Understanding Your Work Permit

EU and EEA citizens do not need a work permit to work in Croatia. You can start working right away. If you stay longer than 3 months, register your stay with the police.

Citizens from other countries (third-country nationals) need a work permit before they can work legally in Croatia.

Your employer is responsible for starting the work permit process. You do not apply by yourself.

Stay and Work Permit (dozvola za boravak i rad, also called jedinstvena dozvola). This is the most common type. It combines a residence permit and work permit into one document. Your employer applies for it.

Work Registration Certificate. This is for short-term work: up to 90 days per year (or 30 days for some categories). You do not get a full residence permit.

EU Blue Card. This is for highly qualified professionals with a university degree. It has a higher salary threshold. It lets you work and live in Croatia with some extra benefits.

Your employer handles most of the work permit process.

First, they request a labour market test from the Croatian Employment Service (HZZ). This proves no local worker is available for the job. Some jobs are exempt from this test.

Then, they submit the work permit application to the police (MUP) with all required documents.

The process usually takes 30-60 days from the application date.

Your employer will tell you which documents to provide. Usually you need:

A valid passport (at least 6 months validity).

Educational qualifications or certificates, translated and notarized if required.

A medical certificate (some categories).

You may need to attend an appointment at the Croatian embassy in your home country or at a police station in Croatia.

In March 2025, Croatia updated the Law on Foreigners. Here are the main changes that affect workers:

Employers now have updated requirements for providing accommodation information for workers.

EU Blue Card criteria have been updated, including new salary thresholds.

You must notify police within 15 days if your residence conditions change (new address, job change).

Check with your employer or a legal advisor for the latest rules.

Understanding your work permit is just the first step. Here is what else you need to do:

Get your OIB (tax ID number). You need it for your employment contract and tax paperwork.

Register your address with police. This is required by law within 3 days of arriving.

Open a bank account so your employer can pay your salary.