Croatia, as a European Union (EU) member with a growing economy and stability, offers excellent opportunities for both companies and employees. If you plan to work in Croatia, you will need a work permit and a residence permit. The first step in obtaining these permits is securing a job in Croatia. There are many jobs in Croatia for Indians.

Work and Residence Permit vs. Work Registration: While most employees apply for a combined work and residence permit, some professionals—such as consultants, performers, journalists, and religious workers—may qualify for a work registration certificate. This certificate, issued by the Ministry of Interior, allows contracted work for up to 30 or 90 days per calendar year.

Who Qualifies for a Work Permit in Croatia?

A work and residence permit in Croatia grants temporary residence and employment with a specific Croatian company. To qualify, you must:

• Be a third-country national (non-EU), as EU nationals can work without a permit.
• Have a job offer from a Croatian employer, who will apply for the permit on your behalf.

A work permit is tied to a specific work contract, meaning your residence permit duration matches your contract length, up to a maximum of one year. If your contract is terminated, your permit is revoked within 15 days.

You can extend your permit at least 30 days before expiry if you continue working in Croatia.

Required Documents for a Work Permit:

• Employment contract
• Proof that the employee meets job requirements (education, qualifications, work experience, etc.)
• Police Clearance Certificate (PCC)
• Copy of employee’s passport

Croatian employers must also meet specific criteria to hire third-country nationals.

Employment Contracts:

An employee can work in Croatia if:

• They have a valid employment contract exists with a Croatian employer, or
• They are employed by an agency, which assigns workers to Croatian companies.
• A foreign company assigns an employee to its Croatian office or branch.

Path to Permanent Residence

To be eligible for Permanent Residency (PR), you must continuously reside in Croatia for 5 years.

Family Reunification

Family members can apply for temporary stay if their sponsor has lived in Croatia for at least one year on a valid work permit. EU Blue Card holders can immediately bring their families (spouse, children, and dependents). Regular work permit holders must apply separately through the local consulate.

Croatia Work Visa Requirements

Previously, Croatia had a work permit quota system, but this was abolished in 2021. Under the new regulations, employers must obtain a labour market test before applying for a non-EU worker’s permit.

Application Process

The work visa application process depends on the type of visa and local embassy procedures. Some embassies operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, while others require appointments. Be sure to check with the nearest Croatian consulate for specific application steps.

By following these steps and meeting the necessary requirements, you can successfully apply for a work and residence permit in Croatia in 2025.