How to move to Croatia for permanent residence

What does a residence permit in Croatia give?

By choosing this country for integration into the European community, emigrants receive a number of advantages. The main advantages of the country:

• proximity to Vienna, Budapest, Venice, Munich;
• medieval architecture;
• clean beaches (blue flag), many nature reserves;
• low crime rate;
• affordable healthcare and free education for children;
• the similarity of the Croatian and Russian languages ​​makes adaptation easier;
• no real estate tax;
• products of decent quality and inexpensive;
• loyalty to the residents of Russia due to the similarity of mentality;
• the opportunity to receive European level pensions.

Having assessed the advantages of moving, it is worth studying the disadvantages that former compatriots write about on websites and thematic forums about emigration. Reviews point to tightening immigration policies, difficulties with employment, expensive heating in winter, the lack of a centralized water and gas supply system, as well as different dialects in the regions. If the above does not change the plan to obtain a residence permit in Croatia, all that remains is to choose a method of relocation.

Applying for a residence permit in Croatia

Croatia is one of the most attractive countries in Europe for businessmen.
The government is actively working on the country's economy to raise its level. The solvency of the population and the standard of living in Croatia is also quite good. However, it is worth keeping in mind that Croatia has not yet joined Schengen and its residence permit will not provide advantages when crossing borders. To visit Croatia for temporary purposes (for a period not exceeding 90 days in a six-month period) a visa is required. If you want to legally stay in the country for more than 6 months a year, you will need to obtain a residence permit. A temporary residence permit in the Republic of Croatia is issued for one year and subsequently extended for the next period, unless there are grounds for a different decision. The basis for obtaining a residence permit may be the following reasons: business, work, study, building a family or other reasons specified in the law. We will consider the least labor-intensive methods: business emigration and employment.

Entry visa

Since 2013, Russians need a visa to enter Croatia. But it is not at all necessary to obtain a local entry permit: from July 22, 2014, visa holders of both Schengen member countries, Bulgaria, Cyprus and Romania can enter the country without a Croatian visa. If there are no such visas either, you need to register at the visa center or make an appointment at the consulate. However, this should be done no earlier than three months before the start of the trip.

The fee for issuing a visa is €35, and if there are only three days left before the trip and the visa is needed urgently, the consular fee will double. The fee will not be collected from children under 12 years of age, family members of a Croatian citizen, disabled people, members of the government and parliament, constitutional and supreme courts, and a dozen other preferential categories, a full list of which can be viewed on the website of the Embassy of the Republic of Croatia in the Russian Federation.

The consulate may deliberate on whether to give you a visa or not for up to five working days from the date of receipt of the documents. And depending on the content of these same documents, the Croatian consulate will decide whether to issue you a single, double or multiple entry visa with a maximum period of up to five years.

The period for preparing documents for applying for a special visa D is about a month.

Methods and grounds for obtaining a residence permit

First of all, foreigners planning to obtain a residence permit apply for a visa. This can be a Schengen visa or national category D. Having determined the most suitable basis for emigration, you can begin collecting documents. The authorities' requirements for applicants for a residence permit: having a sufficient amount of money to live in the country, renting or purchasing real estate, obtaining health insurance, no entry ban and no threat to society.

Buying a property

The method of legalization through the acquisition of real estate is not as expensive as with a “golden visa” in other countries, but it is long-term and does not provide guarantees. According to Croatian law, a real estate transaction does not give the right to immediately own the property. First you need to obtain permission from the local Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Internal Affairs. The period for obtaining permission is uncertain.

For those who are not afraid of uncertainty, there are 2 options for purchasing real estate:

1. On behalf of an individual. The investor is only required to have a foreign passport and a sum of money. A request is sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and when (if) permission comes, the deal will take place.
2. For a legal entity. A request and the company's statutory documents are sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The need to purchase housing is determined by migration legislation. A residence permit is issued for 1 year with the condition of residence within the country for 10 months out of the year. Having your own place of residence will remove from the agenda the question of where to spend these 10 months so as to save money on rent.

