Eligibility quiz
Do you want to join your parent in Croatia?
Benefits
Benefits for your childBenefits for your child
Live in Croatia
You can live in Croatia.pdf) while your permission is valid, including with the family member you joined.
Permission is normally for up to one year, or until your family member’s permission expires if sooner; joining a Croatian citizen or life partner can mean up to two years.
If you apply to renew before expiry, you can stay until the renewal decision becomes enforceable.
Study and train
You can access education and vocational training.pdf) in Croatia under the rules for your situation.
Work in Croatia
You can work or be self-employed in Croatia.
Some holders, including those joining a Croatian citizen, do not need separate work permission; others may need it or a change of status.
How to apply
From outside CroatiaFrom outside Croatia
Find your consulate
Find the Croatian embassy or consulate that serves the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Croatian consulate handles temporary stay for family reunification for someone living in your city?”
Download the application form
Download Form 1a, the application for temporary stay.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete and sign Form 1a for your application. Your parent or guardian can help you.
Get help with the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a minor fill in Croatia Form 1a for temporary stay for family reunification?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsHand in your application
Bring your completed form and documents to the consulate and submit your application in person. Pay the application costs there using the method the consulate gives you.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a minor's Croatia temporary stay application for family reunification at the Croatian consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the decision on your application. Answer any questions and provide any additional documents the consulate asks for.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply at a consulate for Croatia temporary stay for family reunification?”
Travel to Croatia
Once your application is approved, arrange any visa you need and travel to Croatia.
Find entry instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I travel to Croatia after my temporary stay for family reunification is approved?”
Once in CroatiaOnce in Croatia
Register your address
After you arrive, register your accommodation address as required. Ask the police office where you are staying how to register it.
Find registration instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register my accommodation address in Croatia for temporary stay for family reunification?”
Provide your biometrics
Go in person to the police office to provide your biometrics for your residence card. Bring your valid travel document and a photograph, and pay the card charges as the police instruct you.
Find card instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a minor provide biometrics for a Croatia temporary stay for family reunification residence card?”
Collect your card
Collect your residence card in person from the police office. The card shows your permission to stay in Croatia for family reunification.
Find collection instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How does a minor collect a Croatia temporary stay for family reunification residence card?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get an extract from the birth register showing your relationship to the parent you are joining. If you were adopted, you can provide the adoption decision instead.
Marriage certificates *
Get an extract from the marriage register showing your parent's marriage to the person you are joining. Ask the office that registered the marriage for it.
* Only if you are joining your parent's spouse.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationParents' partnership evidence *
Provide evidence of your parent's partnership with the person you are joining. This can include their common child's birth record or adoption decision, proof that they are free to marry or that their partnership is registered, a statement that they live together, witness statements, or proof that they shared a home for at least three years before applying.
* Only if you are joining your parent's unmarried partner.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Keeping your stay valid
Keep a valid passport or travel document, health insurance and any required means of support, and register your address.pdf) and changes.
To renew your stay, apply no later than 60 days before it expires.
Time spent away
A long absence can put your stay at risk, though exceptions and justified reasons apply.
One absence of up to 90 days may be protected in specified justified circumstances; notify a Croatian embassy or consulate if exceptional circumstances arise abroad.
Stay can end
Your stay can end on expiry, loss of its basis, fraud, an absence, expulsion, or withdrawal for other reasons.pdf), including an insincere family purpose or a security, public-order or health risk.
An illness or disability arising after permission is granted cannot alone justify refusal to extend it or expulsion.
If your stay ends and you have no other lawful status, you must leave Croatia.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
r/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditExpats in Zagreb [Official]
English Facebook group for people living in Croatia interested in Croatian local life
Join on FacebookExpats in Split
English Facebook group for people living in Croatia interested in Croatian local life
Join on FacebookConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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