Croatia Visa Types, Requirement, and Application
Croatia, situated in the heart of Europe between Central and Southeast Europe, stands out as one of the Mediterranean’s top tourist spots. This guide provides insights into Croatia visa, covering who needs them, how to apply, the requirements, and answers to commonly asked questions.
Who needs a visa to enter Croatia?
- Croatia is part of the Schengen Area – the world’s largest visa-free zone comprising 27 European countries. Citizens from European countries can move freely around the region without a visa. Although there are no border checks, visitors from Schengen countries must present an ID card or passport at the Croatian border to prove citizenship. This list of countries includes:
- Croatia also has visa-free travel agreements with several other countries around the world. Citizens from these countries do not need a visa to enter Croatia (or any other country in the Schengen Area) for stays of 90 days or less. Upon arrival at the Croatian border crossing, you must present a passport valid for at least three months. You will need to apply for a long-term visa if you want to stay more than 90 days. Visa-free countries include:
Croatia visa types
Croatia provides various visa options based on the purpose and length of stay for foreign nationals:
Tourist visa
This visa is also known as short-term stay visa, Croatia tourist visa serves tourists, those seeking medical treatment, business travelers and individuals on short-term trips. Holders of these visas can stay in Croatia for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period. Croatia offers single, double or multiple short-term entry visas, which determine the number of times a person can enter, exit and re-enter the country.
Business visa
The Croatia business visa is designed for short stays, permitting individuals to engage in business-related activities for a maximum of 90 days. It’s important to note that this visa doesn’t grant permission for employment.
Extended stays in Croatia
For those contemplating a more prolonged sojourn in Croatia, surpassing the typical 90-day limit, a combination of the Croatia long-stay visa and a temporary residence permit becomes a requisite. Croatia offers various long-stay options catering to distinct purposes:
- Croatia work visa: Living and working in Croatia beckons those securing employment prior to visa application. A vital prerequisite is a work permit, necessitating the employer’s acquisition in Croatia. Notably, a valid work permit is indispensable for attaining a temporary residence permit.
- Croatia student visa: Aspiring scholars eyeing Croatian educational institutions must first enroll before embarking on the Croatia student visa application journey. This avenue opens doors to pursuing academic endeavors in the picturesque Croatian setting.
- Croatia family visa: Designed for non-EU family members of Croatian citizens or legal residents, the Croatia family visa facilitates the reunification of families on Croatian soil.
- Croatia digital nomad visa: Responding to the economic challenges posed by the 2020 pandemic, Croatia introduced the digital nomad visa in 2021. Tailored for remote workers seeking residence, this visa aligns with the evolving landscape of flexible work arrangements.
Croatia visa requirements
General requirements
- Visa application form: Complete and sign the Croatia visa application form. For minors, the parent or legal guardian’s signature is required.
- Passport or travel document: Provide your passport or travel document with a minimum of three blank pages. Ensure its validity extends at least three months beyond your planned departure from Croatia.
- Photocopy of passport/Travel document: Include a photocopy of your passport/travel document, encompassing all used pages and both present and expired visas.
- Passport-size pictures:
– Dimensions: 35mm x 45mm
– Professionally taken against a white background
– Centered with a neutral facial expression
– Avoid glasses; if necessary, they should not cover your eyes or face. Tinted glasses are not allowed.
– Headgear is permitted only for religious reasons, without covering the face.
- Travel health insurance: Present proof of travel health insurance covering the entire duration of your stay in Croatia. The coverage should be a minimum of €30,000, encompassing sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation.
- Accommodation proof: Provide evidence of accommodation in Croatia, such as a hotel reservation.
- Return flight ticket or booking proof: Furnish a copy of the return flight ticket or proof of ticket booking. Alternatively, show evidence of your intention to leave Croatia, like a bus/train ticket to your home country or a third country.
- Financial proof: Bank statements for the past three months and a letter from your employer stating your salary and position
Additional requirements
When applying for a visa to Croatia, certain documents need to be provided:
Letter of guarantee (for visits to friends/family)
- The letter should be notarized by a Public Notary in Croatia.
- Your host must enclose evidence of financial means (pay slips, pension, savings) through bank statements from the past three months.
- Include a copy of your host’s Croatian passport or residence permit.
Proof of employment
- If employed, submit a letter from your employer indicating your position, salary, and the duration of your intended leave.
- For self-employed individuals, provide company registration papers and a visa request letter on official company letterhead.
For students
- Submit proof of enrollment in an educational institution.
For minors
- Birth certificate.
- A letter of consent from the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) allowing the minor to travel.
- Copies of the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) passports.
Business visa
- Letter of guarantee form: Obtain a completed and signed Letter of Guarantee Form from the Croatian legal entity inviting you Additionally, your Guarantor should provide evidence of ample financial resources.
- Letter of invitation: Acquire a Letter of Invitation from the Croatian company hosting you. This document should outline the purpose and duration of your visit.
- Employer’s letter: If you’re employed, present a letter from your employer detailing your position, salary, the anticipated duration of your absence from work, and clarifying that your trip is business-related.
- Cover letter: Craft a personal cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of your journey.
- Proof of financial funds: Demonstrate your financial capacity either through personal bank statements or alternative means if someone else is sponsoring your trip (e.g., your employer or the inviting company).
Work visa
- Certificate from the Croatian Health Insurance Fund
- Health insurance certificate from your country, ensuring EU-regulated healthcare access
- Private or travel health insurance if your country lacks a social security agreement with Croatia.
- A copy of your current work contract.
- Copy of your employer’s company registration.
- Evidence demonstrating that neither a Croatian nor EU citizen was more qualified for the position.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Educational and Professional Credentials:
- Documentation verifying your educational background, qualifications, and skills.
How to apply for Croatia visa?
- Step#1. Fill out and print the application form: Access the online visa application form on this platform. Upon completing the initial set of questions, you’ll receive a PIN and serial number—keep them handy as you might need them to resume your application if it’s not completed in one go. Subsequently, print the application form.
- Step#2. Collect necessary documents: When applying for a Croatia visa, gather various supporting documents, depending on the type of visa you’re seeking, as outlined earlier.
- Step#3. Schedule an appointment: Arrange a meeting to submit the application form and required documents at the Croatian embassy/consulate, visa application center, or an accredited travel agency.
- Step#4. Submit your application: Hand in the application form and documents personally on your scheduled appointment date. In case you’re unable to do so, you can send an authorized representative.
- Step#5. Wait for processing: Patience is key. The visa officers will initiate the processing once they have all your required documents. Upon approval of your Croatia visa application, you’ll be informed about when to collect your passport, now adorned with the approved visa. You’re then free to travel to Croatia.
Croatia visa fees
The cost of obtaining a visa for Croatia varies based on the type you need:
- Tourist visa: €87
- Business visa: €102 – €212
- Employment visa: €103 – €170
- Student visa: €70
- Medical visa: €70 – €103
- Med Attendant visa: €70 – €103
- Conference/Seminar visa: €70
- Journalist visa: €70
- Research visa: €70 – €103
- Missionary visa: €70 – €170
- Mountaineering visa: €70 – €103
- Intern visa: €70
- Film visa: €103
- Transit visa: €20
- Schengen visa: €80 (€40 for 6-11 year olds)
The visa application fee is influenced by factors such as the visa type, duration (ranging from six months to a year or more), and whether it’s a single, double, or multiple entry visa. Minors, specifically those under 6 years old, are exempt from fees for certain visas, like Schengen visas.