A short-term work visa to Croatia allows foreigners to work in the country for a certain period of time. The main purpose of such a visa is to perform a specific work task or project that is temporary in nature.

You do not need a work/residence permit if you work in Croatia for up to 3 months or 90 days per calendar year.

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What are the requirements for a short-term work visa for Croatia?

• Passport: A valid passport that will be valid for at least the entire period of your stay in Croatia.
• Health insurance: Proof of health insurance that will cover the costs of medical care and emergency medical care in Croatia.
• Financial stability: Evidence of financial stability that confirms your ability to finance yourself during your stay in Croatia without putting an unacceptable burden on the social security system.
• Visa application form: A completed application form containing your personal details and information about your previous visa applications and travels.
• Photos: New photographs that meet the requirements of the consular department.
• Payments: Payment of the visa fee or consular fees, which may vary depending on the country you are applying from.
• A letter of guarantee form filled in and signed by the Croatian legal entity/entity inviting you to Croatia.
• The letter must be stamped and signed by an authorized representative of the company. Your Guarantor must also provide proof of sufficient financial resources.
• A letter of invitation from the company inviting you to Croatia, stating the purpose and duration of your trip.
• A letter from your employer stating your position in the company, your salary, and the scheduled time you will be absent from work, as well as that you are traveling on business (if any)
• A cover letter written by you explaining the purpose and duration of your trip.

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Citizens of EU/EFTA member states

Currently, the same conditions apply to all citizens of EU/EFTA member states. EU/EFTA citizens have advantages in accessing the labor market.

If you live in Croatia, you must be insured by a Croatian health insurance company.

As Croatia is part of the EU, most European citizens can live and work in the country without a visa.

Citizens of other non-EU/EFTA countries

Third-country nationals may work in the Republic of Croatia only in jobs for which they have been granted a residence and work permit or a work registration certificate and only for the employers with whom they have been employed. The residence and work permit or work registration certificate may be issued on the basis of a positive opinion of the Croatian Employment Service or without it, when the competent police administration or department may issue residence and work permits to specially defined categories of persons for specially defined jobs. 

Third-country nationals may work in the Republic of Croatia without a residence and work permit or a work registration certificate, if granted:

• Temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification with a Croatian citizen, a third-country national with long-term residence, permanent residence, asylum or a person under subsidiary protection in accordance with the regulation governing international protection
• Temporary residence for the purpose of livelihood with a Croatian citizen, a third-country national with long-term residence, permanent residence, asylum or a person under subsidiary protection in accordance with the regulation governing international protection
• Temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification with a third-country national who holds an EU Blue Card or a residence and work permit for intra-corporate transfers
• Temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification or life partnership with a third-country national with long-term residence in another EEA Member State
• Temporary residence for humanitarian reasons
• Autonomous residence
• Temporary residence as a seconded worker
• Temporary residence for research purposes under a visitation agreement
• Temporary residence for the purpose of family reunification or life partnership with a researcher under a visitation agreement
• Temporary residence for study purposes if they are employed or self-employed for no more than 20 hours per week, unless the employment is an integral part of the study program
• Status of a full-time student who performs work through an authorized agent for no more than 20 hours per week, without concluding an employment contract
• Temporary residence for the purpose of living in another EEA Member State
• Asylum or subsidiary protection or are applicants for international protection in accordance with the provisions governing international protection
• Long-term residence
• Permanent residence.

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According to the new Foreigners Act, which regulates the entry, stay and work of non-EU nationals in Croatia, employers must first contact the country's Employment Service (HZZ) to assess the labor market and determine whether there are unemployed Croatian nationals suitable for the position. If the research does not reveal any qualified persons, the employer may proceed with the application for a work and residence permit for the foreign national.

You must apply for a residence permit in Croatia before you start working. You will need to submit the following documents:

• a valid identity card or passport
• proof of employment from your employer or a certificate of employment (e.g., an employment contract).

The validity of the permit depends on the duration of your employment.

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What are the requirements for obtaining a work visa to Croatia?

