Updated: May 2010

The FAQ section will be continuously updated, and we intend to focus on more particular practical questions.
If you need help with the basic issues of arrival to Croatia, please first check our Practical Information section.
Of course, you can always also contact us directly.

Q: Is it possible to visit symposiums abroad with a single-entry visa to Croatia?
Q: What is the procedure for registering for health insurance? How long does it last?
Q: Do citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia?
Q: Where do I start the procedure for recognizing my degree?
Q: How can a foreigner acquire real estate in Croatia?
Q: How can a foreigner acquire a car in Croatia?
Q: May a foreigner drive someone else's car during their temporary stay in Croatia (e.g. parents' car)?
Q: Do you offer any funding possibilities?


Q: I have entered Croatia with a single-entry visa, have a Croatian temporary residence permit and am employed in a research organisation. I have been invited to an international symposium in another foreign country - is it possible for me to attend that symposium?

A: Unfortunately, it is not possible to travel abroad and return to Croatia, because of the single entry visa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that such an event should have been foreseen at the time of the application and a multiple-entry visa should have been requested.


Q: What is the procedure for registering for health insurance? How long does it last?

A: One is required to register to the competent regional office of the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance (HZZO) within 15 days of arrival or change of circumstance.

When the application for health insurance has been submitted at the counter of the regional office of the Croatian Institute for Health Insurance, and if all required documents have been included, a notified confirmation of the registration for health insurance will be provided immediately. Until an insurance card is issued this notified confirmation will serve as proof of insurance.


Q: Do citizens of the Russian Federation need a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia?

A: In case of a private visit, the citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa in case they have a notarized invitation letter (original). The invitation letter is generally written by Croatian citizens. However, when another foreign citizen already has a permit for temporary or permanent stay in Croatia, they can write the invitation letter themselves.

In case of a tourist visit, one needs a voucher instead of a visa.

For other information, please contact the Croatian embassy in Russia.


Q: Where do I start the procedure for recognizing my degree?

A: The recognition of foreign higher education qualifications, including a post-graduate degree, may be carried out for the purposes of employment (professional recognition) or continuation of education (academic recognition).

Academic recognition officies are established at every university - a list is available here (pdf).

The professional recognition is carried out by the Agency for Science and Higher Education (AZVO), where the national ENIC/NARIC Office is located. The procedure is described here.

Q: How can a foreigner acquire real estate in Croatia?
A: A foreign citizen who wishes to perform such a transaction in Croatia needs to acquire a Personal Identification Number (Osobni identifikacijski broj, OIB) from the Tax administration. This number allows for the real estate ownership to be inscribed in a cadastral register. It is also necessary since by acquiring real estate a person becomes subject to taxation.

Q: How can a foreigner acquire a car in Croatia?
A: When purchasing a car, a foreign citizen has the same rights as a Croatian citizen. The differences lie in the registration: a foreign citizen with a temporary stay permit is assigned a green license plate.

This registration is valid for one year. If the temporary stay is extended, the registration is renewed, with a green license plate.

Q: May a foreigner drive someone else’s car during their temporary stay in Croatia (e.g. parents' car)?
A: It is not allowed for a foreign citizen to drive a car with a foreign license plate, if he/she is not the owner of this car. The car needs to be owned for at least 6 months by the foreigner who is issued a temporary stay permit.

When entering Croatia, one should have a document (contract) proving ownership, and deposit a “customs-debt” (a guarantee), which is returned upon leaving Croatia.

Q: I work in life sciences (specific field) and would like to do doctoral/postdoctoral research at a (specific) institution abroad. Do you offer any funding possibilities?
A: Neither EURAXESS nor the PEOPLE programme offer any funding possibilities themselves. However, you can search both on the central EURAXESS portal and on this website for jobs, fellowships and grants that fit your needs and wishes. In Croatia one can also enquire into the funding opportunities of the Unity through Knowledge Fund and the National Science Foundation. Good luck!