Updated: July 2010

Exemptions from the work permit:
Foreign researchers are exempted from the work permit or operating licence requirement, provided that they do not reside in the Republic of Croatia for more than 90 days during a year. However, they may not start working prior to having obtained approval on work registration without a work permit or operating license from the local police directorate or station, according to the location in which the business activity is performed. If they are staying longer than 90 days, they need to apply for a temporary stay permit for the purpose of scientific research.

University lecturers, native speakers of foreign languages, foreign-language instructors and other lecturers invited by Croatian universities, scientists participating in scientific and professional training, as well as scientists-representatives of international organisations, are exempted from the work permit or operating licence requirement, provided that they do not reside in the Republic of Croatia for more than 90 days during a year. If they intend to reside in the Republic of Croatia and work for more than 90 days they should apply for a residence permit – temporary stay for the purpose of work without a working or business permit.

Foreigners who have been granted temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification with a Croatian national or a foreigner on permanent stay may work without a work permit or an operating licence. If they have been granted temporary stay for the purpose of family reunification with a foreign researcher (on temporary residence in the Republic of Croatia), they may work on the basis of a work permit or operating license.

The working or business permit requirement also does not apply to foreigners who perform activities and implement projects in the Republic of Croatia on the basis of international agreements on professional and technical assistance, which have been concluded between the Republic of Croatia and the European Union, another state or international organization, nor to volunteers working in non-profit associations and institutions in the Republic of Croatia.

Temporary stay for the purpose of work
Temporary stay for the purpose of work can be granted to a foreigner who meets the following conditions:
having means of supporting him- or herself, a place to live, health insurance (proof of payment of health insurance), no obstacles for granting entry to the Republic of Croatia, justified purpose of temporary stay, and is a holder of a working or business permit or intends to reside in the Republic of Croatia for a period longer than 90 days, but for which he or she does not require a working or business permit.

A temporary stay permit for the purpose of work can be issued to a foreigner for the same time period for which his working or business permit was issued, but for a period of up to one year at most.

The Republic of Croatia has a quota system of work permits. The Government of the Republic of Croatia decides on the annual quota (number) of work permits in specific fields/occupations that are to be extended, as well as on those for new employment.

Work permits quota in 2010

A request for granting a work permit for a foreigner should be submitted by the employer to the competent police directorate or station in the area of the employer’s head office.
If foreigners are subject to the visa requirement they are obliged to apply for a visa prior to their entry into the Republic of Croatia at the responsible Croatian diplomatic mission/consular post.

Documents needed to apply for a temporary stay permit for the purpose of work:
1. Application form
2. Working or business permit/ Document proving that application for working or business permit has been submitted/ Agreement on voluntary work/ Document granting work on an international project or as a lecturer (therefore, no work permit necessary)
3. Two colour photographs (35 x 45 mm)
4. Original and copy of a valid travel document
5. Proof of accommodation arrangements *
6. Proof of means of support ˟
7. Proof of health insurance
8. Certificate of impunity (not older than 6 months).

Documents needed to apply for a work permit:
Employers must enclose the following documents with the request for granting a work permit for a foreigner:
1. Employment contract or written proof of signed employment contract, or another appropriate contract
2. Job description or type of work and working conditions
3. Evidence on the foreigner’s professional qualifications and skills
4. Certificate of company, branch office, representative office, and craft, association or institution registration in the Republic of Croatia
5. Certificate of settled tax obligations and contributions
6. Statement substantiating foreigner employment

Request for granting a work permit to a foreigner


Approval on work registration without a work permit or operating licence
In order to obtain approval on work registration without a work permit or operating licence, a foreigner or host institution (authorized), needs to submit to the police directorate or police station, according to the location in which the business activity is performed, a request, and the following documents:
1. Formal letter issued by the host institution
2. The hosting agreement
3. Original and copy of a valid travel document
4. Registration papers of the host institution.


IMPORTANT: All original documents must be officially translated into Croatian, and an “apostille” of all original documents and certified translations may be required. It is suggested to check with a Croatian diplomatic mission or consular post whether the need for an “apostille“ exists.


*Proof of accommodation is inferred from the document granting habitation for the foreigner on scientific research issued by the employer or University. Foreign researchers are obliged to provide proof of their accommodation arrangements (rental/purchase contract) within one month from entry into the Republic of Croatia to the competent authority.

˟Means of support can be proven with:
- a confirmation from the employer about the average salary for the past three months;
- a tax card;
- a written and notarized statement by the person who supports the applicant, with the proof of their means of support;
- a bank statement which shows the funds available on the applicant’s account;
- a pension slip;
- an employment contract which shows the amount of future salary, or a confirmation by the employer about the salary which the foreigner shall receive (in case of an application for first-time temporary stay for the purpose of work)