It is not difficult for those who have an apartment or house to register and indicate the place of registration in all government agencies where paperwork will be required. It is profitable for Russians to buy real estate in Croatia, since housing will help in obtaining permanent residence; it can be taken into account as an investment in a business or used as a passive source of income. Such an investment is potentially profitable.

Employment

Statistics indicate that in 2021 the unemployment rate in Croatia was 8.5%. This is the lowest figure in the long history of the state. Specialists planning to conquer Croatia with a residence permit should find out in advance how to get the desired vacancy. Local companies give preference to Croatian specialists or people from European countries. An exception is made for foreigners who speak excellent English and have high qualifications and experience. Prestigious vacancies are in the field of tourism and modern technology, but the authorities limit the influx of migrant workers with quotas. Therefore, finding a good job is difficult.

Useful activity

By analogy with other countries, obtaining a residence permit under a simplified scheme is provided for representatives of professions capable of making a significant contribution to the economy and reputation of the state. Benefits go to outstanding athletes, scientists and figures from various fields who are ready to realize their talents for the benefit of their new homeland. A list of such preferential professions can be found on the website of the migration service.

Education

Russian schoolchildren planning to continue their education at one of the Croatian universities must meet certain requirements. These are high scores on the Unified State Exam (it is possible to take the exam in Croatia, but this requires funds and knowledge of the language), the availability of 5–10 thousand euros per year of study, the ability to provide accommodation and meals for the entire duration of the educational program. Students are allowed to work, but not more than 80 hours per week.

Business immigration

A steadily developing economy increases the interest of Russian entrepreneurs in Croatia. To successfully solve the problem, it is advisable to follow the following sequence of actions:

• come up with a company name, send it for verification to the local Companies House for matches;
• open an account in a local bank (authorized capital amount from 2600 euros);
• choose a field of activity according to a previously drawn up business plan;
• provide employment for at least three local residents with a salary not less than the average;
• order a stamp, obtain a license, etc.

A residence permit is issued to both the owner of the company and the main shareholder. Conditions for business immigration: investments from 200 thousand kuna (Croatian currency), profitability of the company.

Marriage

Marriages between foreigners do not surprise anyone in 2021, so those who wish to legalize can take advantage of the program for spouses of residents. For the authorities, it does not matter where the marriage is registered; the main condition is to provide documents a month before registration. The list includes copies of passports (of the bride, groom, witnesses), birth certificates of future spouses (originals), confirmation of the absence of previously taken marital obligations at the time of registration of marriage with a resident of Croatia.

Attention! Those who have their sights set on a fictitious marriage should prepare for a detailed interview. If fraud is detected, foreigners are denied a residence permit and are deported to their homeland.

Family reunion

The program is designed for foreigners who have close relatives in the country with a residence permit or permanent residence permit, or Croatian citizenship. Sisters and brothers, spouses, and minor children of residents can participate in the program. 4 years after obtaining a residence permit for family reunification, it is possible to obtain an independent residence permit if you have health insurance and meet the requirements for migrants. A child born in the country to foreigners can stay legally in Croatia for the first month of his life without status.

Methods of obtaining

In 2021, there are several ways to obtain a residence permit in Croatia:

• employment in the territory of this republic;
• obtaining education in educational institutions in Croatia;
• acquisition of real estate;
• business immigration.

Each method has its own advantages and disadvantages. The process of obtaining a residence permit cannot be called simple. A residence permit in Croatia provides a lot of opportunities, the main one of which is the prospect of obtaining citizenship in this paradise.

Business immigration

Foreign nationals have every right to open their own business in Croatia. But only such forms as CJSC (closed joint stock company) and LLC (limited liability company).

Croatia is a very democratic state and gladly welcomes investors on its territory who want to invest their money in the development of the Croatian economy. But before starting your own business, you must remember that the open enterprise must provide jobs for Croatian citizens. Otherwise, the investor may be denied a residence permit.

Also, to open your own business on the territory of this republic, you must remember that the authorized capital must be at least 3 thousand dollars. If this amount is converted into the national currency of Croatia, it will be about 20 thousand kuna.

If the registration of your own business meets all the requirements, then its owner becomes the holder of a residence permit. This permit is valid for 1 year. But it can be extended for 2 years .