Work visa requirements for Croatia vary depending on the specific type of work, but include:

• Proof of health insurance, e.g: European Health Insurance Card, Certificate of Health Insurance issued by the Croatian Health Insurance Fund, Certificate of Health Insurance from a health insurance provider in your home country stating that you have access to health care in accordance with EU regulations, Other private/travel health insurance if your home country does not have a social security agreement with Croatia
• A copy of your current employment contract
• Copy of your employer's company registration
• Proof that a Croatian/EU citizen could not be better suited for the job
• Proof that you have the necessary financial means to support yourself during your stay
• Proof of your education, qualifications and skills. 
• You will also need to submit your passport, a passport-size photo, and other additional documents if requested by the Employment Service.

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Non-EU foreigners who intend to engage in seasonal work in the Republic of Croatia must regulate their residence and work permit on the basis of the annual quota for the employment of foreign nationals.

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Where to apply for work in Croatia?

Both the foreigner and the employer can apply for a residence and work permit.

The application is submitted to the jurisdictional police department depending on the place of residence/intended residence of the foreigner.

If the application for a residence and work permit is submitted by a foreigner who is required to have a visa to enter the Republic of Croatia, he/she must submit a corresponding application at a diplomatic mission/consular post of the Republic of Croatia.

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What documents are required for seasonal work?

The following documents must be attached to the application

• a copy of the foreigner's valid travel document
• proof of adequate means of self-support
• proof of health insurance
• an employment contract, or a written certificate of the concluded employment contract, or another relevant contract
• proof of educational qualifications and skills acquired by the foreigner
• proof of company registration. 

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What is the validity period of a work permit?

The residence and work permit for seasonal work is issued for a maximum period of 6 months within one year and the foreigner must stay outside the Republic of Croatia for at least six months before he/she can re-enter the Republic of Croatia and stay for the purpose of work.

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The EU Blue Card is a residence and work permit for highly skilled third-country nationals. It is valid only for the work for which it is issued and for the employer with whom the holder has started work.

The highly skilled worker must apply for the permit at a diplomatic mission or consular post of the Republic of Croatia or at the police administration/police station at the place of his/her temporary residence, and the employer of the highly skilled third-country national must apply for the permit at the police station at the employer's registered office or at the place of work of the third-country national. The application form can be downloaded from the website of the Ministry of Internal Affairs: https://mup.gov.hr/en

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In order to obtain an EU Blue Card, a highly skilled worker must meet certain legal requirements and attach to the application

his/her employment contract (for a period of at least one year) with an employer whose registered office is located in the Republic of Croatia

proof of higher education and proof of compliance with the requirements of the special provision on professional qualifications for the regulated profession from the employment contract.

The attached employment contract must specify an annual salary of at least 1.5 times the average gross salary according to official information published by the authorized statistical body.

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Extension of the EU Blue Card

Applications for the extension of the EU Blue Card should be submitted no later than 30 days before the expiry of the currently valid one at the police station or department at the place of temporary residence of the holder. The holder of the EU Blue Card can stay in Croatia until the decision on their application becomes legally binding.

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Working hours: The total working hours in Croatia are usually 40 hours per week. A typical working day lasts from 8:00 to 16:00 with a lunch break usually from 30 to 60 minutes. The work week usually starts on Monday and ends on Friday.

Vacations: Employees in Croatia are entitled to vacation time according to the country's legislation. Of course, workers receive paid annual vacation, which depends on the length of their employment. It is usually 20 or 26 working days per year. In addition, additional leave is provided for in cases of, for example, marriage, birth of a child or family circumstances.

Dress code: The official dress code in Croatia usually depends on the type of work and sector. In more formal and traditional industries, such as banking or legal services, a more conservative style of dress, such as suits or business suits, is required. In less formal sectors, such as IT or tourism, a more casual style of dress is allowed, but it is still best to maintain a professional appearance.

Minimum wage: There is a set minimum wage of 840 euros in Croatia. The minimum wage establishes the minimum level of pay per hour, day or month. This figure may depend on various factors such as the age, qualifications and experience of the employee.

