Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a Croatian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
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 handles applications for the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Croatian consulate handles temporary stay for family reunification applications for people living in your city?”
Download the application form
Download Form 1a, the application for temporary stay.
Download the formFill in the form
Fill in and sign Form 1a, choosing temporary stay for family reunification.
Find form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I 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 Croatian embassy or consulate and hand them in yourself. Ask the office how it accepts applications.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I hand in an application for Croatia temporary stay for family reunification at a consulate in your city?”
Wait for the decision
The consulate sends your application to the police in Croatia for a decision. Respond if the office asks you for more information or documents.
See what happensSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens after I apply at a consulate for Croatia temporary stay for family reunification?”
Get a visa
After your stay is approved, get a long-stay visa D before travelling if you need a visa to enter Croatia, unless an exception applies to you. The visa lets you enter Croatia to obtain your residence card.
Find visa instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I apply for a Croatia long-stay visa D after approval of temporary stay for family reunification?”
Travel to Croatia
Travel to Croatia after your stay is approved, with a visa D if you need one.
Find entry informationSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Croatia after approval of temporary stay for family reunification?”
Once in CroatiaOnce in Croatia
Find your police office
Find the police administration or police station responsible for the address where you will stay in Croatia.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Croatian police administration or police station handles temporary stay for family reunification for an address in your city?”
Register your address
Register your address with the police administration or police station responsible for where you will stay.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register my address in your city after approval of temporary stay for family reunification in Croatia?”
Get your residence card
Complete the residence card and biometric procedure at the police office as instructed. Your biometric residence card shows that you have temporary stay in Croatia.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get a biometric residence card in your city after approval of temporary stay for family reunification in Croatia?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Marriage certificate *
Get an extract from the marriage register showing your marriage to your Croatian spouse.
* Only if you are married and your marriage record cannot be obtained from Croatian civil registers.
May need translationMay need apostille/legalisationPartnership evidence *
Bring evidence of your partnership, such as a partnership-register extract, a statement from you both, witness statements, or proof that you shared a home for at least the three years immediately before applying. Evidence can also include a birth record or single-status certificate, a record of your joint child or adoption, or other evidence that you intend to keep living together.
* Only if you are applying through your unmarried Croatian 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
EU Freedom of Movement Support Initiative
English Facebook group for people living in Croatia interested in Croatian visas
Request to joinAmecan -USA Canada Australia Europe Japan-Visitor & Student Visa Specialist
English Facebook group for people living in Croatia interested in Croatian visas
Join on Facebookr/AnchorLessEurope
English Reddit group for people living in Europe interested in visas
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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