Requirements:

1. The foreigner has a certificate confirming that he has not had any problems with the law.

   

   Certificate of no criminal record. Sample

2. Mandatory registration of a company or enterprise with a commercial court.
3. An already registered enterprise must have at least three jobs available for Croatian residents.
4. The migrant has a medical certificate. This document confirms that the foreigner does not have diseases dangerous to the population of Croatia.

Employment

Getting a job in Croatia in 2021 is extremely difficult. This country needs only highly qualified personnel. Therefore, the main requirement for candidates for employment is education and work experience. But even having a higher education diploma cannot guarantee that a foreigner will be able to get a job without problems.

To be employed, a foreign citizen must have a specialty that will be of interest to Croatia. That is, this profession should be in short supply and in demand.

To work in Croatia in 2021, a migrant must initially obtain a work permit. It is on the basis of the permit that a residence permit is issued. Its validity period is one year.

Education

Studying is also the basis for obtaining a residence permit in this country. But it is necessary to remember that this document is issued for a period of one year, but it can be extended for the same period of time throughout the entire period of study. That is, if the training lasts 5 years, then the residence permit will have to be renewed 5 times.

An important point is that when renewing a residence permit, the migrant will need to resubmit all the necessary documents. Particular attention should be paid to your international passport: there must be more than 3 months left before its expiration date.

You must submit documents to renew your residence permit 45 days before its expiration date.

Purchase of real estate

One of the most popular ways to obtain a residence permit in Croatia is to purchase real estate. But this procedure is very lengthy and complicated. It is impossible to buy real estate without notifying special authorities .

There are two ways to purchase real estate, but, unfortunately, neither of them eliminates the need to notify the authorities about the purchase. The buyer must then receive an affirmative notification letter, which allows the purchase and sale transaction to be carried out.

There are two ways to buy real estate in Croatia in 2021:

1. As a private individual. In this case, the foreigner will only need a foreign passport. But he must be prepared for the fact that it will not be possible to register the property right away. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs must be notified of the intention to purchase real estate. And only after a notification of permission is received from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the purchase and sale transaction can take place.
2. Real estate is registered directly in the name of an enterprise or company. In this case, in addition to notifying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it will be necessary to submit to this body all the statutory documents of the enterprise.

   

Validity period of the residence permit

The validity of the received permit extends to different periods, taking into account the category of the applicant, the basis for entry and other factors. Upon marriage, a residence permit is issued for three years, then they are allowed to apply for permanent residence. For most other foreigners, a residence permit is issued for a year with the right to annual renewal for 5 years. Next is the standard scheme in the form of obtaining permanent residence; after another 5 years, the Russian will receive citizenship (passport).

Important! Dual citizenship is not allowed in Croatia, so those wishing to put down roots here will have to give up their previous passport.

Final legalization requires knowledge of the Croatian language, successful passing of a test on knowledge of the Constitution of the Republic and a total residence in the territory of 10 years.

Methods of immigration to Croatia for permanent residence

Emigrating from Russia to the European Union is a rather difficult task, requiring serious investments and thoughtful decisions. Since Croatia is part of the EU, the requirements imposed by local migration authorities are not much different from the rules of other member countries.

In 2021, there are several standard methods that will allow Russians to move to Croatia for permanent residence legally.

Buying a property

There is no point in investing in real estate with the expectation of obtaining a residence permit in Croatia; owning a home or any other object in the country is an absolutely unreliable basis for obtaining a residence permit.

When purchasing even the most expensive Croatian real estate, there will be no privileges for the owner. Of all investors applying for a residence permit, only half are given a residence permit. Therefore, people who have sufficient funds try to open their own business on Croatian soil.

Marriage

Marriage with a citizen of Croatia is the basis for obtaining a residence permit and citizenship in the future. Citizenship is acquired after 5 years of legal marriage. Such conditions have provoked the high popularity of fictitious marriages, which are concluded only for the sake of obtaining a residence permit. But the migration authorities have developed their own system of protection against fictitious marriages - interviews and checks that will help identify the real reasons for entering into a marriage.