Dismissal: Croatian law sets the rules for dismissal of employees. The employer must have objective grounds for dismissal, such as the employee's failure to fulfill his/her work duties or economic circumstances. The law provides for the payment of appropriate compensation or dismissal with notice.

Occupational safety: There are rules and regulations in Croatia regarding safety and health in the workplace. The employer is obliged to provide safe working conditions, provide the necessary personal protective equipment, and provide training and information on workplace safety.

Social insurance: Croatia has a social insurance system that provides coverage in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, income replacement and other situations where an employee is unable to work.

The business environment is favorable for foreign investors to establish a company or open a branch. With the necessary documentation and share capital, you can establish a public limited liability company or a private limited liability corporation. A public notary and investors must carry out the incorporation process, open a bank account and hire a Croatian accountant. Do not forget to come up with a company name to contact the Croatian Finance Agency and make sure it is unique and available for use.

The costs associated with setting up a company in Croatia include incorporation fees, minimum share capital where applicable, company formation costs, accounting costs, and virtual office costs. 

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The process of setting up a company in Croatia

To establish a company, you will need the following set of documents

• Copies of passports of the shareholders of the company to be incorporated
• Signature samples (legal support is allowed in this case)
• Articles of association signed by a power of attorney
• Exclusive documents from the registration office with the relevant fees
• Other requirements include having a bank account, a registered office and a local accountant for a successful company registration in Croatia. Remember that you need to go through all these procedures with the help of a public lawyer, which is a mandatory requirement when setting up a company in Croatia.

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What types of business entities can be opened in Croatia?

A private limited liability company (D.D.O. Drustvo s Ograbnicenom Odgovornoscu) is an organization for micro and medium-sized enterprises consisting of one or more shareholders. A D.O.O. must have a share capital of at least 20,000 HRK divided into shares. However, investors from non-European Union countries must have a share capital of at least HRK 200,000, as provided by Croatian law.

The amount you invest dictates the limits of your liability. In case of problems such as bankruptcy or liquidation of the D.O.O., your assets are safe. The main documents required for registration are the memorandum of association (if there are two or more founders) or the statement of incorporation (if there is one founder). These two documents should cover:

• information about representatives, company name and address of the company's office
• detailed information on the plans for the future activities of the Croatian company
• information on the minimum authorized capital or authorized capital
• data on the amount of each shareholder's contribution

Detailed information about the rights and obligations of each shareholder, as well as the process to be followed if the company is liquidated or transformed.

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A public limited liability company (A.D.), intended exclusively for large enterprises, is established by one or more founders, and the authorized share capital is at least 200,000 kuna divided into shares. As in a D.O.O., the liability is directly proportional to the capital contribution of each shareholder. This type of company requires a management board, a supervisory board, a shareholders' board, and a main board to make important decisions. The charter is binding for the company's internal rules and regulations.

A limited liability company in Croatia allows two or more founders to operate under different business rules. A general partner, whose personal assets can be confiscated in the event of liquidation, and a limited partner, whose liability is limited to their capital contribution. "K.D." should be added to the name of the company. No minimum share capital is required for this type of business, and only general partners can represent the business on the market.

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The procedure for registering a company in Croatia

Firstly, the name must be unique, so it is checked by the Croatian Financial Agency. If the name is acceptable, the founding members must notarize the memorandum of association or organizational agreement, the application for registration with the court, and the statement of acceptance from the director. All these documents must be sent with a legitimate Croatian translation. The next step is to open a bank account and deposit the authorized capital. After submitting all the necessary documents, the company is registered as a member of the Croatian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Tax registration is also mandatory for the administration of V.A.T. and income tax. This application should be submitted to various Croatian administrative offices to obtain a unique tax identification number.

The last step is to register with the Croatian Health Insurance Institute and the Croatian Pension Insurance Institute before 15 days from the date of company incorporation. The required documents for the establishment of a Croatian company include

• Registration certificate confirming the company's registration
• Tax certificate confirming that the company is subject to taxation
• An application at the territorial office where you registered
• Registration forms for the employees you want to hire

Once the registration is complete, you can start your business by hiring an accountant.

