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Long-stay visas (Type D)

Croatian EU Blue Card

A combined residence-and-work permit for highly qualified third-country nationals with a job offer requiring higher qualifications.

Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
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Under review — check current rules

EU Blue Card minimum salary threshold not stated as a fixed figure — it is set as a multiple of Croatia's average gross salary and updated periodically; confirm the current amount against MUP before publishing a number.

Important information

Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Croatia government website before you apply.
On this page
Issued by
Ministry of the Interior (MUP)
For
Highly qualified employees
Minimum contract
Highly qualified job of at least 1 year
Labour market test
Not required (Article 110)
Permit fee
€74.32 decision + €31.85 biometric card (€59.73 expedited)
Long-term residence
After 5 years as a Blue Card holder
5 years across EU states with at least 2 years in Croatia also qualifies

Who it's for

  • Highly qualified third-country professionals with a Croatian job offer
  • People with a completed higher-education degree (or the qualifications to practise a specified regulated profession)
  • Professionals who may later want to move to another EU member state under Blue Card mobility rules

Requirements

  • Employment contract for highly qualified work with a Croatian employer, lasting at least one year
  • Diploma or certificate proving relevant higher education
  • Evidence of the qualifications needed for any regulated profession named in the contract
  • Valid travel document, means of subsistence and health insurance (general temporary-stay conditions)
  • A salary meeting the statutory Blue Card threshold set in Croatian law

What you can do

  • Live and work in Croatia in the highly qualified role
  • Bring family members through family reunification
  • Move toward long-term residence faster, counting Blue Card time in other EU states
  • Use EU Blue Card intra-EU mobility provisions

How to apply

The worker or employer submits Form 4a either at a Croatian diplomatic mission/consular post or at the police administration/station for the place of intended residence. MUP decides the application; on approval a biometric residence permit card is issued.

Processing commonly takes several weeks. As with other permits the applicant must register their address with the police shortly after arrival.

Documents

  • Completed Form 4a
  • Passport-format photograph and copy of valid passport
  • Higher-education diploma / certificate
  • Highly qualified employment contract (minimum one year)
  • Proof of health insurance and means of subsistence
  • Criminal record certificate for first-time applicants

Frequently asked questions

  • It is reserved for highly qualified employment, requires a higher-education qualification and a minimum one-year highly qualified contract, is exempt from the labour market test, and offers EU mobility plus a more favourable path to long-term residence.

Official sources

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.

Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.

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