An application is submitted to the local registry office 1-1.5 months before the desired wedding date. The authorized person is provided with copies of identity documents of the spouses and witnesses, and birth certificates of the spouses. In addition, the foreigner must have a certificate stating that he is not married. It is translated into Croatian by a sworn translator and legalized by affixing an apostille.

Business immigration

The most common option for emigrating from the Russian Federation to Croatia is to open your own business. Since Croatia joined the European Union, the rules for accepting immigrants have become stricter, but one of the reliable ways for them is business. The authorized capital of the company must be at least 2,800 €, but the more the better. Registration of a company costs around 4,000 €. The business owner must provide the migration services with a detailed business plan and information about the direction of activity. The newly opened company must generate income, and the owner is obliged to pay all state taxes and maintain reports.

There are other requirements for new companies whose founders are foreigners. For example, it is necessary to make it difficult for Croats, and their number should be greater than the number of foreign employees. The salary of hard-pressed Croatians should be above average. A residence permit is issued to a businessman for a period of 1 year. Shortly before the expiration date, the document can be renewed if the company continues to exist.

Employment

Finding a job in Croatia is not easy - the country is interested in attracting highly qualified specialists in in-demand fields. Specialists in the field of IT technologies and doctors receive especially high salaries - their monthly amount is 60% higher than the national average. The average Croatian salary is around €1,200. The taxation system is complex, tax rates are quite high, so after deducting them, the employee receives not 1200, but 700-800 €.

To move to Croatia on the basis of employment, you must obtain a work visa. In addition to the standard package of documents, you must attach an invitation to work or a contract with the employer. You will need an extract from the state register of Croatia stating that the company is actually registered outside its territory.

Studies

Croatian higher education institutions annually open their doors to school graduates, including foreigners. Croatian education is one of the best in Europe. Leaving school examinations can be taken in your home country or in Croatia. In addition to the Unified State Exam, for admission you must pass a language test and provide a certificate with grades. The cost of training is 800-4000 €/year and directly depends on the specialty. The lower price threshold is provided for humanitarians, the upper – for doctors.

Emigrating from Russia as a student is the best option for active and learning-loving young people who want to move to Croatia permanently. The student receives a temporary residence permit valid for 1 year with the right to extend. But there is one “but” - the period of study does not count towards the 5-year residence in the country required to obtain a permanent residence permit. But having a local diploma will help you gain a foothold in the country: quickly find a suitable vacancy and get a job immediately after graduation.

What documents are needed

Candidates fill out an application and submit it with a package of documents to a foreign consulate in the Russian Federation or the Croatian police department. Confirmation of the existence of grounds for emigration is added to the standard list of papers. All originals are supplemented by photocopies. Before submitting applications, you will need to translate documents into Croatian and be sure to have them notarized. Typically the following documents must be submitted:

• a foreign passport with a remaining validity of more than 90 days and containing at least 2 blank pages;
• 2 photos;
• health insurance;
• certificate of no criminal record in Russia;
• confirmation of residence;
• confirmation of sufficient financial security;
• check for payment of state duty.

Croatia residence permit and permanent residence

All issues of purchasing and registering real estate or other investments (checking with administrative and judicial authorities, making entries in property books, etc.) are resolved by professionals who have many years of practical experience in both supporting transactions and resolving immigration issues to Croatia.

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This cost includes all payments to the commercial court, a notary, a trip to Zagreb to obtain a statistical number, the production of two seals, an announcement in a state publication about the opening of a company, etc. Having a company registered in Croatia, you can work as a director or just be the owner, and have good grounds for obtaining a “business visa” and staying in the country.

Cost and processing time

Croatian immigration officials carefully check documents, so the processing period lasts 2 - 3 months. Taking into account the chosen basis, the cost of legalization varies. Costs begin with obtaining a visa (national – 60 euros, tourist – 35). Children under 12 years of age, government employees, disabled people, judges and some other categories of candidates are exempt from the fee. Other expenses related to residence permit:

• contribution to the Croatian Health Insurance Committee (670 euros for each foreigner’s family member);
• insurance for each non-working family member (60 euros);
• translation services (about 100 euros);
• notary services (about 30 euros);
• if necessary, legal services (from 1 thousand euros per person).

How to obtain a residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship in Croatia?