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Stages of setting up a company in Croatia

The main steps you need to follow are as follows:

1. First, you need to formulate a business structure that fits the company's goals and activities to know what type of company to open.
2. Come up with at least three potential names for your company and consult with the Croatian company registration authority.
3. Open a bank account and deposit the initial share capital, which will help you with further transactions
4. Submit the Memorandum, Articles of Association and basic company documents to the Croatian Company Registry.
5. Register the company with the Croatian Pension Insurance Fund to pay pensions to employees upon retirement.
6. After receiving the certificate of incorporation, register for taxes such as V.A.T. and employee income tax to operate legally and avoid accusations of tax evasion.

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Costs of starting a company in Croatia

If you are a foreigner looking to open a company in Croatia, here are the costs you may incur.

• Registration fees, which can be up to 90 euros
• Virtual office fee of approximately 300 euros per month with a unique company address and assistant
• The minimum share capital, which is 20,000 kuna or 2,700 euros for a private limited liability company, or 200,000 kuna or 27,000 euros for a public LLC.
• Company formation fee, which is approximately EUR 834
• Bookkeeping costs, which start at EUR 100 for bookkeeping or tax advice

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To do business in Croatia as a foreigner, you may need to obtain a business visa. There are several types of visas in Croatia that can be used for business activities, including short-term tourist visas, business visas, and long-term work visas.

You will need to provide the following documents to obtain a business visa to Croatia:

• Passport with sufficient validity.
• Visa application form.
• Proof of financial stability, such as bank statements, financial reports, proof of ownership of real estate or other assets.
• Biometric photographs.
• Health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay in Croatia.
• Evidence of the purpose of your trip, including a business plan, an invitation from a Croatian company or other documents confirming your intention to conduct business in Croatia. You may be required to develop a business plan that describes your business activities, projected income, and other relevant details. The business plan can be used to prove the objectives and value of your business in Croatia.
• In some cases, in addition to a business visa, you may need to obtain a work permit to conduct business in Croatia. It depends on the type of business and the length of your stay.

You can find a job in Croatia with the help of Facebook groups

There are about 70 expat groups on Facebook in Croatia. These groups are a great place to announce that you are looking for a job. In addition, from time to time there are job openings in these groups, so it doesn't hurt to join the ones that make sense for you.

There are also Facebook groups and pages specifically created for people looking for work in Croatia. Here is a list of them:

• Best Jobs Croatia, Zagreb
• Freelancers Croatia
• IT Jobs Croatia 
• Jobs Zagreb
• Skipper Jobs in Croatia
• TRAŽIM / TREBAM - snimatelja / fotografa - wedding, art... (Specifically for photographers and camera operators)

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Look for jobs in Croatia on Croatian job sites

There are many websites where you can find a job. This is usually the fastest and most convenient method of finding jobs.

The available jobs are usually divided into separate categories depending on the business sector. Many sites also allow you to refine your search by specific parameters to better focus it.

Here are some of the biggest job search sites in Croatia:

• Adorio
• Bika
• Danas radim - offers live chat in English
• Freelance.hr
• Jooble HR
• MojPosao
• Njuškalo
• Oglasnik
• PickJobs - available in 7 languages
• Posao
• Danas radim

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Let the Croatian government help you find a job in Croatia

Another way to find a job in Croatia is to use government resources. Hrvatski zavod za zapošljavanje (Croatian Employment Service), also known as HZZ, burza rada or burza, is a state institution that implements publicly funded employment programs. Its headquarters is located in Zagreb.

Every unemployed person can apply to the burza, regardless of whether they have had a job before or not. By submitting an application, you will be informed of new vacancies.

The burza is obliged to send you vacancies according to your education, profession and interests. They usually send notifications via SMS. It is your responsibility to come to their office once a month in the beginning, and eventually once every two months.

You can unsubscribe from Burza at any time if you have found a job or if you no longer wish to receive it. Subscription to Burza is not mandatory for the state if you are unemployed.

To apply to the burza, you must contact the office nearest to your permanent address. A list of HZZ regional offices in Croatia can be found here. Find the regional office in your area and click on the "SEARCH" button to see the nearest HZZ office you can visit.