Eligibility quiz
Are you married to a Croatian citizen?
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 station responsible for your temporary-residence address in Croatia.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which police administration or station in your city handles Croatia permanent stay applications?”
Download the application form
Download Form 1a for your permanent stay application.
Download the formFill in the form
Complete and sign Form 1a, selecting “Approval for permanent stay” and “First issuance”.
See form instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in Croatia permanent stay Form 1a?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the documents required for your application at the police office.
See required documentsHand in your application
Bring your completed Form 1a and supporting documents in person to the police administration or station responsible for your address. Ask the office how it handles applications when you contact it.
See how to applySearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I submit a Croatia permanent stay application at a police station?”
Provide your biometric details
Follow the police office’s instructions for any identity checks and biometric details needed for your residence permit.
See biometric requirementsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I provide biometric details for a Croatia permanent stay residence permit?”
Pay the fees
Pay the application and residence card charges when and how the police office instructs you.
See payment instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I pay the Croatia permanent stay application and residence card fees?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the Ministry of the Interior to decide your application. Answer any questions or requests for more documents from the office.
See what happens nextSearches DuckDuckGo for “What happens while I wait for a Croatia permanent stay application decision?”
Collect your residence card
Once approved, follow the police office’s instructions to obtain your biometric residence permit. You can then use it to show your permanent stay in Croatia.
See card instructionsSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I get my Croatia permanent stay residence permit after approval?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Proof of relationship
Bring your marriage certificate if you are married to your Croatian spouse. If you are partners, bring evidence of your recognised partnership with your Croatian partner.
Considerations
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
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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