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4 ways to enter

Croatia visas

Croatia work visa

European free movement rules allow eligible citizens to work in Croatia without a visa. Croatia also permits visa-free nationals to work during their visa-free stay, but work permit requirements are not explained.

Ways to get a Croatia work visa

  2. Work during a visa-free short stay

    No visa needed

    Croatia permits all nationals on the ordinary-passport visa-free list to work during their visa-free stay.

    Stay
    Within the visa-free limit of 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen Area.

  3. Long-stay visa or residence permit

    Other permit

    People outside the EU single market who stay for more than 90 days generally need long-stay permission.

    Stay
    A long-stay visa generally covers less than a year; a residence permit covers longer periods.

  4. Temporary work for the same employer under the Van Der Elst rule

    Other permit

    Some citizens from outside the EU single market who are already employed within it can work temporarily in another single market country for the same employer, under certain conditions.

    Stay
    Temporary work; no duration is specified.

Who needs it

People outside free movement rules who stay longer than 90 days generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit.

Who doesn't

Citizens of EU single market countries can enter, live and work without a visa. Croatia permits all visa-free nationals to work during their visa-free stay.

Good to know

  • The permission to work during a visa-free stay does not extend the visa-free stay limit.
  • A long-stay visa or residence permit is generally needed for stays over 90 days outside free movement rules.
  • Croatian work permit requirements and application procedures are not detailed.
  • Working holiday permission is a separate option for eligible young travellers.

Questions

Do I need a work visa for Croatia?

People outside free movement rules who stay longer than 90 days generally need a long-stay visa or residence permit. Citizens of EU single market countries can enter, live and work without a visa. Croatia permits all visa-free nationals to work during their visa-free stay.

What are the ways to get a work visa for Croatia?

There are 4 options: Work under European free movement rules (no visa at all); Work during a visa-free short stay (no visa at all); Long-stay visa or residence permit (a special permit); Temporary work for the same employer under the Van Der Elst rule (a special permit).

Who can go to Croatia without a work visa?

Citizens of European Union countries, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Switzerland. Croatia permits all nationals on the ordinary-passport visa-free list to work during their visa-free stay.

What rules do I have to follow on a Croatia work visa?

The permission to work during a visa-free stay does not extend the visa-free stay limit. A long-stay visa or residence permit is generally needed for stays over 90 days outside free movement rules.

Does my passport change whether I need a work visa for Croatia?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Croatia visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a work visa for Croatia be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Croatia work visa rules?

On Croatia's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

Can I change my work visa once I am in Croatia?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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