of South Slavic languages are exempt (Art. 92.a).

8. Frequently asked questions

Do I need a work permit to work in Croatia? Yes, if you are a citizen of a country outside the EU, the European Economic Area and Switzerland. You need a work and residence permit (dozvola za boravak i rad) issued by the Croatian Ministry of the Interior through the police administration. It is tied to a specific employer, job and occupation.

How long does it take to get a Croatian work permit? The police must decide within 90 days of a complete application, and this period includes the labour market test. In exceptional, complex cases it can be extended by 30 days (Aliens Act, Art. 91). The labour market test itself takes up to 15 days, and the employer must first request it from the Croatian Employment Service unless the occupation is exempt.

Who applies for the work permit, me or the employer? Either can file the application, at the police administration where you will live or work or where the employer is based (Aliens Act, Art. 90). In practice the employer or the agency files it, because the employer must first obtain the labour market test result and sign your employment contract.

How long is a Croatian work permit valid? For the length of your employment contract, up to three years, and it can be renewed (Aliens Act, Art. 91 para. 12). The renewal application must be filed at least 30 days before the permit expires, and you may stay and work while it is being decided.

What are the official fees for a Croatian work permit? According to the Ministry of the Interior, the work and residence permit costs 74.32 €, the biometric residence card 31.85 € and the administrative fee 9.29 €. If you need a long-stay visa (visa D) to enter Croatia, the visa fee is 93 €.

9. Summary

The Croatian work permit is employer-driven: the employer runs the labour market test, signs your contract and files the application, and the police decide within 90 days. Your part is to prepare your documents, get a visa D if you need one and apply for your residence card within 30 days of arrival. Once you are in Croatia, read your rights as a foreign worker: minimum pay, rent and changing employer.