In this article we will try to briefly outline the main conditions and stages of obtaining a residence permit, permanent residence and citizenship in Croatia.

Here we will not consider the possibility of obtaining a residence permit in Croatia on the basis of marriage or employment with a local employer.

Also, we immediately note that the acquisition of real estate under the laws of Croatia is not the basis for obtaining a residence permit by a foreigner (not a citizen of an EU country).

We will analyze only the most realistic, reliable and clearly regulated by law path - a residence permit in Croatia on the basis of business.

A residence permit in Croatia can be obtained by a foreigner who owns more than 51% of the share of a Croatian company and serves as a director in it.

Key terms:

1. The authorized capital of the company must be more than 200,000 kuna (about 26,000 euros).
2. The company must employ at least 3 Croatian citizens.
3. The company must be included in the VAT.

Stages of obtaining the first residence permit in Croatia

1. Opening a company. Duration: up to 2 weeks.
2. Concluding preliminary agreements with employees.
3. Submitting an application for a “Work Permit for Director + Residence Permit” (dozvola za boravak i rad). The review period is 2-3 months.

Additional conditions: availability of a place to live (own property or rental agreement), medical insurance.

Also, family members of the foreign director - wife (husband), young children - can also apply for a residence permit in Croatia.

The director and his family members can stay in Croatia until the application for a residence permit is approved if they have valid Croatian or Schengen visas (up to 90 days). Otherwise, they are awaiting a decision on the first residence permit in their country.

A residence permit in Croatia is issued for a period of 1 year and must be renewed annually until the end of 5 years of residence, after which the foreigner has the right to apply for permanent residence.

Extension of residence permit in Croatia

2 months before the expiration of the residence permit, you must submit an application for its extension. To do this, it is important to fulfill all the conditions described above, as well as provide financial statements, from which it follows that the company did not operate at a loss over the past year. If there is an operating loss, it is simply covered by accounting entries. Those. It is enough to fulfill a formal requirement, and not actually make a profit (!).

Obtaining permanent residence in Croatia

If you have strictly fulfilled the above conditions for 5 years, you have the right to apply for permanent residence in Croatia. You must first pass a test on knowledge of Croatian legislation, its history and culture. The test is elementary, questions and answers are available on the Internet.

Having permanent residence permits frees you from all responsibilities and conditions described above. You are actually equal in rights to citizens of the country, with the exception of the right to vote in elections.

Obtaining Croatian citizenship

After 8 years of permanent residence in the country (from the date of receipt of the first residence permit), you can apply for citizenship. To do this, you must have a valid permanent residence permit and no facts of criminal prosecution in Croatia.

All the above stages, conditions and procedures are formal and specified in detail in the laws. The law on foreigners in Croatia does not allow for its free interpretation and the presence of Croatian officials with their own “special” opinion about you.

Act strictly according to the law, and you are guaranteed to receive a residence permit, permanent residence, and then Croatian citizenship.

Read further - “How to start a business in Croatia?”

Here you can see a list of our services for opening a Croatian company and obtaining a residence permit.

For any questions, please contact “Our Contacts”.

What to do if you receive a refusal

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is responsible for issuing permits and refusals for residence permits; decisions on citizenship are signed by the minister. The reason for refusal can be any of the following factors: you have a criminal record, you don’t have housing or money, the submitted documents contain false information, the grounds have become invalid, etc. After the refusal, you need to leave the country. If the reasons can be corrected on the spot, the documents can be re-prepared and submitted correctly.

Croatia is an ideal place for a measured, calm life. No one is in a hurry here, the climate is pleasant. The best option for emigrants from Russia is to open a business in Croatia. To earn money, you should choose more developed countries.

Residence permit in Croatia: conditions for obtaining a Russian citizen in 2020

For many years, residential and non-residential real estate in the Republic of Croatia has been in great demand among the population of our country and residents of the CIS. Foreign citizens purchase real estate, both in large populated areas and on the territory of small Croatian islands. In order to enter, live and obtain citizenship in Croatia, it is necessary to prepare the appropriate documents.

Foreign citizens purchase real estate, both in large populated areas and on the territory of small Croatian islands.