Eligibility quiz
Are you a member of the Croatian people?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Croatia for life
You can enter and live in Croatia without a time limit, as long as you keep your status.
Study in Croatia
You can study in Croatia under the usual rules for residents, without your stay being tied to a particular course.
Work in Croatia
You can work in Croatia under the usual rules for residents, without your stay being tied to a particular job or employer.
Travel abroad
Your residence card can help you make short Schengen visits, generally for up to 90 days in any 180 days, under the destination's rules.
You also need a valid passport or other accepted travel document.
If you are stateless, you may get a travel document.pdf) normally valid for five years; another special document is available in limited cases.
Use public healthcare
You can use Croatia's public health insurance system under its healthcare rules.
Coverage is compulsory unless an international agreement or special law says otherwise, and not every kind of treatment is automatically free.
Access social support
You may qualify for social support if you meet the conditions for the particular benefit or service.
How to apply
Applying at a local officeApplying at a local office
Find your police office
Find the police administration or police station responsible for your temporary residence address in Croatia.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which police office handles Croatia permanent stay applications for your city?”
Download the application form
Download Form 1a, the application for temporary, autonomous and permanent stay and long-term residence. Do not alter the form.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete and sign Form 1a, choosing approval for permanent stay and first issuance. Add your details and attach a photograph as shown on the form.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Croatia permanent stay application Form 1a?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the police office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Bring your completed form and supporting documents to your police office in person, and collect confirmation that you applied. Contact the office beforehand to ask about its application arrangements.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I hand in a Croatia permanent stay application at the police office in your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Ministry of the Interior to decide your application. Answer any questions and provide any extra documents it asks for.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I submit a Croatia permanent stay application?”
Arrange your residence permit
Once approved, follow the police office's instructions to provide any photograph and fingerprints it asks for. Pay the residence permit fee using the method the office gives you.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a residence permit after Croatia permanent stay approval at the police office in your city?”
Collect your residence permit
Collect your residence permit as your police office instructs. It records your permission to live permanently in Croatia.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I collect my residence permit after Croatia permanent stay approval at the police office in your city?”
Documents needed
Required to applyRequired to apply
Croatian people certificate
Provide the certificate showing that you belong to the Croatian people. Obtain it from the Croatian authority responsible for Croats outside Croatia.
Valid travel document
Bring your valid foreign travel document. It must still be valid when your permanent stay is granted.
Passport photo
Provide a photograph of yourself in the format shown on Form 1a. Attach it to the form.
Temporary stay records
Bring your temporary residence permit and relevant residence records showing your three years of approved temporary stay in Croatia and any absences. The police can also check your Croatian residence record.
Application form
Complete Form 1a for permanent stay and select first issuance. Attach your photograph in the space shown on the form.
Proof of permanent return
Provide evidence that you have returned to Croatia and intend to live there permanently. This can include evidence of your residence and address and any other evidence the police office asks for.
Proof of Croatian ties *
Provide records showing your ties to the Croatian people, such as earlier declarations of Croatian nationality, employment, military, school, birth or marriage records, or evidence of your work for Croatian interests or participation in Croatian cultural, scientific or sports associations. You can also provide your parent’s declaration of Croatian nationality if you rely on it.
* Only if the certificate or your file does not itself establish that you belong to the Croatian people.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationConsiderations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Travel and residence documents
Keep a valid travel document, and carry your residence or identity document and show it when lawfully asked.
Report loss or theft without delay, and replace your residence card if it expires, is damaged or no longer matches your details or photo.
Return the card when your stay ends or you move away from Croatia.
Status can be lost
You can lose your status if you move out of Croatia or live abroad continuously for more than one year.
A ban on entering or staying in Croatia, or an entry ban in the Schengen information system, can also lead to loss.
It can also be withdrawn at your request or to protect public order, national security or public health; police check the conditions every two years.
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
Adavia doesn't provide advice, but we're building a directory of professionals who do. If you'd like, we can notify you when help is available.
Updated